Chicago holidays

How to reach Chicago

• Flight time: Flights to Chicago from London Heathrow take approximately 8 hours 30 minutes. Direct flights are also available from Manchester, making holidays to Chicago convenient for UK travellers.

• Transfer time: From O’Hare International Airport, the Blue Line of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) takes about 45 minutes to reach downtown Chicago. The trains run 24 hours a day.

• Price: The Blue Line train from O’Hare costs $5 for a single journey downtown. Alternatively, a taxi will cost around $50–$60 and take about 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available, with prices ranging from $40–$50.

Weather and best time to visit Chicago

Chicago’s climate varies significantly throughout the year, offering different experiences for your Chicago holidays depending on what matters the most during your visit.

• March to May: Spring in Chicago sees average temperatures of 5 to 15°C, 60–90mm of rainfall and about 7 hours of sunshine daily.

• June to August: Summer is the peak tourist season in Chicago, with warm temperatures and numerous outdoor activities. Average temperatures range from 20 to 30°C, with 50–100mm of rainfall and around 10–11 hours of sunshine daily. Brace yourself for higher-than-usual accommodation prices and busier attractions.

• September to November: Autumn offers cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. Average temperatures range from 10 to 20°C, with 50–80mm of rainfall and about 6–8 hours of sunshine daily.

• December to February: Winter can be cold and snowy, but it’s also a picturesque time to visit if you don’t mind the weather. Average temperatures range from -5 to 5°C, with 30–50mm snowfall and about 4–5 hours of sunshine daily. Ice skating in Millennium Park is a highlight of winter holidays to Chicago.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the primary language spoken in Chicago.

• Local habits and customs: Chicagoans are generally friendly and polite. Tipping is customary, with 15–20 percent standard for restaurants.

• Health and safety: Chicago is safe to visit, but like any major city, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

• Currency: The United States uses the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

• Getting around: Chicago has an extensive public transport system, including buses and trains operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Single-journey fares are $2.25 for buses and $2.50–$5 for trains. For frequent travellers, a one-day pass costs $5, and a three-day pass costs $15. The Ventra app allows you to purchase and manage tickets easily.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 120V, with an A/B plug type. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Chicago is in the Central Time Zone, 6 hours behind GMT.

• Required travel documentation: Under the Visa Waiver Program, UK travellers do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, you must apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online before travelling.

Local dishes in Chicago

One of the highlights of holidays to Chicago is indulging in all the culinary delicacies that make it one of America’s foodie destinations.

Some typical dishes

• Deep-dish pizza: Chicago is world-famous for its deep-dish pizza – a thick, hearty pie with layers of cheese, toppings and chunky tomato sauce. Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s are among the top spots to sample this speciality.

• Chicago-style hot dog: A classic Chicago hot dog is a must-try. They’re topped with mustard, onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, peppers and celery salt, served in a poppy seed bun.

Meat dishes

• Italian beef sandwich: This Chicago staple involves thinly sliced roast beef simmered in a savoury broth and served on a roll, topped with giardiniera or sweet peppers.

• Polish sausage: Often enjoyed at sporting events, this sausage is typically grilled and served with mustard and grilled onions. It’s often accompanied by sauerkraut.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Shrimp de Jonghe: A classic Chicago dish, this casserole features shrimp baked in a garlic, sherry and breadcrumb mix.

• Fried perch: Especially popular along the shores of Lake Michigan, this simple dish of breaded and fried perch is a local favourite.

Street food

• Tamales: Influenced by Chicago’s vibrant Mexican community, tamales are a popular street food. They’re made up of masa (dough) filled with meat, cheese or chillies and wrapped in corn husks before being steamed.

Sweets and desserts

• Brownies: Chicago is said to be the birthplace of the brownie. Rich and fudgy, they’re a must-have for chocolate lovers.

• Garrett Popcorn: This iconic Chicago snack features a mix of caramel and cheese popcorn, known as the Chicago mix.

Local drinks

• Malört: This bitter herbal liqueur is a Chicago rite of passage. It’s an acquired taste, but sampling it is an authentic part of any Chicago holiday.

