Travel guide · United States
Chicago: what to see and when to go
Chicago is America's great architecture city, a skyline of skyscrapers rising from the shore of Lake Michigan, with world-class museums, jazz and blues clubs and deep-dish pizza. It is friendlier and cheaper than New York, and in summer the lakefront turns into a beach city.
What to see and do in Chicago
Architecture river cruise
A boat ride along the Chicago River past the city's most famous towers, narrated by a guide.
Art Institute of Chicago
Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Hopper's Nighthawks and one of the best Impressionist collections outside Paris.
Millennium Park
Cloud Gate, known as the Bean, the Crown Fountain and free summer concerts at the Pritzker Pavilion.
Lakefront Trail
Bike or walk along beaches and parks with the skyline in view, from Navy Pier to Lincoln Park.
Jazz, blues and food
Live music in clubs such as the Green Mill, plus deep-dish pizza and the Chicago-style hot dog.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Jun.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 8 hr, 45 min | ≈ €500 · See flights |
| New York | 2 hr | ≈ €130 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 4 hr, 15 min | ≈ €250 · See flights |
| Dubai | 15 hr, 30 min | ≈ €660 · See flights |
| Singapore | 20 hr | ≈ €760 · See flights |
| Sydney | 19 hr, 45 min | ≈ €760 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €860 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- United States
- Currency
- US Dollar
- Good for
- city · culture · nightlife · food
- How long to stay
- 3–4 days
- Where to stay
- The Loop or the Near North Side for sights and trains; Wicker Park or Lincoln Park for a more neighbourhood feel.Find a place to stay in Chicago
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Chicago, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €500 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Chicago (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Chicago and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Jun. Average highs range from 0° in January to 28° in July.
How many days do you need in Chicago?
3 to 4 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Chicago cost?
Accommodation runs at around €120 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €860 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 8 hr, 45 min.
Where should you stay in Chicago?
The Loop or the Near North Side for sights and trains; Wicker Park or Lincoln Park for a more neighbourhood feel.
