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.
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Holidays in Chicago
The holidays are a magical time in Chicago, with charming markets, scenic ice rinks, and festive traditions.
Explore our holiday guide
Best Big City
Discover why Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Chicago the country’s Best Big City for a historic eighth consecutive year.
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Free & cheap
Discover free things to do all month long, from live music to neighborhood tours to free museum days.
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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 visit
Accessibility
Couple’s trip
Hidden gems
On a budget
Black culture in Chicago
Asian culture in Chicago
Hispanic & Latino culture in Chicago
Neighborhoods
Classic Chicago
Festivals & special events
Tours and attractions
Food & drink
Museums and culture
Theatre & performing arts
Music & nightlife
Parks & outdoors
Chicago sports
Architecture and history
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.
Blog , Shopping and fashion
A guide to holiday shopping in chicago’s neighborhoods.
Blog , Special events
Things to do in chicago this weekend.
Shopping and fashion , Special events
Shop chicago’s gift-filled holiday markets.
Theater & dance
15 holiday shows to see in chicago this winter.
Dining , Festivals , Special events
What to eat, drink, and buy at christkindlmarket chicago.
30+ things to do in Chicago this November
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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
Festivals, Fairs & Special Events , Theatre & Performing Arts
Destinos 7th chicago international latino theater festival.
Tours & Attractions
Open your eyes: explore chicago’s underground pedway & other secrets of the loop.
Chicago Pedway
Museums, Galleries & Exhibitions
Dozin’ with the dinos.
The Field Museum
Music & Comedy , Theatre & Performing Arts
The infinite wrench.
The Neo-Futurist Theater
Walking Tour: Haunted by Our Dark Side
Inside Chicago Walking Tours
View all upcoming events
Explore hotels, flights, deals, and more
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Chicago Newsletter
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Visitors Guide
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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.
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.
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.
Explore the official tourism website for Chicago. Find guides to attractions, events, restaurants, hotels, getting around and other vacation planning help.
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.
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.