Travel Information: Explore Chicago's Best Travel Tips

Travel Tips for Exploring Chicago: Get Essential Information

Chicago is a vibrant city located in the state of Illinois. Known for its stunning architecture, thriving arts scene, and delicious deep-dish pizza, it is a must-visit destination for travelers. The city offers a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic buildings, creating a unique skyline that is best admired from the shores of Lake Michigan.

From the world famous waterfront and skyline of the Loop to the diverse and vibrant neighborhoods of the city, there is something great to explore. The Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park are among the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Navy Pier, with its variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions, is also a major draw for visitors. Other local favorites include the Adler Planetarium, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History. For shoppers, Chicago is an amazing destination. From the Magnificent Mile to Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, there are dozens of shopping venues to explore from designer boutiques to chic bargain finds. Chicago is also home to some of the best restaurants in the country, and an ever-growing craft beer scene. From the iconic deep dish pizza to the famous Chicago hot dog, there's no shortage of food options to explore.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage by visiting the Art Institute of Chicago or catching a show at one of the many theaters in the city. With its diverse neighborhoods, lively nightlife, and world-class museums, Chicago has something to offer for everyone. Come and experience the vibrant energy of the Windy City. Here are some must-see attractions in Chicago, completed with hotels nearby.

CHICAGO RIVER

The city of Chicago, Illinois, is home to the significant waterway known as the Chicago River. This river stretches for 156 miles and flows through the heart of the city, effectively dividing it into the North and South sides. Its historical, economic, and cultural importance has made it an iconic and easily recognizable feature of Chicago. Originally utilized by Native American tribes for trade and transportation, the river later became a point of interest for French explorers in the 17th century. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the river truly transformed into a bustling commercial hub. The construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal played a crucial role in connecting the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River, effectively linking the eastern and western parts of the United States. This development led to the rapid growth of Chicago as goods and people could easily access the thriving port, establishing it as a major center for trade and industry. Beyond its economic significance, the Chicago River is also a popular tourist attraction. Each St. Patrick's Day, the river is dyed a vibrant green, adding to its allure. Additionally, it offers opportunities for recreational activities such as kayaking, boating, and leisurely walks along the picturesque Riverwalk. The river's banks are adorned with stunning parks, restaurants, and towering skyscrapers, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere in this area of the city. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

WILLIS TOWER

The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is a 110-story, 1,450-foot (442 m) skyscraper in Chicago, Illinois. It is the tallest building in the United States and the third tallest in the world. The Willis Tower is the former home of the US headquarters of Sears, Roebuck and Company, and was the tallest building in the world from its completion in 1973 until 1998. The tower is renowned for its unique view of Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan, as well as for its characteristic two antenna spires. It was designed by architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and was built in 1969-1973. The tower has become a popular tourist destination; visitors can take an elevator ride to the 103rd floor, where there is a observation deck. The Willis Tower also houses several restaurants and retail stores, as well as the city's second-tallest hotel, theWit. The Willis Tower has become an icon of the Chicago skyline and a symbol of the city's economic growth. The building is also home to the world's highest skydeck, located on the 103rd floor. The Willis Tower is also the site of several extreme sports events, including BASE jumping and rappelling. The tower is currently owned by Blackstone Group and has become one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

MAGNIFICENT MILE, CHICAGO

The Magnificent Mile in Chicago is one of the most popular attractions in the city and a must-see for any visitor. Spanning a full mile of Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and the Chicago River, the Magnificent Mile is lined with a wide array of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Whether you're looking to shop at the city's most famous stores, dine at award-winning restaurants, or explore the many attractions along the way, there's something for everyone. The Magnificent Mile also offers countless activities and entertainment options including boat tours, live music, and theater productions. During the summer months, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival illuminates the avenue with colorful light displays and live entertainment. Whether you're looking to explore Chicago's rich history, experience the vibrant nightlife, or just take a stroll through the city's most famed district, a visit to the Magnificent Mile is sure to create an unforgettable experience. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

FIELD MUSEUM

The Field Museum of Natural History is one of the largest natural history museums in the world, located in Chicago, Illinois. It houses more than 26 million artifacts, specimens and objects, representing 4.5 billion years of history and the diversity of life on earth. The museum was established in 1893 and was originally known as the Columbian Museum of Chicago. It was renamed the Field Museum of Natural History after the Marshall Field family donated $1 million to the museum in 1905. The museum occupies a historical building which was designed by the renowned architect Daniel Burnham. It includes numerous exhibits, collections, and research laboratories that cover a wide range of topics, such as anthropology, biology, geology, paleontology, and zoology. Visitors to the museum can explore the exhibits, take part in educational programs, and view featured exhibitions. The museum also offers a variety of public programs, special events, and educational workshops. The Field Museum houses an extensive library and archives which contain more than 1.6 million publications, photographs, and other research materials. Visitors can also explore the museum’s interactive displays, take part in behind-the-scenes tours, and enjoy a variety of shopping and dining options. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

BEST TIME TO VISIT CHICAGO

Visiting Chicago is always a great experience, but some times of the year are particularly special. The best time to visit Chicago is during the summer months from June to August. During this time, you can experience the city’s vibrant music and cultural festivals, as well as the world-famous Taste of Chicago. Summer in Chicago is also a great time for outdoor activities like running, biking, and swimming in the city's many beaches along Lake Michigan. The warm weather also makes it an ideal time to explore the city's iconic parks, including Millennium Park and Grant Park. If you're looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can take day trips to nearby attractions like the Indiana Dunes and the Wisconsin Dells. Plus, the city's nightlife is at its peak during the summer, so you can enjoy a night out in the trendy neighborhoods of Wicker Park and River North.

TO OTHER CITIES BY TRAIN

Chicago is one of the busiest cities in the United States and has an extensive network of rail connections to other cities throughout the country. The city is served by Amtrak, Metra, and several other regional commuter lines. From Chicago, you can easily travel to major Midwest cities like Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis. You can also make connections to cities further away, such as Los Angeles, Denver, Washington D.C., New York City, and even Toronto. Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited line connects Chicago to the East Coast, while its Texas Eagle line connects the city to the South. You can also take the Amtrak's California Zephyr line to connect to San Francisco and other cities in the West. Metra offers several lines that cover the suburbs and commuter towns around Chicago. Additionally, there are several other regional rail services that connect Chicago to nearby cities in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. All in all, no matter what city you want to go to, chances are you can get there by train from Chicago.