38 Things to Do and See in Chicago —The Ultimate Guide

More than 60 million people visit Chicago each year for reasons that go well beyond the skyline.

Museums here hold their own on a global scale. Neighborhoods pulse with personality, shaped by decades of migration and a certain grit.

One block might serve up Polish pastries; the next, house music and hot dogs with sport peppers. From lakefront trails to legendary stages, the city unfolds in layers.

We asked our Chicago locals and guests to recommend must-see attractions and must-try experiences in the city. These are their 38 recommendations, including iconic sights, local favorites, and practical ways to explore, along with insider tips and Sonesta stays to anchor your trip.

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Iconic Chicago: Landmarks That Define the City

Some places don’t need an introduction. They appear on postcards, movie screens, and Instagram feeds, instantly recognizable and forever linked to the city’s story.

Each landmark on this list has shaped how Chicago looks, moves, and remembers.

1. Cloud Gate (The Bean)

Few landmarks capture Chicago’s personality like Cloud Gate. Nicknamed “The Bean” for its curved, mirrored shape, the sculpture reflects the skyline and sky in playful, distorted ways.

Visitors step beneath its arch or frame the skyline through its polished surface, a simple experience that has turned it into one of the city’s most photographed spots.

• Entry: Free
• Hours: Open 6 AM to 11 PM (Millennium Park hours)
• Planning Tip: Arrive before 9 AM to catch it in soft light without heavy crowds. If you’d like to stay nearby, Sonesta hotels near Cloud Gate make it easy to walk to the sculpture.
• Map It: 201 E Randolph St

Chicago’s skyline reflected in Cloud Gate at night, with city lights and holiday colors illuminating Millennium Park

2. Millennium Park

Millennium Park feels like Chicago’s front lawn, a gathering space where public art, live music, and wide lawns sit in the shadow of the skyline.

The Jay Pritzker Pavilion hosts free summer concerts, while Crown Fountain doubles as a splash pad for kids on hot days. In winter, the park’s ice rink brings skaters beneath the city’s towers and shifts the atmosphere into a festive city center.

• Entry: Free
• Hours: Open 6 AM to 11 PM daily
• Planning Tip: Evening concerts at the pavilion are a summer highlight. For easy access, Sonesta hotels near Millennium Park place you within walking distance.
• Map It: 201 E Randolph St

3. Art Institute of Chicago

Consistently ranked among the top museums in the world, the Art Institute houses a collection that stretches from ancient artifacts to contemporary installations.

Masterpieces such as Grant Wood’s American Gothic and Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte anchor its reputation, while works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and O’Keeffe reveal its depth.

The Modern Wing, a striking glass structure, links the galleries to the city itself with views over Grant Park and the skyline.

• Entry: Adults $32; discounts for students, seniors, and children
• Hours: Open Wednesday through Monday, 11 AM to 5 PM; extended hours until 8 PM on Thursdays
• Planning Tip: Purchase tickets online to skip the entry line. With Sonesta hotels near the Art Institute, you can step out the door and reach the galleries in minutes.
• Map It: 111 S Michigan Ave

4. Navy Pier

For more than a century, Navy Pier has stood as Chicago’s signature lakefront landmark.

The Centennial Wheel lifts riders 200 feet above the shoreline for skyline views, while theaters, boat cruises, and public art keep the pier lively year-round. In summer, weekly fireworks brighten the water and draw crowds to the lakefront.

• Entry: Free (individual attractions priced separately)
• Hours: Vary by season; generally 11 AM to 8 PM, later on weekends
• Planning Tip: Visit near sunset to ride the wheel as the skyline lights up. Sonesta hotels near Navy Pier place you a short ride from the lakefront.
• Map It: 600 E Grand Ave

Navy Pier at dusk, with the Centennial Wheel lighting up Chicago’s skyline in the evening glow.

5. Willis Tower Skydeck

Once the tallest building in the world, Willis Tower remains a fixture of Chicago’s skyline.

From the Skydeck, views reach up to four states on a clear day. The biggest thrill comes from The Ledge, a series of glass boxes that extend beyond the building and put the city directly beneath your feet.

• Entry: Adults $32; children $24
• Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 10 PM
• Planning Tip: Evening visits combine sweeping views with the city lit up at night.
• Map It: 233 S Wacker Dr

 

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6. 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

On the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center, 360 CHICAGO gives visitors a lakefront view that sets it apart from other towers.