• Goose Island Beer: Chicago’s craft beer scene is thriving, and Goose Island is one of the most popular pioneers.

Best things to do in Chicago

From towering skyscrapers to beautiful parks and world-class museums, there’s no shortage of things to see and do during your holidays to Chicago. For a comprehensive guide, check our article with the best things to do in Chicago.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Skydeck Chicago: Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, the Skydeck offers breathtaking views of the city and beyond. For a thrilling experience, step out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending 1.3m outside the building.

• 360 Chicago: Situated on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, this observation deck provides stunning 360-degree views of Chicago’s skyline, Lake Michigan, and even neighbouring states on clear days.

The best districts

• The Loop: Chicago’s downtown district is the city’s commercial core, home to iconic landmarks like the Willis Tower and Millennium Park. It’s a bustling area with plenty of shops and restaurants.

• River North: This neighbourhood is known for its nightlife, art galleries and upscale dining options.

• Lincoln Park: A charming district with tree-lined streets, Victorian homes and a vast namesake park.

Parks and gardens

• Millennium Park: This iconic park in the heart of downtown features the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately known as the Bean), the Crown Fountain and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

• Grant Park: Often referred to as Chicago’s front yard, Grant Park is a large urban green space that includes Buckingham Fountain and the Art Institute of Chicago. It also plays host to various events and festivals, including the renowned Taste of Chicago in September.

• Lincoln Park: This expansive park offers a zoo, a conservatory and plenty of green space for picnics and outdoor activities.

Historical monuments

• Chicago Water Tower: One of the few structures to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the Chicago Water Tower is an iconic symbol of the city’s resilience and history. It’s now home to a gallery with rotating art exhibits.

• The Rookery Building: Designed by renowned architects Burnham and Root, with a lobby remodel by Frank Lloyd Wright, this historic building is a must for design enthusiasts.

• Robie House: Another Frank Lloyd Wright gem, this Prairie-style home located in Hyde Park is a National Historic Landmark, with worthwhile guided tours.

Day trips in the area

• Evanston: Just a short drive or train ride north of Chicago, Evanston offers beautiful lakefront views, charming streets and the Northwestern University campus.

• Oak Park: Known for its concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright homes, Oak Park is a popular destination for architecture buffs. The highlights are the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and the Unity Temple.

• Starved Rock State Park: About a 1.5-hour drive from Chicago, this state park is a natural haven with waterfalls, canyons and hiking trails.

Activities for families in Chicago

Chicago is a tried-and-tested destination for family holidays, offering a variety of activities for all ages.

• Parks and gardens: Families will want to make a beeline for the Lincoln Park Zoo, a free attraction where kids can see animals from around the world. Millennium Park is another good spot, with spacious lawns and the interactive Crown Fountain.

• Interactive museums: The Museum of Science and Industry is a hit with children, offering hands-on exhibits and interactive displays. The Field Museum, with its impressive dinosaur exhibits, is another family favourite.

• Aquariums and zoos: The Shedd Aquarium is home to a vast array of marine life and offers daily animal presentations that captivate young audiences. With its butterfly haven, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is another good option.

• Historical monuments and sites: Navy Pier offers a mix of history and fun with its amusement rides, including the Centennial Wheel. There are also boat tours.

• Theme parks and adventure: Maggie Daley Park is an adventure playground with climbing walls, slides and an ice-skating rink in winter.

Free things to do in Chicago

Chicago offers a good number of free and low-cost activities to help out if you’re sticking to a travel budget.

• Free events: Chicago hosts numerous free events throughout the year, such as the Chicago Air and Water Show in August, outdoor concerts at Millennium Park and the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

• Free museums: Many of Chicago’s museums offer free admission on certain days. The Art Institute of Chicago is free on Thursdays from 5 pm until 8 pm, and the Museum of Contemporary Art is free on Tuesdays.

• Parks and nature: Chicago’s parks are free to visit. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Lakefront Trail, relax in Grant Park or explore the nature paths at the Lincoln Park Conservatory.