About Chicago
Best known as ‘Windy City’, Chicago is lined with urban beaches along Lake Michigan and is the third-largest city in the U.S. Best known as ‘Windy City’, Chicago is lined with urban beaches along Lake Michigan and is the third-largest city in the U.S. and the largest in the midwest. Famed for its bold skyline, decorated with iconic stratospheric, glass-floored Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower), Neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright’s stained-glass Robie House, Frank Gehry’s silver Pritzker Pavilion, etc. Chicago can be described in a myriad of ways. The choices will be overwhelming in Chicago, hence, here is your ultimate Chicago, Illinois travel guide to ease your trip to the city.
Chicago can be described in a myriad of ways. The windy city will blow your mind away with its low-key culture, thriving art scene, a cornucopia of eateries, numerous shopping streets, and diversity. Chicago is known as the birthplace of modern skyscrapers, and visitors hardly get their eyes off the spectacular skyline of Chicago. However, the city’s public art scene is no less and is absolutely worth admiring.
Chicago is also home to sports enthusiasts, as some of the country’s best basketball, football, hockey, baseball, and soccer teams call the windy city their home. If sports are not enough, Chicago’s vibrant and diverse food scene offers a superb range of global cuisines, from Italian beef sandwiches to Chicago dog, Vietnamese pho, and Mexican tortillas. So, loosen your belt and make some room for chowhound’s delights. With so many things to discover and places to visit, here is your ultimate Chicago tour guide to ease your trip to the city
Population
More than 2.7 million people call Chicago their home. When founded in 1883, only 200 people from the American frontier settled here, and within seven years, the population had reached over 4,000. In the next forty years, between 1850-1890, the population grew from 30,000 to over 1 million, and by the end of the 19th century, it had become the fifth-largest city in the world.
Chicago is the fourth most segregated city in the U.S and is known for its ethnically diverse population. There is 50.8% white (33.5% non-Hispanic and 17.3% Hispanic), 29% Black or African American, 7% Asian, 0.4% Native American and Alaskan, 0.1% Pacific Islanders, 9.6% other races living peacefully in Chicago, making it an incredibly diverse city in the U.S.
Geography
Nestled in northeastern Illinois on the southwestern shores of Michigan, Chicago rests on a Continental divide at the site of the Chicago Portage. It connects the Mississippi River with Great Lake Watersheds. In addition, the city’s two main rivers, the Chicago River and the Calumet River, flow through the city. Lake Shore Drive runs a large portion of the city’s waterfront.
History
Know all about Chicago’s City history here:
Chicago has witnessed wars, a destructive fire, and tremendous transformation in its more than 184 years of history. In 1795, an area was turned over to the U.S. for a military post by native tribes, following its victory in the Northwest Indian War. This area later became a part of Chicago.
During the 18th-century, Potawatomi, a Native American tribe, inhabited the area. Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable, an African descendent, was the first known non-indigenous settler recognized as the ‘Founder of Chicago’.
Chicago was incorporated as a town in 1833 and as a city in 1837 when the population grew to over 4,000. Since 1850, Chicago has been a dominant city in the midwestern U.S.
During World War I, Chicago saw a massive industrial expansion and created several jobs, which attracted African Americans from the Southern U.S. The population of African Americans grew in later years and impacted the city’s culture, which is known as Chicago Black Renaissance.
Today Chicago plays a crucial role in America’s economic, political, social, and cultural history. It has become the country’s most vital business epicenter and one of the ethnically diverse cultural capitals.
Religion
71% of Chicagoans follow Christianity, and the remaining population follows Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Sikhism, Jainism, Islam, and Bahai Faith.
Culture
Chicago has been a melting pot of different cultures. Chicago’s ethnically diverse city is the epicenter of rich culture, full of colors, music, art, and spirit. Chicago has been a leader in composing, writing, producing artistic work, and collecting, displaying, and performing various artistic creations. The culture in Chicago has contributed to American culture through its jazz-culture, deep-dish Chicago pizza, and the cubs.
