Chicago, Illinois
The city that invented the skyline and kept the lake
Chicago burned down in 1871 and rebuilt itself as the laboratory of modern architecture. It is the great American city that Americans undervalue — and the easiest of the big three to actually live in.
It was a swampy trading post where the Chicago River met Lake Michigan, incorporated in 1837, and by 1870 the railroad and stockyard capital of the continent — the place the West was shipped through. Then the fire of October 1871 destroyed the centre, and the rebuilding, on cheap land with new steel, produced the first skyscrapers in the 1880s and a tradition of architecture that runs through Sullivan, Burnham, Wright and Mies to the present. The 1893 World's Fair, the 1909 Burnham Plan and the decision to keep the lakefront 'forever open, clear and free' gave the city its shape: a wall of towers facing twenty-six miles of public beach and park.
The Loop, inside the elevated train tracks, is downtown — the architecture, the Art Institute, Millennium Park and the Bean, the theatres. North along the lake runs the Magnificent Mile, the Gold Coast and Lincoln Park; the North Side's neighbourhoods — Wicker Park, Logan Square, Andersonville, Wrigleyville — are where the bars, the music and the young live. The South and West Sides are the larger, poorer, historically Black and Latino city that visitors are told to avoid and mostly do, to their loss: Bronzeville, Pilsen, Hyde Park and the university are among the richest parts of the place.
The winters are the reason Chicago is not New York or Los Angeles, and Chicagoans wear them as a badge. January is brutal, the wind off the lake is real, and the city responds with the most serious food culture in the Midwest — deep dish and tavern-cut pizza, the Italian beef, the hot dog with no ketchup, steakhouses, and one of the country's best fine-dining scenes. Summer, when it comes, is glorious: the beaches, the street festivals, the Cubs on a weekday afternoon, and the lakefront path full from dawn.
For living, it is the most affordable of America's great cities by a wide margin — a real apartment for the rent of a room elsewhere — with an L train that works, neighbourhoods with actual main streets, world-class museums and music, and a lake that functions as an ocean. The trade is the weather, the segregation that still shapes the map, and the violence concentrated in neighbourhoods the city has long failed. People who leave for the coasts talk about Chicago the way you talk about someone you should have married.
Where People Live
The Loop
Downtown inside the L — the architecture boat tour starts here, plus the Art Institute, Millennium Park, the theatre district and the Riverwalk. Busy by day, quieter at night.
River North & the Gold Coast
Galleries, restaurants and nightlife north of the river, then the Magnificent Mile's shops and the Gold Coast's mansions and Oak Street Beach.
Lincoln Park & Lakeview
The zoo, the conservatory, the lakefront, DePaul, and north into Wrigleyville's ballpark bars and Boystown's gay village. Family and young-professional Chicago.
Wicker Park, Bucktown & Logan Square
The North-West Side's creative strip along Milwaukee Avenue — bars, record shops, restaurants, the 606 elevated trail. Where the city goes out.
Pilsen
The Mexican heart of the city, south-west of the Loop — murals, the National Museum of Mexican Art, taquerias and a fast-changing gallery scene.
Hyde Park
The University of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, Obama's old neighbourhood and Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House, on the South Side lakefront.
Andersonville & Uptown
The Swedish-turned-everyone neighbourhood on Clark Street — independent shops, brunch, a strong LGBTQ community — and Uptown's historic theatres and jazz.
