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Picture of Chicago, IL, USA

Travel Guide for
Chicago

United States

Humid continental, cold winters, warm summers

Introduction

Chicago, set on Lake Michigan, blends striking architectural wonders and rich history in the heart of the Midwest. Founded in the early 1800s, it's a vibrant city famous for jazz, deep-dish pizza, and some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. August brings warm, sunny days—perfect for outdoor adventures with friends.

Luxury travelers can soak up the energy at rooftop lounges like Cindy's, indulge in world-class dining, and sail on a private yacht along the lakefront. With lively summer festivals, designer shopping, and renowned museums, Chicago offers an unforgettable, upscale group getaway.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleTravelling with friends

Dates01-08 August 2025

BudgetHigh budget

AccommodationHotel, apartment or house

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturefestivals and eventsgastronomysightseeing and toursoutdoor adventuresnightlife and entertainment

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Picture of Chicago, IL, USA

Key Facts

Location

Midwest, United States

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Religion

Christianity (dominant)

Population

2,716,000

Language

English, Spanish, Polish

Electricity

120V, 60Hz, Type A/B plugs

Time zone

UTCCentral Time (CT) (UTC-6)

Country code

+1

Internet access

High-speed broadband and 5G widely available

Climate

Humid continental, cold winters, warm summers

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Map

Logistics

Chicago is easy to reach, especially for high-budget travelers. Fly into O'Hare or Midway International Airports, both offering plentiful direct flights. Private jets and first-class options are available for added comfort. Limousines and private car services provide seamless transit to downtown.

If you prefer scenic travel, take Amtrak’s luxury trains from major cities, or arrive via Lake Michigan on a private yacht. Charter buses and limo coaches suit large groups. In early August, expect warm, sometimes humid weather; occasional thunderstorms may cause minor travel delays, especially with flights. Always confirm bookings and weather forecasts in advance.

Weather

Chicago experiences four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Spring and fall bring milder weather, making them pleasant times to explore the city’s world-class arts and culture scene, vibrant festivals, and outdoor experiences along Lake Michigan.

From August 1 to August 8, temperatures typically range from the mid 70s to mid 80s °F (about 24–29°C), with high humidity and occasional thunderstorms. While severe weather such as brief heavy rain or lightning can occur, extreme events are rare. This warm, energetic period is ideal for sightseeing, food tours, summer festivals, and enjoying Chicago’s dynamic nightlife.

Food & Drink

Chicago is famous for deep-dish pizza (try Lou Malnati’s or Pequod’s), Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and innovative steakhouses like Gibsons or RPM Steak. For a fine dining experience, Alinea and Girl & the Goat are top picks, while The Aviary offers creative cocktails in a chic setting.

Trendy neighborhoods like West Loop and River North are packed with lively bars, upscale rooftop lounges such as Cindy’s, and jazz clubs. Tipping is customary at 18–20% of the pre-tax bill. Most dietary restrictions are accommodated, as Chicago’s diverse food scene embraces global flavors and creative menus.

Reserve tables ahead, especially at renowned spots, and check for seasonal food festivals, such as Chicago Restaurant Week, for tastings and special prix-fixe menus.

A picture of Hamburger

Hamburger

The classic American hamburger is a grilled beef patty served in a soft bun, often topped with lettuce,...

A picture of Barbecue Ribs

Barbecue Ribs

Barbecue ribs are slow-cooked, tender cuts of pork or beef that are generously seasoned with a flavorful dry...

A picture of Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a creamy, indulgent dish made with elbow macaroni pasta and a rich, cheesy sauce....

A picture of New York-style Pizza

New York-style Pizza

New York-style pizza is characterized by its thin, hand-tossed crust, generous cheese topping, and a variety of classic...

A picture of Southern Fried Chicken

Southern Fried Chicken

Southern fried chicken consists of juicy, tender pieces of chicken that are coated in a seasoned batter and...

Accommodation

For a luxurious friends’ trip, consider staying in downtown neighborhoods like the Loop, River North, or the Gold Coast—close to nightlife, dining, and major attractions. Top hotels such as The Langham, The Peninsula, and Four Seasons offer five-star amenities, rooftop bars, and spacious suites perfect for groups.

For a home-like stay, explore high-end apartments or penthouses through Airbnb or Plum Guide, particularly in neighborhoods like West Loop and Lincoln Park. Book early for August, as Lollapalooza (August 1-4) drives up demand, especially downtown. Consider booking directly through hotel websites or upscale booking sites like Tablet Hotels for exclusive perks and the best selection.

Itinerary

Kick off your journey with an exploration into Chicago’s illustrious arts and cultural scene, soaking in world-class architecture, renowned galleries, and captivating urban history with your friends.

