Even if you’ve never visited, Chicago is at once as familiar as your home town baseball field and as exciting as hearing a legendary harmonica player performing at an “L” train station. This is the town where distinctive forms of blues, soul, gospel, and jazz grew up, where blues laid the groundwork for rock and roll, and where new genres of hip hop and house continue to evolve. If the songs lingering throughout along the Riverwalk or beside the Bean seem familiar, it’s only because Chicago’s music, musicals, and culture have wound their way into every American home and throughout the world for the past century.
Chicago is the home of American innovation, where Highland Park’s Elisha Gray experimented with an acoustic telepathy design that is thought by some to count as the first real telephone. It’s where Chicago’s Home Insurance Building, built in 1884, once soared 10 stories and 138 feet over the city and coined the phrase “skyscraper” decades before New York’s Empire State Building was completed. The Willis Tower and John Hancock Center carry forward that designation with pride. From humble origins as the nation’s stockyard to our modern stock exchange, Chicago has forever been a hub and haven for dreamers, doers, and those driven to succeed.
When you’re in Chicago, you’re in a space that delivers the best of everything America’s prairie Midwest has to offer. As a travel destination, our glittering towers and scintillating night life along the Magnificent Mile offer shopping, romance, and adventure. For the curious, we host the world class Shedd Aquarium and Art Institute of Chicago. Families will enjoy wandering our preserved Lake Michigan beaches and landmark Navy Pier, fueled by cotton candy and our renowned deep dish Chicago-style pizza. Come join us in Chicago, where year-round we’re ready to share our corner of the heartland with you.
Tourist Passes
If you are seeing the sights, there is no better way to save money and skip the long lines at the top tourist attractions.
Tourist Attractions
Uncover memorable Chicago moments that can’t be missed, like riding the Centennial Wheel or spotting polar bears at Brookfield Zoo.
Tours
Whether your interests are historical or scenic, by bike, by bus, or by boat, you’ll find excellent tour deals.
Chicago Hotels
While staying with us, you don’t have to spend like Al Capone to enjoy comfortable accommodations and views of Lake Michigan.
Chicago Museums
Chicago boasts a wealth of cultural, science, history, children’s, and art museums, including the Art Institute, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium.
Architecture
Chicago is synonymous with great architecture. Find everything from the tallest skyscrapers to the home of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Chicago Shopping
While staying in Chicago, you don’t have to spend like Al Capone to enjoy your shopping trip.
Chicago Theaters
Diversity and top notch quality are hallmarks of Chicago Theater. See everything in from The Loop to Lincoln Park and beyond.
Neighborhoods
With over 200 vibrant neighborhoods and 77 community areas, let Chicago Traveler be your guide to the Windy City.
Festivals & Events
There is always something happening in the Chicago. Find great seasonal events and Festivals here.
Parks
From Garfield Park’s lagoon to the inspired landscaping of Columbus Park, sit a spell and admire these prairie home refuges.
Beaches
Sandy Beaches are just the beginning. Find great walks, bike trails picnic spots and more. All with great views of the skyline.
Chicago Maps
Navigate all of your go-to sights in the city. Easily identify the best things to see in the Chicago with printable versions.
Restaurants
Whether in a hurry for a mouth-watering burger or choosing to dine on fine cuisine, taste is on the menu in Chicago.
Getting Around
Here’s how to explore downtown and nearby suburbs from the comfort of Metra Rail, the L train, or by other means.
Top Tourist Passes
Save an Extra 5% at Go City. Click on the card above.