Language
Although the official language of Chicago is English, some common languages spoken by Chicagoans are Spanish, Polish, Tagalog, Arabic, and Chinese. Nearly 80% of the population speaks English, and 30% speak a language other than English. Spanish is the second-most spoken language after English, with approximately 1.4 million people speaking Spanish.
Furthermore, 1.64% Chicagoans speak Polish, 0.67% Chinese (including Mandarin and Cnatonese), and 0.64% Tagalog.
Currency
The official currency of Chicago is the U.S. Dollar ($, US$, USD).
Governance
City Council & Committees
Chicago’s city government is divided into executive and legislative branches. The City Council is the legislative branch of the Government of Chicago and consists of the Mayor, City Clerk, and Aldermen elected from each of the 50 wards to serve four-year terms. The City Council is responsible for exercising any power and performing any function pertaining to its government. Furthermore, the City Council is also responsible for protecting public health, safety, welfare, licensing, tax, and incurring debt.
The Mayor
The mayor is the Chief Executive of the city, responsible for the city’s administration and management, and is elected for a four-year term. The City Council is the legislative body, elected from 50 wards. However, most of the powers are laid on the Aldermen, each from 50 wards, and sit on the city council to approve most Mayoral actions.
City Clerk
The City Clerk is responsible for keeping records for the City Council and designated repository for city documents.
Treasurer
The treasurer is responsible for managing the cash and investments for Chicago, the four city employee pension funds, and Chicago Teachers pension. Furthermore, the treasurer is also responsible for several programs that promote electronic development in Chicago.
Aldermen
Aldermen are the legislators or members of the City Council who represent the residents of a ward. The Aldermen is the mediator between the government and his constituency and informs about city functions within his ward.
Climate
Chicago’s climate can be categorized as hot-summer humid continental. The city lies between the Continental Divide and the Atlantic Ocean and experiences cold winters and warm summers. Lake Michigan has a moderate influence on the temperature fluctuation while boosting the amount of snowfall in the city.
When to Go
The ideal season to visit Chicago is during Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the temperature is pleasant. During these two seasons, the city hosts numerous festivals. Summer is considered the peak tourist season in Chicago when the city welcomes a large number of tourists.
Travel
Every traveler entering the USA is required to show a passport. All travelers, including the U.S. citizens, traveling by flight between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Bermuda, Central, and South America are required to show a valid passport.
If you are traveling to Chicago from a different nation, ensure your passport has six months validity and has two or more blank pages.
If you belong to one of the 38 countries part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you can apply for ESTA. ESTA or Electronic System for Travel Authorization allows tourists from VWP member nations to enter the USA for 90 days for tourism, business, and medical purposes.
The first step to applying for a U.S. visa is to complete the DS-160 form. Once you submit it online, schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. You will need some documents to present at the interview.
The purpose of your trip to the USA determines the type of visa you need. Generally, business, tourism, or education visas are some of the common visas. Apart from that, below is the list of visas:
- Immigrant Visa (For permanent residency)
- Visitor’s Visa (For tourism & business)
- Fiance Visa (To marry an US citizen and live in the US)
- Student Visa
- Business or professional visas for citizens of Canada and Mexico
- Transit Visa (For traveling through the US on your way to another country)
The ID and other paper requirements to visit The USA varies from country to country. The authority will grant you a visa only after checking your documents and your background for any criminal record, past travel history, and purpose of the visit. However, the basic and most important ID and documents required to enter the territory of the US are as follows:
- Passport with at least 6 months of validity
- You must have an electronic, biometric passport, which is equipped with an electronic chip in it and contain your biometric data.
- Your ESTA must be valid when you arrive in the US. You can’t renew your ESTA and overstay. However, you will be eligible for ESTA only if you are a citizen of the USAs VWP nations.
Arriving From Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda
- Citizens arriving in the U.S. from these countries must show a valid passport, U.S. Passport Card, a Trusted Traveler Program Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry, or FAST), or an enhanced driver license.
