Chicago holidays

Best hotels in Chicago

The biggest city of the Great Lakes region, and the third largest in the United States. Chicago sits on more than 26 miles of uninterrupted lakefront, offering 15 miles of sandy beaches and hundreds of beautiful parks, all nestled within a skyline of architectural wonders. You’ll find world-renowned museums, theatre, nightlife and music of every style, and some of the best foodie hot spots in the States.

Chicago is known as a city of diverse neighborhoods, all with unique culinary, music, and shopping experiences to offer. The streets are wide, the buildings are tall, and it’s all easy to access via the city’s “L” public transit system, or 360 km of protected bike lanes. Chicago is known among many seasoned U.S. travelers as one of the friendliest, most aesthetically pleasing, and cleanest big cities in the States. Spend a city break here, and you’ll wonder why you ever did a city break anywhere else.

Things to do

Known as The Windy City, Chicago is a melting pot of authentic jazz clubs, unique museums and futuristic skylines. From stargazing at the Adler Planetarium, to enjoying views across the city on a cruise or helicopter ride, there’s something for everyone. Just don’t leave without ordering one of their world-famous deep dish pizzas.

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-6-32 ℃

Chicago experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons.

8-9 hours

Fly to: The main airport in Chicago is O’Hare Airport (ORD), around 29km southeast of downtown Chicago.

Map of Chicago

Chicago is best for...

CULTURE LOVERS
See some of the most famous paintings in the world at the Art Institute of Chicago.

FOODIES
Tuck into an authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza or discover Chicago’s diverse dining scene, often hailed as the best the States have to offer.

SHOPPERS
Walk State Street, home to Macy’s, the second largest department store in the world. Explore The Magnificent Mile, home to 460 retailers and 275 restaurants.

Getting around Chicago

By L Train: Chicago’s elevated ‘L’ trains serve 144 stations. They’re efficient, reliable and great if you’re on a budget.

By bus: For the best value, buy an Unlimited Ride Pass and you’ll have free use of Chicago’s buses for one, three or seven days.

By water taxi: A fun way to explore the city’s hotspots, particularly during the warm summer months.

By taxi: Cabs are convenient and plentiful throughout the city. Remember to tip your driver 15-20% of the total fare.

Fast facts for Chicago

Language: The language spoken in Chicago is English.

Currency: The currency used in Chicago is the American Dollar ($).

Local time: Chicago is 6 hours behind GMT/UK time.

Fly to: The main airport in Chicago is O’Hare Airport (ORD), around 29km southeast of downtown Chicago.

Flight time from UK: 8-9 hours.

Tourist Information: Further Chicago tourist information can be found on the Choose Chicago website.

Visa / Health: Before you travel click here for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday to USA.

Events in Chicago

Foodie fun In July, indulge your senses at the Taste of Chicago, the world’s largest food festival. Three million visitors descend on Grant Park to taste the city’s diverse cuisine, from traditional deep-dish Chicago pizza to spicy African stews.

Summer sounds June features Chicago’s Blues Fest, the world’s largest blues festival. August is the time to rock out at Lollapalooza, one of the city’s biggest music festivals. Previous performers include Muse, Coldplay, Depeche Mode and Lady Gaga.

Winter festivities Get into the Christmas spirit with a trip to the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival at the end of November. Trees along North Michigan Avenue are illuminated with 1 million lights, and there’s also a colourful parade and a fireworks display to keep the little-ones amused.

Neighborhood festivals No matter when you visit during summer, this city of neighborhoods has something happening. There are over 60 food and music festivals from May – September each year.

Chicago weather

Temperatures: -6-32 (°C)

Chicago turns into a snowy winter wonderland during the colder months, with average temperatures falling below zero. Though it’s cold, this is a perfect time of year to visit the museums or enjoy some retail therapy. The city warms up in spring, with temperatures hovering in the mid-teens at the peak of the season. For the warmest weather, come in summer, or book your holiday for the beginning of autumn when the weather's still pleasant.

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More hotels in Chicago

Places similar to Chicago to visit

MiamiMiami has long been one of USA’s favourite holiday destinations, especially in the winter months, as the city stays consistently warm; although it has been known to have the occasional cool snap. With some of the best beaches in the country, impressive Art Deco landmarks, world-class cultural sights, stunning coral reefs and aquatic life of Biscayne Bay, there's no shortage of exciting places to visit during your Miami holiday.

Los AngelesLos Angeles is a sprawling and complex metropolis, famous for its star-studded streets, iconic beaches, and fun-filled theme parks. Whether you’re a movie buff, a thrill-seeker, or someone who loves to bask in the sunshine, L.A. has something to suit all tastes.

New YorkNew York holidays are full of bucket list adventures, from its panoramic skyscraper views to its Fifth Avenue shopping sprees and horse drawn carriage rides in Central Park. Split into five boroughs, there’s plenty to explore in the ‘City that Never Sleeps’.

San FranciscoPicturesque, multi-ethnic, colorful. Vibrant, dynamic, charming. San Francisco is a real gem. Situated on the West Coast of the United States and built on more than 50 hills, the “Golden Gate City” is a triumph of art and architecture, a harmonious multitude of different races and cultures.

Las VegasLas Vegas holidays are a city break turned up several notches. The Strip packs headline shows, huge casino-resort hotels and celebrity-chef restaurants into a few neon-lit miles. Direct flights from the UK take roughly 10-11 hours, and once you’re there, Vegas can be as quick or as drawn-out as you like – a few nights of late dinners and big shows, or a longer stay with time for the Grand Canyon and beyond.

WashingtonThe ‘Evergreen State’ sits up on the upper west coast of the USA, bordering Canada. It’s the birthplace of grunge and specialty coffee, a producer of world-renowned wine, and home to a volcano. Washington is a state of contrasts. To the south is the hot and dry Wine Country and Walla Walla; to the west, the cosmopolitan ‘Emerald City’ of Seattle sits in the shadow of the snow-tipped mountains.

BostonBoston holidays take you to a city full of culture and history, home to fascinating museums, significant sites and several distinguished universities. Here, towering skyscrapers meet idyllic green parks in a waterfront city with a distinctly European vibe.

FAQs

How many days do you need in Chicago?

Three to four days works well for Chicago, giving you time for the Art Institute, a boat tour along the river to admire the architecture, Millennium Park and a deep-dish pizza or two.

What is Chicago known for?

Chicago is known for its striking skyline and architecture, deep-dish pizza, Millennium Park's Cloud Gate ('The Bean'), and its riverside boat tours that showcase the city's building history.

What's the best time of year to visit Chicago?

Late spring through to early autumn brings the most comfortable weather for exploring outdoors, as Chicago winters can be cold and windy.

How do you get to Chicago from the UK?

Direct flights from the UK take around nine hours, landing at O'Hare International Airport (ORD), with a taxi or train transfer of around 45 minutes to an hour into downtown Chicago.

Is Chicago good for a city break with older children?

Yes, Chicago's mix of architecture tours, museums like the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, and lakefront parks make it a good option for families with older children and teenagers.