TRAVELRAGS

Chicago

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See. International Festival of Life↗ Experience Caribbean rhythms, African traditions, and global culture with live performances and vendors. Obama Presidential Center↗×2 pubs Visit this new institution on the South Side with a 225-foot tower and 19-acre park. Vinny's Circle↗ Find this alcove at DePaul University in Lincoln Park, where students make wishes. Ogilvie Traffic Cone Spot the persistent orange traffic cone on a ledge outside the Ogilvie Transportation Center.

Eat. Recent coverage hasn't surfaced specific picks yet.

Stay. Peninsula Chicago↗ A family-friendly hotel in Gold Coast, offering a relaxed and glamorous experience.

Lonely PlanetJul 17, 2026

11 perfect day trips from Chicago

Explore beyond the endless delights of The Windy City with these 11 excellent day trips from Chicago.

20 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetJul 16

Riding the California Zephyr

The Amtrak route between the San Francisco Bay area to Chicago shows a diverse cross-section of the nation that you won

16 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Condé Nast TravelerJul 13

The Best Aquariums in the US

Marine life encounters, giant whale sharks, and conservation programs are all on the table at the best aquariums in the US.

13 things in this story
  • Tennessee AquariumMuseumIt opened in 1992 on the banks of the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga, with a major expansion added in 2005.
  • Seattle AquariumMuseumThe aquarium opened in 1977 and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
  • Monterey Bay AquariumMuseumKnown for its regional focus on the marine habitats of Monterey Bay, it was the first to exhibit a living kelp forest…
  • Shedd AquariumAquariumChicago's aquarium.
  • Oregon Coast AquariumMuseum
  • Aquarium of HawaiiMuseum
  • Elsewhere
  • Georgia AquariumAquariumAtlanta, United StatesAward-winning program with puppyish sea lions.
  • OdySea AquariumAquariumScottsdale, United StatesOnly rotating aquarium in the world, features OdySea Voyager.
  • Birch AquariumAquariumSan Diego, United StatesIt serves as the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San…
  • Alaska SeaLife CenterAquariumSeward, United StatesIt is located on the shores of Resurrection Bay in Seward.
  • Adventure AquariumAquariumCamden, United StatesThe Adventure Aquarium, formerly the Thomas H.
  • National AquariumAquariumBaltimore, United StatesExplore award-winning exhibits and meet all the animals at the National Aquarium, located on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
  • Audubon Aquarium of the AmericasAquariumNew Orleans, United States
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerJul 10

Falling Back in Love With Chicago, After Years Living in New York

A native Chicagoan returns to realize that the city's food, culture, and good nature may just make the Midwestern powerhouse the most likable city in America.

25 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerJul 8

The 21 Best Rooftop Bars in Chicago for Views of Lake Michigan and Wrigley Field

These cocktail spots will make you forget all about Willis Tower.

47 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Atlas ObscuraJul 1

These Five Fantastic Events Are Worth Traveling For

The United States is celebrating its 250th birthday this weekend, but there are loads more events to get excited about around the world this weekend. The International Festival of Life transforms Chicago into a living crossroads of Caribbean rhythms, African traditions, and global culture. Live performances fill the air while vendors offer a marketplace of crafts, goods, and stories from around…

6 things in this storyRead the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

BBC TravelJun 26

The US that World Cup fans didn't expect to love

From roadside convenience stores to lonely landscapes, travellers are discovering little-known slices of Americana away from the host cities.

13 things in this story
  • Route 66TrailRoad known for kitschy roadside stops.
  • Elsewhere
  • Zion National ParkSightSpringdale, United StatesPark with golden orange arches.
  • Grand CanyonSightGrand Canyon Village, United StatesThe Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile.
  • Buc-ee'sRestaurantLake Jackson, United StatesConvenience store, restaurant, petrol station, supermarket.
  • Waffle HouseRestaurantNorcross, United StatesSouthern US institution for breakfast.
  • US National Park systemSightWashington, United StatesSystem of parks with majestic landscapes.
  • Louisiana's lowland swampsSightNew Orleans, United StatesDiverse landscapes to marvel at.
  • Beaver NuggetsPlaceLake Jackson, United StatesPetrol station food.
  • WalmartPlaceBentonville, United States
  • Bass Pro ShopPlaceSpringfield, United States
  • CostcoSightIssaquah, United States
  • Dunkin' DonutsRestaurantCanton, United States
  • Jamba JuiceRestaurantFrisco, United States
Read the full piece at BBC Travel →

Condé Nast TravelerJun 19

Headed to Chicago With Kids? The Best Family-Friendly Hotels That Adults Will Love Too

Whether you’re eying the Magnificent Mile, Wicker Park, or the historic South Side, these stylish Chicago hotels go all-in for all ages.

29 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Smithsonian MagazineJun 18

Here's How the Obama Presidential Center Is Different From Other Presidents' Museums

More than a library and archives, the new Chicago institution is a place for the community to gather, talk and play together

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Condé Nast TravelerJun 17

35 Best Hotels in Chicago for a True Taste of Midwestern Hospitality

Since you'll need more than one visit to scratch the surface of this beautiful city, here's where we stay when we go.

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OutsideJun 6

The Best Dog Beaches in America, According to Dogs

There's something special about a place where people and their dogs can relax, play, and experience the outdoors together. These seven destinations do it best.

6 sights in this story
  • Montrose Dog BeachSightNearly four acres fenced in on Lake Michigan.
  • Elsewhere
  • Huntington Dog BeachSightHuntington Beach, United StatesMile-and-a-half stretch of sand where pets can run wild.
  • De Soto ParkSightTampa, United StatesWell-loved dog beach with two leash-free locations.
  • Jupiter ParkSightPalm Beach County, United StatesBoasts 2.5 miles of coastline where dogs can roam free.
  • Ocean Beach ParkSightSan Diego, United StatesOriginal OG of dog parks in California, first off-leash beach.
  • Elephant Butte Lake State ParkSightTruth or Consequences, United StatesDog-friendly area where many swim and play with their dogs.
Read the full piece at Outside →

Atlas ObscuraMay 14

Vinny's Circle in Chicago, Illinois

At DePaul University in Lincoln Park, a small alcove can be found off the east side of the Quad between the John T. Richardson Library and the Schmidt Academic Center. This alcove is called St. Vincent's circle, but most students refer to it as "Vinny's Circle". The alcove houses a bronze statue of St. Vincent De Paul sitting and engaging in lively conversation with two bronze DePaul students.…

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Atlas ObscuraApr 28

Route 66: The Mother Road

Since the early 1920s, when word first spread of a highway that would run from Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 has defined the American dream—symbolizing the country's sense of freedom, ingenuity, and continuous transformation. Join us as we drive the "Mother Road" from start to finish, exploring everything from outsider art to indigenous history. Episode 1: The Mother Road We start our journe…

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Smithsonian MagazineFeb 2

Here Are 250 Places to Visit to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday. How Many Have You Been To?

Journey around the nation with this interactive map, divided by region or category, and discover American history in a way you’ve never seen before

25 things in this storyRead the full piece at Smithsonian Magazine →

Condé Nast TravelerJan 13

The Best Places to Visit in April, From Chicago to Minas Gerais

There are reasons to plan a trip this spring, including a new hiking trail on a Greek peninsula and the opening of Obama's presidential library in Chicago.

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Condé Nast TravelerJan 12

The Ultimate Film Buff’s Bucket List: 8 Hotels You'll Recognize Instantly

Did you know you can book them?

10 things in this story
  • Four Seasons ChicagoHotelpool scene for Home Alone 2 was filmed here
  • Elsewhere
  • Park Hyatt TokyoHotelRome, Italymade famous by the rendezvous between Bob Harris and Charlotte
  • Four Seasons MauiHotelRome, Italyreported a 425% rise in website visits after White Lotus aired
  • The SavoyPlace of worshipLondon, United KingdomLancaster Ballroom hosted a scene in Notting Hill; also filmed The Crown
  • Plaza Hotel New YorkHotelNew York, United Statesfeatured in Home Alone 2, The Way We Were, and Sleepless in Seattle
  • Relais Bourgondisch CruyceHotelBruges, Belgiumfeatured in the film In Bruges; guests can sit where characters had breakfast
  • The Stanley HotelHotelEstes Park, United Statesinspired Stephen King's The Shining; offers The Shining tours
  • Chateau MarmontHotelLos Angeles, United Statesactor rite of passage; featured in Somewhere and La La Land
  • Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons HotelHotelLos Angeles, United Statescenters Pretty Woman; offers a 'Pretty Woman Package'
  • Hotel Ravla KhempurHotelUdaipur, Indiareal-life location for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerJan 10

Your 2026 Sports Travel Bucket List, From Milan to Mexico

From Wimbledon to the Melbourne Cup, here’s your month-by-month guide to the year’s must-see sporting events around the globe.