Must-see attractions
Navy Pier, Chicago
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Where to stay
The Blackstone, Chicago Autograph Collection
Lobby entrance on, 636 South Michigan Avenue, E Balbo Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Eat & drink
Heavenly Bodies Chicago
Restaurant
https://www.chicagocutsteakhouse.com/
Restaurant — 300 N LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654
TAO Asian Bistro & Nightclub, Chicago
Restaurant — 632 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654
Wishbone, Chicago West Loop
Restaurant — 161 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661
Restaurants & places to go
Lou Malnati's
deep dish pizza restaurants · . Serving legendary Chicago deep dish since 1971! 🕠Ship Lou's deep dish nationwide through @TastesofChicago! Tag… · loumalnatis.com
RPM Italian
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">A modern Italian restaurant from the RPM team, including Bill & Giuliana Rancic and <a… · rpmrestaurants.com
Pizzeria Uno
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">We invented deep dish pizza. You're welcome. ORDER NOW <img class="Emoji Emoji--forText"… · pizzeriaunodue.com
Geja's Cafe
fondue restaurants · <p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">“The nation's most romantic restaurant.†<a href="/usatoday" class="tweet-url… · gejascafe.com
Il Porcellino
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Soulful Italian comfort food in the heart of River North | 59 W. Hubbard St. Chicago IL | <a… · ilporcellinochicago.com
HUB 51
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Eat here. Drink here. A <a href="/LettuceEats" class="tweet-url twitter-atreply pretty-link" dir="ltr"… · hub51chicago.com
Tavern on Rush
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr"><img class="Emoji Emoji--forText" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f4cd.png" draggable="false"… · tavernonrush.com
Union Sushi + Barbecue Bar
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Sushi & Robata Grill Barbeque Lunch: M-F 11:30am-2pm Daily Specials 5pm-6:30pm Catering Delivery/Takeout… · eatatunion.com
Giordano's
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Chicago's #1 Deep Dish Stuffed Pizza with locations across the Midwest, Vegas, FL, OH, CO and AZ. We also…
Portillo's. Superdawg
hotdogs, hot dogs · <p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Official account of Portillo's Hot Dogs. Home to America's favorite Chicago-style…
Gino's East
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">The Original Gino's East, Chicago's Legendary Deep Dish Pizza since 1966.</p>.
Vienna Beef
hotdogs, hot dogs · <p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Home of the Official Chicago Style Hot Dog. Share your <a…
Sepia Chicago
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr"><a href="/hashtag/SepiaChicago?src=hash" data-query-source="hashtag_click" class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link… · sepiachicago.com
Broken English Taco Pub (The Loop)
. ðŸ“The Loop 🌮 Old TownðŸ¹Lincoln Park 💃 #TacoPubChi @stefani_restaurants Help support us by donating! â¬‡ï¸ · 75 E Lake St Chicago, IL 60601 · tacopub.com
The Gage
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">The Gage is the iconic gastropub on Michigan Avenue across from Millennium Park featuring refined tavern fare… · thegagechicago.com
MAD Social
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">A neighborhood kitchen & gathering place at 1140 W Madison St. in Chicago's West Loop. Come see what…
Mercat a la Planxa
tapas · <p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Mercat a la Planxa fuses age-old flavors from Spain's Catalan region with a modern signature… · mercatchicago.com
Bar Cargo
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Bar Cargo | Roman Pizza Bar at 605 N. Wells, in Chicago's River North. 312.929.0065. <a… · barcargo.com
Signature Room
skydecks, skydeck lounges · <p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Bringing you the news, menus and upcoming events from Chicago's Signature… · signatureroom.com
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co.
Chicago deep dish pizza · <p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Est. 1972 Heart of Lincoln Park, Pizza Pot Pies, Oven Grinders, Mediterranean Bread… · chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com
Tuscany Wheeling
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Enticing Northern Italian Cuisine located in Chicago's North Shore. Part of <a href="/stefanirestaurants"…
Crystal Gardens
catering services · <p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">The Crystal Gardens is a beautiful indoor, one-acre – botanical garden. It's unique… · crystalgardensevents.com
Lockwood Restaurant & Bar
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Great food derived from the Great Lakes region. We offer innovative takes on classic American fare alongside… · lockwoodrestaurant.com
Casey Moran's
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Casey Morans is Wrigleyville's Premier Sports Bar. Come join us for the best food, drinks & staff in… · caseymorans.com
Stefani Prime
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">A modern restaurant serving prime steaks, seafood & classic Italian - a guaranteed Prime experience.</p>.… · stefaniprime.com
Inspired Catering & Events
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Full service catering and event company, committed to providing innovative, global cuisine for over 25 years.… · inspiredcateringandevents.com
Franklin Room
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Chicago Speakeasy: Seafood, Prime Steaks & Chops, Fine Spirits. Lunch M-F 11:30am-2pm Daily Specials… · franklinroom.com
Kroll's South Loop
sportsbars, pubs · <p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">A neighborhood sports bar and grill, located in the South loop in Chicago. Boasting over… · krolls-chicago.com
Miller Lite Beer Garden
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Join us this summer when the Miller Lite Beer Garden Stage at Navy Pier once again sizzles w/ Chicago's… · navypier.org
Duck Duck Goat
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Reasonably Authentic Chinese Food by <a href="/stephanieizard" class="tweet-url twitter-atreply pretty-link"… · duckduckgoatchicago.com
RIVA Crabhouse
seafood restaurants · <p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">The freshest seafood, steaks, and extensive wine selection. The only seafood spot with… · rivanavypier.com
Tuscany Taylor
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Authentic Tuscan style cuisine, located on Taylor st. in the heart of Chicago's Little Italy. Part of <a… · tuscanychicago.com
Castaways Bar & Grill
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Castaways Bar & Grill is the best location on N Ave Beach for great food and ice cold drinks. Live music… · castawayschicago.com
Ditka's Chicago
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Hey Fans of Da Coach - This is the crew from Ditka's Restaurants here! Follow us to get exclusive info on… · ditkasrestaurants.com
Girl & The Goat
fine dining restaurants · <p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">New American Restaurant by <a href="/StephanieIzard" class="tweet-url… · girlandthegoat.com
The Madison
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Creative globally inspired menu, made in-house daily. Weekend Brunch 10:30am-2:30pm - Daily Specials… · eatatmadison.com
Shake It Chicago
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Coming Spring 2019</p>.
