Chicago, the skyscraper city
Architecture you tour by boat, beaches on Lake Michigan, deep-dish pizza and one of the most storied Mexican neighborhoods in the United States.
Find your flight to Chicago
Find low fares and travel to your ideal destination.
Chicago hotels at good rates
Live rates for 3 nights and 2 adults; pick your neighborhood and check the conditions before you book.
Chicago must-sees
From the Bean in Millennium Park to the murals of Pilsen, the places to put on your first-visit list.
- May–SepBest months to explore
- ≈4 hNonstop flight from Mexico City
- ≈26 miOf urban Lake Michigan shoreline
- ≈45 minBy train from O'Hare to downtown
Chicago in pictures
The skyline over the lake, the river between towers and the landmarks that define the city.
- The skyline from the lakeshore · Raidarmax (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- A windy day on Lake Michigan · Dough4872 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- The city from the north shore · DimiTalen (CC0)
- Michigan Avenue from Millennium Park · Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA (CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Navy Pier on a vintage postcard · Tichnor Brothers, Publisher (Public domain)
- The Chicago River among the towers · Jules Verne Times Two (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Chicago travel FAQ
What to know before you fly to Chicago: weather, airports, neighborhoods and documents.
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
May through September brings comfortable weather, open lake beaches and outdoor festivals nearly every weekend. October is crisp and pleasant. December to February is very cold, often below freezing with a biting lake wind, though the city is full of holiday atmosphere.
Is Chicago worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you come prepared. In November and December the Christkindlmarket holiday market sets up downtown and the Magnificent Mile is lit up. Pack a warm coat, hat, gloves and waterproof shoes: wind off the lake makes it feel much colder than the thermometer says.
Which airport should I fly into?
O'Hare (ORD) is the main airport and has nonstop flights from Mexico; it is about 45 minutes from the Loop on the CTA Blue Line. Midway (MDW) is closer to downtown, mostly handles domestic flights and connects to the Orange Line. By taxi or car, travel times depend heavily on traffic.
What documents do I need to travel to Chicago from Mexico?
Mexican citizens need a valid passport and a valid U.S. visa. You clear immigration at the first U.S. airport where you land. If you are traveling with minors, check any additional requirements before you leave.
How many days do I need in Chicago?
Three or four days covers the essentials: Millennium Park, the architecture cruise, the Art Institute, Navy Pier, a skyscraper observation deck and an afternoon in Pilsen. A full week adds the Museum Campus, Lincoln Park, a ballgame in season and more neighborhoods.
Which neighborhood should I stay in?
The Loop puts you within walking distance of Millennium Park and the museums. River North and the Magnificent Mile are packed with restaurants and shops, great for a first visit. The West Loop is the city's dining hotspot. Lincoln Park and Lakeview are more residential and close to the lake and North Avenue Beach.
Where is Mexican Chicago?
Pilsen and Little Village (La Villita) are the heart of the Mexican community. Pilsen is home to the National Museum of Mexican Art, which has free admission, and dozens of murals along 18th Street. Little Village's 26th Street is lined with bakeries, taquerias and shops, and both are easy to reach by train or taxi.
What local food should I try?
Deep-dish pizza, the Chicago-style hot dog with pickle, tomato and sport peppers and no ketchup, and the Italian beef sandwich. The West Loop and River North have one of the strongest dining scenes in the country, and Pilsen serves excellent Mexican food.
How do I get around the city?
CTA 'L' trains and buses cover most of the city and accept a Ventra card or contactless bank card. Downtown is very walkable, and in warm months there are shared bikes and water taxis on the river. You rarely need a rental car, and downtown parking is expensive.
Can you swim at Chicago's beaches?
Yes. Lake Michigan beaches such as North Avenue and Oak Street are lifeguarded from roughly late May to early September. The water is fresh and usually cold even in summer; follow the flags, since strong winds can bring waves and currents.
Keep your Chicago flights and hotel on your phone and pull up your booking while you explore the Loop.
