Located in the heart of the United States, Chicago is a place of crossroads — where urban buzz meets Midwestern friendliness, soaring skyscrapers meets pristine shoreline, and cultures from around the world come together in our 77 vibrant neighborhoods.
Chicago’s central location also makes it easy to connect to destinations all over North America, from Mexico to Canada to all over the U.S. And with tons of direct flights from the UK and Ireland each day, it's never been easier to visit.
Explore all the amazing reasons your clients will love visiting Chicago.
1. Find tons of things to do in every season. Chicago is truly a year-round destination. No matter when you visit, you’ll be greeted with an abundance of things to do and see.In the summer, soak in the sun along our miles of sandy beaches, sip cocktails from a rooftop with spectacular views, or attend some of the world’s best music festivals.Spring brings colorful blooms, global art events, and the annual green river dyeing for St. Patrick’s Day, while autumn is packed with cultural celebrations, Halloween fun, architecture events, and stunning foliage. And don’t forget winter, when you’ll find snow-dusted holiday markets, charming local traditions, magnificent light displays, and ice skating rinks surrounded by the lit-up skyline.
2. Discover awe-inspiring cultural offerings.
From exhilarating live theatre to award-winning museums to stop-you-in-your-tracks public art — Chicago is a cultural powerhouse. The city’s dynamic theatre scene is made up of intimate storefront theatres, Tony award-winning companies, and historic venues staging headline-making productions. Broadway in Chicago hosts exciting premiers and top touring productions to the city’s downtown theatre district. Our acclaimed museums range from one of the oldest art museums in the world to the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Don’t miss the lakefront Museum Campus, home to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium.Plus, check out film festivals, art and design showcases, colorful murals, soaring sculptures, and countless neighborhood museums.
3. Experience our stunning outdoor spaces.
Chicago may be the third biggest city in the U.S., but there’s so much more than just skyscrapers and bustling streets. The city’s motto is “urbs in horto” -- meaning "city in a garden” — and you’ll find an endless number of green spaces to explore. Nestled along the pristine shoreline of Lake Michigan (one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world), Chicago boasts plenty of sun-soaked beaches and waterfront parks and trails. The buzzing Chicago Riverwalk promenade features boat tours, kayak rentals, and riverfront cafes. Lincoln Park is one of the city’s most popular green spaces, with a breathtaking conservatory and historic free zoo. And lakefront Jackson Park, the location of the famous 1893 World’s Fair, is home to a picturesque Japanese garden.
4. Travel the world in our neighborhoods.
Chicago is made up of a rich tapestry of neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe, culture, and history. No matter which you decide to explore, there’s always something new to discover around every corner.The historic Chinatown neighborhood, more than a century old, includes traditional architecture and culinary options ranging from classic to modern. In Pullman, discover a carefully preserved 1880s factory town, the city’s first National Historic Park. Bronzeville is known as the city’s Black metropolis and is home to a thriving art scene.Garfield Park holds the Garfield Park Conservatory, with lush gardens under soaring glass. Northalsted is the oldest official LGBTQ+ neighborhood in the country. Pilsen is known for its colorful murals, cool art galleries, and deep Mexican heritage. We could keep going, but you’ll just have to get out there and experience them for yourself.
5. Enjoy unforgettable dining experiences
You can’t leave Chicago without a good meal. Our diverse dining scene contains a never-ending range of experiences, from avant garde tasting menus to dim sum spreads to only-in-Chicago eats. Start your culinary journey off with some local favorites. Deep dish pizza is one of Chicago’s most famous dishes, and for good reason. This gooey, cheese-laden creation is like no other pizza you’ve ever tried. Other Chicago-born bites include the Italian beef, the Chicago-style hot dog, the jibarito (a mouthwatering plantain sandwich), the Rainbow Cone, and more.If you’re looking for a bucket list culinary experience, you’ve come to the right place. Chicago’s scores of Michelin-rated restaurants and James Beard awarded chefs offer up plenty of opportunities to have a meal of a lifetime.