- Canadian citizens can use NEXUS instead of a passport to arrive in the U.S. if departing from Canada.
Arrival From Other Countries
- Citizens from other countries must present a valid passport upon arrival.
- Both permanent residents and foreign nationals need a U.S visa.
Everyone should know the information needed for mandatory security checks to prevent delays. You can go through the US Customs website to know more about the items you are carrying with you.
The prohibited items as per the US Federal Law are:
- Alcoholic beverages over 70% by volume
- Alcoholic beverages under 70% by volume
- Animal products or products of animal origin (EU destinations only)
- Batteries
- Cutting instruments
- Defense sprays
- Drones
- Dry ice
- Electronic cigarettes like vapor or e-cigarettes
- Explosives
- Firearms and ammunition
- Flammable items, liquids or solids
- Gasoline powered tools
- Hoverboards
- Marijuana
- Mobility Devices
- Lighters and Matches
- Pressurized containers/compressed gasses
- Self-heating meals
- Self-inflating life jackets
- Scissors and tools
- Smart bags
O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport are the two major airports in Chicago, and both airports connect Chicago with other international cities. However, O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is considered the major airport, serving millions of visitors annually.
Several hotels are available near the airports, which offer easy airport pick-up and drop-off. If you want the pick-up and drop-off options from/to the airport, you will need to book your transfer before your arrival. If you haven’t booked well before, several cabs are also available at the airport.
O’Hare International Airport Customer Support Number (24*7)
- Contact: +1 800 832 6352
Custom & Immigration
- Location: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) 10000 Bessie Coleman Dr., Chicago IL 60666
- Contact: +1 773 686 2800
Emergency & Medical Assistance
For any emergency at O’Hare International Airport, call (773) 894 9111. You can also
dial 911 from a payphone or cell phone in an emergency. For medical emergencies, professional medical assistance is available 24×7 at the airport.
Lost & Found
For Lost & Found items or issues related to it, contact O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Police on (773) 686 2385.
Midway International Airport (MDW) Customer Support Number (24*7)
- Contact: (773) 838 0600
Custom & Immigration
- Location: U.S. Customs and Border Protection 5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago IL 60638
- Contact: +1 773 948 6220
Emergency & Medical Assistance
For any emergency at Midway International Airport, call (773) 838 9111. You can also
dial 911 from a payphone or cell phone in an emergency. For medical emergencies, professional medical assistance is available 24×7 at the airport.
Lost & Found
For Lost & Found items or issues related to it, contact Midway International Airport (MDW) TSA at +1 773 498 1308.
The most popular airlines to fly from/to Chicago- American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, North American Airlines, US Airways Express,, Continental Airlines, Air Canada, Kiwi International AirLines, etc.
Before you book a flight, know about travel restrictions in Chicago.
If you are wondering how to travel in Chicago like a local, then the best way to get around any city is to hop on public transport. Being one of the biggest metropolises of the US, Chicago’s public transportation system is not easy, fast, convenient, and affordable.
L Train
Chicago’s most used transportation medium is Chicago Transit Authority or CTA-operated L Train. It is the US’ second largest public transportation system and connects the city via above-ground, street-level, and subway trains. Furthermore, it serves 145 rail stations all over Chicago. However, only the Blue and Red lines operate 24*7, connecting Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Downtown, and North Side and South Side via Downtown, respectively.
Bus
CTA also operates bus service throughout the city, with stops after every few blocks. Several buses run till 2 am.
Purchase a Ventra transit card or unlimited ride pass to travel via L train and bus. You can pay cash for a single bus trip if you do not have them.
Metra Rail
You can hop on to this fast commuter rail to travel between the suburbs and Downtown.
Taxis
Several cab operators are available throughout the city, and you can e-hail or e-pay with CHICABS approved apps ARRO and CURB.