Chicago Oyster House
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">We offer highest quality seafood, the best grilled oysters, and the freshest sushi in Chicago. RSVP: <a… · chicagooysterhouse.com
Ambassador Public House
<p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">The Ambassador Public House Chicago's newest sports bar located in the West Loop. Open until LATE!… · theambassadorpublichouse.com
Lou Mitchell's
Milk Duds, Milk Dud's, breakfast · <p class="ProfileHeaderCard-bio u-dir" dir="ltr">Today Lou Mitchell’s is not only a Chicago institution, but recognized… · loumitchells.com
Scores Chicago O'Hare
airport strip clubs, airport stripclubs, airport strippers, airport gentlemens clubs · 4003 W Lake St, Stone Park, IL 60165 · scores-chicago-club.com
Admiral Theatre Gentlemen's Club
strip clubs, stripclubs, strippers, exotic dancers, gentlemens clubs · admiralx.com
Biggs Mansion Chicago
cigar shops, cigars, cigar lounges · biggschicago.com
Chicago Chop House
Chicago steakhouses, Chicago steak houses · chicagochophouse.com
Congo River Golf & Exploration
mini golf · golfcongoriver.com
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Brazilian steakhouses, Brazilian steak restaurants · fogodechao.com
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, Chicago
Chicago steakhouses, Chicago steak houses · gibsonssteakhouse.com
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, Oak Brook
Chicago steakhouses, Chicago steak houses · gibsonssteakhouse.com
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, Rosemont
Chicago steakhouses, Chicago steak houses · gibsonssteakhouse.com
La Cantina
mexican food · lacantinagrill.com
Madison Row South
weddings, wedding dresses, fashion designers · maddisonrowsouth.com
MEN the Show
bachelorettes, bachelorette parties, male dancers, exotic dancers · mentheshow.com
Murphy's Bleachers
pubs, restaurants · murphysbleachers.com
Next Chicago
restaurants, Grant Achatz, Nick Kokonas · nextrestaurant.com
Starbucks Reserve Chicago
World's Largest Coffee Shops · starbucksreserve.com
The Aviary
cocktails, lounges, restaurants · 955 W Fulton Market Chicago, IL 60607 · theaviary.com
Broken English Taco Pub (Lincoln Park)
1400 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610 · tacopub.com
Broken English Taco Pub (OLD TOWN)
1400 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610 · tacopub.com
Flamingo Rum Club
601 N Wells ST, Chicago, IL 60654 · flamingoprivateevents.com
PRYSM Nightclub
chicago nightclubs
Airports
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) 16 mi to the centre
Chicago, IL, US — You board from the indoor waiting area — no need to plan for the weather. ✈ 46 airlines (United Airlines, American Airlines, US Airways, Delta Air Lines…) · direct flights to 206 destinations incl. Atlanta, New Orleans, Paris, London, Duesseldorf… (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 46 airlines, 206 direct destinations
- United Airlines UA (ERJ, CRJ, A320, 737-800, A319, CRJ-700…) · 161 routes: Akron*, Albany, Albuquerque*, Allentown*, Amsterdam, Anchorage, Appleton*, Asheville*, Atlanta*, Atlantic City*, Austin, Baltimore, Beijing, Bentonville*, Birmingham*, Boise*, Boston, Bozeman*, Brussels, Buffalo, Burlington*, Calgary, Cancun, Cedar Rapids*, Charleston*, Charleston*, Charlotte, Cincinnati*, Cleveland, Colorado Springs*, Columbia*, Columbus, Dallas-Fort Worth, Dayton*, Denver, Des Moines, Detroit, Dublin*, Duesseldorf*, Duluth* … +121 more
