Chicago Vacation & Tourism Guide

56da8d302b5cf23dfdbbc9fb1460909c photo by the Murray girls

A city with over 3 million inhabitants and situated on magnificent Lake Michigan, Chicago is a beautiful and bustling metropolis. Both a business and tourist center, Chicago is world-renowned for its shopping, dining, museums, architecture, theater, music and more. Any traveler will enjoy all the pleasures this "windy city" has to offer.

Great Recommendations from Real Travelers

1. The Talbott Hotel Star_rating-4

Real Traveler Rating: 4.8 out of 5 based on 128 reviews from 4 sources

from $116.00
The Talbott Hotel
Based on 128 reviews from 4 sources.
Service: Rating of 4.8 out of 5
Location: Rating of 4.9 out of 5
Room: Rating of 4.9 out of 5
  • "The hotel is beautiful, rooms are spacious, compared to other downtown hotels." — source Priceline

    "Everything was great, except the kleenex and TP were cheap, cheap, cheap." — source Venere

2. Hotel Monaco Chicago...

Hotel Monaco Chicago - A Kimpton Hotel
Star_rating-4
from $143.20

3. Sofitel Chicago Water...

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
Star_rating-4
from $156.00

4. The James Chicago

The James Chicago
Star_rating-4
from $143.20

5. Hampton Inn Majestic...

Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theatre District
Star_rating-3
from $82.46

6. Peninsula Chicago

Peninsula Chicago
Star_rating-5
from $291.40

7. Omni Chicago Hotel

Omni Chicago Hotel
Star_rating-4
from $118.18

8. Courtyard by Marriott...

Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Star_rating-3
from $103.18

9. Homewood Suites by Hi...

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown
Star_rating-3
from $105.20

10. Fitzpatrick Chicago

Fitzpatrick Chicago
Star_rating-4
from $127.20
see all Chicago hotels »
  • 1. Lincoln Park

    Lincoln Park

    ... from the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Park District's Lincoln Park Cultural Center offers a theatre, dance studio, game room, ceramics ... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Lincoln Park

    Claire P Claire P in Living in Chicago, IL said

    Lincoln Park.  DePaul University is located here so there is a large number of undergrad and graduate students as well as the young… continue reading »

  • 2. Lincoln Park Zoo

    Lincoln Park Zoo

    ... the country's most historic and distinguished zoological facility. Attracting an estimated 3 million visitors per year, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is also one of the country's last remaining FREE ADMISSION zoos. Th... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Lincoln Park Zoo

    Nick Hurley Nick Hurley in Chicago said

    Park ZooGeorge lives very close to Lincoln Park Zoo and this was one of the first places we went to. The pond at the zoocontinue reading »

  • 3. Grant Park

    Grant Park

    ... volleyball and tennis courts, and an outdoor skating rink (at Daley Bicentennial Plaza) are just a few of the excellent recreational options at Grant Park.Grant is organized in rectangles, with the Prairie Garden, a 1.5 acr... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Grant Park

    AdamsMainer AdamsMainer in Ooo Aaah Fireworks said

    … Chicago - it is very very clean.  At least downtown.  We went to Grant Park to the Taste of Chicago Festival.  Okay… continue reading »

  • 4. Exit

    Exit

    ... :The Exit crowd's look--black leather, PVC and latex--recalls Chicago's industrial heyday, when the Wax Trax label had cachet. But the people are as nice as their threads are intimidating. Amid the gothic, post-apocalyptic... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Exit

    Ethereal Wanderer Ethereal Wanderer in The Bean! said

    exit.… continue reading »

  • 5. The Art Institute of Chicago

    The Art Institute of Chicago

    From popular Rembrandt masterpieces to recent works by lesser-known artists, this museum houses one ... more

  • 6. Hancock Observatory

    Hancock Observatory

    Take a trip to the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center and discover a breathtaking view of ... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Hancock Observatory

    Frank D Frank D in Chicago ROCKS! said

    … bunch of different cities too.  For Chicago, the city pass includes The Hancock Observatory, The Field Museum &… continue reading »

  • 7. The Field Museum

    The Field Museum

    ... museum with millions of adventures, embark on a journey the whole family will enjoy. Come face to face with Sue, the world-famous T. Rex, and learn about the Age of the Dinosaurs, when prehistoric giants like Sue ruled the... more

  • 8. John G. Shedd Aquarium & Oceanarium

    John G. Shedd Aquarium & Oceanarium

    ... John G. Shedd Aquarium, a nonprofit institution dedicated to public education and conservation, is among the world's largest indoor aquariums. The facility houses more than 32,600 aquatic animals representing some 1,500 spe... more

  • 9. Museum of Science and Industry

    Museum of Science and Industry

    This museum makes science fun with interactive, educational exhibits that stretch the imagination. Spend ... more

  • 10. Sears Tower Skydeck

    Sears Tower Skydeck

    ... views of Chicago from the Western Hemisphere's tallest building. No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to Skydeck Chicago. Make it your first stop for a 360-degree view spanning over 50 miles and 4 states that you... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Sears Tower Skydeck

    … your view) leaving it only to enter the Sears Towercontinue reading »

see all Chicago things to do »
  • 1. MK The Restaurant

    MK The Restaurant

    ... Scene :Exposed brick and wood beams lend an elegant loft-like character to this two-story space. A stylish crowd mingles at the bar and in the front lounge, which is outfitted with inviting plush leather chairs. The dining... more

  • 2. Signature Room at the 95th Floor (The)

    Signature Room at the 95th Floor (The)

    Nothing says swank like this classic Chicago restaurant and nothing screams special occasion like sipping ... more

  • 3. Hard Rock Cafe

    Hard Rock Cafe

    ... Cafe is a theme restaurant, but at least the days of snarling doormen blocking entry to the uncool are over. Now the Hard Rock is friendlier than a new puppy, and the staff trip over each other trying to make diners happy.T... more

  • 4. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

    Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

    Martinis, celebs, and huge steaks mark this beef-eatery. It is a traditional steakhouse so everything is ala carte and ... more

  • 5. Charlie Trotter's

    Charlie Trotter's

    Put on a suit jacket, straighten your tie or put on your fanciest evening gown and prepare for not only ... more

  • 6. Osteria Via Stato

    Osteria Via Stato

    If you're one for Italian food, this place will definitely lure you away from the world. The hospitality ... more

  • 7. Frontera Grill

    Frontera Grill

    For authentic Mexican food in a lively atmosphere, try this Clark Street spot. On weekends, Frontera ... more

  • 8. North Pond

    North Pond

    ... star restaurant in Chicago. Located in the Lincoln Park area, this restaurant is expensive. It's known for its contemporary offerings. The menu is excellent. It's been awarded the Fodors Choice award. This place features gr... more

  • 9. Blackbird

    Blackbird

    ... Scene :Minimalist but comfortable, with bare white walls and a single banquette that spans the length of the room. Cherry-stained floors and chairs give a hint of color; a giant vase of daisies at the bar adds a playful tou... more

  • 10. Naha

    Naha

    Sweet Roasted Sea Scallops, Blossom Honey Lacquered Aged Moulard Duck and Plump, and Jerusalem Artichoke Soup…sounds ... more

see all Chicago restaurants »

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