Welcome to Chicago! As someone who loves exploring this dynamic city, I’m thrilled to share my insider tips to help you make the most of your trip. Here’s a comprehensive guide packed with essential travel tips for your Chicago adventure, with a focus on optimizing your travel experience.
1. Master the Public Transport
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the “L” trains and buses, providing an efficient and budget-friendly way to get around. Purchase a Ventra Card for unlimited rides, which is perfect for hopping between attractions without the hassle of parking or expensive cab fares. The “L” trains, especially the Blue and Red lines, connect you to major neighborhoods and downtown areas effortlessly.
2. Explore Beyond Downtown
While the Loop and Magnificent Mile are must-sees, Chicago’s charm lies in its diverse neighborhoods. Wicker Park offers hipster vibes with unique boutiques and coffee shops, Logan Square is great for foodies with its array of dining options, and Andersonville is known for its Swedish heritage and quaint local shops. Each neighborhood has its own unique character and is worth the visit.
3. Plan Your Visit Seasonally
Chicago shines brightest in the summer, with countless outdoor activities, festivals, and lakefront fun. However, fall and spring are also wonderful times to visit, offering milder weather and beautiful cityscapes. Winter can be harsh, but if you don’t mind the cold, the city’s holiday lights and indoor attractions like museums and theaters can still make it worthwhile.
4. Enjoy the Iconic Sights
No visit to Chicago is complete without seeing its iconic attractions. Start with Millennium Park to snap a photo with “The Bean” (Cloud Gate), then stroll through Grant Park to Buckingham Fountain. The Art Institute of Chicago, with its vast collection of art, is another must-visit. For breathtaking views, head to the Skydeck at Willis Tower or the 360 Chicago Observation Deck at the John Hancock Center.
5. Indulge in Local Cuisine
Chicago’s food scene is legendary. Don’t leave without trying deep-dish pizza from Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s. For a classic Chicago-style hot dog, head to Portillo’s. If you’re into fine dining, make a reservation at Alinea, one of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants. Don’t forget to explore the vibrant culinary scenes in neighborhoods like Pilsen and Chinatown for diverse and delicious options.
6. Cultural Experiences
Chicago is a city of arts and culture. Check out the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, catch a Broadway show at one of the many historic theaters, or visit the Museum of Contemporary Art. Street art and public murals, especially in the Pilsen neighborhood, offer a colorful and free cultural experience.
7. Stay in Unique Accommodations
For a truly memorable stay, opt for boutique hotels or vacation rentals over standard chain hotels. Places like the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel or The Robey offer stylish and unique accommodations with rich histories. Alternatively, Airbnb has a range of options, from cozy apartments to luxurious lofts.
8. Shop Local
While the Magnificent Mile is famous for its high-end stores, don’t miss out on local markets and independent shops. The Randolph Street Market offers a treasure trove of vintage finds, while shops in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Wicker Park feature unique, local goods.
9. Shop Local
Chicago’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Whether you’re into live music, craft cocktails, or dancing, there’s something for everyone. Check out a jazz show at the Green Mill, enjoy a comedy night at The Second City, or dance the night away at one of the many clubs in River North.
10. Stay Safe and Informed
Like any major city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night and always have a plan for getting back to your accommodation.