24 things in this story
  • WNBA All-Star WeekendFestivalHighlights the league’s top players and women's basketball growth.
  • Elsewhere
  • Six Nations RugbyFestivalLondon, United KingdomEurope's premier rugby tournament uniting six storied nations.
  • Australian OpenFestivalMelbourne, AustraliaKicks off the year's tennis calendar with sun-splashed courts.
  • Hard Rock StadiumSightMiami Gardens, United StatesHosts the coronation game of the college football season.
  • X GamesFestivalAspen, United StatesHosts skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobile athletes.
  • Australian Grand PrixFestivalMelbourne, AustraliaFormula 1 season opener with high-speed drama.
  • Final FourFestivalIndianapolis, United StatesCulmination of March Madness, college basketball.
  • Masters TournamentFestivalAugusta, United StatesElegant rite of spring marked by meticulous course conditions.
  • Boston MarathonFestivalBoston, United StatesWorld's oldest annual marathon embodying perseverance and heart.
  • Kentucky DerbyFestivalLouisville, United StatesMost recognizable event in American horse racing.
  • Champions League FinalFestivalBudapest, HungaryCulminating match of European club football.
  • French OpenFestivalParis, FranceOnly Grand Slam played on clay courts.
  • 2026 FIFA World CupFestivalMexico City, MexicoFirst edition to feature 48 teams across three countries.
  • NBA FinalsFestivalNew York, United StatesDetermines the league champion through a best-of-seven series.
  • US OpenFestivalSouthampton, United StatesOne of golf’s four major championships.
  • WimbledonFestivalLondon, United KingdomOldest tennis tournament in the world defined by traditions.
  • British Grand PrixFestivalSilverstone, United KingdomOne of Formula 1’s longest-running races.
  • PalioFestivalSiena, ItalyHistoric horse race contested between Siena’s districts.
  • Commonwealth GamesFestivalGlasgow, United KingdomEvent structured around shared histories, bringing athletes together.
  • 2026 Winter OlympicsFestivalMilan, ItalyAlpine, skating, and ice competitions set against Dolomites.
  • Super Bowl LXFestivalSanta Clara, United StatesAmerica's unofficial national holiday, sport and cultural showcase.
  • T20 World CupFestivalMumbai, IndiaCricket's fastest format with explosive batting and stadiums.
  • Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter GamesFestivalMilan, ItalyShowcases athletes competing in six para-sports.
  • Tour de FranceFestivalParis, FranceSpans 21 stages across varied terrain.
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerJan 5

Where to Travel in 2026, According to Your Sign

Japan, Colombia, Mexico, Finland—there's a lot to see in 2026, and your horoscope can tell you which will be the best fit.

4 things in this story
  • Route 66Traillegendary highway for discovery and freedom
  • Elsewhere
  • UluruSightYulara, Australiaspiritually charged, visually breathtaking, culturally profound
  • Chiriquí ProvincePlaceDavid, Panamalush region of mountains, forests, and coastline
  • Northern Chilean PatagoniaPlacePunta Arenas, Chileglacial lakes, volcanic peaks, healing waters
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Atlas ObscuraDec 3, 2025

The Ogilvie Traffic Cone in Chicago, Illinois

High above the sidewalk outside Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center, a single orange traffic cone sits on a narrow concrete ledge, too high to reach, too random to explain, and too stubborn to fall. According to Google Street View imagery, the cone has occupied this exact spot since at least June 2011, quietly accumulating its own micro-legend over more than a decade. While some may conside…

2 sights in this storyRead the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Condé Nast TravelerNov 26, 2025

25 Best Cities to Spend Christmas in America

You never have to venture far across the States to find holiday cheer.

25 things in this story
  • Magnificent MileNeighborhoodIt divides the neighborhood of Streeterville, on its east, from River North, on its west.
  • Millennium ParkParkLocation of the 51-foot Christmas tree.
  • ChristkindlmarketMarketEuropean-inspired holiday market.
  • Let It ShineFestivalDrive-through Christmas lights display.
  • The Godfrey HotelHotelOffers heated igloos.
  • ZooLightsFestivalAnnual light festival at Lincoln Park Zoo with 2.5 million LEDs.
  • Lincoln Park ZooSightHosts the ZooLights annual light festival.
  • The Langham, ChicagoHotelHoused in a landmark Mies van der Rohe building along the Chicago River.
  • Elsewhere
  • Grand Ole OpryTheatreNashville, United StatesIt was founded on November 28, 1925, by George D.
  • Cosmopolitan of Las VegasHotelLas Vegas, United StatesOffers rooftop ice skating.
  • City ParkSightNew Orleans, United StatesBecomes a wonderland for the entire month with Celebration in the Oaks.
  • Canyon Road Farolito WalkFestivalSanta Fe, United StatesChristmas Eve event with farolitos lining streets and adobe buildings.
  • Rosewood Inn of the AnasaziHotelSanta Fe, United StatesCondé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Award favorite with kiva fireplaces.
  • Holiday at the ArboretumFestivalDallas, United StatesChristmas village with millions of lights and visits with Santa.
  • Dallas Zoo LightsFestivalDallas, United StatesDrive-through light route at the Dallas Zoo.
  • Galleria Dallas Ice Skating CenterSightDallas, United StatesSkate next to the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree.
  • MiracleRestaurantDallas, United StatesChristmas-themed pop-up bar at Royal 38.
  • Rosewood Mansion on Turtle CreekHotelDallas, United StatesHotel with beautiful grounds and tasty food.
  • Country ChristmasFestivalNashville, United StatesChristmas shows, ice skating, and light displays at Gaylord Opryland.
  • Gaylord OprylandHotelNashville, United StatesHosts "Country Christmas" with shows, ice skating, and lights.
  • Jingle BeatFestivalNashville, United StatesTwo-mile drive-through light show at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.
  • NoelleHotelNashville, United StatesHotel with a Holiday Glow Package and Sugar & Vice pop-up bar.
  • Sugar & ViceRestaurantNashville, United StatesGlitter-soaked pop-up bar with seasonal bites and drinks.
  • Celebration in the OaksFestivalNew Orleans, United StatesFestival with vendors, food, and decorations in City Park.
  • The Ritz-Carlton, New OrleansHotelNew Orleans, United StatesOffers holiday offerings like gingerbread house building and Christmas Eve dinner.
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerNov 20, 2025

