Lonely PlanetJul 31
17 things to know before visiting Chicago
Tips on planning, transportation, etiquette, dining and more.
A jazzy, cafe-laden LGBTQ+ hub
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