4-Day Fun-Filled Guide to Chicago, USA
Explore the Windy City and discover its diverse culture, iconic architecture, and world-class cuisine.
03 May 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Chicago is a vibrant city full of diverse neighborhoods, impressive architecture, and a world-renowned food scene. Visitors can take in breathtaking views of the skyline from the Willis Tower Skydeck, stroll along the Lakefront Trail, and explore world-class museums and galleries. With something for everyone, a trip to Chicago is not to be missed.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information

- Check in to the swanky Warwick Allerton Hotel, located right on Chicago's famous Magnificent Mile.
- Satisfy your hunger pangs with deep-dish pizza at Giordano's, a Chicago institution since 1974.
- Walk off those calories by strolling along the lakefront at Navy Pier, where you can catch a ferris wheel or a fireworks show.
- Get your culture fix at the Art Institute of Chicago, home to some of the most iconic masterpieces in the world.
- Finish off the night with a drink at The Signature Room, a bar on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center that offers panoramic views of the city.
- Start the day off with some coffee and breakfast at Intelligentsia, a hip coffee joint that helped kick off Chicago's third wave coffee scene.
- Head to Wicker Park and wander through its vintage shops, street murals, and food carts.
- Grab a sandwich from defunct deli-inspired sandwich joint, Lucky's during lunch.
- Hop on the CTA and head to Chinatown for a dumpling crawl and some unbeatable bubble tea.
- End the night at the Green Mill, a historic jazz venue that used to be a speakeasy during Prohibition.
- Kick off the day with brunch at Cindy's rooftop restaurant, where you'll have a stunning view of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
- Take a boat tour down the Chicago River, where you'll learn about the city's history and see some impressive feats of architecture.
- Check out the shops along State Street, where you'll find everything from bargain stores to high-end retailers.
- Have a bite to eat at the Chicago French Market, where you can choose from a wide range of delicious food stalls.
- Take a trip up to the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower and step out onto The Ledge, a section of the skydeck that extends out from the building.
- Start the day with breakfast at Ann Sather, a Swedish restaurant known for their cinnamon rolls.
- Walk off your meal by checking out the street art in Pilsen, a neighborhood known for its Mexican culture.
- Grab a hot dog from The Weiner's Circle, a hotspot known for its rowdy late-night crowd.
- Get some popcorn from Garrett Popcorn Shops and hit the benches at Millennium Park.
- End the trip on a sweet note with a cupcake from Molly's Cupcakes. Don't miss the sprinkles bar!
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Chicago by plane is to fly into O'Hare International Airport or Midway International Airport, both of which are served by major airlines from most major cities in the world. You can check prices and schedules on websites like Expedia or Kayak.
Car
The best way to get to Chicago by car is to take one of the major highways, such as I-90 or I-94, which both run through the city. However, be aware of traffic congestion during peak travel times.
Train
The best way to get to Chicago by train is to take an Amtrak train, which connects the city to other major cities in the United States, such as New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles. The main train station in Chicago is Union Station.
Boat
The best way to get to Chicago by boat is to take a ferry from Navy Pier to locations such as Michigan City or St. Joseph. However, this mode of transportation is not as common as the others and may have limited availability depending on the season.
Bus
The best way to get to Chicago by bus is to take a Greyhound bus, which connects the city to most major cities in the United States. The main bus station in Chicago is the Greyhound Station.