- American Airlines AA (ERJ-145, ERD, 737-800, CRJ-700, Embraer 175, M83…) · 124 routes: Abu Dhabi*, Albuquerque*, Amman*, Atlanta*, Austin, Baltimore*, Beijing, Bentonville*, Berlin*, Bloomington*, Boston, Buffalo*, Calgary, Cancun, Cedar Rapids*, Champaign*, Charlotte, Charlottesville VA*, Chattanooga*, Cincinnati*, Cleveland*, Columbia*, Columbus*, Dallas-Fort Worth, Dayton*, Denver, Des Moines*, Detroit*, Doha, Dublin, Dubuque IA*, Duesseldorf, El Paso*, Evansville*, Fargo*, Flint*, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Fort Wayne*, Grand Rapids* … +84 more
- US Airways US (ERJ-145, ERD, 737-800, CRJ-700, Embraer 175, M83…) · 118 routes: Albuquerque*, Amman, Atlanta*, Austin, Baltimore, Beijing, Bentonville, Bloomington*, Boston, Buffalo*, Cancun, Cedar Rapids*, Champaign, Charlotte, Charlottesville VA*, Chattanooga*, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbia, Columbus, Dallas-Fort Worth*, Dayton, Denver, Des Moines, Detroit, Dublin, Dubuque IA*, Duesseldorf, El Paso*, Evansville*, Fargo*, Flint*, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Fort Wayne*, Grand Rapids*, Green Bay*, Gwinn*, Harrisburg*, Houston … +78 more
- Delta Air Lines DL (CRJ-900, A319, A330-200, 717, 737, MD-88…) · 17 routes: Amsterdam*, Atlanta, Calgary*, Cincinnati, Detroit, Guadalajara, London*, Memphis*, Mexico City, Minneapolis, New York*, New York*, Paris, Rome, Salt Lake City*, Seoul*, Vancouver*
- Spirit Airlines NK (A319, A320) · 15 routes: Atlantic City, Boston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Myrtle Beach, New York, Oakland, Orlando, Tampa
- Air Canada AC (ERJ, CRJ-700, CRJ, A319, A320, 737…) · 12 routes: Calgary*, Edmonton*, Halifax*, London*, Montreal, New Orleans*, Ottawa*, Quebec*, Regina*, Toronto, Vancouver*, Winnipeg*
- British Airways BA (767-300, Embraer 175, A330-300, 747-400, 777, CRJ-700…) · 9 routes: Atlanta*, Dublin*, Duesseldorf*, London, Madrid*, Manchester*, New Orleans*, Paris*, Rome*
- Iberia Airlines IB (767-300, A330-300, 747-400, 777, CRJ-700, Embraer 175) · 9 routes: Atlanta*, Dublin*, Duesseldorf*, London*, Madrid, Manchester*, New Orleans*, Paris*, Rome*
- Alaska Airlines AS (737-800, 737-800, 737-900, Embraer 175, 737-700, 73J) · 7 routes: Anchorage, Los Angeles*, New Orleans*, Portland, San Diego*, San Francisco*, Seattle
- Finnair AY (767-300, A330-300, 747-400, 777) · 7 routes: Dublin, Duesseldorf, London, Madrid, Manchester*, Paris*, Rome
- Lufthansa Cargo LH (767-300, A340-300, A340-600, 747-400, CRJ-700, Embraer 170…) · 7 routes: Amsterdam*, Atlanta*, Duesseldorf, Frankfurt, London*, Munich, Paris*
- Etihad Airways EY (Embraer 175, 777-300ER, CRJ, EMJ) · 5 routes: Abu Dhabi, Atlanta*, Montreal*, New Orleans*, Toronto*
- Frontier Airlines F9 (A320) · 4 routes: Montego Bay, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana, San Jose Del Cabo
- Qatar Airways QR (737-800, CRJ-700, 777-300ER, Embraer 175) · 4 routes: Atlanta*, Doha, New Orleans*, New York*
- WestJet WS (737-700, CRJ, CRJ-700, Embraer 175, ERJ-145) · 4 routes: Calgary, Montreal*, Toronto*, Vancouver
- Aer Lingus EI (330, A330-200, CRJ-700, Embraer 170, ERJ) · 3 routes: Atlanta*, Dublin, New Orleans*
- All Nippon Airways NH (A319, A320, 777, CRJ-700, ERJ, 777-300ER) · 3 routes: Atlanta*, New Orleans*, Tokyo
- Japan Airlines Domestic JL (Embraer 175, 777-300) · 3 routes: Atlanta*, New Orleans*, Tokyo
- JetBlue Airways B6 (A320, Embraer 190) · 3 routes: Boston, New York, San Juan
- Malaysia Airlines MH (767-300, 777, Embraer 175, CRJ-700) · 3 routes: Atlanta*, Paris, Tokyo
- AeroMéxico AM (737) · 2 routes: Guadalajara, Mexico City
- Air Berlin AB (A330-200, 767-300) · 2 routes: Berlin, Duesseldorf*
- Air China CA (747-400, 777) · 2 routes: Beijing*, Shanghai*
- Air Choice One 3E (CNC) · 2 routes: Burlington, Decatur
- Air France AF (A330-200, 717, MD-88) · 2 routes: Atlanta*, Paris
- Alitalia AZ (330, A330-200, MD-88) · 2 routes: Atlanta*, Rome
- Asiana Airlines OZ (777-200, Embraer 170, CRJ-700) · 2 routes: Atlanta*, Seoul
