Chicago
7 hostels · dorms from $19
One of the great American cities, on Lake Michigan.
Points of interest
- Millennium Park
- Art Institute
- Architecture boat tour
- Wrigley Field
- Obama Presidential Center
State guide
Things to do in Illinois
Chicago, one of the great American cities: skyscrapers born here, a lakefront of beaches and parks, blues clubs, deep-dish pizza and world-class museums, plus the start of Route 66.
7
Hostels across its 2 main cities
7.2
Average, from 15,591 reviews
4–5
Days in Chicago
Chicago and the prairie state
For most travellers, Illinois means Chicago, and the city is one of the most underrated in the USA. The modern skyscraper was invented here after the Great Fire of 1871, and the skyline is an architecture museum in itself. Along Lake Michigan, a 29 km lakefront path links beaches, parks and harbours, and the city has some of the best museums in the country.
Chicago is a city of neighbourhoods, from the lively bars of Wicker Park and Logan Square to the murals and Mexican food of Pilsen and the historic Bronzeville. It is the home of Chicago blues and house music, and of deep-dish pizza and the Italian beef sandwich. The Obama Presidential Center opened in Jackson Park on the South Side in 2026.
Beyond Chicago, Route 66 begins downtown and runs south-west across the state, and Springfield has Abraham Lincoln's home and presidential library. Give Chicago four or five days. Late spring to early autumn is the best time; winters are long, cold and windy.
Where to base yourself
Chicago for most of the trip, and Springfield for Lincoln and Route 66.
Springfield
The state capital and Abraham Lincoln's home town.
Points of interest
- Lincoln Home
- Lincoln Presidential Library
- Route 66
Regions of Illinois
Chicago and its suburbs in the north-east, and farmland, small towns and Route 66 across the rest.
Chicago
City, food, nightlifeThe skyline, the lakefront and dozens of neighbourhoods.
Chicago suburbs
Architecture, lakeside townsOak Park's Frank Lloyd Wright houses and the North Shore.
Central Illinois
Lincoln, Route 66Springfield and the Route 66 towns.
Southern Illinois
Forests, cliffsThe Shawnee National Forest and Garden of the Gods.
Things to do
Things to do in Illinois
Take an architecture boat tour on the Chicago River, the best introduction to the city's buildings. Walk Millennium Park to see the Cloud Gate sculpture, known as the Bean, and visit the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the great art museums of the world. Go up the Willis Tower or 360 Chicago for the views.
Walk or cycle the Lakefront Trail and spend a summer afternoon at North Avenue Beach. Explore the neighbourhoods: Pilsen's murals, Wicker Park's shops and bars, and the Chicago Cultural Center's Tiffany dome, which is free. Catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, and listen to live blues at Kingston Mines or Buddy Guy's Legends.
Visit the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park and the Museum of Science and Industry nearby. Outside the city, drive Route 66 from its starting point downtown, and visit Abraham Lincoln's home in Springfield.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
Millennium Park, the Bean, Crown Fountain and free summer concerts at the Pritzker Pavilion cost nothing. The Lincoln Park Zoo is free, and the Chicago Cultural Center has free exhibitions and its famous Tiffany glass dome.
The Lakefront Trail and the city's beaches are free. Several museums have free days for Illinois residents only, so check before going.
The Chicago Greeter programme offers free neighbourhood tours with local volunteers.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Chicago is a great food city. Try deep-dish pizza, though locals often prefer tavern-style thin crust; an Italian beef sandwich, dipped in gravy; and a Chicago-style hot dog, with everything on it except ketchup. Garrett's popcorn mixes caramel and cheese.
Pilsen and Little Village have excellent Mexican food, Chinatown and Argyle Street have Chinese and Vietnamese food, and the West Loop's Restaurant Row has some of the best restaurants in the country.
Chicago has a big craft beer scene. Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
Nightlife
Going out
Chicago has a huge nightlife. Wicker Park and Logan Square have bars and live music, River North has clubs, and Boystown in Lakeview is the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife. Live blues and jazz play every night.
Chicago is the birthplace of house music, and its clubs still play it. Some bars stay open until 4am, and 5am on Saturdays.
Comedy is big too: Second City launched many famous comedians.
Getting around
Getting around
Chicago has a good public transport system, the CTA, with the elevated L trains and buses. The Blue Line runs from O'Hare Airport to downtown in around 45 minutes, and the Orange Line from Midway. Pay by tapping a contactless card or phone, or with a Ventra card. Divvy bikes are everywhere.