Instead of facing only the skyline, you can look straight out across Lake Michigan and trace the shoreline for miles. Its signature feature, TILT, leans riders outward from the glass façade for a perspective that few other observation decks attempt.

• Entry: Adults $30; children $20
• Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 11 PM
• Planning Tip: Visit in late afternoon to catch the lake in daylight and watch the skyline glow after sunset.
• Map It: 875 N Michigan Ave

7. Chicago Riverwalk

The Riverwalk traces the Chicago River through downtown, linking plazas, cafes, and public art with views framed by the city’s architecture.

Walkers stop for coffee or wine by the water, families pause at small play areas, and river cruises depart from nearby docks. In warm months, the path fills with street performers and patio seating, while autumn brings quieter strolls under the skyscrapers.

• Entry: Free
• Hours: Open daily, 6 AM to 11 PM
• Planning Tip: Early evening offers the best light for photos as the river reflects the skyline. Sonesta hotels near the Chicago Riverwalk give you quick access to the path and the dining that lines it.
• Map It: Along the Chicago River, from Lake Shore Dr to Lake St

Chicago Riverwalk: Iconic city vibes meet tranquil waters.

8. The Magnificent Mile

High-end fashion houses, flagship stores, and historic towers share space along the Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s best-known stretch of Michigan Avenue.

Shoppers browse boutiques while architecture fans pause at landmarks like the Tribune Tower and the Wrigley Building. Seasonal displays like tulips in spring or lights in winter turn the avenue itself into part of the experience.

• Entry: Free to explore
• Hours: Individual stores and attractions vary
• Planning Tip: Time your visit for the holiday season to see the Lights Festival, when the avenue glows with decorations. If the Magnificent Mile tops your Chicago list, Sonesta hotels nearby place you steps from its stores and landmarks.
• Map It: N Michigan Ave, between E Wacker Dr and E Oak St

The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North, 0.3 miles from The Magnificent Mile

9. Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1914, and its ivy-covered outfield walls remain one of baseball’s most recognizable backdrops.

The park’s traditions give it character beyond the game: fans singing during the seventh-inning stretch, rooftop seats on nearby buildings, and the buzz of Wrigleyville’s bars and restaurants before and after first pitch.

• Entry: Ticket prices vary by game and seat
• Hours: Open on game days and for select tours
• Planning Tip: Behind-the-scenes tours are available on non-game days and include a walk through the dugout and press box. If you want to stay close by, Sonesta hotels near Wrigley Field keep the ballpark within easy reach.
• Map It: 1060 W Addison St

 

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10. Chicago Architecture Boat Tour

The Chicago River doubles as a moving gallery of architectural history. From the deck of a boat, guides explain how Art Deco towers, mid-century modernist blocks, and bold contemporary designs fit into the city’s story.

The view from the water reveals details hidden at street level, from carved stonework to the engineering of Chicago’s famous bridges.

• Entry: Around $45–$55 per person
• Hours: Tours operate daily, spring through fall; limited schedules in winter
• Planning Tip: Choose a late afternoon cruise to see sunlight fade across the buildings. Sonesta hotels near the Riverwalk put you close to the main boat docks.
• Map It: 465 N McClurg Ct

If the river gives you a taste for the city’s design, keep exploring with our walking tour of 10 architectural masterpieces in Chicago.

11. Lincoln Park Zoo

A morning at Lincoln Park Zoo feels like stepping into an oasis just north of downtown. Free since it opened in 1868, the zoo is home to lions, polar bears, and great apes, along with a working children’s farm and tropical greenhouse.

Between exhibits, visitors wander through flower-filled gardens and shaded paths, with Lake Michigan only a short stroll away.

• Entry: Free
• Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 5 PM (hours vary by season)
• Planning Tip: Go early to catch the animals at their most active. For travelers who want green space as well as city energy, Sonesta hotels near Lincoln Park Zoo make a convenient base.
• Map It: 2001 N Clark St

A lion rests regally at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of Chicago’s most beloved attractions.

12. Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry fills a massive Beaux-Arts building from the 1893 World’s Fair with exhibits built to be touched, climbed, and explored.

A full-size coal mine brings visitors underground, a German U-505 submarine sits in its own gallery, and a five-story tornado spins inside the science storm exhibit.

