- Direct flights from Heathrow take around 8.5-9 hours and you need an ESTA
- The river architecture boat tour is the must-do
- The L train runs from O'Hare straight to downtown
- Winters are bitterly cold and windy
- Airports
- O'Hare (ORD), about 45 minutes by L train to the Loop; Midway (MDW), about 30 minutes
- Best time to go
- May-June and September-October
- Type
- City
Chicago is one of the great American cities and an easy, rewarding city break from the UK. Its skyline is a textbook of modern architecture, the lakefront has beaches and parks, and its museums, music and food scene are first-rate. It feels friendlier and a little more relaxed than New York, at generally lower prices.
Come in summer for the festivals and lakeside life, or brave the cold for crisp winter days and Christmas markets. For the wider picture, see our Illinois guide and our USA guide.
Things to do in Chicago
- Architecture river cruise – the Chicago Architecture Center's boat tour is the best introduction to the city.
- Millennium Park – Cloud Gate ('the Bean'), Crown Fountain and free summer concerts.
- Art Institute of Chicago – one of the world's great art museums, with famous Impressionist and American works.
- Skydeck or 360 Chicago – glass ledges at Willis Tower or the tilting viewpoint at the former Hancock Center.
- Lakefront Trail – walk or cycle along Lake Michigan to North Avenue Beach.
- Museum Campus – the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium.
- Blues and jazz – live music clubs such as Buddy Guy's Legends and the Green Mill.
- Food – deep-dish pizza, Chicago hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, plus a top-class restaurant scene.
Where to stay
- The Loop – central for museums, theatres and transport.
- River North – lively restaurants and nightlife, a short walk from the river.
- Magnificent Mile and Streeterville – shopping, big hotels and near the lake.
- West Loop – trendy, with the city's best restaurant row.
- Lincoln Park – leafy and residential, near the zoo and beaches.
Getting there
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American and United fly direct from Heathrow to O'Hare, taking around 8.5 to 9 hours. You need an approved ESTA. The CTA Blue Line L train runs from O'Hare to downtown around the clock; the Orange Line serves Midway. You won't need a car in the city – the L, buses and walking cover most sights, and Divvy bike hire is handy along the lake.
Best time to visit
Late spring and early autumn are the most pleasant. Summer is warm, with festivals, beaches and outdoor dining, though it can be humid. Winters are very cold, with icy winds off the lake, but bring Christkindlmarket and lower hotel prices. Big conventions can push hotel rates up at any time of year.
Take the architecture cruise early in your trip – it helps you recognise the buildings as you walk around afterwards.
Top attractions in Chicago
NatureCentral Park
Manhattan's 843-acre green heart, with lakes, meadows, bridges and woodland stretching for 51 blocks between Midtown…
LandmarkStatue of Liberty
The copper colossus in New York Harbor, a gift from France in 1886, visited by ferry with Ellis Island on the same trip.
Chicago on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Chicago?
Three or four days covers the highlights; add a day if you want to explore neighbourhoods or see a baseball game at Wrigley Field.
Is Chicago safe for tourists?
The main visitor areas are generally safe with normal city precautions. As in any big city, stay aware at night and on quieter L stations.
Why is Chicago called the Windy City?
Partly for the gusts off Lake Michigan, though many believe the name originally referred to boastful local politicians.
Can you swim in Lake Michigan?
Yes, at city beaches in summer when lifeguards are on duty. The water stays cool until July.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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