Chicago is the hub of the Amtrak network, with trains across the country. Metra trains reach the suburbs.
A car is only needed for Route 66 and the rest of the state.
Costs
What Illinois costs
Chicago is cheaper than New York or San Francisco, but not cheap. Dorm beds start around $35 to $55, and much more during big events such as Lollapalooza.
Chicago has one of the highest sales taxes in the country, 10.25 per cent, and higher on restaurant meals. Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
The free parks, zoo and Cultural Center, and the CityPASS for museums, help keep costs down.
Safety
Safety and scams
Chicago's downtown, the lakefront and the main neighbourhoods visitors go to are generally safe. Crime is concentrated in some neighbourhoods on the South and West Sides; ask at your hostel and use transport or rideshares at night.
Watch your phone on the L, where snatch thefts happen, and keep valuables out of sight.
Winters are bitterly cold, with wind chill well below freezing; dress properly. Swim only at lifeguarded beaches on the lake. In an emergency, call 911.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Music festivals, blues and the river turning green.
Staff pick
20 November
City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Chicago
Chicago's official Christmas tree takes center stage at Millennium Park for the 113th annual lighting ceremony, complete with giant screens, seasonal treats, and a…
Staff pick
21 November
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Chicago
Gaze in awe at the illuminated trees along North Michigan Avenue at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival in downtown Chicago. The event has been…
Staff pick
26 November
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Chicago
The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade is a beloved annual tradition that brings thousands of spectators to the heart of the Chicago Loop. Featuring lively performances,…
Staff pick
27 November
Wintrust Winter WonderFest
Chicago
Wintrust Winter WonderFest transforms Navy Pier into a festive indoor holiday destination filled with seasonal attractions and family fun. You can enjoy ice skating,…
Staff pick
11–12 October
Olivia Rodrigo
Chicago
Olivia Rodrigo is a singer-songwriter and actress from California who initially rose to fame after starring in the Disney shows Bizaardvark and High School…
Staff pick
14–25 October
Chicago International Film Festival
Chicago
Founded in 1964, the Chicago International Film Festival is said to be the longest-running competitive film festival in the country. The festival showcases films…
Staff pick
14 October
The Smashing Pumpkins
Chicago
Emerging from the grunge explosion of the early '90s, The Smashing Pumpkins carved out a unique niche with their mesmerizing blend of alternative rock,…
Staff pick
15 October
David Byrne
Chicago
David Byrne, the visionary frontman of Talking Heads, is renowned for his innovative approach to music, art, and performance. His live shows combine theatrical…
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels in Chicago, straight from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
Wrigley Hostel
Chicago
Dorms from $28 a night
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HI Chicago, The J.Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel
Chicago
Dorms from $36 a night
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Chicago Parthenon Hostel
Chicago
Dorms from $32 a night
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Chicago Avenue Inn
Chicago
Rooms from $30 a night
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Grand House
Chicago
Dorms from $168 a night
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Stay 424
Chicago
Dorms from $19 a night
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House 5863, Inc.
Chicago
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When to go
May to September is the best time, with festivals, beaches and outdoor life. Autumn is crisp and pleasant. Winter, from December to March, is very cold and windy.
Jan
Bitterly cold
Feb
Cold
Mar
St Patrick's Day, green river
Apr
Spring
May
Pleasant
Jun
Festival season
Jul
Beaches, festivals
Aug
Lollapalooza
Sep
Pleasant
Oct
Chicago Marathon
Nov
Cold
Dec
Festive markets
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs for Chicago, rounded.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Chicago prices.
Treat these as a guide. Big festival weekends cost more.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Illinois questions
The ones we get asked most.
How many days do you need in Chicago?
Four or five for the architecture, museums, lakefront and neighbourhoods.
How do I get from O'Hare to downtown Chicago?
By the CTA Blue Line, around 45 minutes, or by taxi or rideshare.
Is Chicago safe?
The areas most visitors go to are generally safe. Use transport or rideshares at night and ask locally about other neighbourhoods.
Is the Obama Presidential Center open?
Yes. It opened in Jackson Park in 2026.
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
May to September, with lots of free festivals.
Where does Route 66 start?
In downtown Chicago, on Adams Street near the Art Institute.
Is Chicago expensive?
Less than New York, but the 10.25 per cent sales tax adds up. Free parks and the zoo help.
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