Chicago earns its superlatives honestly. The architecture is the best in America, the deep-dish pizza debate is very real, and Lake Michigan functions as an inland sea with actual beaches. The Loop skyline at night, the riverwalk cafés, and the Art Institute's collection make Chicago a major-league city that still feels accessible.
Gallery
Why Chicago?
World-Class Architecture
Chicago's skyline is an open-air architecture museum. The river boat tours give the best perspective on 150 years of iconic design.
Art Institute of Chicago
One of the world's greatest art museums, home to Seurat's 'A Sunday on La Grande Jatte' and a staggering Impressionist collection.
Deep Dish Pizza
Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, and Pequod's each make a strong case for Chicago-style pizza supremacy.
Lakefront
18 miles of public lakefront parks, beaches, and the iconic Riverwalk make Chicago surprisingly outdoorsy.
Top Experiences
- Chicago Architecture River Cruise
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati's
- Millennium Park and Cloud Gate
- Chicago Blues or jazz bar crawl
- Navy Pier sunset
Expert Travel Tips
The 'L' train is the best way to get around downtown
Chicago summers are packed - book hotels early for June–August
The Chicago CityPASS covers the major attractions at a discount
Visit in October for fall colors along the lakefront