The first timer's guide to Chicago in 2025

What comes to mind when you think about Chicago? Maybe you were thinking of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs, or Al Capone and Prohibition. Maybe give the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s a little Michael Jordan? I was born and bred in Chicago, so I have some bias. However, it is among my favorite American cities. I’ve compiled a list of the top places to stay, eat, and do in the Windy City in my ideal three-day itinerary for first-time tourists.

Culture, energy, stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, delicious food (especially deep-dish pizza), and much more can be found in Chicago.Every time I look at the skyline, Chicago seems to be calling me home.. Strong and unflinching, she is always there to welcome you. You should spend a long weekend in Chicago if you have some free time.

How to Travel to Chicago

Chicago By Aircraft

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the city’s two primary airports. O’Hare, the main airport in Chicago, has won numerous accolades for its environmental responsibility. Due to its proximity to the city core, Midway Airport is where most tourists arrive by plane. For international travel, O’Hare International Airport, which lies on the north side, is ideal.

By Bus in Chicago

Numerous places across the United States offer direct bus routes to Chicago. For bus travel to Chicago, Greyhound is a fantastic option. To view Greyhound’s pricing and destinations. Megabus is another way to go to Chicago. They provide city-to-city service at an affordable price. Megabus locations and rates can be found here.

Must-See Museums in Chicago

Many amazing museums in Chicago are a must-see. Chicago genuinely boasts some of the top ones in the nation if that’s your thing. Going on field excursions to these locations as a kid was a lot of fun, and now that I’m an adult, I respect them more. Every museum in Chicago is unique, so you’re sure to find something you like here. All of these institutions are accessible with the Chicago CityPass.

Chicago’s Art Institute

Find out why the Art Institute of Chicago has been named the only top-ranked art museum in the entire globe for four years running! See modern classics and the largest collection of Impressionists outside of Paris.

The Adler Planetarium

The Planetarium is a great place to visit if you’re someone who is always gazing back at the stars. Exhibits such as the Chicago night sky and even a look through the nation’s largest aperture telescope are on display.

The Cultural Center of Chicago

The Chicago Cultural Center is the city’s most visited attraction, drawing hundreds of thousands of tourists each year with its splendor and free public programs.

The Field Museum

In order to allow solutions for a more promising future rich in culture and ecology, the Field Museum supports a voyage of discovery across time. Our holdings contain about 40 million specimens and artifacts, including SUE, the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex in the world.
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