Millennium Park, Chicago

Lonely PlanetJul 31

17 things to know before visiting Chicago

Tips on planning, transportation, etiquette, dining and more.

25 things in this story

Hyde ParkNeighborhoodBut our neighborhood guide will get you off on the right foot.
Millennium ParkParkThe park, opened in July 2004, is a prominent civic center near the city's Lake Michigan shoreline that covers a…
Wrigley FieldSightIt is the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs, one of the city's two MLB franchises.
Chicago Cultural CenterArts centreThe neoclassical building houses the city's official reception venue, where the Mayor of Chicago has welcomed…
Tribune TowerSightLoren Toney for Lonely Planet
LollapaloozaFestivalIt originally started as a touring event in 1991, but settled permanently in Chicago in 2005.
Chicago Blues FestivalFestivalIt is hosted by the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and occurs in early June.
Art InstituteMuseumPurchase tickets online in advance
Willis TowerSightOne of the top sights in Chicago
BronzevilleQuarterHas galleries and soul food restaurants
AndersonvilleNeighborhoodA jazzy, cafe-laden LGBTQ+ hub
The LoopNeighborhoodDowntown Chicago with architecturally interesting hotels
Near NorthNeighborhoodHas hotels and evening action, but pricey
Lincoln ParkNeighborhoodNamed after US president Abraham Lincoln, it is the city's largest public park and stretches for seven miles (11 km)…
Hot TixPlaceFor same-week drama, comedy, performing arts tickets
MalörtRestaurantA liquor famous for tasting awful
CubsGardenNorth Side baseball team
White SoxPlaceSouth Side baseball team
BearsAttractionFootball team igniting lots of fervor
Wicker ParkQuarter
West LoopQuarter
PilsenQuarter
Logan SquareNeighborhood
Humboldt ParkSuburb
Lake ViewNeighborhood

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Lonely PlanetJul 23

How to visit Chicago on a budget

A trip to Chicago can pack in endless art, architecture, culture, food and city sights without busting your budget.

hosts Saturday yoga and summer evening concerts

25 things in this story

Art Institute of ChicagoMuseumfree sculpture gardens and third-floor terrace
Millennium ParkParkhosts Saturday yoga and summer evening concerts
Cloud GatePublic artworkiconic sculpture in Millennium Park
Lincoln Park ZooZoohear lions roar and watch apes swing
Wrigley FieldSighthome of the Cubs
UptownNeighborhoodknown as 'Little Saigon' for Thai and Vietnamese food
HI-ChicagoHostelstalwart hostel in the heart of downtown
Wrigley HostelHostelhostel steps from Wrigley Field
Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N LoopHotelin the 1928 art deco Chicago Motor Club Building
Best Western Hawthorne TerraceHotelstately 1920s Federal-style building in Lake View
Ray's Bucktown B&BHoteltop choice with cooked-to-order breakfast
Hotel RIU Plaza ChicagoHotelstylish newcomer in a sleek 28-story tower
Chicago Architecture CenterMuseumoffers a 90-minute river cruise
WendellaFerry terminaloffers a 45-minute guided tour
Chicago Water TaxiPlaceoffers skyscraper views
Rate FieldSighthome of the White Sox
Second CityTheatrelegendary comedy venue
iO TheaterTheatreChicago improv institution
Chicago Cultural CenterArts centrefeatures free art exhibitions and Tiffany dome
Art on the MartSightlight show transforming the Mart building
Lincoln Park ConservatorySightenjoy exotic blooms
Buddy Guy's LegendsNightclubcatch a free electric blues set
National Museum of Mexican ArtMuseumpremier Latinx art institution
PilsenQuarterneighborhood with Mexican bakeries and taquerias
ChinatownNeighborhoodoffers bakeries and dim sum places

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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 story