• Entry: Adults $25; children $15
• Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM to 4 PM
• Planning Tip: Block out half a day. The scale of the museum means even a focused visit takes time.
• Map It: 5700 S Dusable Lake Shore Dr

Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Chicago Experiences

Step away from Michigan Avenue and the museum circuit, and Chicago reveals a different rhythm.

Neighborhood gardens, historic murals, and quiet lakefront spots may not headline every itinerary, but they add depth to a visit.

13. Garfield Park Conservatory

Despite its scale, Garfield Park Conservatory often slips past the typical visitor itinerary. Built in 1908 and nicknamed “landscape art under glass,” it remains one of the country’s largest indoor gardens.

Beneath its glass domes, a palm house, fern room, and desert landscape unfold in lush contrast to the city outside.

• Entry: Free (donations encouraged)
• Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM (until 8 PM on Wednesdays)
• Planning Tip: Come in winter for a burst of greenery, then ride the Green Line back downtown for evening plans.
• Map It: 300 N Central Park Ave

14. Pullman National Historical Park

Chicago’s Pullman district was designed in the 1880s as America’s first planned industrial community. The neighborhood later became a landmark in labor history, tied to the Pullman Strike of 1894 and to civil rights movements in the 20th century.

Today, restored brick rowhouses and the iconic clock tower preserve a chapter of the city’s past that most visitors never see.

• Entry: Free
• Hours: Visitor Center open Wednesday–Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM
• Planning Tip: Combine a stop here with nearby Bronzeville to explore both labor history and Chicago’s cultural legacy.
• Map It: 610 E 111th St

Explore history and heritage at Pullman National Historical Park.

15. Pilsen Murals

In Pilsen, the streets themselves form an open-air gallery. Murals cover viaducts and building walls, many telling stories of the neighborhood’s Mexican-American roots and long tradition of activism.

Along 16th Street, massive works stretch for blocks, while smaller pieces appear unexpectedly on side streets, giving each walk its own discoveries.

• Entry: Free
• Hours: Always visible, best explored during daylight
• Planning Tip: Pair a mural walk with a stop at the National Museum of Mexican Art, also in Pilsen.
• Map It: Along 16th St and surrounding streets in Pilsen

16. Promontory Point

Promontory Point extends into Lake Michigan from Burnham Park, a South Side retreat for picnics and summer swims.

Limestone steps line the shore, and a 1930s fieldhouse nods to the site’s history. From the water’s edge, downtown rises across the lake in sharp contrast to the relaxed neighborhood feel around the Point.

• Entry: Free
• Hours: Daily, 6 AM to 11 PM
• Planning Tip: Bring a picnic and stay for sunset, then explore nearby Hyde Park.
• Map It: 5491 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr

Promontory Point blends lakefront views, limestone steps, and a 1930s fieldhouse in this laid-back South Side escape.

17. The 606 Trail

Once a freight line, the 606 is now an elevated parkway that runs nearly three miles across Chicago’s Northwest Side.

Murals, pocket gardens, and neighborhood access points break up the walk, while cyclists and runners use it as a daily thoroughfare. It’s both a green escape and a lens into local life beyond downtown.

• Entry: Free
• Hours: Daily, 6 AM to 11 PM
• Planning Tip: Pause near Milwaukee Avenue for a café stop or brewery visit before rejoining the trail. Sonesta hotels near Wicker Park put you close to the action.
• Map It: Main entrance at 1805 N Ridgeway Ave

Once a rail line, the 606 is now a greenway above the city, ideal for a walk, ride, or skyline sunset.

18. International Museum of Surgical Science

In the Gold Coast, a 1917 mansion houses a museum devoted to the history of surgery. Exhibits include centuries-old bone saws, antique prosthetics, and one of the country’s first X-ray machines.

Alongside the medical tools are paintings and sculptures that reveal how artists have grappled with the body, science, and healing through time.

• Entry: Adults $17; students and seniors $13; children $9
• Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 5 PM
• Planning Tip: Plan for a short visit, then continue into Lincoln Park or the lakefront nearby.
• Map It: 1524 N Lake Shore Dr

Food Adventures: Taste Chicago’s Culinary Scene

A first bite in Chicago often says more than a guidebook. Crust that crunches, bread dripping with jus, spices that linger; the city tells its story dish by dish.