- Cathay Pacific CX (CRJ-700, 777-300ER) · 2 routes: Atlanta*, Hong Kong
- Hainan Airlines HU (777, 787) · 2 routes: Beijing, Shanghai*
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KL (A319, 717, 74M, MD-88) · 2 routes: Amsterdam, Atlanta*
- Qantas QF (Embraer 175, CRJ-700) · 2 routes: Atlanta*, New Orleans*
- Scandinavian Airlines System SK (A330-300, A340-300) · 2 routes: Copenhagen, Stockholm
- Virgin America VX (A320) · 2 routes: Los Angeles, San Francisco
- Virgin Atlantic Airways VS (A319, A340-300, 717, MD-88) · 2 routes: Atlanta*, London
- Air India Limited AI (777-300ER) · 1 route: Delhi
- Austrian Airlines OS (767-300) · 1 route: Vienna*
- Avianca - Aerovias Nacionales de Colombia AV (A319) · 1 route: San Salvador
- Brussels Airlines SN (777) · 1 route: Brussels*
- Cayman Airways KX (737-300) · 1 route: Georgetown
- Copa Airlines CM (737-800) · 1 route: Panama City
- Korean Air KE (777-200, 777-300ER) · 1 route: Seoul
- LOT Polish Airlines LO (787-8) · 1 route: Warsaw
- Royal Jordanian RJ (340) · 1 route: Amman
- Swiss International Air Lines LX (A330-300) · 1 route: Zurich
- Turkish Airlines TK (330) · 1 route: Istanbul
- Volaris Y4 (A320) · 1 route: Mexico City
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Midway International Airport (MDW) 9.1 mi to the centre
Chicago, IL, US — You board from the indoor waiting area — no need to plan for the weather. ✈ 9 airlines (Southwest Airlines, AirTran Airways, Volaris, Delta Air Lines…) · direct flights to 74 destinations incl. Atlanta, Minneapolis, Denver, Detroit, Albany… (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 9 airlines, 74 direct destinations
- Southwest Airlines WN (737-700, 737-800, 737-800, 73C, 737-300) · 62 routes: Albany, Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Branson, Buffalo, Charleston, Charlotte, Cleveland, Columbus, Denver, Des Moines, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Greenville, Houston, Jackson, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Little Rock, Los Angeles, Louisville, Manchester NH, Memphis, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Newark, Norfolk, Oakland, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Ontario, Orlando … +22 more
- AirTran Airways FL (737-700, 737-800, 737-700, 717, 737-800, 73C…) · 61 routes: Albany*, Albuquerque*, Atlanta, Austin*, Baltimore*, Birmingham*, Boston*, Buffalo*, Cancun, Charleston*, Charlotte*, Cleveland, Columbus*, Denver*, Des Moines*, Detroit*, Fort Myers, Greenville*, Houston*, Jackson*, Kansas City*, Las Vegas*, Little Rock*, Los Angeles*, Louisville*, Manchester NH*, Memphis*, Minneapolis*, Montego Bay, Nashville*, New Orleans*, New York*, Newark*, Norfolk*, Oakland*, Oklahoma City*, Omaha*, Ontario*, Orlando, Philadelphia* … +21 more
- Volaris Y4 (A319) · 4 routes: Del Bajio, Guadalajara, Morelia, Zacatecas
- Delta Air Lines DL (CRJ-700, CRJ-900, Embraer 175, A319, A320, 717…) · 3 routes: Atlanta, Detroit*, Minneapolis*
- Frontier Airlines F9 (A319, A320) · 3 routes: Denver, Trenton, Wilmington
- Air France AF (A319, A320, 717) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KL (A319, A320, 717) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- Porter Airlines PD (Dash 8-400) · 1 route: Toronto
- Sun Country Airlines SY (737-800, 737-700) · 1 route: Minneapolis
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Gary Chicago International Airport (GYY) 21 mi to the centre
Gary, IN, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) 21 mi to the centre
Chicago/Prospect Heights/Wheeling, IL, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Regional airports
Further out, but often the cheapest way in — the airports the low-cost carriers use. Each links to its own town's guide for getting from there into the city.