Magnificent MileNeighborhoodIt divides the neighborhood of Streeterville, on its east, from River North, on its west.
Four Seasons ChicagoHotelExcels in family programming, near lakefront
Loews Chicago HotelHotelOffers tent setups, dive-in movies, scavenger hunts
Pendry ChicagoHotelHoused in landmark Carbon & Carbide skyscraper
Swissôtel ChicagoHotelNear Chicago River and Lakeshore East Park
Sophy Hyde ParkHotelBoutique hotel near South Side attractions
Peninsula ChicagoHotelThe hotel is part of The Peninsula Hotels group based in Hong Kong.
Shanghai TerraceRestaurantFun dumpling menu for kids
Oak Street BeachSightNearby beach accessible with hotel's wagon
Navy PierFerry terminalEasy walk from Streeterville location
Chicago Children’s MuseumMuseumNear hotel, accessible by walk
Flyover ChicagoAttractionExhilarating experience near hotel
Michigan AvenueFerry terminalStreet near hotel, good for shopping
Maggie Daley ParkParkPlayground wonderland near hotel
Shedd AquariumAquariumIt is one of the oldest continually operating non-governmental aquariums in the U.S.
Nutella CaféCaféReopening June 2026, near hotel
Millennium ParkParkThe park, opened in July 2004, is a prominent civic center near the city's Lake Michigan shoreline that covers a…
Cloud GatePublic artworkFamous Bean sculpture near hotel
Château CarbideRestaurantStylish rooftop bar with live DJ sets
Jeanne Gang’s St. RegisSightSupertower next to hotel
Museum CampusNeighborhoodSouth by car or bus from hotel
Field MuseumMuseumThe museum is popular for the size and quality of its educational and scientific programs, as well as its extensive…
Adler PlanetariumMuseumIt is operated by the Chicago Park District, a municipal government agency of the City of Chicago.
Wicker ParkQuarter
South SideNeighborhood
Loews Loves FamiliesPlace
RiverwalkTrail
Art Institute of ChicagoMuseum
Grant ParkPark

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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.

24 things in this story

Magnificent MileNeighborhoodLocated on the city's famed street.
Loews Chicago HotelHotelLively communal areas, sleek rooms, excellent food.
Pendry ChicagoHotelRejuvenating a 1929 architectural icon.
The Guesthouse HotelHotelOne of the few true neighborhood hotels.
Hotel EMC2, Autograph CollectionHotelScience-meets-art theme with sleek, contemporary design.
Arlo ChicagoHotelHip design and thoughtful amenities.
Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by HiltonHotelMost enviable tourist location on Navy Pier.
L7 Chicago by LotteHotelEmphasis on arts, wellness, and warm hospitality.
Nobu Hotel ChicagoHotelSerene retreat from the city.
OffshoreBarRooftop spot for a cocktail or mocktail.
Navy PierFerry terminalViews from certain lake-facing rooms.
RiverwalkTrailA block or two away.
Art Institute of ChicagoMuseumA bit farther.
The AlbertRestaurantOn-site restaurant references Albert Einstein.
Millennium ParkParkThe park, opened in July 2004, is a prominent civic center near the city's Lake Michigan shoreline that covers a…
Lobby Restaurant and BarRestaurantDinner is fun and pronounced.
ETA RestaurantRestaurantPopular spot for breakfast with hearty selections.
Streeterville SocialRestaurantLively rooftop serving seasonal cocktails.
LiricaRestaurantGround floor restaurant serving pan-Latin surf and turf.
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue ChicagoHotelNamed for pioneering female sculptor Gwen Lux.
Graduate EvanstonHotelNods to Northwestern University throughout.
The Graduate Homestead RoomRestaurantCozy lounge and restaurant offering seasonal dishes.
Nobu restaurantRestaurantDraws diners with chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature dishes.
Lake MichiganSight

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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.

Location of the 51-foot Christmas tree.

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 ZooZooHosts 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 ParkParkNew 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.
MiraclePlace of worshipDallas, 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 →

Millennium Park

In the coverage5 stories

17 things to know before visiting Chicago

How to visit Chicago on a budget

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

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

25 Best Cities to Spend Christmas in America