Things to do in Chicago
Go To Top ↑
Museums:
The ‘Windy City” is home to several world class museums depicting Chicago’s historic roots.
Field Museum of Natural History: sits on Lake Shore Drive next to Lake Michigan, part of a scenic complex known as ‘the Museum Campus Chicago’. The museum collections contain over 21 million specimens, of which only a small portion are on display. Many animal specimens are on display in exhibits like Nature Walk, Mammals of Asia, Mammals of Africa and several other exhibits. Through these exhibits, visitors can get a close look at the diverse habitats.
Art Institute of Chicago: is an encyclopedic fine art museum. The Art Institute has one of the world's most notable collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in its permanent collection. Its diverse holdings include significant Old Master works, American art, European and American decorative arts, Asian art and modern and contemporary art.
Museum of Contemporary Photography: is the only museum in the Midwest with a commitment to photography. The museum’s permanent collection is comprised of more than 9,000 photographs and photographically related objects dating back to 1936. The museum's collections illustrate the diversity of regional, national and international photographic practices.
Prominent Attractions:
Chicago is home to several other attractions well worth a visit.
Lincoln Park: is Chicago's largest public park with recreational facilities that include baseball diamonds, basketball courts, softball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, field houses and a golf course. It includes a number of harbors with boating facilities, as well as public beaches. There are landscaped gardens, a zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and a theater that hosts outdoor performances during the summer.
John Hancock Center: is currently the fourth-tallest building in Chicago and the sixth-tallest in the United States. The building is home to offices and restaurants. One of the most famous buildings of the structural expressionist style is the multi-use skyscraper, distinguished by its tapering shape and the enormous X braces, which helps stabilize its 100 stories.
Michigan Avenue Bridge: is a bascule bridge, which begins at Michigan Avenue and goes across the Chicago River. Completed in 1920, it features impressive sculptures on its four pylons representing major Chicago events: the exploration by Marquette and Joliet, the settlement of Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, and the rebuilding of the city after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.
Where to Stay in Chicago
Go To Top ↑
When it comes to hotels, the choices that Chicago has to offer are endless, ranging from cheap hotels, 4-Star Hotels Under $99, 5-star hotels, extended stay hotels, youth hostels and Bed and Breakfast Inns.
The Loop: The Loop or The Chicago Loop, as it’s coined, denote the historical downtown center of Chicago. This district encompasses towering skyscrapers including the Willis Tower, the Chicago Board of Trade and the Art Institute of Chicago, along with numerous theaters, restaurants and universities. It offers a wealth of buildings rich in architectural and historic significance. If you want to stay in the heart of the city with easy access to every neighborhood and attraction, The Loop is a perfect choice.
Hyde Park : is one of Chicago's most famous neighborhoods, home to the University of Chicago, the Hyde Park Art Center, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Renaissance Society and more. Hyde Park is home to several hostels. Visitors who wish to travel on budget or backpackers might enjoy this area.
Passport & Visa Requirements
Go To Top ↑
As per the latest travel information available to Chicago, here are the latest passport and visa guidelines as follows:
For US Citizens:
* A valid identification in order to board the plane.
For Canadian Citizens:
Canadian citizens travelling by air to, through or from the United States must present one of the following valid documents:
* A passport or
* A NEXUS card when used at a kiosk at designated Canadian airports and at all U.S. airports when returning to Canada.
This requirement applies to all travelers, regardless of age, including children.
We recommend that you check the latest travel alerts, various airlines baggage policies and travel safety tips, before planning your travel.
*Kindly note that we take the utmost care in providing you with correct information at all times. However, the passport and visa regulations are subject to change and we strongly urge you to check the requirements directly with the US passport office and, or the Canadian Passport Office before traveling.
When to visit Chicago
Go To Top ↑
Chicago is a big, bustling city, popular throughout the year. However, most visitors tend to plan their vacation it during the months of June through September.
Those looking to travel on a budget can choose to travel during the winter months, though it’s very cold, flights and hotel rates are cheaper.
Planning your Visit:
Peak season: (April to December)
Off-Peak season: (January to March)
Chicago Weather
Go To Top ↑
Chicago has four distinct seasons.
* Summers are hot, sunny and humid, from June to the end of September with thunderstorms. August is usually the wettest month of the year.
* Winters in Chicago are icy and freezing, harsh winds and lots of snow.
Currency and Language:
Currency:
* United States Dollar or USD ($)
* Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available throughout Chicago. Let your bank know your dates of travel and find out what the cost will be for ATM withdraws.
Languages:
* English is the dominant language.
* Many people also speak Spanish.
Currency
The Euro (€) is the official currency of Chicago
1 Euro = 1.4277 US$