- Deep-dish pizza (Lou Malnati's vs. Giordano's)
- Chicago hot dog (dragged through the garden)
- Italian beef (dipped, with giardiniera)
- Garrett Popcorn (the Chicago Mix)
Chicago Guide
The Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Chicago is America's architecture city and its most underrated food city. The river cruise through 130 years of skyscrapers is the essential first activity; the Art Institute, Millennium Park and the blues clubs fill the days.
The neighbourhoods are the depth: Pilsen's murals, Logan Square's bars, Hyde Park's museums, Wicker Park's shops. The lakefront trail runs 18 miles; the deep-dish debate never ends.
What to do in Chicago
Downtown
- 1
Architecture river cruise The First Lady's 90-minute tour. - 2
Millennium Park The Bean, the Crown Fountain, the pavilion. - 3
Art Institute of Chicago The Impressionists and the Chagall windows. - 4
Willis Tower Skydeck The Ledge's glass boxes, 412 m up.
Neighbourhoods
- 1Blues clubs Kingston Mines, Buddy Guy's Legends.
- 2
Wrigley Field The 1914 ballpark; the rooftop seats. - 3
Navy Pier The Centennial Wheel and the lakefront.
Chicago Hotel Guide
How to choose the best places to stay in Chicago. Verified properties below; for the full list, search live availability on Booking.com.
Where to eat
Getting there and around
O'Hare (ORD) is the hub; the Blue Line reaches downtown. The L covers the core; the lakefront is walkable. Winter is serious: pack for wind.