The Best Travel Guide to Chicago, Illinois

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Chicago

Provided by: Patrick L. Pyszka/City of Chicago

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Overview

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Chicago, Illinois The guide was updated: 2023-10-24

More than 42 kilometers of lakefront frame Chicago's stunning urban skyline. Here in the heart of the Midwest, the nation’s third-largest city boasts soaring skyscrapers and colorful neighborhoods against a backdrop of sandy beaches and beautiful parks. This cosmopolitan playground bursts with things to do. Sightseeing options range from Chicago icons — such as Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate, Grant Park’s Buckingham Fountain and Navy Pier’s Ferris wheel — to fascinating history and architecture tours.

Facts

Population:	2.7 million (2021)
Currency:	Dollar, 1 $ (USD) = 100 cents
Emergency numbers:	911
Newspapers:	Chicago Tribune — www.chicagotribune.com Chicago SunTimes — chicago.suntimes.com The Reader — chicagoreader.com Time Out Chicago — www.timeout.com/chicago (weekly magazine with event listings)
Website:	www.choosechicago.com www.chicago.gov www.visittheusa.com/destination/chicago
Tourist information:	Chicago Office of Tourism Chicago Cultural Center 77 East Washington Street Open daily 10am–5pm Chicago Water Works 163 East Pearson Street Open Mon–Thu 10am–6pm, Fri & Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 1pm–5pm

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Section in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is renowned for its cultural offerings with more than 40 museums and a dedicated Museum Campus, home to The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. Don't miss the Art Institute of Chicago, which contains 300,000 works in its permanent collection, and Museum of Science and Industry, the largest in the Western Hemisphere. As the only U.S. city with five regional Tony Award-winning theaters, Chicago’s theater scene takes center stage. With several of the world’s tallest buildings located here, Chicago is a showcase for modern masterpieces and historic landmarks by America’s greatest architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan. Go above the view at 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck in the John Hancock Center (be sure to try the TILT experience, which leans you out over Michigan Avenue). Stay grounded but still take in the beautiful cityscape with a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, where you can enjoy a delicious meal or grab a drink right on the water. The Riverwalk can also serve as your launching point for an architecture tour or canoe trip down the Chicago River. Take the kids to Lincoln Park Zoo and Wrigley Field, two iconic and family-friendly attractions.

Architectural River Cruise

Architectural River Cruise

It’s one thing to gaze at Chicago’s famed skyline, and another altogether to view it on Chicago, Illinois’ popular architecture tour, the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. See the city’s iconic structures from the perspective of the Chicago River, where the skyline unfolds before you as you learn about each building’s architectural features and place in local history.

Field Museum

Field Museum

Visit the Galapagos, walk through a hall of glittering gems, step inside an earth lodge, or encounter the elaborate masks of the Pacific Islands: There’s so much to see and do at The Field Museum, a world-class natural history museum in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois. From temporary exhibits for traveling shows to an extensive collection of artifacts, The Field Museum showcases a variety of habitats, cultures, plants and animals throughout its hallowed halls.

Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium

It is at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, where you can stroll among the winding waters of the Amazon River, the legendary coral reefs of the Caribbean, the coastal beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the icy majesty of the Arctic — all in one visit. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the heart of downtown Chicago, Shedd Aquarium will transport you to aquatic wonders from all corners of the globe.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier

With museums, theaters, parks, gardens and the iconic Centennial Wheel, it’s a perfect complement to the rich history and vibrant energy of Chicago. Navy Pier welcomes new events and features to its beloved location on the Lake Michigan waterfront, reflecting a dynamic city that continues to reinvent itself. There’s something for everyone here, whether you like to shop, ride, sightsee, cruise or stroll.

Robie House

Robie House

This 1909 creation is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous houses in the prairie style. Wright himself proclaimed the house to be “the cornerstone of modern architecture.”

Willis Tower — Skydeck Chicago

Willis Tower — Skydeck Chicago

Although still commonly referred to as Sears Tower, North America's tallest building was renamed Willis Tower in 2009 after Willis Group Holdings, a global insurance broker whose Midwest offices are housed there. In addition to being North America's tallest building, it is the third-tallest building in the entire world. It was constructed in 1974, designed by architect Bruce Graham. The building's Skydeck is a great place to admire a stunning view.

Cloud Gate

Cloud Gate

Cloud Gate in Millennium Park is also commonly referred to as "The Bean" because of its bean-like shape. It is one of the largest sculptures of its kind in the world, made from stainless steel plates. The sculpture's surface reflects the city's skyline and people around like a giant mirror.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is free, open every day of the year and offers something for everyone. Here you can take a stroll through Chicago’s most visited gardens and meet animals from around the world. There is also an on-site cafe with pleasant refreshments.

Grant Park

Grant Park

Grant Park is often referred to as "Chicago’s front yard”, and is a popular park among both tourists and locals. It is here that you will find some of the city's most popular attractions, including Buckingham Fountain, Millenium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. This is also a place where many events take place, like the Chicago Blues Festival and The Taste of Chicago — the largest food festival in the world.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier

Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier

The Chicago Shakespeare Theater is beautifully located on the Navy Pier, and offers an amazing view over the city. It is a small theater full of energy and drama that puts on shows with exceptionally talented actors.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan

Walking along the lake shore is just one of those things you should not miss when visiting Chicago. Lake Michigan is huge and feels more like a sea (larger in area than Denmark and Croatia). In the summer, people take out boats onto the lake, and go biking, walking or just enjoying the sun along its shore, which creates a beach-like atmosphere. There are lots of activities around, such as sailing, water taxi, early dinner cruises and night cruises.

Museum of Science & Industry

Museum of Science & Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is, at over 37,000 square meters, the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, with more than five hectares of exhibits. MSI is a vibrant institution with tons of dynamic displays, interactive exhibits and tours for everyone in your group, both kids and adults.

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Step inside and enjoy amazing flowers from all around the world at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Here you will find tropical palms, exotic plants and flowers. No matter the time of the year, this park conservatory is always green and lush. Admission is free.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum of Contemporary Art

Free guided tours and audio tours are available to help visitors fully experience their tour of the largest contemporary art museums in the U.S., which also features special programs in a 300-seat theater and a trendy restaurant and bar Marisol.

Auditorium Building & Theatre

Auditorium Building & Theatre

This historic Chicago landmark has a story to tell, and is still a functioning theater where you can watch ballet, concerts and drama performances. The Auditorium Building was designed by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler and completed in 1889.

Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo

Operated by the Chicago Zoological Society, the Brookfield Zoo offers several fun and educational activities for the whole family.

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