Chicago
United States of America
- Millennium Park
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Willis Tower
- Navy Pier
- Chicago Riverwalk
About Chicago
Chicago sits on the shore of Lake Michigan in the US state of Illinois and is the country's third-largest city. Rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1871, it became one of the birthplaces of the skyscraper.
Lakefront parks, towers rising along the river, museums, and jazz and blues clubs shape its character.
How many days do you need?
Allow three or four days: one for Millennium Park and the Art Institute, one for an architecture outing along the river and the Riverwalk, and one for the lakefront Museum Campus and Navy Pier. Use a fourth day to explore neighborhoods such as Wicker Park.
Where to stay
- The Loop — The business district, within walking distance of museums, where the train lines meet.
- River North and the Magnificent Mile — Restaurants, shops and many hotels.
- Lincoln Park — A calmer lakeside neighborhood with green space.
From the airport to the city
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is about 17 miles northwest of downtown; the CTA Blue Line runs directly from the airport to the Loop. From Midway Airport (MDW), the Orange Line goes downtown.
Getting around
The CTA's 'L' trains and buses cover most of the city; you can pay with a Ventra card or contactless payment. The Loop and the lakefront are easy to explore on foot and by bike.
Good to know
- Winters can be bitterly cold and windy; late spring to early fall is best for lakefront activities.
- Architecture boat tours on the river are a popular way to get to know the buildings.
- Chicago is on Central Time. The currency is the US dollar.
Useful links
- Choose Chicago choosechicago.com
- CTA (trains and buses) transitchicago.com
- Chicago airports flychicago.com
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: August–September. The warmest month is August (average high 78 °F); the wettest is June (4.1 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31.8 | 2.07 | Cool or rainy |
| February | 32.5 | 2.21 | Cool or rainy |
| March | 41.4 | 2.61 | Cool or rainy |
| April | 50.4 | 3.67 | Cool or rainy |
| May | 59.9 | 4.14 | Good |
| June | 70.9 | 4.15 | Good |
| July | 77.4 | 3.98 | Good |
| August | 77.5 | 3.88 | Ideal |
| September | 72.0 | 3.40 | Ideal |
| October | 60.3 | 3.90 | Good |
| November | 47.7 | 2.09 | Cool or rainy |
| December | 37.0 | 2.43 | Cool or rainy |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- Martin Luther King Jr. DayJanuary 18
- Washington's BirthdayFebruary 15
- Memorial DayMay 31
- JuneteenthJune 19
- Independence DayJuly 4
- Labour DaySeptember 6
- Columbus DayOctober 11
- Veterans DayNovember 11
- Thanksgiving DayNovember 25
- Christmas DayDecember 25
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
- Dialling code+1
- Plugs & voltageType A, B · 120 V · 60 Hz
- Emergency911
- DrivingOn the right
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.