Holiday in Chicago
City in USA — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇺🇸
Country
USA
Type
City
Best time to travel
May–September (warm summer, festivals), September–October (autumn)
Budget/day
$150–250
Getting there from Germany
Direct flights from Frankfurt to Chicago O’Hare (about 9.5 hours). Blue Line L-Train from the airport to downtown ($5).
About Chicago
Chicago is America's third-largest city and an architectural masterpiece on the shores of Lake Michigan. The Windy City, as it is affectionately called, captivates with a unique skyline, a vibrant cultural scene, and a culinary diversity that is unparalleled. Here, the skyscraper was invented, and to this day, the architecture is among the most impressive in the world. Millennium Park with the iconic Cloud Gate — better known as The Bean — is the heart of the city. The Magnificent Mile offers world-class shopping, while the Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the most significant art collections in the world. A boat tour on the Chicago River reveals the architectural treasures of the city from a unique perspective. Wicker Park and Logan Square are the trendy neighborhoods with independent boutiques and hip cafes. Culinarily, Chicago is heavyweight: Deep-Dish Pizza, Chicago-Style Hot Dogs, and a growing number of star-rated restaurants make the city a gourmet paradise. The blues and jazz scene in clubs like Kingston Mines is legendary. In summer, the 42 km of lakeshore transform into beaches reminiscent of a seaside coast. With top-notch museums, lively neighborhoods, and the warmth of the Midwest, Chicago is a world city with soul.
Top 5 highlights in Chicago
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Millennium Park & Cloud Gate
The iconic park with the reflective Bean sculpture, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and the Crown Fountain.
Architecture Boat Tour
The famous boat ride on the Chicago River showcases the history of skyscrapers – the best city tour in the USA.
Art Institute of Chicago
One of the oldest and largest art museums in the USA with works by Monet, Renoir, and Grant Wood's American Gothic.
Navy Pier
Chicago's popular amusement pier on Lake Michigan with a Ferris wheel, restaurants, and fireworks in summer.
Blues & Jazz Clubs
Chicago is the blues capital of the world – live music in clubs like Buddy Guy’s Legends and Kingston Mines.
Hotels in Chicago
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für Chicago
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Chicago
Recommended travel time
May–September (warm summer, festivals), September–October (autumn)
Summer
Warm, 25–32 °C, sunny with occasional thunderstorms
Winter
Very cold, -10–-1 °C, icy wind from Lake Michigan
How much does a holiday in Chicago cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
$80–120
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
$150–250
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
$300–650
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Chicago
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Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Chicago
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
The architecture boat tour on the Chicago River is a must – best to book in the morning.
In winter, Chicago is brutally cold – as the Windy City, an icy wind blows from the lake.
Deep-Dish Pizza at Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s – NOT at tourist traps on Navy Pier.
Many museums offer certain days with free admission for Illinois visitors.
The L train system is affordable and efficient – buy a Ventra card.
Food & drink in Chicago
These specialties you must try!
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