Destination Finder

North America

ChicagoUnited States

Skyscraper architecture, blues bars and a lakefront that works like a beach in summer.

The vibe

Action-packedEnergeticArtsyWalkableHistoric

Derived from Chicago’s strongest Destination DNA attributes.

Where is Chicago?

Map showing the location of Chicago, United StatesChicago, United States is in North America. The marker shows its approximate position.
Simplified location map: Chicago, United States, North America.

Chicago is in the north-central United States, on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan in Illinois.

At a glance

Country
United States
Region
North America
City size
Mega city
English
Native English-speaking

Why you might like Chicago

  • Art & architecture
  • Live music
  • Museums
  • History
  • Nightlife
  • Food

Chicago invented the skyscraper and still explains itself best from an architecture boat tour on the river. The Art Institute is one of the strongest collections in the country, blues and comedy clubs run all week, and the Lake Michigan shoreline gives the city a summer beach.

Chicago in facts

Country
United States
Region
North America
City size
Mega city · ~8.9M residents

Urban area population · UN World Urbanization Prospects and national statistics offices, 2024

English
Native English-speaking

Not scored by the index because English is a native or official everyday language.

Why Chicago stands out

  1. Chicago is considered the birthplace of the modern skyscraper, and its architecture boat tours highlight buildings from Louis Sullivan to contemporary towers.

  2. The city sits on Lake Michigan, with a lakefront path and beaches running along the shoreline for miles.

  3. Chicago has a deep blues and jazz history and remains associated with deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs.

  4. Millennium Park, home to the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture known as The Bean, sits in the heart of downtown.

Good to know

  • Winters are cold and often windy, with lake-effect weather affecting temperatures along the shoreline.
  • The city's 'L' elevated train system makes it possible to get around downtown and many neighbourhoods without a car.
  • Summer brings a busy calendar of outdoor festivals, particularly around the lakefront and parks.

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