Dining here means stepping into neighborhood institutions and family recipes perfected over generations, each adding its own chapter to Chicago’s broader feast.

19. Pequod’s Pizza

Pequod’s built its reputation in the 1970s with a pan pizza crowned by caramelized crust, a style that still sets it apart. The dimly lit dining room and no-frills service keep the focus on hefty pies that arrive bubbling from the oven.

• Price Range: $15–$30 per person
• Planning Tip: Go at off-hours or order ahead; peak times mean long waits.
• Map It: 2207 N Clybourn Ave

 

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20. Italian Beef at Al’s

The Italian beef sandwich is pure Chicago: thin slices of roast beef piled into a soft roll, dipped in jus, and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.

Al’s, serving since 1938, remains the classic stop. Counters stay busy with regulars grabbing sandwiches wrapped in paper, meant to be eaten fast and messy.

• • Price Range: $10–$15 per person
  • Planning Tip: Order it “dipped” for the full experience — but keep napkins handy.
  • Map It: Original location, 1079 W Taylor St

 

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21. Superdawg Drive-In

Neon lights, rooftop mascots, and carhop trays give Superdawg its unmistakable retro character.

The hot dogs themselves stick to tradition: all-beef franks loaded with mustard, onions, pickles, and sport peppers, served in the diner’s iconic blue boxes.

Families still pull up for the same curbside service that has defined this Northwest Side favorite for decades.

• • • Price Range: $8–$15 per person
    • Planning Tip: The carhop service is part of the charm. Order from your car and let the neon glow set the scene.
    • Map It: Original location, 6363 N Milwaukee Ave

22. Carnitas Uruapan

In Pilsen, Carnitas Uruapan has been serving Michoacán-style pork since the 1970s. The meat is slow-cooked until tender, then chopped and piled onto warm tortillas.

The counter stays busy with families and regulars, a sign of how deeply this spot is woven into the neighborhood’s food scene.

• • • Price Range: $10–$20 per person
    • Planning Tip: Order a pound to share family-style and pair it with house-made salsas.
    • Map It: Original location, 1725 W 18th St

23. MingHin Cuisine

Chinatown buzzes with restaurants, but MingHin stands out for its full-day dim sum service. Carts move quickly through the dining room with baskets of dumplings, buns, and rolls, giving the meal a lively rhythm that feels as much social as it is culinary.

The menu stretches wide, but regulars come for classics like shrimp dumplings, pork buns, and custard tarts.

• • • Price Range: $15–$30 per person
    • Planning Tip: Go with a group so you can sample more dishes and share.
    • Map It: Original Chinatown location, 2168 S Archer Ave

 

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24. Girl & the Goat

In the West Loop, Girl & the Goat helped put Chicago on the national dining map.

Chef Stephanie Izard’s menu leans bold, with globally inspired small plates that change often but keep the dining room packed night after night.

• • • Price Range: $40–$60 per person
    • Planning Tip: Reservations book fast; plan weeks ahead if you want a prime dinner slot.
    • Map It: 809 W Randolph St

25. Lou Mitchell’s

Breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s has been a Chicago ritual since 1923. Known for hearty plates, fresh doughnuts, and the tradition of handing out Milk Duds to guests, the diner keeps a warm, bustling energy from early morning through lunch.

Its spot at the start of Route 66 ties it to generations of travelers who began their journeys here over coffee and eggs.

• • • Price Range: $15–$25 per person
    • Planning Tip: Go early on weekends to skip the long wait for tables.
    • Map It: 565 W Jackson Blvd

26. Dining with Sonesta

A day of exploring Chicago pairs well with a meal or drink close to where you’re staying. Sonesta hotels across the city bring their own flavors to the table:

• • • The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown: Hoyt’s Chicago serves classic Midwest comfort with riverfront views.
    • The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North: CBR balances craft cocktails and spirit-free creations with dishes ranging from crunchy wings to a falafel & veggie frittata.
    • The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop: Legato Lounge nods to the building’s musical past with espresso at sunrise, cocktails at dusk, and continental fare with a Chicago twist.
    • Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile – Medical: Guests enjoy free breakfast and the flexibility of en-suite kitchens for homemade meals.

Cultural and Arts Activities for Immersive Experiences

Chicago’s culture lives in its museums, theaters, and music halls just as much as in its neighborhoods.

