United States
Chicago
Chicago ranks among the three largest cities in the United States and is the biggest city in the Midwest, including Illinois. Together with surrounding cities, it forms a vast metropolitan area with a vibrant urban landscape.
Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
- Gateway airport
- O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Best season
- May–Jun, Aug–Oct
- Time zone
- America/New_York
- Sights covered
- 45 places
Sights worth seeing
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Museums & galleries
Art Institute of Chicago
Considered one of the top three art museums in the United States, alongside New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It's well worth a visit for travelers looking to explore a world-class collection.
Parks & gardens
Millennium Park
A park located in the northern part of downtown Chicago. It's a great place to stroll through gardens and walking paths and enjoy a relaxing break amid the city.
Museums & galleries
Field Museum of Natural History
A natural history museum located along Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. Its exhibits span a wide range of fields, from anthropology to geology.
Views & landmarks
Two Prudential Plaza
A skyscraper in downtown Chicago, completed in 1990. Standing 64 stories tall, it's one of the city's most prominent high-rises.
Museums & galleries
Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
A museum in Chicago's Jackson Park near Lake Michigan, housed in the original building from the 1893 World's Fair. Its wide range of science and industry exhibits make it one of Chicago's most popular attractions.
Views & landmarks
Aqua
An 82-story skyscraper in Chicago's Lakeshore East. Its lower-floor rooftop holds a spacious terrace with gardens, a pool, and walking paths, giving the building its distinctive place on the skyline.
Museums & galleries
Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, West Asia & North Africa
A research and exhibition institute affiliated with the University of Chicago, located in the city's Hyde Park neighborhood. This museum showcases ancient artifacts from West Asia and North Africa.
Museums & galleries
Adler Planetarium
A planetarium on Chicago's Museum Campus by Lake Michigan, opened in 1930. It's close to the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, making it easy to visit all three together.
How many days do you need?
Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.
Average temperature by month
5-year average
Getting there
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Getting around the city
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Chicago Tours & Experiences Booking
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Where to stay
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Guides by theme
Best value
Where to stay in Chicago for the best value
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5-star & luxury
Where to stay in Chicago for a luxury experience
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Pool villas & resorts
Where to find pool villas and resorts in Chicago
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Family travel
Where to stay in Chicago for a family vacation
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Couples & honeymoon
Where to stay in Chicago for couples and honeymooners
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Central & near stations
Where to stay in Chicago for central access and transport
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Best time to visit
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
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First-time guide
How to plan your first trip to Chicago
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Getting around
How to navigate public transport and get around Chicago
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