11. Convenient Airport Transfers
When heading to O’Hare International Airport, consider taking a taxi. The fare is a flat rate, making it a convenient and predictable option, especially when you want to avoid the stress of last-minute transportation arrangements
| City/Town | O'Hare Airport (ORD) | Midway Airport (MDW) | Chicago Loop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbott Park | $63 | $110 | $110 |
| Addison | $45-$47 | $72 | $72 |
| Alden | $127 | $193 | $193 |
| Algonquin | $67 | $123 | $123 |
| Alsip | $74 | $60 | $60 |
| Antioch | $99 | $168 | $168 |
| Arlington Heights | $45-$49 | $87-$97 | $87-$97 |
| Aurora | $70-$77 | $87-$99 | $87-$99 |
| Aux Sable | $130 | $110 | $117 |
| Bannockburn | $55 | $101 | $101 |
| Barrington | $58 | $116 | $114 |
| Barrington Hills | $56 | $116 | $116 |
| Bartlett | $52-$54 | $102 | $102 |
| Batavia | $70-$73 | $104 | $104 |
| Beach Park | $80 | $150 | $150 |
| Bedford Park | $65 | $60 | $60 |
| Beecher | $131 | $106 | $106 |
| Bellwood | $46 | $65 | $65 |
| Beloit, WI | $171 | $242 | $242 |
| Belvidere | $117 | $187 | $187 |
| Bensenville | $40 | $68 | $68 |
| Berkeley | $46 | $74 | $57 |
| Berwyn | $60 | $51 | $51 |
| Big Rock | $98 | $126 | $126 |
| Bloomingdale | $51 | $84 | $84 |
| Blue Island | $84 | $70 | $70 |
| Bolingbrook | $61-$71 | $64-$74 | $64-$74 |
| Bourbonnais | $142 | $114 | $114 |
| Braceville | $140 | $136 | $136 |
| Braidwood | $133 | $126 | $126 |
| Bridgeview | $65 | $55 | $55 |
| Bristol | $94 | $120 | $120 |
| Broadview | $49 | $55 | $55 |
| Brookfield | $55 | $64 | $64 |
| Buffalo Grove | $50 | $98-$102 | $98-$102 |
| Bull Valley | $91 | $154 | $154 |
| Burbank | $75 | $50 | $50 |
| Burlington | $89 | $153 | $153 |
| Burr Ridge | $56 | $54 | $54 |
| Calumet City | $101 | $75 | $75 |
| Calumet Park | $89 | $75 | $75 |
| Campton Hills | $80 | $116 | $116 |
| Capron | $132 | $202 | $202 |
| Carol Stream | $55 | $89 | $89 |
| Carpentersville | $59-$65 | $122 | $122 |
| Cary | $66 | $124 | $124 |
| Champaign | $324 | $320 | $320 |
| Channahon | $120 | $100 | $100 |
| Chemung | $133 | $200 | $200 |
| Cherry Valley | $131 | $199 | $198 |
| Chicago Downtown | $70 - $75 | $70 | $40-$64 |
| Chicago South Loop | $78 | $64 | $64 |
| Chicago Heights | $105 | $75 | $75 |
| Chicago Ridge | $68 | $52 | $52 |
| Cicero | $75 | $70 | $70 |
| Clarendon Hills | $48 | $75 | $75 |
| Coal City | $132 | $134 | $134 |
| Coral | $96 | $154 | $154 |
| Cortland | $124 | $154 | $154 |
| Countryside | $57 | $55 | $55 |
| Crest Hill | $84 | $76 | $76 |
| Crestwood | $76 | $70 | $70 |
| Crete | $122 | $85 | $85 |
| Crystal Lake | $70-$75 | $126-$134 | $126-$134 |
| Darien | $50 | $65 | $65 |
| Deer Park | $52 | $110 | $110 |
| Deerfield | $51 | $105 | $105 |
| DeKalb | $123 | $159 | $159 |
| Des Plaines | $38 | $83 | $83 |
| Diamond Lake | $58 | $126 | $126 |
| Dixmoor | $81 | $70 | $70 |
| Dolton | $95 | $75 | $75 |
| Downers Grove | $52-$56 | $68 | $68 |
| East Dundee | $62 | $123 | $123 |
| East Hazel Crest | $90 | $70 | $70 |
| Elburn | $89 | $126 | $126 |
| Elgin | $59-$65 | $99-$114 | $99-$114 |
| Elk Grove Village | $40-$45 | $74-$80 | $74-$80 |
| Elmhurst | $44-$48 | $70 | $70 |
| Elmwood Park | $45 | $70 | $70 |
| Elwood | $118 | $110 | $110 |
| Evanston | $60 | $76 | $76 |
| Evergreen Park | $99 | $75 | $75 |
| Flossmoor | $96 | $74 | $74 |
| Forest Park | $55 | $74 | $74 |
| Fort Sheridan | $57 | $115 | $115 |
| Fox Lake | $87 | $149 | $!49 |
| Fox River Grove | $62 | $123 | $123 |
| Frankfort | $98 | $75 | $75 |
| Franklin Park | $45 | $70 | $70 |
