Welcome to Chicago

Chicago is Illinois' largest city and America's third-largest metropolis located on the shores of Lake Michigan, known for its stunning architecture, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant cultural scene. This dynamic city is known for its architectural innovation, cultural diversity, and unique "Windy City" personality that has shaped the Midwest for generations.

From the iconic Millennium Park and Navy Pier to the beautiful Magnificent Mile and Willis Tower, Chicago offers visitors a perfect blend of architectural marvels, cultural richness, and Midwestern hospitality. The city also boasts the Art Institute, Wrigley Field, and some of the best deep-dish pizza in America.

2,746,388 Population

594 ft Elevation

189 Sunny Days

📊 Travel Information & Statistics

Essential travel data to help you plan your perfect Chicago adventure

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March-May) Baseball season, outdoor activities, perfect weather

Fall (September-November) Comfortable temperatures, outdoor recreation, cultural events

Peak Season March-May, September-November (Spring and Fall tourism)

Average Temperature

Jan 22°F / 34°F

Apr 45°F / 58°F

Jul 68°F / 84°F

Oct 48°F / 62°F

Humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters

Airports

O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Main airport, 17 miles from downtown Chicago

Major airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, United, JetBlue
Direct flights to major US cities
Rental car services available

Midway International Airport (MDW)

Alternative airport, 8 miles from downtown Chicago

Domestic flights
Budget airline options
Shuttle services to Chicago

Travel Statistics

Annual Visitors 50+ million

Hotel Rooms 45,000+

Restaurants 7,000+

Cultural Attractions 200+

Average Hotel Price $220/night

Public Transit CTA bus/rail system

Flight Statistics

Daily Flights 2,500+

Direct Destinations 200+ cities

Average Flight Price $350

Peak Travel Months Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Major Airlines 10+ carriers

On-time Performance 85%

Airport Operations

Terminals 1

Gates 200+

Parking Spaces 50,000+

Rental Car Companies 15

Distance to Downtown 17 miles

Ground Transportation Shuttle, Taxi, Bus

Local Transportation

Rail Lines 8 lines

Bus Frequency 5-15 min

Fare $2.50

Operating Hours 4AM-1AM

Bike Share Stations 600+

Ride Share Uber, Lyft

Cultural & Entertainment

Cultural Attractions 200+

Sports Venues 15+

Entertainment Districts 20+

Movie Theaters 25

Museums 60+

Annual Events 400+

Outdoor Recreation

Lake Michigan Water recreation

Bike Paths 200+ miles

Golf Courses 25

Millennium Park Urban recreation

Parks 600+

Weather Year-round activities

Popular Destinations & Demographics

Top Domestic Origin New York

Top International Origin Canada

Popular Airlines American, United

Average Age 35 years

Financial Industry 30%

Average Stay 3.2 days

Shopping & Retail

Cultural Attractions 200+

Sports Venues 15+

Average Spending $450/person

Financial Industry $15B annually

Tax Rate 10.25%

Popular Items Deep-Dish Pizza, Architecture, Culture

Safety & Health

Crime Rate Low

Hospitals 15 major

Urgent Care Centers 50+

Pharmacies 100+

Emergency Services 24/7

Tourist Safety Excellent

🌟 Top Attractions in Chicago

Discover the must-see destinations and experiences in Illinois' Windy City

Millennium Park

Experience Chicago's iconic Millennium Park featuring the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, and outdoor concerts that showcase the city's commitment to public art and green spaces.

Year-round 2-4 hours Downtown Chicago

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Navy Pier

Discover Navy Pier featuring the iconic Ferris wheel, boat tours, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues that make it one of Chicago's most popular tourist destinations on Lake Michigan.

Year-round 3-6 hours Navy Pier

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Deep-Dish Pizza

Experience Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza featuring thick crust, generous toppings, and unique preparation methods that have made this iconic dish a symbol of Chicago's culinary heritage.

Year-round 1-2 hours Throughout Chicago

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Magnificent Mile

Explore the Magnificent Mile featuring luxury shopping, fine dining, historic architecture, and entertainment options that make it one of America's premier shopping and entertainment districts.

Year-round 3-6 hours Michigan Avenue

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Willis Tower

Visit the Willis Tower featuring the Skydeck observation deck, glass ledge experience, and panoramic views of Chicago and Lake Michigan from one of America's tallest buildings.

Year-round 2-3 hours Downtown Chicago

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Art Institute

Explore the Art Institute of Chicago featuring world-class art collections, special exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural experiences that showcase one of America's premier art museums.

Year-round 2-4 hours Grant Park

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🍽️ Chicago's Deep-Dish Pizza & Illinois Flavors

Savor the flavors of Illinois' culinary heritage with Chicago's diverse dining scene

Deep-Dish Pizza & Illinois Flavors

Experience Chicago's diverse deep-dish pizza cuisine featuring thick crust, generous toppings, traditional Chicago-style dishes, and innovative culinary experiences that showcase the region's rich food culture and Illinois heritage.

Top Deep-Dish Restaurants:

Giordano's
Lou Malnati's
Gino's East

Chicago Cuisine & Local Flavors

Discover Chicago's diverse food culture featuring deep-dish pizza restaurants, fine dining, and innovative culinary experiences influenced by the city's architectural heritage and Midwestern hospitality.

Must-Try Local Spots:

Deep-Dish Pizza Restaurants
Magnificent Mile Dining
River North Eateries

Visit Chicago

Welcome to Chicago

📊 Travel Information & Statistics

Best Time to Travel

Average Temperature

Airports

O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Midway International Airport (MDW)

Travel Statistics

Flight Statistics

Airport Operations

Local Transportation

Cultural & Entertainment

Outdoor Recreation

Popular Destinations & Demographics

Shopping & Retail

Safety & Health

🚗 Rent a Car in Chicago

🌟 Top Attractions in Chicago

Millennium Park

Navy Pier

Deep-Dish Pizza

Magnificent Mile

Willis Tower

Art Institute

🍽️ Chicago's Deep-Dish Pizza & Illinois Flavors

Deep-Dish Pizza & Illinois Flavors

Top Deep-Dish Restaurants:

Chicago Cuisine & Local Flavors

Must-Try Local Spots:

🏨 Where to Stay in Chicago

✈️ Find Flights to Chicago

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