Chicago Travel Guides

The best time to visit Chicago is from late spring to early autumn, roughly May through October. Summer (June-August) brings warm weather, beach days along Lake Michigan and the city's biggest festivals, though it is the busiest and priciest season. September and October offer mild temperatures, thinner crowds and golden autumn colour, making early autumn many travellers' favourite window. Winters are cold and snowy but reward visitors with lower hotel rates and a cosy indoor scene of museums, theatres and restaurants.

The cheapest and most reliable way from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to downtown is the CTA Blue Line train, which runs 24 hours and reaches the Loop in about 45 minutes. Trains depart frequently and cost only a few dollars with a Ventra card or contactless tap. Rideshares and taxis take 30-60 minutes depending on traffic and cost considerably more. Midway Airport (MDW) on the south side connects to downtown via the CTA Orange Line in around 30 minutes.

The best way to get around Chicago is the CTA public transport system of 'L' trains and buses, which covers the whole city and reaches both airports. A reloadable Ventra card or contactless tap works on every train and bus. Downtown and the lakefront are very walkable, and the Divvy bike-share network is excellent in warmer months. You do not need a car for a city visit - parking is expensive and traffic heavy - though a car helps for day trips beyond the metro area.

Three to four days is ideal for a first visit to Chicago. That gives you time for the downtown highlights - Millennium Park, the Art Institute, an architecture river cruise and the lakefront - plus a day or two to explore neighbourhoods like Wicker Park, Pilsen or Hyde Park. A long weekend covers the essentials, while five days or more lets you slow down, catch a sports game or concert, and take a day trip out of the city.

Chicago is generally safe for tourists, especially in the central areas where most visitors spend their time. Neighbourhoods such as the Loop, River North, the Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park and the lakefront are busy and well-policed day and night. As in any large city, stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure on public transport, and research specific neighbourhoods before venturing far from the centre after dark. Standard urban precautions are usually all you need.

Chicago is made up of 77 distinct neighbourhoods, but visitors gravitate to a handful. The Loop is the downtown core of skyscrapers, theatres and Millennium Park, while River North and the Magnificent Mile hold the big hotels, galleries and shopping. Wicker Park and Logan Square are hubs of independent dining and nightlife, Pilsen is the centre of Mexican-American culture and street art, and Hyde Park on the South Side is home to the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Chicago's signature dish is deep-dish pizza, a thick, layered pie best tried at the long-running pizzerias around downtown. The city is equally famous for its Italian beef sandwich and the Chicago-style hot dog, served with a specific set of toppings and never ketchup. Beyond the classics, explore the Mexican food of Pilsen, the Polish heritage of the Northwest Side, and a celebrated fine-dining scene that has earned the city national recognition.

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