How many days do you need in Chicago?

The top 8 places in the centre take about 3 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 5 days for the top 20 places within walking distance.

What are the top things to do in Chicago?

Highlights: Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Field Museum of Natural History, Adler Planetarium and Grant Park. The map has 30 things to do in total.

How do you get from the airport to Chicago city centre?

O’Hare (ORD): Blue Line train, no change ≈ 45 min. · Midway (MDW): Orange Line train to the Loop ≈ 25 min.

Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Chicago?

According to the last known data there are 7 starred restaurants: Alinea (3 stars), Smyth (3 stars), Ever (2 stars), Oriole (2 stars), Moody Tongue (2 stars) and 2 more. Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.

Do you tip in Chicago?

Tipping 18–22% in restaurants is all but mandatory; $1–2 per drink at bars.

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Chicago Things to do and walking itinerary

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Chicago travel guide

30 things to do in Chicago, where to stay, airport transfers, 7 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.

Top things to do in Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago — art museum and school in Chicago, United States (visit ≈ 120 min)
Millennium Park — public park in Chicago, Illinois, USA (visit ≈ 45 min)
Field Museum of Natural History — natural history museum in Chicago, Illinois, United States (visit ≈ 120 min)
Adler Planetarium — planetarium in Chicago, Illinois, United States (visit ≈ 120 min)
Grant Park — urban park in Chicago, Illinois, USA (visit ≈ 45 min)
Shedd Aquarium — public aquarium in Chicago, Illinois, United States (visit ≈ 150 min)
Chicago Water Tower — water tower (visit ≈ 40 min)
Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago — art museum in Chicago, Illinois, USA (visit ≈ 120 min)
Hull House — settlement house in Chicago, Illinois, United States (visit ≈ 120 min)
Chicago Theatre — theater and former movie theater in Chicago, Illinois, United States (visit ≈ 20 min)
Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago — Catholic cathedral in Chicago, Illinois, United States (visit ≈ 35 min)
Crown Fountain — interactive work of public art in Chicago, USA (visit ≈ 15 min)
Fort Dearborn — United States fort (visit ≈ 60 min)
Jay Pritzker Pavilion — building in Millennium Park in the Loop community area of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, United States (visit ≈ 45 min)
Museum Campus — human settlement in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America (visit ≈ 45 min)
Chicago Temple Building — church building in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America (visit ≈ 35 min)
Lincoln Park Zoo — zoo located in Lincoln Park in Chicago, Illinois (visit ≈ 150 min)
Civic Opera House — opera house in Chicago, Illinois, United States (visit ≈ 20 min)
Holy Trinity Cathedral — cathedral in Chicago, Illinois (visit ≈ 35 min)
Harris Theater — theater in Chicago, Illinois, United States (visit ≈ 20 min)
Biograph Theater — theater and former movie theater in Chicago, Illinois, United States (visit ≈ 20 min)
St. Nicholas Cathedral — church in Illinois, United States (visit ≈ 35 min)
Moody Church — church in Chicago. Illinois, United States (visit ≈ 30 min)
St. Stanislaus Kostka Church — church in Chicago, Illinois (visit ≈ 30 min)
Merle Reskin Theatre — theatre in Chicago, Illinois, United States (visit ≈ 20 min)
Chicago History Museum — museum in Chicago, United States (visit ≈ 120 min)
Abraham Lincoln: The Man — The original statue, placed in Lincoln Park, Chicago. Several re-castings donated to other cities / coutries. (visit ≈ 15 min)
Burnham Park — urban park (visit ≈ 45 min)
St. Mary of the Angels in Chicago — church in Illinois, United States (visit ≈ 30 min)
Nederlander Theatre — theater in Chicago, Illinois (visit ≈ 20 min)

3-day Chicago walking itinerary

Starting point: The Loop. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.

Day 1 (≈ 6.9 km · 9,340 steps · 1 h 32 min on the way): Millennium Park → Art Institute of Chicago → Grant Park → Field Museum of Natural History
Day 2 (≈ 7.8 km · 10,560 steps · 1 h 45 min on the way): Shedd Aquarium → Adler Planetarium
Day 3 (≈ 4.8 km · 6,490 steps · 1 h 4 min on the way): Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago → Chicago Water Tower

Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Chicago

Chicago Cultural Center — Former library housing the world's largest Tiffany glass dome, with free exhibitions and concerts. (visit ≈ 40 min)
Garfield Park Conservatory — One of the country's largest glasshouses on the West Side, with fern forests and palm halls; free entry. (visit ≈ 75 min)
360 Chicago Observation Deck — On the 94th floor of the former Hancock tower, overlooking the lakefront and skyline, with a tilting glass platform. (visit ≈ 60 min)
Pilsen — A Mexican-American district of colourful murals, the National Museum of Mexican Art and lively streets. (visit ≈ 90 min)
Ping Tom Memorial Park — Riverside park by Chinatown with a Chinese-style pavilion and a water-taxi dock facing the skyline. (visit ≈ 40 min)
Robie House — Frank Lloyd Wright's long, low Prairie-style masterpiece in Hyde Park, visited on guided tours. (visit ≈ 60 min)

Where to stay in Chicago

The Loop: Architecture, museums and the hub of every L line.
River North: Restaurants, galleries and nightlife near the river.
Gold Coast: Smart lakeside hotels and Magnificent Mile shopping.
West Loop: An old warehouse district packed with top restaurants.
Wicker Park: Independent shops, bars and music venues.

Getting from the airport to Chicago

O’Hare (ORD): Blue Line train, no change ≈ 45 min.
Midway (MDW): Orange Line train to the Loop ≈ 25 min.

Getting around

The “L” trains and buses cover most of the city; use a Ventra or contactless card. The Loop and lakefront are ideal for walking.

Classic places to eat

Lou Malnati’s: Chicago deep-dish pizza since 1971.
Pequod’s Pizza: Famous for pan pizza with a caramelised cheese crust.
Portillo’s: Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef.
Al’s #1 Italian Beef: Italian beef on Taylor Street since 1938.
Billy Goat Tavern: A journalists’ hangout since 1934; the famous “cheezborger”.
Manny’s Deli: Cafeteria-style pastrami and corned beef since 1942.
The Berghoff: German food and beer in the Loop since 1898.
Green Mill: A jazz club since 1907, said to be an Al Capone haunt.

MICHELIN-starred restaurants

Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.

Alinea — 3 MICHELIN stars, Contemporary, avant-garde
Smyth — 3 MICHELIN stars, Contemporary American
Ever — 2 MICHELIN stars, Contemporary
Oriole — 2 MICHELIN stars, Contemporary American
Moody Tongue — 2 MICHELIN stars, Contemporary American
Kasama — 1 MICHELIN star, Filipino
Topolobampo — 1 MICHELIN star, Mexican

Romantic views

Chicago Riverwalk (Evening): Riverside terraces between the skyscrapers.
Lincoln Park Conservatory (Afternoon): A glass conservatory that stays green even in winter.
North Avenue Beach (Sunset): The best skyline view from the lakeshore.
Cloud Gate (Evening): The city reflects in “The Bean” in Millennium Park.

Football stadiums in Chicago

Soldier Field: Home of Chicago Fire FC

Good to know before visiting Chicago

Fine: Carrying open alcohol in the street is banned in most cities.
Fine: Cannabis remains illegal federally: banned in national parks, airports and across state lines.
Fine: Declare fruit, vegetables, meat and other food at customs; undeclared items are fined.
Warning: The drinking age is 21; bars and shops ask for ID.
Warning: Healthcare is very expensive; get comprehensive travel medical insurance.
Price tags exclude sales tax, which is added at the till.

Extra rules for Illinois / Chicago

Fine: Open alcohol is banned in Chicago streets and parks.
Warning: Cannabis is legal for 21+, but public use is banned.
Transit uses Ventra cards or contactless payment.

Emergency: 911
Plugs: A/B, 120V
Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink.
Tipping: Tipping 18–22% in restaurants is all but mandatory; $1–2 per drink at bars.

Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection — ESTA, Wikivoyage — United States of America, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10

Chicago travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Chicago?: The top 8 places in the centre take about 3 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 5 days for the top 20 places within walking distance.
What are the top things to do in Chicago?: Highlights: Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Field Museum of Natural History, Adler Planetarium and Grant Park. The map has 30 things to do in total.
Where to stay in Chicago?: The Loop: Architecture, museums and the hub of every L line. Other options: River North, Gold Coast, West Loop and Wicker Park.
How do you get from the airport to Chicago city centre?: O’Hare (ORD): Blue Line train, no change ≈ 45 min. · Midway (MDW): Orange Line train to the Loop ≈ 25 min.
How do you get around Chicago?: The “L” trains and buses cover most of the city; use a Ventra or contactless card. The Loop and lakefront are ideal for walking.
Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Chicago?: According to the last known data there are 7 starred restaurants: Alinea (3 stars), Smyth (3 stars), Ever (2 stars), Oriole (2 stars), Moody Tongue (2 stars) and 2 more. Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
What is the emergency number in Chicago?: Emergency: 911.
Do you tip in Chicago?: Tipping 18–22% in restaurants is all but mandatory; $1–2 per drink at bars.

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