The Friendliest Cities in the US, According to Our Readers

Places that embody Midwest nice, Southern hospitality, and more.

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Condé Nast TravelerNov 14, 2025

The Best Boutique Hotels in Chicago, From River North to Hyde Park

With fewer rooms, a personalized feel, and unique decor, these boutiques offer a fun new side to a well-loved city.

37 things in this story
  • Obama Presidential CenterMuseumbeing built in nearby Jackson Park
  • Jackson ParkParkLocated in the Woodlawn community, Jackson Park totals 551.52 acres and features a gymnasium, three multi-purpose…
  • Sophy Hyde ParkHotel98-room gem on community's commercial strip
  • River NorthNeighborhoodIt is adjacent to the Magnificent Mile retail and tourism corridor.
  • The Publishing House Bed & BreakfastHotelA millennial B&B in Chicago , with a personable team, contemporary loft setting, vintage decor, and a great location…
  • The RobeyHotelGrupo Habita turned a 1929 office building in central Chicago into a cool, cleaned-up industrial space with brass…
  • Soho House ChicagoHotelpart of social club with private lounge
  • The Emily HotelHotelformerly Ace Hotel
  • Nobu Hotel ChicagoHotelserene refuge with tinted-glass façade
  • Peninsula ChicagoHotelThe hotel is part of The Peninsula Hotels group based in Hong Kong.
  • The Press RoomRestaurantlively wine bar in building's basement
  • Hyde ParkNeighborhoodBut our neighborhood guide will get you off on the right foot.
  • SophyHotelLet this South Side stunner with a strong art collection, clever restaurant.
  • Museum of Science and IndustryMuseumwithin walking distance of Sophy
  • Damen AvenuePlaceIt is 2.5 miles (4.0 km) west of State Street, the city's north–south baseline.
  • Café RobeyCafésun-drenched booths for enjoying wine
  • ForaRestaurantglobally-inspired restaurant with all-day menus
  • Selva RooftopRestaurantcocktail bar serving Latin American sips
  • Sushi by BouRestaurantomakase experience set to hip-hop beats
  • NobuHotelsignature restaurant packs in sushi cognoscenti
  • Au ChevalRestaurantAu Cheval styles itself after a diner, but this ain’t your average road trip joint.
  • MomotaroRestaurantLed by Executive Chef Gene Kato, Momotaro is a multi-dimensional Japanese restaurant located in West Loop, Chicago.
  • Girl & the GoatRestaurantDiscover bold, globally-inspired cuisine at Girl & The Goat in Los Angeles and Chicago.
  • MonteverdeRestaurantLocated in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Monteverde is an Italian restaurant that blends the traditions of Italian…
  • Acme Hotel CompanyHotelhipster hotel with tech angle
  • Berkshire RoomBarscene-y bar at Acme Hotel
  • Bodega BarBarcozy bar at Acme Hotel
  • Bunny SlopeRestaurantaprès-ski themed lounge at Acme Hotel
  • Silversmith Hotel Chicago DowntownHotelDiscover a luxurious boutique hotel in the Downtown Chicago Loop with elegant rooms and a restaurant, one block from…
  • AdamusBarrestaurant and lounge with handcrafted cocktails
  • Ivy Boutique HotelHotelluxury stay near Chicago River
  • University of ChicagoPlace
  • Wicker ParkQuarter
  • West LoopQuarter
  • DrakeHotel
  • Milwaukee AvenueHotel
  • North AvenuePlace
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerOct 13, 2025

The Best Airbnb in Every State Across the US

From sea to shining sea, we’ve surfaced palatial mansions, tiny houses, and everything in between.

23 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →
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