Chicago Visitor Guides
Planning a visit to Chicago? We take a closer look at the various major attractions and the most popular neighborhoods in the city. Our aim is to help you make good choices that add to the enjoyment of your visit.
Learn about the unique neighborhoods and get more insight into what is offered at some of the most popular attractions from a visitor's viewpoint.
Neighborhoods in Chicago
Chicago Neighborhoods and Communities
Downtown Chicago is made up of an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, all of which have their own identity, style and reputation. You'll find popular Chicago attractions throughout the Chicago neighborhoods map, from iconic Chicago landmarks like the Willis Tower in The Loop, to hidden gems like the Buckingham Fountain in the South Loop and beyond. Enjoy a popular Chicago walking tour to explore all of the most interesting Chicago neighborhoods, or take advantage of a Chicago Trolley Tour and squeeze in as much of the Windy City as you can on your next vacation in Chicago.
In the Near North Side, the neighborhood of Wrigleyville is as tied to its favorite Chicago sports team - the Chicago Cubs - as any neighborhood in America. Each of the 81 games played every season at Wrigley Field is a Chicago event unlike any other, and the neighborhood is filled with tourist-friendly Chicago restaurants and bars.
Other historic Chicago neighborhoods like Little Italy and Chinatown feature some of the best local food and outdoor markets of any other area in Chicago. Music fans will find some of the most popular small Chicago music venues in Bucktown and Wicker Park, which are regarded as two of the "trendier" up-and-coming neighborhoods in Chicago. Finally, the Downtown Loop is home to many of the top Chicago attractions you've seen in movies and guide books, and is also the central business HUB in Chicago.
Chicago Discounts for Visitors
Chicago Attractions and Culture
These days, discount coupons on the best Chicago tours and attractions pay off more than ever. There's no need to pay full price when you visit Chicago, and we know how to get you the best deals on Chicago hotels, shopping and more. Our Chicago hotel promos page keeps you up-to-date on the best Internet specials when it comes to the top luxury hotels in Chicago.
The Go Chicago Card offers an all-access pass to to 30 of the best Chicago attractions, as well as free admission on a Chicago boat tour, and up to 20% savings on the best Chicago restaurants and retail stores. Squeeze more Chicago fun into one day than Ferris Bueller with this exclusive Chicago discount card.
For more information on the Go Chicago Card and the similar Chicago CityPass Card, check out our helpful compare table.
Free Things To Do in Chicago
Concerts at one of Chicago's many musical venue.
You don't have to spend a fortune to have a good time in Chicago. There are plenty of fun, free activities in the Windy City. From their popular free music events - including the Chicago Blues Festival in Grant Park - to the scenic Chicago beaches of Lake Michigan and the spacious parks in Downtown Chicago, a Chicago vacation for budget travelers is completely doable if you know where to look.
Browse our comprehensive guide to free activities in Chicago, and make sure to check our Chicago for kids directory to find out what cheap and free activities are family friendly in Chicago.
Chicago Transportation
It's no secret that Chicago knows how to eat
The Windy City offers plenty of convenient Chicago public transportation options that make getting around Chicago cheap and easy. Their convenient L line and elevated train system feature stations throughout the city, from the Near North Side to Chicago's South Side. There are also a number of buses, bicycle rental shops, and even Chicago Segway tours popular with all kinds of Chicago travelers.
If you like to ride in style, check our extensive list of Chicago limousine services in the area, or learn more about the best discount car rental services in Chicago. For Chicago airport transportation and parking information, check back in frequently with our Chicago Airports guide to O'Hare International and the Chicago Midway Airport.
Dining and Nightlife
It's no secret that Chicago knows how to eat. Chicago restaurants are some of the most renowned in the country, and our informative restaurant directory gives you all the information you need to make a special occasion reservation on your next visit to Chi-City.
After dark, Chicago neighborhood bars and music venues come in all styles, sizes and price ranges. From swanky Chicago nightclubs to local dive bars in Bucktown and Wicker Park, Chicago bars offer a wide range of nightlife options that are sure to please everyone in your group.
For more information on all things Chicago, make Chicago Traveler your exclusive interactive visitor's guide.
