Major city · United States
Chicago
Give Chicago 3 nights: 2 in the Loop or Near North for the lakefront and museums, 1 in a North Side neighbourhood for food and bars. Skip the car. Read <a href="/chicago/where-to-stay">where to stay in chicago</a> for options.
Chicago is the third-largest US city and the Midwest's rail and air hub, with a walkable downtown, a 18-mile lakefront path and a transit system that reaches almost everywhere a visitor wants to go. Three nights covers the Loop, the museums and one neighbourhood; five nights adds Hyde Park, a blues club and a day trip. May to October is the usable window; December to March is genuinely cold. Plan your days with our <a href="/chicago/itinerary">chicago itinerary</a>.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold and windy), late Jul–Aug (heat and humidity)
- Airports
- ORD · MDW
- Nights
- 3
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Chicago911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Chicago, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyDowntown and the North Side are busy and generally safe for visitors by day and night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 311 Chicago 311 (city services, non-emergency)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportORD Chicago O'Hare International (CTA Blue Line runs 24 h to the Loop, about 45 min; also the busiest connecting hub in the US.
- Getting aroundThe CTA 'L' and buses cover the city; the Red Line runs 24 h and the Blue Line reaches O'Hare around the clock.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at a shop$7–10$2–4
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or rideshare3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or rideshare$15–25
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Art Institute, Field, Shedd)$25–45 (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$200
- High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$380
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$160 · High US$280
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ORD Chicago O'Hare International (CTA Blue Line runs 24 h to the Loop, about 45 min; also the busiest connecting hub in the US. See <a href="/chicago/airport-to-city">chicago airport transfer</a>.) · MDW Chicago Midway International (CTA Orange Line to the Loop, about 25 min; smaller, mostly domestic.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Feb
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Mar
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Avoid*
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
not flagged
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C) low), wettest Apr (11 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Chicago: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
8 rd
Feb
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
7 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
9 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
11 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Dec
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The CTA 'L' and buses cover the city; the Red Line runs 24 h and the Blue Line reaches O'Hare around the clock. Buy a Ventra card or tap a contactless card. Downtown is walkable and the lakefront path is the best way to move north–south. Taxis and rideshares fill the gaps; a car is a liability downtown because of parking costs. See <a href="/chicago/getting-around">chicago public transport</a> for details.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Evanston and Northwestern University
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
CTA Purple Line from Howard, or Metra UP-North from Ogilvie
Lakefront campus town with beaches and a food scene; easy half day.
Oak Park (Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio)
goDoor to door: About 40 min
CTA Green Line to Oak Park, or Metra UP-West
Book the house tour ahead; the neighbourhood walk is free.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Amtrak Hiawatha from Union Station
Doable as a long day; better with one night.
Indiana Dunes National Park
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
South Shore Line from Millennium Station to Dune Park
Beaches and trails need a car or long walks from the station; check the timetable.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
The Loop
The business core: theatres, the Art Institute, all CTA lines. Quiet at night and pricey. See <a href="/chicago-loop">Loop neighborhood guide</a>.
Near North (River North, Gold Coast, Magnificent Mile)
Hotels, shopping and restaurants; 10–20 min walk to the lakefront and the Loop. See <a href="/chicago-near-north">Near North</a>.
Lakeview and North Center
Wrigley Field, bars and brunch; 20–30 min by Red or Brown Line to the Loop. See <a href="/chicago-lakeview-north-center">Lakeview-North Center</a>.
Hyde Park
University of Chicago, museums, quieter streets; 30–40 min by Metra or bus. See <a href="/chicago-hyde-park">Hyde Park neighborhood guide</a>.
Rogers Park
Far North Side, cheapest beds, long Red Line ride downtown. See <a href="/chicago-rogers-park">Rogers Park neighborhood guide</a>.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–200 excl. bed
- High
- $220+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double room1 × 3 nights × US$200 | US$600 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × US$160 | US$960 |
| CTA Blue Line from O'Hare to the Loop, one way2 × US$5 · check | US$11 |
| CTA Orange Line from Midway to the Loop, one way2 × US$3 · check | US$6 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$161 |
| Trip total≈ US$295 per person per day, bed included | US$1,768 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Chicago-style hot dog | $5–9 |
| Deep-dish pizza, personal or slice | $8–15 |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at a shop | $7–10 / $2–4 |
| CTA single ride | $2.50–5 (check) |
| 5 km taxi or rideshare | $15–25 |
| Museum entry (Art Institute, Field, Shedd) | $25–45 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Sales tax is added at the till; restaurant bills add tax plus an expected 18–22% tip.
- Winter wind off the lake makes the felt temperature far lower than the forecast number.
- Some South and West Side blocks have high violent-crime rates; check the specific area before booking, and stay in well-lit, busy streets at night.
- The lakefront path and the beaches are unguarded outside summer; the water is cold year-round.
- Check <a href="/chicago/safety-and-scams">is chicago safe</a> for current neighborhood advice.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Chicago 311 (city services, non-emergency)
- 311
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
ChicagoChicago
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Chicago 311 (non-emergency city services)311
Embassy
Many countries maintain consulates-general in Chicago; verify your specific consulate's location and hours before travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- O'Hare → the Loop, CTA Blue Line: about $5.25, about 45 min (check)
- Midway → the Loop, CTA Orange Line: about $2.75, about 25 min (check)
- Taxi or rideshare, Loop → Near North: $10–18
Say or show
- Excuse me — Excuse me (excuse me)
- Thanks — Thank you (thanks)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (how much is it)
- Do you take card? — Can I pay by card? (do you take card)
- Where's the restroom? — Where is the toilet? (where's the restroom)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Chicago. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jan–Feb (cold and windy), late Jul–Aug (heat and humidity) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 5 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ORD and MDW: last CTA departures, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: the Loop, Near North, the Museum Campus, Lakeview.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Art Institute, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Willis Tower) and eat pages with last orders.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Chicago
- officialChoose Chicago (official tourism)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Chicago, revision 5366030 (CC BY-SA 4.0)