Eat & Drink
Where to Eat
Deep-dish debates, West Loop tasting menus, and Wicker Park coffee. Chicago is one of America's great food cities, and it's walkable.
Insider Tips
The Chicago Guidebook
How to do Chicago right, from the team bringing the Stay In standard to the North Coast.
Get Outside
Mornings on the Lake
The Lakefront Trail at sunrise, North Avenue Beach by afternoon. 18 miles of free, beautiful shoreline minutes from anywhere.
Rainy Day
Museums & More
The Art Institute is world-class; add the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry for a full indoor day.
Day Trips
Architecture & the River
The architecture boat cruise is the single best thing to do in Chicago, then walk the Riverwalk and look up.
Know Before You Go
Practical Tips
Fly into O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW); the L train runs from both. Pack layers, lake weather changes fast, and book dinner reservations early.
Local Life
Neighborhood Nights
Skip the tourist strip: Wicker Park record shops, Logan Square cocktail bars, and Pilsen taquerias are how locals do it.