Where to Stay in Chicago
United States
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Chicago at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for Chicago
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Take advantage of Chicago's extensive network of elevated trains ('L' trains) – they offer fantastic, often elevated, views of the city's architecture as you travel between neighborhoods.
Getting Around
Purchase a Ventra card or use contactless payment for the CTA; transfers between buses and trains are free within 2 hours.
Watch Out For
The 'friendship bracelet' scam near tourist spots (someone ties a bracelet on you and demands payment).
Solo Female Travel
Chicago is generally safe for solo female travelers, especially in well-trafficked tourist areas and popular neighborhoods during the day. Standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas, and trust your instincts.
Hidden Gems in Chicago
Lesser-known spots the locals love
The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail)
FREEAn elevated park built on a former railway line, offering a unique perspective of the city as you walk, bike, or run above the streets. It connects several neighborhoods and features public art installations.
Garfield Park Conservatory
FREEOne of the largest and most stunning conservatories in the country, this lush indoor botanical oasis is a peaceful escape year-round. Explore diverse plant collections in beautiful, climate-controlled rooms.
Pequod's Pizza
Famous for its caramelized crust deep-dish pizza, Pequod's offers a unique and incredibly delicious take on a Chicago classic. It's a local favorite where you can experience authentic Chicago flavor.
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
Step back in time at this iconic jazz club, once a hangout for Al Capone, with its vintage ambiance and live jazz performances. It feels like a true speakeasy with a rich history.
International Museum of Surgical Science
Housed in a beautiful historic mansion, this museum offers a surprisingly fascinating and sometimes eerie look into the history of medicine and surgery. It's a quirky and educational experience unlike any other.
Lincoln Park Zoo
FREEWhile it's a zoo, it's often overlooked by tourists rushing to other attractions. It's one of the oldest zoos in North America and is situated within the beautiful Lincoln Park, offering a free and charming experience.
What It Costs in Chicago
Daily budget per person in USD
💡Similar cost to major European cities
USD 150/day
USD 350/day
USD 700/day
Where to Stay in Chicago
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Millennium Park10 min
- Art Institute of Chicago15 min
- Riverwalk5 min
Pros
- +Central location
- +Easy access to major attractions
- +Excellent public transport links
Cons
- -Can feel corporate and quiet on weekends/evenings
- -Fewer local dining/bar options compared to other areas
Top stays in The Loop
The Palmer House Hilton
$$$A historic landmark hotel with opulent decor and a central location.
Hyatt Centric Chicago The Loop
$$$Modern hotel with a rooftop bar offering panoramic city views.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago
$$$Stylish boutique hotel known for its excellent service and pet-friendly policies.
Chicago Athletic Association hotel
$$$A beautifully restored historic building turned chic hotel with unique amenities like a game room.
Best for
Walk to
- Mag Mile Shopping5 min
- Riverwalk10 min
- The Loop15 min
Pros
- +Abundant dining and entertainment options
- +Upscale atmosphere
- +Close to shopping and attractions
Cons
- -Can be very crowded and noisy
- -Expensive
Top stays in River North
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel
$$$Elegant hotel with a focus on art and design, featuring a popular outdoor patio.
Thompson Chicago
$$$Chic, modern hotel with a sophisticated ambiance and stylish rooms.
ACME Hotel Company Chicago
$$Boutique hotel with a playful, urban vibe and a popular cocktail bar.
Hyatt Place Chicago/River North
$$Reliable, modern hotel offering good value in a prime location.
Best for
Walk to
- Lincoln Park Zoo10 min
- North Avenue Beach25 min
- DePaul University20 min
Pros
- +Beautiful green spaces and lakefront access
- +Excellent restaurants and bars
- +More relaxed atmosphere than downtown
Cons
- -Further from downtown attractions (requires public transport or longer walk)
- -Can be expensive
Top stays in Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park Zoo Bed & Breakfast
$$A cozy, unique bed and breakfast offering a personalized experience near the zoo.
