Visit Chicago
Built along the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is the birthplace of the modern skyscraper and boasts a spectacular skyline. Between architecture cruises, renowned museums and lively neighborhoods, the city charms with its urban energy and lakefront lifestyle.
Why visit Chicago?
Chicago is known for its groundbreaking architecture, born from the rebuilding effort after the Great Fire of 1871, and for its skyline along Lake Michigan. The city combines world-class museums, urban parks like Millennium Park, and a food scene renowned for its deep-dish pizza.
Highlights
The sites that made Chicago famous.
Millennium Park
Iconic urban park home to the Cloud Gate sculpture, nicknamed "The Bean" by locals.
Willis Tower
Iconic skyscraper offering a panoramic view of the city and the lake from its observation deck.
Art Institute of Chicago
Major art museum housing world-renowned impressionist and modern collections.
Architecture Cruise
Boat trip along the Chicago River offering a close-up view of the city's iconic skyscrapers.
Navy Pier
Lively pier on Lake Michigan combining attractions, restaurants and skyline views.
The Loop
Historic downtown district concentrating skyscrapers, theaters and the city's economic life.
What to discover in Chicago?
Downtown Chicago, known as The Loop, is home to some of the world's most famous skyscrapers, including the Willis Tower and its dizzying observation deck. Millennium Park, with its Cloud Gate sculpture nicknamed "The Bean," is a must-see stop, as is the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the largest art museums in the United States.
The city can also be explored from the water: architecture cruises along the Chicago River offer a unique perspective on the skyscrapers that made it famous. The Lake Michigan shoreline, its urban beaches and parks invite leisurely strolls, while neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Hyde Park reveal a diverse music and dining scene, from blues and jazz to local specialties.
Practical Information
State
Illinois
Country
United States
Population
About 2.7 million inhabitants (city), over 9 million (metro area)
Language
English
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time zone
UTC-6 (Central Time)
Climate
Continental, hot summers and harsh windy winters
Best season
May to September
Chicago in pictures
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Chicago?
May to September offers pleasant temperatures for enjoying the lakefront and parks, while winter is often very cold and windy.
How do you get around Chicago?
The elevated train network (the "L") and buses efficiently serve the city, whose downtown is also easy to explore on foot.
How much time should you plan for a visit to Chicago?
Three to four days allow you to discover downtown, the main museums and the Lake Michigan shoreline at a comfortable pace.
Is the Chicago River architecture cruise worth it?
Yes, it offers a unique perspective on the city's iconic skyscrapers and architectural history, and is especially popular with first-time visitors.
Do you need a visa to visit Chicago?
Entry into the United States depends on the visitor's nationality; travelers from certain countries qualify for the ESTA program, but it is recommended to check requirements beforehand.
What day trips can you take from Chicago?
The Lake Michigan shoreline, and neighboring Wisconsin and Indiana towns are among the day trips accessible from Chicago.
Plan your trip to Chicago
Build your day-by-day itinerary and manage budget, bookings and packing in PlanTripNow.