Ridesharing
Install Lyft or Uber on your mobile and confirm your ride to get around the city. It is inexpensive and faster too.
Accommodation
The Windy City offers a good range of hotels to its guests. Chicago has over 140 hotels and 45,000 rooms in its Central business district. From luxury hotels to affordable B&Bs, Chicago accommodates all kinds of guests.
The Peninsula Chicago
Location: 108 E Superior St., Chicago IL 60611
Contact: +1 312 337 2888
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Location: 11 E Walton St., Chicago IL 60611
Contact: +1 312 646 1300
Viceroy Chicago
Location: 1118 N State St., Chicago IL 60610
Contact: +1 312 586 2000
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Location: Water Tower Place, 160 E Pearson St., Chicago IL 60611
Contact: +1 312 266 1000
The Langham, Chicago
Location: 330 N Wabash Ave., Chicago IL 60611
Contact: +1 312 923 9988
Services
When in the US, call 911 in case of any emergency. Chicago has a good number of public and private hospitals. Below are the emergency contact numbers of emergency services in Chicago City.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Location: 251 E Huron St., Chicago IL 60611
- Contact: +1 312 926 2000
Rush University Medical Center
- Location: 1620 W Harrison St., Chicago IL 60612
- Contact: +1 312 942 5000
Pharmacy (CVS Pharmacy)
Location: 2427 W Chicago Ave., Chicago IL 60622
Contact: +1 773 342 6060
Tourists traveling to the USA are responsible for their insurance coverage. From medical to travel insurance, visitors should ensure they are fully covered.
Travel insurance is necessary for unexpected losses or expenses such as missing flights, losing luggage, stolen cash, and missing passport.
| Gas Service | Water Service | Electricity Service | Chicago Fire Department |
| People Gas | Water Management | AEP Energy | – |
| 866 556 6002 | 312 744 4420 | +1 866 258 3782 | +1 312 745 3705 |
Etiquette
- Dress Code
There is no dress code to roam around the city of Chicago. You can wear anything according to your mood. However, some upmarket restaurants, bars, and clubs require their customers to wear a particular dress. You can check in with them before visiting these places. - Drinking
Chicago- Officially the most fantastic drinking city of America has some of the most pulsing pubs, bars, and clubs in the U.S. Chicago raises the toast with the best cheers from beer drinkers to gin lovers to aficionados. These places allow only adults above 21 years of age. Maintain your social etiquette and don’t create chaos in public. - Tipping
Although tipping is your choice, Chicagoans always tip at 15%-20% of your total bill in cash, only if you feel you have been treated well. - Photography
Photography is a common activity in Chicago. The general public is allowed to take pictures within public places and CTA stations, and transit vehicles for personal and non-commercial use. However, a few places like Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the Lincoln Park Zoo South Pond Nature Boardwalk, and the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Neighborhood
Home to over 2.7 million people, Chicago consists of 77 neighborhoods representing diverse cultures, history, cuisine, and experiences. As the third-largest city in the U.S, Chicago boasts some of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the country, where there’s no dearth of activities to do in Chicago. Here are some popular neighborhoods in Chicago:
- Lincoln Park
Residents living in Lincoln Park share their neighborhood with penguins, monkeys, and rare animals from around the world. Isn’t it amazing? This designated community area in Northern Chicago is home to Lincoln Park, Chicago’s largest park, and is an affluent neighborhood in the state. - Lakeview
Located on the northern side of Chicago, Lake View includes smaller neighborhood enclaves and is the second-largest community area by population in Chicago. Boystown, famous for its LGBTQ community, hosts the annual LGBTQ Pride Parade, music festivals, Halloween, and more. - Gold Coast
The Gold Coast Neighborhood in Chicago grew during the Great Chicago Fire. In 1882, when Potter Palmer, a millionaire, moved to the Gold Coast area, several wealthiest Chicagoans followed him. Today, the neighborhood is home to numerous affluent residents, high-end restaurants, and upscale boutiques. Since the area shares its border with Lake Michigan, several apartments have lake views and easy access to the beach and lakefront trail. - Bucktown
Bucktown is one of Chicago’s trendiest towns and close to Wicker Park. The Kennedy Expressway runs through the neighborhood, giving the residents access to Chicagoland and other areas. Bucktown is an affordable neighborhood in comparison to its neighbor Lincoln Park. - Wicker Park
Wicker Park has been a residential enclave since 1937, when Chicago was incorporated as a city. It is close to Bucktown and has a triangular park in the center. This trendy and bustling neighborhood has upscale boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops.
