Chicago Vacation Guide & Travel Information

About Chicago

The Chicago skyline marks the gateway to culture and to an incredible adventure for visitors of all ages. Approach Chicago from any direction, and marvel at the incomparable view. Explore nearly thirty miles of Lake Michigan shoreline in this water enthusiast’s paradise. Savor the aromas and flavors of the wide variety of dining choices. Visit museums, art galleries, and parks. Enjoy a ballet, a symphony, an opera, a leisurely day of shopping the Magnificent Mile, and a stroll along the waterfront.

The skyline dominates the view along Lakeshore Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. In the foreground, is one of the finest aquariums in the world, the John G. Shedd Aquarium. To the right of the skyline, reaching out into Lake Michigan, is the impressive 3000 foot-long Navy Pier. The large globe-like structure on the hill is the Adler Planetarium.

Chicago‘s architectural achievements include the Sears Tower and the Tribune Tower, whose base includes stones from famous buildings throughout the world. The Art Institute of Chicago houses a world-class collection, from Impressionist masters to more contemporary works in photography and ethnic art. From there, many of the city's major cultural and tourist attractions are within walking distance, including the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Hancock Tower.

What would Chicago be without the blues? The original House of Blues is located on Dearborn Street and hosts the current masters of this music. The heart of downtown, formed by the Loop of elevated train tracks, has additional energy these days, invigorated by the renovation of the grand old theaters, the opening of Millennium Park, and the enhanced nightlife options that are breathing new life into this fabulous city.

We constantly update Chicago vacation deals and flights + hotel packages. We also have great last minute Chicago vacations or if you just need a hotel, check out our discount hotels in Chicago. You can also book popular sightseeing tours in Chicago and save your vacation time.

Chicago is served by two main airports: O'Hare International (ORD), 27km (17mi) northwest of downtown, is the world's busiest air hub; Midway (MDW), 19km (12mi) southwest of downtown, is much smaller and is primarily served by discount carriers.

The El, an elevated train, is the quickest and cheapest mode of transportation between O'Hare and Midway airports and the Loop downtown. Shuttle buses leave at regular intervals from both airports to major downtown hotels and there are lots of taxis waiting to whisk you into the city, though they're expensive. All the major car rental companies have outposts at the airport, as well as branches in the city.

The city's streets are set up in a grid pattern, providing ease of navigation. Parking is often hard to find. Taxis are readily available. The elevated El trains are color coded and run through the downtown Loop every five to fifteen minutes during the day Walking is an option year round as the underground Pedway pedestrian tunnels link more than 40 blocks of the central business district.

El & the Subway : Chicago has the biggest El in the country, and the second-largest public transportation system. The rapid transit system operates five major lines, which the CTA identifies by color: The Red Line runs north-south; the Green Line runs west-south; the Blue Line runs through Wicker Park/Bucktown west-northwest to O'Hare Airport; the Brown Line runs in a northern zigzag route; and the Orange Line runs southwest, serving Midway airport. A separate express line, the Purple Line, services Evanston, while a smaller, local line in Skokie (the Yellow Line) is linked to the north-south Red Line. Skokie and Evanston are adjacent suburbs on Chicago's northern boundary. More Information

Chicago's Union Station is the hub for Amtrak (tel: 800 872 7245; www.amtrak.com), with more connections than any other city. Trains leave regularly for Midwestern cities like Milwaukee (2hrs) and Indianapolis (5hrs), as well as long-haul destinations like Boston (23hrs). Amtrak is usually faster than Greyhound, and much more comfortable.

Chicago is full of attractions for all ages. Below is a list of some suggested things to do in Chicago. You can also book some of these attractions online and save your vacation time.

Go Chicago Card is an all-inclusive visitor pass which gets you unlimited admission to over 25 attractions for one low price.

Millennium Park
Three square blocks of open lakefront complete with a Ferris Wheel, outdoor music pavillion and ice skating rink; expected to become one of the city's most popular sites.

Field Museum
One of America's premier natural history museums, the Field's "Live over Time" exhibit now houses "Sue," the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered.

Museum of Science and Industry
A pioneer in the use of interactive displays, the museum is billed as the Western Hemisphere's largest science museum located in a single building.

Art Institute of Chicago
This Classical Renaissance structure, guarded by two bronze lions at its entrance, boasts one of the world's great art collections, including the trademark "American Gothic."

Sears Tower
A ride to the top of North America's tallest building gives you a panoramic view of the architecture, neighborhoods and lake that make Chicago unique.

Navy Pier
Chicago's top tourist attraction offers 50 acres of parks, gardens (beer and botanical), shops, restaurants, cultural attractions and a 150-foot Ferris wheel.

Shedd Aquarium
The recreated environments of the Amazon River and Philippine coral reefs at the Shedd Aquarium are only outdone by its newest exhibit, "Wild Reef - Sharks at Shedd," one of the largest and most diverse shark exhibits in North America.

Magnificent Mile
This upscale shopping district on North Michigan Avenue sparkles during the holiday season with the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, featuring street sales, holiday music and entertainment.

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
The Adler has a prime location on the lake, but keeps its eyes on the stars.

Buckingham Fountain
Chicago's landmark is considered one of America's finest fountains due to its Beaux-Arts-style landscape design, finely wrought bronze sculpture and innovative use of technology.

Lincoln Park Zoo
Established in 1868, this 35-acre, beautifully landscaped zoo is one of America's last free-admission zoos. The Great Ape House has one of the best assemblages of gorillas and chimpanzees in the world.

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