General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) 75 mi to the centre
Milwaukee, WI, US — You board from the indoor waiting area — no need to plan for the weather. ✈ 12 airlines (AirTran Airways, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines…) · direct flights to 30 destinations incl. Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, Chicago, Minneapolis… (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Feeder airport · 75 mi from Chicago · AirTran Airways, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines · Getting around Milwaukee, Wisconsin →
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 12 airlines, 30 direct destinations
- AirTran Airways FL (737-700, 73C, 717, 737-700) · 19 routes: Atlanta, Baltimore*, Boston*, Cancun, Denver*, Fort Lauderdale*, Fort Myers*, Kansas City*, Las Vegas*, Los Angeles*, Minneapolis*, New Orleans*, Orlando*, Phoenix*, San Francisco*, Seattle*, St. Louis*, Tampa*, Washington
- Southwest Airlines WN (737-700, 73C, 737-300, 717, 737-700, 737-800) · 19 routes: Atlanta*, Baltimore, Boston, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington*
- Delta Air Lines DL (MD-88, M90, A319, A320, 717, CRJ…) · 6 routes: Atlanta, Cincinnati*, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando
- American Airlines AA (CRJ, A319, A320, CRJ-700, CRJ-900, MD-80…) · 5 routes: Charlotte*, Chicago*, Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia*, Phoenix
- United Airlines UA (CRJ, ERJ, CRJ-700) · 5 routes: Chicago*, Cleveland*, Denver*, Houston*, Newark*
- US Airways US (CRJ, A319, A320, CRJ-700, CRJ-900, MD-80…) · 5 routes: Charlotte*, Chicago*, Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia*, Phoenix
- AeroMéxico AM (M90) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- Air Canada AC (CRJ) · 1 route: Toronto*
- Air France AF (MD-88, M90) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- Alitalia AZ (M90) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- Frontier Airlines F9 (A319, A320) · 1 route: Denver
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KL (MD-88, M90) · 1 route: Atlanta*
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
South Bend International Airport (SBN) 69 mi to the centre
South Bend, IN, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day. ✈ 5 airlines (Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines…) · direct flights to 9 destinations incl. Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Las Vegas, Mesa… (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Feeder airport · 68 mi from Chicago · Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, Air France · Getting around South Bend, Indiana →
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 5 airlines, 9 direct destinations
- Allegiant Air G4 (MD-80, A320) · 5 routes: Las Vegas, Mesa, Punta Gorda, Sanford, St. Petersburg
- Delta Air Lines DL (CRJ) · 3 routes: Atlanta*, Detroit*, Minneapolis*
- Air France AF (CRJ) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KL (CRJ) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- United Airlines UA (CRJ-700, ERJ, CRJ, Embraer 170) · 1 route: Chicago*
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Getting there by ferry
Union Station/Willis Tower
Ferry terminal · 0.6 mi from the centre · Shoreline Water Taxi
Monroe Harbor Tender Service
Ferry terminal · 0.6 mi from the centre · Monroe Harbor
Wndella Tours - Riverwalk
Ferry terminal · 0.6 mi from the centre
Buckingham Fountain
Ferry terminal · 0.6 mi from the centre · Shoreline Water Taxi
Chicago Riverwalk
Ferry terminal · 0.6 mi from the centre · Chicago Water Taxi
Ogilvie / Union (West Loop)
Ferry terminal · 0.6 mi from the centre · Chicago Water Taxi
Buckingham Fountain - Museum Campus
Ferry route · Shoreline Sightseeing
Navy Pier - Michigan Avenue
Ferry route · Shoreline Water Taxis
Shoreline Water Taxis - Michigan Avenue to Navy Pier
Ferry route · Shoreline Sightseeing
Michigan Avenue - Ogilvie/Union
Ferry route · Chicago Water Taxi
Chicago Water Taxi - Michigan Avenue to Ogilvie/Union
Ferry route · Chicago Water Taxi
Michigan Avenue - Willis Tower / Union Station
Ferry route · Shoreline Sightseeing
Shoreline Water Taxis - Michigan Avenue to Willis Tower / Union Station
Ferry route · Shoreline Sightseeing
Shoreline Water Taxis - Navy Pier to Michigan Avenue / Willis Tower
Ferry route · Shoreline Sightseeing
Local transit
CTA
L train, bus · The elevated and subway 'L' and city buses. · Fares: Ventra card or contactless · Airport: Blue Line from O'Hare, Orange Line from Midway
Pace Bus
Bus · Illinois · Schedules & GTFS data (official feed)
Valparaiso Transit
Bus · Gary, Indiana · Schedules & GTFS data
Trains & rail
Belt Railway of Chicago
Rail operator
Metra
Rail operator
Union Tank Car Company
Rail operator
Amtrak
National rail
Coaches & shuttles
Greyhound
Intercity coach
Jefferson Lines
Intercity coach
MegaBus
Intercity coach
Trailways
Intercity coach
Private aviation
On-demand charter, jet cards and the semi-private scheduled carriers that serve this city.
Magellan Jets
Jet card, charter · Partner fleet · Jet cards and on-demand charter from Boston.
Sentient Jet
Jet card · Partner fleet, light to heavy · One of the first jet-card programmes; guaranteed availability on partner aircraft.
Aero
Semi-private scheduled · Embraer 135 (16 seats) · First-class-only scheduled flights from Van Nuys to Aspen, Sun Valley, Cabo and Europe in summer.
Airshare
Fractional, jet card · Embraer Phenom 300, Challenger 350 · Fractional and jet card programme centred on the US Midwest and East.
Blade
Helicopter, by-the-seat · Helicopters, seaplanes, jets via partners · By-the-seat helicopters Manhattan–JFK/Newark and the Hamptons; jet charter through partners.
Tours & experiences
Weird Chicago Tours
Sightseeing
Living Here
Getting about
- The CTA's L trains — eight colour-coded lines, two running 24 hours — and its buses cover the city well; a Ventra card or contactless tap works on both. The Loop is walkable and the lakefront path runs the length of the city.
- Divvy bikes are everywhere and the lakefront makes cycling a pleasure from April to October. In winter, the L and the buses are the way.
- O'Hare is 45 minutes by the Blue Line; Midway 25 by the Orange. Union Station is Amtrak's Midwestern hub — trains to everywhere from New York to Seattle. Metra commuter rail serves the suburbs.
- A car is optional in the lakefront neighbourhoods and useful elsewhere; parking downtown is expensive and the winter street-cleaning rules are a trap.
Health
- Northwestern Memorial, the University of Chicago Medicine, Rush and UI Health are the great teaching hospitals; Stroger is the public hospital and trauma centre.
- Dial 911. Pharmacies and urgent care are on most main streets. Winter cold is a genuine health hazard — the city opens warming centres when the temperature drops.
- Insurance is essential; care is excellent and priced as everywhere in the US.
Work & study
- The University of Chicago and Northwestern are the elite institutions; UIC, DePaul, Loyola and the City Colleges educate most of the city.
- Finance (the futures exchanges, the banks), law, consulting, healthcare, manufacturing in the suburbs, logistics through the country's largest rail hub, and a growing tech sector. It is the third-largest metropolitan economy in the country.
- Wages are strong and the cost of living moderate — the combination that makes Chicago the practical choice.
Money & manners
- US dollars; cards everywhere. Tip 20%. Sales tax is among the highest in the country and is added at the register.
- Midwestern politeness is real — people talk to strangers, hold doors and give directions. Sports loyalties (Cubs or Sox, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks) are inherited and serious.
- Ketchup on a hot dog is a genuine offence. Deep dish is for visitors; locals eat tavern-cut. The river is dyed green on St Patrick's Day and nobody thinks it strange.