Travel guide

Chicago

Architecture, deep-dish, and the lakefront

🗓️ Best time: May–September💰 Mid-Range · ~$150/day📍 United States

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About Chicago

America's heartland metropolis — the skyscraper's birthplace, world-class museums, blues clubs, and 18 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.

⭐ Things to do in Chicago

Architecture river cruiseThe Bean (Cloud Gate)Art InstituteNavy PierWillis Tower SkydeckChicago Cultural Center domePromontory PointPalmer House fudge brownie

🍽️ Where to eat in Chicago

Real, top-rated restaurants — tap to see hours, reviews and menus.

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Girl & The Goat

★ 4.4 (10,711) · New American · Bars

Au Cheval

★ 4.4 (9,552) · Bars · Burgers

Pequod's Pizza

★ 3.9 (8,945) · Pizza

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

★ 4.1 (7,914) · Pizza · Italian

Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago

★ 3.9 (7,371) · Hot Dogs · Burgers

Giordano's

★ 3.8 (4,348) · Pizza · Salad

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Bavette's Bar & Boeuf

★ 4.6 (3,537) · Steakhouses · Seafood

MingHin Cuisine

★ 3.9 (3,165) · Seafood · Dim Sum

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Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

★ 4.1 (2,872) · Steakhouses · Bars

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Cindy's Rooftop

★ 4.1 (2,860) · New American · Seafood

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Alinea

★ 4.4 (2,769) · New American · Modern European

Bar Siena

★ 4.2 (2,366) · Italian · American

✈️ Know before you go

🚕 Getting around

CTA L trains and buses; walkable Loop.

💡 Local tip

Architecture river cruise is the single best thing to do in Chicago.

🛡️ Safety

Central areas safe; South and West sides have no-go zones.

🌙 Nightlife

Wicker Park, River North, Wrigleyville.