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).
Deals for Chicago:
What makes Chicago special as a destination?
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.
What are the top highlights in Chicago?
The top highlights in Chicago include Millennium Park & Cloud Gate, Architecture Boat Tour, Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Blues & Jazz Clubs.
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
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Reise-SIM für Chicago
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
The best time to visit Chicago is May–September (warm summer, festivals), September–October (autumn). Warm, 25–32 °C, sunny with occasional thunderstorms In winter: Very cold, -10–-1 °C, icy wind from Lake Michigan
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?
Budget travellers: $80–120/day, mid-range: $150–250/day, luxury: $300–650/day.
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
How do I get from Germany to Chicago?
Direct flights from Frankfurt to Chicago O’Hare (about 9.5 hours). Blue Line L-Train from the airport to downtown ($5).
Book a package holiday to Chicago
Compare thousands of package holidays to Chicago and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there 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.
What should you eat in Chicago?
Typical specialities in Chicago: Deep-Dish Pizza, Chicago Hot Dog (without ketchup!), Italian Beef Sandwich, Garrett Mix Popcorn, Jibarito Sandwich, Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Shake.
These specialties you must try!
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