The Lincoln Hotel
$$A well-regarded hotel offering comfortable rooms and easy access to the park.
Hotel Lincoln, a JdV by Hyatt Hotel
$$$Stylish hotel with a rooftop bar and modern amenities, located near the park.
Best for
Walk to
- Damen Blue Line Station5 min
- Milwaukee Ave Shops5 min
- The 606 Trail10 min
Pros
- +Great value for money
- +Unique shops and vibrant arts scene
- +Excellent public transport to downtown
Cons
- -Can be loud and busy, especially on weekends
- -Fewer traditional tourist attractions
Top stays in Wicker Park/Bucktown
The Robey
$$$Art Deco hotel with stunning city views and a popular rooftop bar.
Wicker Park Inn
$$Charming inn offering a more local and intimate stay.
Freehand Chicago
$Stylish hostel with private rooms and dorms, known for its lively bar and cafe.
Areas to be cautious
- Certain stretches of the far South Side (e.g., parts of Englewood, Roseland): These areas have significantly higher crime rates and offer little in terms of tourist attractions, making them unsafe and uninteresting for visitors.
- Areas immediately surrounding some public housing developments: While not always explicitly dangerous, these areas can experience higher crime and may not be well-patrolled or welcoming to tourists, particularly at night.
Insider tip: Take advantage of Chicago's extensive network of elevated trains ('L' trains) – they offer fantastic, often elevated, views of the city's architecture as you travel between neighborhoods.
Safety in Chicago
SafeSolo Female Travel
Chicago is generally safe for solo female travelers, especially in well-trafficked tourist areas and popular neighborhoods during the day. Standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas, and trust your instincts.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, busy streets in popular areas like the Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, and Old Town. Be cautious in less populated or darker areas, especially on the outskirts of downtown or in less-touristy residential zones.
Emergency
911
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1The 'friendship bracelet' scam near tourist spots (someone ties a bracelet on you and demands payment).
- 2Overly aggressive street performers or petition solicitors who can become pushy.
- 3Fake police officers asking for money or 'fines'.
Getting Around Chicago
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
From O'Hare (ORD): CTA Blue Line train (~45-50 min, $2.50). From Midway (MDW): CTA Orange Line train (~30-40 min, $2.50). Taxis/Rideshare approx. $40-$60.
🎫
Day Pass
$5.00 (24-hour pass for CTA buses and trains)
Single: $2.50 (for 'L' trains and buses)
🚶
Walkability
Very WalkableUber, Lyft
📶
WiFi
Good50-100 Mbps in cafes
Public Transport
CTA 'L' trains (elevated and subway lines: Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple) and buses. The 'L' is the most efficient for tourists covering major areas.
Ride-share
Uber, Lyft. Typical cost $15-$30 for short to medium rides within the city.
Transport Tip
Purchase a Ventra card or use contactless payment for the CTA; transfers between buses and trains are free within 2 hours.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many cafes (Starbucks, local coffee shops), public libraries, some CTA stations, Millennium Park.
Coworking
WeWork, Industrious, Novel Coworking. Daily passes typically range from $30-$50.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: May, Aug, Sep
Hotels & Accommodation in Chicago
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Who Is Chicago Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-Time Visitors
Provides immediate access to iconic architecture, major museums, and central transport hubs.
Foodies & Nightlife Seekers
Boasts a dense concentration of acclaimed restaurants, bars, and clubs.
Families with Young Children
Offers the free Lincoln Park Zoo, extensive green space, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Budget-Conscious Travelers
Provides more affordable accommodation and dining options with a cool, local vibe.
Couples Seeking Culture & Charm
Combines beautiful park settings with charming streets, good dining, and proximity to cultural sites.
Solo Travelers Exploring Local Scene
Offers a vibrant, independent scene with diverse bars, shops, and easy public transit access.
About Chicago
Chicago is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the third-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 2.74 million at the 2020 census.
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Chicago Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel