Homepage – Best Big City

Chicago voted best big city in the u.s..

years in a row

Discover why Chicago has been voted the Best Big City in the country for a historic eighth year in a row.

Start exploring

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Holidays in Chicago

The holidays are a magical time in Chicago, with charming markets, scenic ice rinks, and festive traditions.

Explore our holiday guide

CC Osaka Garden 2

Best Big City

Discover why Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Chicago the country’s Best Big City for a historic eighth consecutive year.

Explore the Best Big City

AA_ZooLights2013_06

Free & cheap

Discover free things to do all month long, from live music to neighborhood tours to free museum days.

Explore free things to do

wygyk-act-urb-2021_0909_Gallery_Guichard-27

Chicago Like a Local

Get insider perspectives on the best things to do and see in Chicago, from the people who know the city best.

Visit the Chicago Like a Local blog

Find your Chicago style

There are tons of ways to experience the Best Big City . Explore these guides to find your own unique Chicago style.

  • Experiences

First-time Chicago Visitors

First-time visit

Accessibility

Accessibility

Family fun

Couple’s trip

Woman getting drinks at the bar

Hidden gems

Millennium Park festival

On a budget

DuSable Black History Museum

Black culture in Chicago

Chinatown

Asian culture in Chicago

Humboldt Park flag sculptures

Hispanic & Latino culture in Chicago

Guichard Gallery

Neighborhoods

River boat tour

Classic Chicago

Chicago fun festivals and events

Festivals & special events

Tours and sightseeing

Tours and attractions

Food & drink

Food & drink

Chicago museums and culture

Museums and culture

West Side Story image

Theatre & performing arts

Nightlife

Music & nightlife

LIncoln Park Outdoors

Parks & outdoors

Chicago cubs

Chicago sports

Shopping

Architecture and history

Holidays & celebrations

Holidays & celebrations

See chicago like a local.

See the Best Big City through the eyes of the people who know it best — Chicago locals. Read our blog for insider tips and guides.

Foursided

Blog , Shopping and fashion

A guide to holiday shopping in chicago’s neighborhoods.

Things to do in Chicago this weekend

Blog , Special events

Things to do in chicago this weekend.

One of a Kind Show Chicago

Shopping and fashion , Special events

Shop chicago’s gift-filled holiday markets.

15 holiday shows to see in Chicago this winter

Theater & dance

15 holiday shows to see in chicago this winter.

Christkindlmarket

Dining , Festivals , Special events

What to eat, drink, and buy at christkindlmarket chicago.

30+ things to do in Chicago this November

30+ things to do in Chicago this November

See all blog posts

Home to unique neighborhoods

Chicago wouldn't be the Best Big City without our tapestry of neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and personality.

See all neighborhoods

Upcoming events

  • This weekend

Destinos 7th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival

Festivals, Fairs & Special Events , Theatre & Performing Arts

Destinos 7th chicago international latino theater festival.

Open Your Eyes: Explore Chicago’s Underground Pedway & Other Secrets of the Loop

Tours & Attractions

Open your eyes: explore chicago’s underground pedway & other secrets of the loop.

Chicago Pedway

Dozin’ with the Dinos

Museums, Galleries & Exhibitions

Dozin’ with the dinos.

The Field Museum

The Infinite Wrench

Music & Comedy , Theatre & Performing Arts

The infinite wrench.

The Neo-Futurist Theater

Walking Tour: Haunted by Our Dark Side

Walking Tour: Haunted by Our Dark Side

Inside Chicago Walking Tours

View all upcoming events

bean-night

Explore hotels, flights, deals, and more

Plan your trip.

CTA Newsletter

Chicago Newsletter

Stay in the know.

visitors_guide_2024_cover

Visitors Guide

Start planning today.

Get the guide

Your Favorites

Quick access links.

IMAGES

  1. Chicago Trip Planner

    trip planner chicago

  2. Chicago

    trip planner chicago

  3. Chicago Day 1 on Roadtrippers

    trip planner chicago

  4. Where To Stay In Chicago In 2024

    trip planner chicago

  5. Chicago Travel, Chicago Trip, Chicago Illinois, Chicago Itinerary, Chicago Vacation, Chicago

    trip planner chicago

  6. Plan a Trip to Chicago

    trip planner chicago

COMMENTS

  1. Plan a trip / Get transit directions - CTA

    At the Chicago transit authority, we offer you two different ways to plan your tip with us. We forms for Google Transit and RTA both offering schedule-based travel information for CTA, Metra, and Pace.

  2. Plan a Trip to Chicago | Visitors Guide, Maps, Directions ...

    Explore hotels, flights, deals, and more. Planning to visit Chicago? Check out our maps, weather info, visitors guide, hotel deals, trip ideas and itineraries to help you plan your Chicago vacation.

  3. How-To Guide: Planning a trip and finding your way - CTA

    Trip planning tools. The easiest way to plan a trip is to use a trip-planning service. Google Maps or the RTA Travel Information Center can all help you plan your trip.

  4. Chicago Things to Do, Events, Restaurants, Hotels & Vacation ...

    Explore the official tourism website for Chicago. Find guides to attractions, events, restaurants, hotels, getting around and other vacation planning help.

  5. City of Chicago :: Trip Planners

    Trip Planners. You've got several options for planning trips on transit throughout the Chicago area, including online trip planners, mobile device applications, and by telephone.

  6. Visitor Information - Getting around - Chicago Transit Authority

    We keep it as simple as possible. For the easiest trip: 1. Plan your trip. Use an online trip planner (below), use a map, or call +1 (312) 836-7000. 2. Get the Ventra app. Download the Ventra app to your Apple or Android device today. Create an account.