Museums and Culture Tour
Chicago Sightseeing
Chicago Food and Wine Tour
High End Dining
Chicago is home to diverse cultures, races, and ethnicities, and the influence can be seen in its cuisines. Chicago’s population exploded during the city’s incorporation in 1837, when 4,000 people came to the city to live. Within a few years, the population grew exponentially, which influenced the town’s culinary traditions. The Chicagoan food today is influenced by immigrants residing in the city.
Today, when someone talks about Chicagoan food, four things come to mind: pizza, hot dog, Italian beef sandwich, and steak. Chicagoans like their pizza with a deep crust and loads of toppings. The steakhouses prepare juicily, and succulent steaks and hot dogs are always there in every corner.
When it comes to chilled beers, the city hosts some of the best breweries, where you can spend some good times relishing the finely crafted beers of the city and delicious food.
Before you visit Chicago, find out the best bars, and best restaurants in Chicago:
Oriole
Cuisine: Contemporary American Cuisine
Address: 661 W Walnut St., Chicago IL 60661
Contact: +1 312 877 5339
Topolobampo
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: 445 N Clark St., Chicago IL 60654
Contact: +1 312 661 1434
RPM Steak
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Address: 66 W Kinzie St., Chicago IL 60654
Contact: +1 312 284 4990
Schwa
Cuisine: American Contemporary
Address: 1466 N Ashland Ave., Chicago IL 60622
Contact: +1 773 252 1466
The Whale
Cuisine: American
Address: 2427 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago IL 60647
Contact: +1 773 825 2900
Casual Dining
The Polo Inn
Cuisine: American
Address: 3322 S Morgan St., Chicago IL 60608
Contact: +1 773 927 7656
The Dearborn
Cuisine: American
Address: 145 N Dearborn St., Chicago IL 60602
Contact: +1 312 384 1242
Jose’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Cuisine: Steak, Seafood
Address: 60 E Grand Ave., Chicago IL 60611
Contact: +1 312 379 5637
Smoque BBQ
Cuisine: American
Address: 3800 N Pulaski Rd., Chicago IL 60641
Contact: +1 773 545 7427
The Purple Pig
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Address: 444 Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60611
Contact: +1 312 464 1744
Bars & Lounges
Bar Roma
Address: +5101 N Clark St., Chicago IL 60640
Contact: +1 773 942 6399
Little Bad Wolf
Address: 1541 W Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago IL 60660
Contact: +1 773 942 6399
Hopleaf
Address: 5148 N Clark St., ChicagoIL 60640
Contact: +1 773 334 9851
The Green Mill
Address: 4802 N Broadway, Chicago IL 60640
Contact: +1 773 878 5552
Carol’s Pub
Address: 4659 N Clark St., Chicago IL 60640
Contact: +1 773 754 8000
Spas & Wellness Resorts
The Peninsula Chicago
Address: 108 E Superior St., Chicago IL 60611
Contact: +1 312 337 2888
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
Address: 660 N State St., Chicago IL 60654
Contact: +1 312 202 6000
Loews Chicago Hotel
Address: 455 N Park Dr., Chicago IL 60611
Contact: +1 312 840 6600
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Address: 11 E Walton St., Chicago IL 60611
Contact: +1 312 646 1300
Eaglewood Resort & Spa
Address: 1401 Nordic Rd., Itasca IL 60143
Contact: +1 630 773 1400
