Quick Guide
June – August
Peak season; weather is warm and festivals and events abound.
November – March
Winter brings frigid temperatures, as well as cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
April – May
Spring weather can be hit or miss with a mix of cool days and spring weather.
September – October
While fall tends to be lovely on Chicago before the winter sets in.
Visas
Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.
Money
Currency is U.S. dollars and ATMs are widely available.
Travel Health
The city offers travelers detailed information on the latest health safety updates, including what’s currently open and upcoming events info.
Getting Here
Chicago is served by O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Taxis, ride shares or city trains can take you from the airport to downtown.
Getting Around
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates a system of trains throughout the city. These underground subway lines and aboveground elevated trains are referred to as the El.
Local Lingo
Heads up: you’ll want to drink a Chicago Handshake, actually a pint (or can) of Old Style and a shot of Malört. Wet is used when ordering an Italian beef sandwich, and means you want lots of gravy (au jus). If you’re ordering a Chicago-style hot dog, With everything indicates you want all the usual toppings.
Must-Have Apps
Other Tips
Public art abounds in Chicago. Visit Cloud Gate, better-known as “The Bean” — the centerpiece of Millennium Park — and snap a photo of your reflection or the skyline reflected within this mirrored sculpture.
June – August
Peak season; weather is warm and festivals and events abound.
November – March
Winter brings frigid temperatures, as well as cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
April – May
Spring weather can be hit or miss with a mix of cool days and spring weather.
September – October
While fall tends to be lovely on Chicago before the winter sets in.
Visas
Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.
Money
Currency is U.S. dollars and ATMs are widely available.
Travel Health
The city offers travelers detailed information on the latest health safety updates, including what’s currently open and upcoming events info.
Getting Here
Chicago is served by O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Taxis, ride shares or city trains can take you from the airport to downtown.
Getting Around
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates a system of trains throughout the city. These underground subway lines and aboveground elevated trains are referred to as the El.
Local Lingo
Heads up: you’ll want to drink a Chicago Handshake, actually a pint (or can) of Old Style and a shot of Malört. Wet is used when ordering an Italian beef sandwich, and means you want lots of gravy (au jus). If you’re ordering a Chicago-style hot dog, With everything indicates you want all the usual toppings.
Must-Have Apps
Other Tips
Public art abounds in Chicago. Visit Cloud Gate, better-known as “The Bean” — the centerpiece of Millennium Park — and snap a photo of your reflection or the skyline reflected within this mirrored sculpture.
Did You Know?
On a clear day, from sky deck of the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) visitors can catch a glimpse of four states: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
