The Chicago skyline seen across Lake Michigan

Chicago

Architecture on a river, a lakefront beach in the city and the best jazz rooms in the Midwest.

Photo: Unknown (See source)

Currency
US dollar (USD)
Cards accepted almost everywhere
Emergency number
911
Police, Ambulance, Fire
Advisory level
Normal precautions
Global Affairs Canada and 1 other government
Language
English
Local transport
L train & walk
24 hour lines to both airports
Amtrak Joins Gov. Lamont, Connecticut DOT for Windsor Locks Train Station Ribbon Cutting

Windsor Locks, CT – Amtrak Vice President of Infrastructure and Project Delivery Warren LeBeau joined Gov. Ned Lamont, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, and state and local... The post Amtrak Joins Gov…

Amtrak Completes Improvements at Two Oklahoma Stations

Customers benefit from $8 million in federal investments NORMAN and PAULS VALLEY, Okla. – Amtrak passengers have a more welcoming experience at two Oklahoma stations following about $8 million in..…

Amtrak Advances Planning for Replacement of Bush and Gunpowder River Bridges in Maryland

The post Amtrak Advances Planning for Replacement of Bush and Gunpowder River Bridges in Maryland appeared first on Amtrak Media .

Severe Thunderstorm Warning — Barbour, WV; Lewis, WV; Randolph, WV; Upshur, WV

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued October 16 at 2:59PM EDT until October 16 at 3:30PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV

Flood Warning — Brewster, TX

Flood Warning issued October 16 at 1:59PM CDT until October 18 at 10:32AM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX

Freeze Warning — Winnebago; Boone; McHenry; Ogle; Lee; De Kalb; Kane

Freeze Warning issued October 16 at 1:59PM CDT until October 17 at 8:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

Good to know

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa. The US State Department has more information on visas…

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country…

The US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveller Program (TTP) Global Entry allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers expedited clearance at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you can register to get a UK background check…

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Exercise normal security precautions. Latest change: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada).

Exercise normal security precautions. Latest change: Risk levels section – removed the advisory to avoid non-essential travel to the Northern Gulf coast…

The architecture river cruise is the single best introduction to the city. Book a morning slot for lower sun and fewer crowds.

A Ventra day pass covers unlimited L and bus travel and pays for itself in three rides.

Millennium Park, the lakefront trail and the Lincoln Park Zoo are all free, which makes a rainy day cheap to replan.

Local knowledge

Contributed by guides, operators and creators on the ground. Community advice, kept separate from official sources.

Cruise before the skyline warms up

Take the first architecture cruise of the day. The light is better for photographs and the boats are half empty.

Tour operatorLoop River Guides

Frequently asked questions

Three to four. One for architecture and the Loop, one for museums, one for the lakefront and neighbourhoods.

No. The L, buses and walking cover everything, and downtown parking is expensive.

Skyscraper architecture, deep dish and tavern style pizza, blues and jazz, and a lakefront that runs the length of the city.

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s US guide. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Global Affairs Canada currently advises normal precautions (level 1 of 4). Advice differs slightly between governments, so check your own country's advisory before you travel.

For tour operators

Run tours in Chicago? Publish them everywhere from one place.

Tourpublish takes the tours already in your reservation system and publishes them to your website, social channels, messaging apps, AI assistants and marketplaces.

Sources and freshness

Travel information last reviewed 16 October 2026. Compiled from U.S. Department of State, IATA Timatic, Open-Meteo and Tourpublish Travel Intelligence. Always confirm entry rules and safety guidance with official government sources before you travel.

Advisories, entry rules and alerts apply to United States as a whole.

Aggregated from official sources. Content is never rewritten — always display the publisher, publication time and original source link.

Photography: Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source).