From ancient artifacts to late-night jazz, these experiences give visitors a closer look at the city’s creative energy and historic roots.

27. The Field Museum

Chicago’s Field Museum is best known for Sue, the world’s most complete T. rex skeleton, but its halls stretch far beyond dinosaurs.

Visitors move from towering fossils to ancient Egyptian mummies, with galleries that layer science and history under one roof.

• • • Entry: Adults $30; discounts for children and students
    • Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 5 PM
    • Planning Tip: Check for Illinois resident free days if your visit is flexible.
    • Map It: 1400 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr

Meet SUE the T. rex, one of the Field Museum’s most iconic residents.

28. Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

At the MCA, contemporary art takes center stage through installations, photography, and live performances that change often enough to reward return visits.

The bold, sometimes challenging works push visitors to see the city’s creative edge from a new perspective.

• • • Entry: Adults $15; free for children under 12
    • Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM; open until 9 PM on Tuesdays
    • Planning Tip: Illinois residents get free admission on Tuesdays.
    • Map It: 220 E Chicago Ave

Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile – Medical, a residence-inspired stay 0.2 miles from the museum

29. Chicago Theatre

The bright marquee on State Street has welcomed performers and audiences since 1921. Inside, the grand French Baroque interior turns any concert, comedy act, or stage show into a night to remember.

Guided tours also give a behind-the-scenes look at one of Chicago’s most photographed landmarks.

• • • Entry: Ticket prices vary by event; tours about $30
    • Hours: Varies by performance and tour schedule
    • Planning Tip: Book tickets well ahead for major acts and consider a daytime tour if you want to see the interior without the crowds.
    • Map It: 175 N State St

A Chicago icon, the historic Chicago Theatre lights up State Street with marquee charm and big-name acts.

30. Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

Uptown’s Green Mill carries the weight of Chicago’s Prohibition years. The club has hosted jazz since the early 1900s, and its small stage still draws top musicians.

Dim lights, close tables, and music that stretches late into the night give it an atmosphere that hasn’t changed much in generations.

• • • Entry: Cover charge $15–$25, varies by act
    • Hours: Daily, 4 PM to 1:30 AM (later on weekends)
    • Planning Tip: Arrive early if you want a seat near the stage; weekends fill quickly.
    • Map It: 4802 N Broadway

31. Millennium Park Concerts

Summer evenings at Millennium Park often mean music on the Great Lawn.

The Jay Pritzker Pavilion hosts free shows ranging from orchestras to contemporary bands, with the city skyline just beyond the stage. It’s one of the most relaxed ways to join Chicago’s cultural scene.

• • • Entry: Free
    • Hours: Seasonal schedule, generally evenings from June through August
    • Planning Tip: Pack a picnic and arrive early; the lawn fills quickly on warm weekends.
    • Map It: 201 E Randolph St

Outdoor Adventures and Nature Escapes

Chicago may be known for its architecture, but its open-air spaces are just as memorable. From the lakefront to downtown parks, the city builds nature into the rhythm of daily life.

32. Lakefront Trail & Beaches

The Lakefront Trail runs 18 miles along Lake Michigan, connecting city neighborhoods with sandy stretches like Oak Street and North Avenue Beach.

Cyclists, runners, and walkers share the path while beachgoers settle into the sand with views of the skyline across the water.

• • • Entry: Free
    • Hours: Daily, 6 AM to 11 PM
    • Planning Tip: Mornings are quieter for biking or jogging; afternoons bring the most energy to the beaches.
    • Map It: Lakefront Trl

Tucked beside the Gold Coast, Oak Street Beach offers city views, sunbathing, and a quick dip in Lake Michigan.

33. Lincoln Park

Stretching for miles along the North Side, Lincoln Park balances wide lawns, winding lagoons, and lakefront views.

The Conservatory’s glasshouse gardens add bursts of color, while paths lead directly to the shoreline. It’s the kind of space where you can step off busy streets and quickly find calm.

• • • Entry: Free
    • Hours: Daily, 6 AM to 11 PM
    • Planning Tip: Head to the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, a quiet corner of the park that often slips past visitors. Enjoy quick access to Lincoln Park’s trails, gardens, and lakefront from Sonesta hotels.
    • Map It: 2045 N Lincoln Park West

34. Maggie Daley Park

Just east of Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park layers outdoor fun into downtown.

