Central Chicago Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Want to get a great view of Chicago? Walk up the Adler Planetarium pier at sunset and enjoy the show. Don't leave straight after the sun sets, let the lights come out and take it all in!
Want to get a great view of Chicago? Walk up the Adler Planetarium pier at sunset and enjoy the show. Don't leave straight after the sun sets, let the lights come out and take it all in!
Central Chicago
Iconic signage in Chicago. It's best to go when it's all lit up for the best shots. It was quite a rainy night in Chicago when I tried to take this shot.
The lighthouse just off the end of navy pier in Chicago.

Where to stay in Central Chicago

Magnificent Mile - River North

Magnificent Mile

Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.

Magnificent Mile
River North showing railway items, street scenes and a city

River North

Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

River North
Beautiful fireworks

Theatre District

While you're in Theatre District, take in top sights like Michigan Avenue or State Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).

Theatre District
Navy Pier which includes wild flowers and general coastal views as well as a couple

Streeterville

Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Streeterville. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.

Streeterville
Chicago_NearNorthSide_137043_09

Near North Side

4.5/5(248 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Near North Side. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

Near North Side
Gold Coast which includes street scenes as well as a couple

Gold Coast

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Gold Coast. A stop by Michigan Avenue or Lake Michigan might round out your trip.

Gold Coast
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue Chicago IL
The price is 4.502.822 ₫ per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
4.502.822 ₫
5.286.125 ₫ total
27 Mar - 28 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (9,895 reviews)
We mainly go to Chicago for medical appointments and it is *so awesome* that you can actually open the windows here.That is the main reason we chose it. Because Dad has cancer we aired it out and then ran our own air purifier. No bad smells or anything, we're just being cautious because of his health. ...

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

4 out of 5
150 East Ontario Street Chicago IL
The price is 2.943.691 ₫ per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
2.943.691 ₫
4.189.913 ₫ total
4 Mar - 5 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Michigan Avenue and Chicago Riverwalk ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,428 reviews)
Great breakfast and friendly staff

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

4 out of 5
600 N State St Chicago IL
The price is 2.876.803 ₫ per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
2.876.803 ₫
3.377.078 ₫ total
5 Mar - 6 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,696 reviews)
Great room, great breakfast

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
See all 1,467 properties in Central Chicago
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sentral Michigan Avenue

Sentral Michigan Avenue

4 out of 5
808 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE Chicago IL
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness centre, valet parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,095 reviews)
Easy check in and out. Great location, apartments, and amenities.

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Level Chicago – Old Town

Level Chicago – Old Town

4 out of 5
1140 North Wells Street Chicago IL
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (435 reviews)
Spotless, staff was wonderfull

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Level Chicago – Old Town
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

4 out of 5
One Superior Place Chicago IL
Stay at this aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (701 reviews)
The room was so quiet! That was the most important thing me. I got a great night sleep every night! It was also very spacious, clean and fairly new and upgraded inside. The location was amazing. I loved having the washer and dryer.

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
See all properties in Central Chicago
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Scene of Chicago street bridge with traffic among modern buildings of Downtown Chicago at Michigan avenue in Chicago, Illinois, United States, Business and Modern Transportation concept

Michigan Avenue

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Michigan Avenue
Navy Pier featuring a sunset and rides

Navy Pier

With a visit to Navy Pier, a favourite shopping spot in Chicago, you can search for that perfect souvenir. Amble around this vibrant area's lakeside or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.

Navy Pier
McCormick Place showing a high rise building and a city

McCormick Place

During your trip, find out what's happening in McCormick Place, a top convention centre in Chicago. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

McCormick Place
Soldier Field which includes a high-rise building, a city and modern architecture

Soldier Field

Catch an event at Soldier Field during your trip to Chicago. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Soldier Field
Millennium Park which includes autumn colours, modern architecture and street scenes

Millennium Park

After visiting Millennium Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Chicago. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Millennium Park
Grant Park showing a garden and night scenes

Grant Park

Grant Park is just one of the places to see in Chicago, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around this vibrant area's lakeside or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.

Grant Park