| Garden Prairie | $112 | $180 | $180 |
| Gardner | $151 | $147 | $147 |
| Gary IN | $129 | $105 | $105 |
| Geneva | $69-$79 | $101-$108 | $101-$108 |
| Genoa | $118 | $171 | $171 |
| Gilberts | $63 | $128 | $128 |
| Glen Ellyn | $55 | $75 | $75 |
| Glencoe | $59 | $84 | $84 |
| Glendale Heights | $50 | $75 | $75 |
| Glenview | $45 | $76 | $76 |
| Godly | $134 | $134 | $134 |
| Golf | $45 | $75 | $75 |
| Goodenow | $120 | $89 | $89 |
| Grayslake | $72 | $142 | $142 |
| Great Lakes | $69 | $129 | $129 |
| Green Oaks | $57 | $124 | $124 |
| Gurnee | $69 | $129 | $129 |
| Hainesville | $76 | $149 | $149 |
| Hampshire | $81 | $151 | $151 |
| Hanover Park | $50 | $92 | $92 |
| Harvard | $126 | $197 | $197 |
| Harvey | $88 | $78 | $78 |
| Harwood Heights | $46 | $70 | $70 |
| Hawthorne Woods | $58 | $118 | $118 |
| Hazel Crest | $86 | $74 | $74 |
| Hebron | $125 | $190 | $190 |
| Hickory Hills | $70 | $75 | $75 |
| Highland Park | $59 | $98 | $98 |
| Highwood | $57 | $99 | $99 |
| Hillside | $50 | $75 | $75 |
| Hinckley | $114 | $136 | $136 |
| Hinsdale | $50 | $75 | $75 |
| Hodgkins | $57 | $75 | $75 |
| Hoffman Estates | $46-$50 | $93-$97 | $93-$97 |
| Holiday Hills | $76 | $140 | $140 |
| Homer Glen | $74 | $75 | $75 |
| Hometown | $90 | $74 | $74 |
| Homewood | $90 | $75 | $75 |
| Huntley | $74 | $143 | $143 |
| Indian Creek | $56 | $118 | $118 |
| Indian Head Park | $50 | $74 | $74 |
| Ingleside | $84 | $159 | $159 |
| Inverness | $50 | $101 | $101 |
| Island Lake | $71 | $134 | $134 |
| Itasca | $45 | $75 | $75 |
| Ivanhoe | $62 | $132 | $132 |
| Johnsburg | $88 | $152 | $152 |
| Joliet | $91 | $84 | $84 |
| Justice | $63 | $75 | $75 |
| Kankakee | $151 | $123 | $123 |
| Kenilworth | $57 | $82 | $82 |
| Kenosha, WI | $111 | $185 | $185 |
| Kildeer | $52 | $108 | $108 |
| La Grange | $53 | $70 | $70 |
| Lake Barrington | $62 | $124 | $124 |
| Lake Bluff | $60 | $126 | $126 |
| Lake Forest | $57 | $123 | $123 |
| Lake Geneva, WI | $148 | $200 | $200 |
| Lake in the Hills | $67 | $128 | $128 |
| Lake Villa | $84 | $152 | $152 |
| Lake Zurich | $61 | $114 | $114 |
| Lakemoor | $78 | $141 | $141 |
| Lakewood, Village of | $73 | $150 | $150 |
| Lansing | $96 | $75 | $75 |
| LaSalle | $215 | $201 | $201 |
| Lemont | $62 | $75 | $75 |
| Libertyville | $65 | $121 | $121 |
| Lily Lake | $86 | $134 | $134 |
| Lincol IL | $365 | $350 | $350 |
| Lincolnshire | $52 | $106 | $106 |
| Lincolnwood | $60 | $75 | $75 |
| Lindenhurst | $76 | $147 | $147 |
| Lisbon | $131 | $124 | $124 |
| Lisle | $58 | $75 | $75 |
| Little Rock | $118 | $132 | $132 |
| Lockport | $78 | $75 | $75 |
| Lombard | $52 | $74 | $74 |
| Long Grove | $51 | $112 | $112 |
| Long Lake | $82 | $154 | $154 |
| Loves Park | $153 | $221 | $221 |
| Lyons | $56 | $74 | $74 |
| Machesney Park | $155 | $221 | $221 |
| Manhattan | $108 | $105 | $105 |
| Maple Park | $110 | $143 | $143 |
| Marengo | $98 | $170 | $170 |
| Markham | $81 | $75 | $75 |
| Matteson | $102 | $75 | $75 |
| Maywood | $49 | $74 | $74 |
| McCullom Lake | $90 | $154 | $154 |
| McHenry | $83 | $147 | $147 |
| Medinah | $46 | $75 | $75 |
| Melrose Park | $45 | $70 | $70 |
| Mettawa | $52 | $116 | $116 |
| Midlothian | $77 | $75 | $75 |
| Midway Airport | $75 | $37 | $70 |
| Millbrook | $118 | $123 | $123 |
| Millington | $131 | $125 | $125 |
| Milwaukee Mitchell Airport (MKE) | $163 | $214 | $214 |
| Milwaukee WI Downtown | $174 | $220 | $220 |
| Milwaukee WI North Side | $182 | $233 | $233 |
| Milwaukee WI South Side | $164 | $219 | $219 |
| Minooka | $110 | $106 | $106 |
| Mokena | $92 | $75 | $75 |
| Montgomery | $77-$82 | $104-$110 | $104-$110 |
| Mooseheart | $69 | $103 | $103 |
| Morris | $132 | $130 | $130 |
| Morton Grove | $47 | $77 | $77 |
| Mount Prospect | $45-$47 | $88 | $88 |
| Mundelein | $59 | $126 | $126 |
| Naperville | $60-$75 | $75-$80 | $75-$80 |
| Nettle Creek | $154 | $145 | $145 |
| New Berlin WI | $188 | $254 | $254 |
| New Lenox | $93 | $82 | $82 |
| Newark | $138 | $126 | $126 |
| Niles | $46 | $85 | $85 |
| Normal | $281 | $295 | $295 |
| Norridge | $44 | $75 | $75 |
| North Aurora | $70-$72 | $101 | $101 |
| North Barrington | $65 | $123 | $123 |
| North Chicago (Suburb of) | $68 | $134 | $134 |
| North Riverside | $59 | $70 | $70 |
| North Utica | $208 | $199 | $199 |
| Northbrook | $45 | $98 | $98 |
| Northfield | $53 | $85 | $85 |
| Northlake | $44 | $74 | $74 |
| O'Hare Airport | $34 | $75 | $75 |
| Oak Brook | $45 | $65 | $65 |
| Oak Forest | $82 | $75 | $75 |
| Oak Lawn | $74 | $70 | $70 |
| Oak Park | $59 | $70 | $70 |
| Oakwood Hills | $85 | $139 | $139 |
| Oglesby | $216 | $213 | $213 |
| Old Mill Creek | $79 | $145 | $145 |
| Olympia Fields | $98 | $76 | $76 |
| Orland Hills | $92 | $68 | $68 |
| Orland Park | $79 | $74 | $74 |
| Oswego | $80-$90 | $98 | $98 |
| Ottawa | $194 | $178 | $178 |
| Palatine | $49-$52 | $90-$98 | $90-$98 |
| Palos Heights | $71 | $60 | $60 |
| Palos Hills | $70 | $65 | $65 |
| Palos Park | $79 | $64 | $64 |
| Park City | $72 | $139 | $139 |
| Park Forest | $99 | $75 | $75 |
| Park Ridge | $45 | $76 | $76 |
| Peoria | $375 | $369 | $369 |
| Peotone | $133 | $92 | $92 |
| Peru | $225 | $213 | $213 |
| Pingree Grove | $71 | $134 | $134 |
| Plainfield | $74-$84 | $76-$82 | $76-$82 |
| Plano | $119 | $131 | $131 |
| Plato Center | $72 | $126 | $126 |
| Pleasant Praire, WI | $100 | $166 | $166 |
| Port Barrington | $69 | $134 | $134 |
| Prairie Grove | $81 | $143 | $143 |
| Prairie View | $49 | $116 | $116 |
| Prospect Heights | $46 | $94 | $94 |
| Racine, WI | $132 | $207 | $207 |
| Richmond | $113 | $175 | $175 |
| Richton Park | $106 | $77 | $77 |
| Ridgefield | $79 | $143 | $143 |
| Riley | $95 | $161 | $161 |
| Ringwood | $95 | $161 | $161 |
| River Forest | $50 | $65 | $65 |
| River Grove | $46 | $70 | $70 |
| Riverdale | $89 | $70 | $70 |
| Riverside | $58 | $70 | $70 |
| Riverwoods | $51 | $105 | $105 |
| Robbins | $79 | $70 | $70 |
| Rochelle | $185 | $200 | $200 |
| Rockdale | $97 | $98 | $98 |
| Rockford | $134-$146 | $208-$223 | $208-$223 |
| Rockton | $165 | $241 | $241 |
| Rolling Meadows | $45 | $90 | $90 |
| Romeoville | $70-$78 | $74 | $74 |
| Roscoe | $160 | $233 | $233 |
| Roselle | $49 | $86 | $86 |
| Rosemont (Airport Pick Up ONLY) | $37 | $75 | $75 |
| Round Lake | $79 | $151 | $151 |
| Round Lake Beach | $81 | $154 | $154 |
| Round Lake Heights | $82 | $152 | $152 |
| Round Lake Park | $79 | $150 | $150 |
| Saint Charles | $69-$78 | $105-$115 | $105-$115 |
| Sandwich | $124 | $148 | $148 |
| Schaumburg | $47-$50 | $82-$86 | $82-$86 |
| Schiller Park | $45 | $75 | $75 |
| Shabbona | $133 | $164 | $164 |
| Sheridan | $140 | $139 | $139 |
| Shorewood | $92 | $88 | $88 |
| Skokie | $57 | $76 | $76 |
| Sleepy Hollow | $59 | $121 | $121 |
| Somonauk | $134 | $155 | $155 |
| South Barrington | $49 | $105 | $105 |
| South Elgin | $59-$69 | $110-$117 | $110-$117 |
| South Holland | $95 | $75 | $75 |
| Spring Grove | $105 | $161 | $161 |
| Starved Rock National Park | $216 | $204 | $204 |
| Steger | $117 | $76 | $76 |
| Stickney | $64 | $70 | $70 |
| Stone Park | $46 | $70 | $70 |
| Streamwood | $49 | $96 | $96 |