In summer, kids climb and play across themed playgrounds while adults tackle the climbing wall or miniature golf. Winter transforms the ice ribbon into one of the city’s most scenic skating spots.

• • • Entry: Free; activities like skating and climbing wall priced separately
    • Hours: Daily, 6 AM to 9 PM
    • Planning Tip: Book skating or climbing in advance, especially on weekends.
    • Map It: 337 E Randolph St

Events and Festivals: Plan Around the Excitement

Chicago’s event calendar has its high points, moments when the city comes together in the parks, along the river, or by the lakefront.

A few traditions draw crowds year after year and have become as much a part of the city’s identity as its skyline. These are the ones worth building a trip around.

35. Lollapalooza (August)

Grant Park transforms into one of the world’s largest music festivals every August, drawing more than 400,000 fans across four days.

Big-name headliners share the lineup with rising acts, and the lakefront setting adds a dramatic backdrop. Expect crowds, summer heat, and plenty of energy stretching well into the night.

• • • Entry: Multi-day passes start around $365
    • Planning Tip: Hotels near Grant Park fill quickly; book months in advance if you want to walk to the gates.
    • Map the Venue: Grant Park

36. Chicago Air and Water Show (August)

For two days, the skies above Lake Michigan fill with military jets, stunt planes, and parachute teams, while crowds pack the shoreline.

Dating back to 1959, it remains one of the city’s most spectacular free events.

• • • Planning Tip: North Avenue Beach is the heart of the action, but rooftop bars and lakefront parks also make great vantage points.
    • Map the Venue: North Avenue Beach, 1600 N Lake Shore Dr

Each August, the Chicago Air and Water Show fills the lakefront with jets, stunts, and sky-high thrills.

37. Chicago Blues Festival (June)

The city that shaped electric blues hosts the world’s largest free blues festival each June. Millennium Park becomes the hub, with multiple stages featuring both legends and aspiring artists.

• • • Planning Tip: Evenings at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion draw the biggest crowds and the most anticipated sets. Sonesta hotels near Millennium Park put you moments from the action.
    • Map the Venue: Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St

38. St. Patrick’s Day River Dyeing (March)

Each March, the Chicago River turns vivid green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, a tradition dating back more than half a century.

The spectacle typically takes place on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day and lasts only a few hours, but it draws thousands to the downtown riverfront.

• • • Planning Tip: The best viewing is from the Riverwalk or bridges along Wacker Drive. Do arrive early to secure a spot.
    • Map the Venue: Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day tradition turns the river neon green in a one-of-a-kind celebration.

Insider Tips and Practical Advice for Your Chicago Trip

Chicago is a city best enjoyed with a bit of foresight. Weather shifts fast, events draw big crowds, and neighborhoods each have their own pace.

A few practical pointers can help you move through it all with less stress and more time to enjoy the highlights.

• • • Best time to visit: Spring and fall bring comfortable weather and fewer lines at major attractions. Summer is lively with festivals but often crowded and pricier.
    • CityPASS savings: If you’re planning to tour multiple museums or observation decks, a CityPASS can trim costs and skip ticket lines.
    • Getting around: CTA trains and buses reach nearly every part of the city. A Ventra card with unlimited rides over one or three days is often cheaper than single fares.
    • Skip the tourist traps: Deep-dish chains near downtown can mean long waits; locals lean toward spots like Pequod’s or Lou Malnati’s.
    • Family perks: Lincoln Park Zoo and Garfield Park Conservatory are both free, giving families a low-cost break between bigger outings.
    • Weather prep: Even in summer, pack a light layer. Lake breezes can drop the temperature quickly.

Where to Stay: Sonesta Hotels Near the City’s Top Attractions

If you want to stay close to the sights and neighborhoods you came to explore, Sonesta offers hotels in locations that put the city at your doorstep. Options range from stylish downtown suites and modern properties to residence-inspired extended stays.

Wherever your plans take you, from lakefront strolls to museum visits to nights at the theater, you’ll find a Sonesta nearby.

Sonesta Travel Pass adds even more value to your Chicago stay. The program goes beyond earning points, offering perks like complimentary breakfasts, late checkouts, and members-only rates, all designed to keep your travels flexible and rewarding.