Chicago Travel Guide

The big, bustling mid-western city of Chicago is situated on the banks of Lake Michigan in northern Illinois. It is nicknamed “Windy City” because of the frigid winds blowing in from Lake Michigan. The Great Fire of 1871 had almost wiped off Chicago from the face of the earth. The city however rose like a Phoenix and is today a flourishing center of commerce and business in the United States.

If you are planning to enjoy a wonderful vacation in Chicago then get ready to be delighted with a wide range of attractions ranging from stunning architecture, great shopping options, a lake-front business district and vibrant ethnic neighbourhoods.

Chicago has become a premier destination for business travellers and is often chosen as a location for conventions, conferences, trade shows and corporate meetings. Book an all-inclusive Chicago vacation package at great discounts from FlyOfinder and visit one of the hugely popular tourism hotspots in the USA.

Top Attractions in Chicago

Millennium Park: The award-winning Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions and is renowned for its wonderful architecture and innovative design. Some of the major attractions within the park include the Lurie Garden, Millennium Monument, BP Bridge, Crown Fountain and Cloud Gate. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a concert venue in the park can accommodate more than 4000 people.     

Magnificent Mile: The Magnificent Mile is a famous stretch of Michigan Avenue running from Chicago River to Oak Street. This popular attraction for locals and tourists has over 200 restaurants and over 460 exclusive stores and boutiques. Prominent landmarks situated here include the John Hancock Center and the Wrigley Building.

Willis Tower: The Willis Tower, formerly called the Sears Tower is the tallest tower in Chicago and North America at a height of 1451 feet. This 108-storeyed tower is one of the famous attractions in Chicago. The Skydeck/observation deck on the 103rd floor offers fascinating views of the city skyline.

The vibrant city of Chicago is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, myriad cultural attractions, great dining options, marvellous architecture and excellent shopping. Some of the major attractions also worth visiting in the city include Art Institute of Chicago, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home, Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Park, Oriental Institute Museum, McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, Rookery Building, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the Chicago History Museum.

Best Time to Visit Chicago

The climate pattern experienced by Chicago is characterized by many extremes. Chicago experiences freezing cold winters and extremely hot and humid summers. The winters are often marked by high winds and gales. The best time to plan vacations to Chicago is during early fall when the weather is pleasant with cool air and not too strong winds.

Getting Around in Chicago

If you are taking flights to Chicago you have the option to land at one of the two major airports in the city – O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Travellers from international destinations mostly prefer to fly to O’Hare, while Midway is a better option for domestic flights because it is closer to downtown. 

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates an extensive system of trains throughout the city, both below-ground subway lines and aboveground elevated trains, collectively known as the El. Public bus is however the best way for getting around neighbourhoods along the lakefront where the trains aren’t available. You can also consider taxis and rideshares such as Uber and Lyft to conveniently get around the Loop and for easily accessing the entertainment, shopping and dining options found beyond downtown.

Best Places to Stay in Chicago

A wide range of hotels catering to every budget are available in Chicago’s neighbourhoods. Business travellers mostly prefer staying near O’Hare or Midway airports. For those on a budget may look forward to staying near the several shopping points of the Magnificent Mile near Michigan Avenue or near the Loop. The affluent Gold Coast neighbourhood with its many attractions is also the best area to find accommodations if you don’t mind spending more for a comfortable stay.

The Millennium Park, located in downtown Chicago, is also the best to find a wide variety of hotels.

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Also, read our blog How to Book Cheap flights from Chicago to New York City.