| Sugar Grove | $87 | $114 | $114 |
| Summit | $70 | $60 | $60 |
| Sycamore | $124 | $159 | $159 |
| Third Lake | $74 | $145 | $145 |
| Thornton | $99 | $74 | $74 |
| Tinley Park | $89 | $74 | $74 |
| Tower Lakes | $64 | $127 | $127 |
| Union | $92 | $161 | $161 |
| Vernon Hills | $55 | $121 | $121 |
| Villa Park | $48 | $74 | $74 |
| Virgil | $109 | $141 | $141 |
| Volo | $78 | $139 | $139 |
| Wadsworth | $78 | $148 | $148 |
| Warrenville | $58-$62 | $81 | $81 |
| Waterman | $124 | $152 | $152 |
| Wauconda | $65 | $127 | $127 |
| Waukegan | $70 | $150 | $150 |
| Wayne | $62 | $103 | $103 |
| West Chicago | $59-$63 | $94 | $94 |
| West Dundee | $59-$63 | $123 | $123 |
| Westchester | $50 | $60 | $60 |
| Western Springs | $51 | $70 | $70 |
| Westmont | $50 | $60 | $60 |
| Wheaton | $58-$60 | $75 | $75 |
| Wheeling | $44 | $100 | $100 |
| Wildwood | $70 | $139 | $139 |
| Willow Springs | $60 | $70 | $70 |
| Willowbrook | $52 | $70 | $70 |
| Wilmette | $61 | $82 | $82 |
| Winfield | $53 | $87 | $87 |
| Winnetka | $62 | $84 | $84 |
| Winthrop Harbor | 98 | $166 | $166 |
| Wonder Lake | $99 | $163 | $163 |
| Wood Dale | $45 | $76 | $76 |
| Woodridge | $64 | $66 | $66 |
| Woodstock | $92 | $166 | $166 |
| Worth | $68 | $60 | $60 |
| Yorkville | $110 | $108 | $108 |
| Zion | $90 | $157 | $157 |
FAQ´s: Travel Tips Chicago
What to know before travelling to Chicago?
Before traveling to Chicago, know that the city offers diverse neighborhoods, a reliable public transport system, and a variety of cultural attractions. Weather can vary greatly, so pack accordingly.
Do I need to tip in Chicago?
Yes, tipping is customary in Chicago. Standard practice is to tip 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and $1-2 per bag for hotel bellhops.
How to travel in Chicago as a tourist?
As a tourist, use the CTA’s “L” trains and buses for easy navigation. Purchase a Ventra Card for unlimited rides. Walking is also a great way to explore downtown, but for longer distances, consider rideshares or taxis.
Is 5 days in Chicago too much?
Five days is perfect to explore Chicago thoroughly. You can cover major attractions, visit diverse neighborhoods, enjoy local cuisine, and attend cultural events without feeling rushed.
Is Chicago tourist friendly?
Absolutely! Chicago is known for its friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere. The city offers numerous tourist attractions, excellent dining options, and a variety of entertainment venues.
Do I need cash in Chicago?
While most places accept credit and debit cards, it’s handy to have some cash for tips, small purchases, and places that might have a minimum card transaction limit.
How much do you tip a cab driver in Chicago?
Tipping cab drivers 15-20% of the fare is customary. For short trips, a minimum tip of $1-2 is appreciated.
Can you walk everywhere in Chicago?
Chicago is very walkable, especially in the downtown area. However, for trips to and from O’Hare International Airport or other distant locations, taking a taxi with a flat rate can be more convenient.
Do tourists need a car in Chicago?
No, tourists do not need a car in Chicago. The public transport system is efficient and covers most attractions. Parking can be expensive and challenging to find.
7. Conclusion
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the best that Chicago has to offer. From its vibrant neighborhoods to its iconic landmarks and diverse culinary scene, Chicago has something for every traveler. Enjoy your trip and make the most of every moment in this incredible city!