What's Trending in Chicago?
Chicago pairs architectural marvels like Willis Tower and Millennium Park with lively shopping along the Magnificent Mile and lakeside energy at Navy Pier. Dive into Chicago's top attractions, secure Willis Tower Skydeck or Chicago architecture cruise tickets, and hop between must-sees easily with flexible city passes and hop-on-hop-off transport.
From Millennium Park's bustling lawns to the vibrant boutiques of Wicker Park, you can mix iconic sights with neighborhood flavor. Choose bundled passes and seamless sightseeing bus tickets, plan epic city days, and explore beyond with day trips around the Great Lakes region.
All Chicago tickets
Chicago quick facts: airports, stations and maps
Plan your days with these essential travel details for Chicago, Illinois.
State & region: Illinois, Midwest USA
Airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Midway International Airport (MDW)
Main stations/hubs: Union Station (Amtrak, Metra), Ogilvie Transportation Center
Public transport: CTA train lines Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Purple, Pink, Yellow ("L"), Metra commuter rail
Paying fares: Ventra Card (reloadable, daily/weekly fare capping for CTA, Metra contactless extended use)
Coordinates: 41.8781° N, 87.6298° W
Popular neighborhoods for visitors: The Loop, River North, Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, South Loop, West Loop, Gold Coast, Near North Side
Sports & recreation: Lake Michigan beaches, Wrigley Field, Grant Park
Recent update: Ventra Card now covers both CTA trains and buses with easy tap-to-enter, making it the simplest way to move across Chicago's neighborhoods and reach top attractions like Millennium Park and Navy Pier.
Top things to do in Chicago
Start with skyline icons, then add river cruises, curated museums, lakeshore walks, and local food spots for Chicago’s essential mix.
Willis Tower Skydeck admission for epic 103rd-floor city views and "The Ledge" glass platform thrills
360 Chicago Observation Deck at John Hancock Tower for panoramic lake and skyline vistas
Walk Millennium Park, snap your photo with Cloud Gate ("The Bean") and enjoy seasonal events
Stroll the Magnificent Mile for high-energy shopping and famous eateries
Explore Navy Pier’s rides, Chicago Children’s Museum, and outdoor performances by Lake Michigan
Book a Chicago River Architecture Cruise for immersive commentary on landmark buildings like Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building
Dive into world collections at the Art Institute of Chicago
See natural wonders (and Sue the T. Rex) at the Field Museum of Natural History
Tour historic neighborhoods like Wicker Park for indie shopping and food, or Lincoln Park for its namesake park and zoo
Walk or bike the Lakefront Trail connecting downtown to North Side beaches
Try deep-dish pizza or browse food markets in West Loop’s Fulton Market District
Catch a Cubs game or take a Wrigley Field tour in Lakeview
Tickets and passes in Chicago
Booking ahead with Chicago city passes or combo attraction tickets saves time, offers flexibility, and often unlocks skip-the-line access for the busiest sights.
Top 3 Attractions Pass: Bundled entry for 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Art Institute of Chicago, and Field Museum of Natural History—good for line-skipping and value
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour tickets: Choose 24- or 48-hour passes for unlimited transport between downtown’s sightseeing highlights
Chicago River Architecture Cruise tickets: Book a specific departure for a 75-minute narrated tour with reserved seating
Willis Tower Skydeck timed admission: Timed entry slots are required and popular times often sell out
Combo & multi-attraction packages: Secure bundled admission covering multiple venues at a discount
If you plan to visit at least two or three paid sights in a couple of days, a Chicago attraction pass or bundled ticket package can be excellent value and removes hassle at entry.
Getting around Chicago by train, bus and boat
The CTA “L” system covers all central neighborhoods, connecting easily with Metra trains, buses, and even water taxis—making Chicago surprisingly easy to explore without a car.
CTA lines: Red and Blue Lines intersect downtown, with the Blue Line connecting O'Hare Airport (ORD); Orange Line links Midway Airport (MDW)
Ventra Card: Tap to pay on trains and buses citywide; reload online or at stations
Airport access: O'Hare to downtown via Blue Line (ca. 45 min), Midway via Orange Line (25 min)
Metra trains: Fast regional access from Union/Ogilvie stations to suburbs and select attractions
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Easy way to sightsee along the lakefront and reach key stops, tickets cover 24-48 hour durations
Divvy bikes: Bike-share docks along the Lakefront Trail and near major attractions, tap with a card or app
Chicago Water Taxi: Connects downtown, Navy Pier, and Chinatown during warmer months
Rush hour can lead to packed trains and buses from 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.—plan visits to top attractions just outside peak times for easier journeys and fewer crowds.
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
May through October offers the best weather in Chicago, with spring (60–75°F) and autumn crisp and less crowded. Summer brings lively festivals and lakefront activity but can get busy—book popular attractions in advance. Winters (December–March) are cold (20–35°F), with snow and shorter hours at some venues, though holiday events and indoor museums stay open.
How many days do you need in Chicago?
In two days, you can visit highlights like Millennium Park, Willis Tower Skydeck, and a river architecture cruise. Three to four days adds the Field Museum, Art Institute, Navy Pier, and Wicker Park strolls. With five days or more, explore Lincoln Park Zoo, catch a Cubs game, or day trip to suburban attractions by Metra rail.
Is the Chicago Top 3 Attractions Pass worth it?
The Top 3 Attractions Pass is great value if you plan to see 360 Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Field Museum. It includes skip-the-line benefits, timed entry, and bundled savings. If you’ll only visit one sight, single tickets make more sense, but the pass is cost-effective for short, active stays.
What are the must-see attractions in Chicago?
Don’t miss Willis Tower Skydeck (The Ledge), Millennium Park (Cloud Gate), the Magnificent Mile, Chicago River Architecture Cruise, the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum of Natural History, and Navy Pier. These cover city views, art and science, shopping, entertainment, and Chicago’s iconic lakefront—all easily linked by urban transit and sightseeing buses.
Do I need to book Willis Tower Skydeck tickets in advance?
Yes, advance reservations are strongly advised for Willis Tower Skydeck, especially for weekend afternoons, holidays, and spring/summer months. Timed slots often sell out fast for “The Ledge.” If your dates are firm or you want sunset views, secure tickets early. Early mornings or late evenings tend to offer shorter waits if you book last-minute.
How do I get from O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) to downtown Chicago?
From O'Hare, take the CTA Blue Line train directly to The Loop in about 45 minutes. From Midway, the CTA Orange Line reaches downtown in 25 minutes. Shuttle buses, taxis, and rideshares (Uber, Lyft) are also available. Metra trains don’t serve the airports directly but connect at nearby stops.
Where should I stay in Chicago?
The Loop offers proximity to Millennium Park, theaters, and river cruises. River North is lively for nightlife and dining. Lincoln Park is great for families—near the zoo and lakefront. Wicker Park fits indie shops and bars. Gold Coast and Magnificent Mile provide upscale amenities with quick access to shopping and classic attractions.
Can I get around Chicago without a car?
Absolutely—Chicago’s CTA “L” trains, buses, Metra commuter rail, and the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus serve nearly every attraction and neighborhood. Walking and biking are practical in central areas, with Divvy bikes available citywide. Most popular sights are transit-connected, and traffic plus high parking costs make going car-free the easy choice for visitors.