Architecture River Cruise on the Chicago River

Experience Chicago's legendary skyline and architectural wonders on a luxury river cruise. Enjoy guided commentary detailing the city’s rich history and snap incredible photos from the water. Booking an evening cruise adds a magical city lights view!

Explore the Art Institute of Chicago

Marvel at iconic works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Grant Wood among many others at this world-class museum. Guided tours are available for deeper insights. Don’t miss the Modern Wing, and relax with your friends at the on-site café afterward.

Stroll through Millennium Park and Snap a Photo at 'The Bean'

Discover Chicago’s vibrant public art scene at Millennium Park. Pose with friends at the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, enjoy Crown Fountain, and take in the cityscape. The park often hosts free summer concerts and festivals!

Chicago Premium Driving Tour with River Boat Cruise

Chicago Premium Driving Tour with River Boat Cruise

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore the best of Chicago on an intimate small-group tour with a maximum of 6 guests. Take in the city’s world-famous skyline, bold skyscrapers, and stunning Lake Michigan views while enjoying the expertise of your friendly Tripshepherd guide. Start your adventure with complimentary downtown Chicago hotel pickup before visiting the Adler Planetarium Pier, one of the most scenic viewpoints of the Windy City. Next, climb aboard the Shoreline Architecture River Cruise for a narrated boat ride highlighting more than 40 iconic Chicago landmarks. From hidden architectural details to the city’s most recognizable monuments, this cruise offers a unique perspective of Chicago’s skyline and rich history. To wrap up your Chicago experience, you’ll visit two must-see landmarks: the breathtaking Buckingham Fountain, and Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), one of the most photographed attractions in Millennium Park. Your day ends with complimentary drop-off at your downtown Chicago hotel!

4.6 (163 reviews)

From $150 USD

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Attractions

4.9 (680 reviews)
Bikes, Bites, and Brews: Chicago's Signature Dishes Bike Tour

Bikes, Bites, and Brews: Chicago's Signature Dishes Bike Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Taste all of Chicago’s classic eats on this 4 1/2 hour guided bicycle tour! Join the expert tour guides of Bobby’s Bike Hike, America’s longest-running city bike tour company, on this exciting and informative adventure which recently ranked Top 20 in the World by TripAdvisor. The journey is 13 miles (at a leisurely pace) and includes deep dish pizza, a gourmet brownie, a Chicago-style hot dog, and samples of local craft beer! On the daytime version of the tour, you’ll drink in the sights of Chicago’s beautiful northside neighborhoods, including the Lakefront and Wrigleyville, home to our Chicago Cubs baseball team. On the nighttime version, you'll ride through the party districts of downtown and see the lights of Buckingham Fountain, Millennium Park and the glorious skyline. Cruise the Lakefront Trail, one of the most popular waterfront bike paths in the country. Don’t miss out on this fun tour! You’ll leave with a profound understanding of our town, even if you only came for the beer.

From $89 USD

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4.8 (97 reviews)
Chicago Family Food and Bike Tour with Top Attractions

Chicago Family Food and Bike Tour with Top Attractions

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This tour is perfect for the entire family, put on by Bobby’s Bike Hike, whose food tours in just the past year have ranked as Top 10 in America by USA Today and Top 20 in the world by Tripadvisor. Biking is easy in Chicago because of it's miles of bike trails, flat terrain and easy connections between attractions. We’ll be sampling from each of Chicago’s well known and unique foods -- deep dish pizza, a true Chicago hot dog, and a dessert for good measure. You’ll learn the history behind the foods and also get a taste for some of Chicago’s most popular downtown districts as we cruise through the Gold Coast, Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, Museum Campus, Navy Pier and along the Lakefront. Whether day or night, you'll get fantastic views of the skyline and feel the city's vibrant energy. Veggie options available.

From $79 USD

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3.9 (85 reviews)
City Cruises Chicago: Fireworks Signature Dinner Cruise

City Cruises Chicago: Fireworks Signature Dinner Cruise

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Elevate your evening with a delicious dinner and jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Navy Pier fireworks display illuminating the Chicago city skyline! On our Fireworks Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan, a dazzling show of light and color will be the backdrop to a chef-prepared buffet meal, specialty cocktails, live DJ entertainment, and dancing. From the breezy open-air decks and comfortable indoor spaces, you’ll soak in spectacular views of Chicago’s most famous landmarks, such as the Willis Tower and the Alder Planetarium. A spectacular fireworks dinner cruise on the water awaits!

From $245 USD

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4.9 (68 reviews)
Chicago-Style Holiday Hike: Festive Food and Walking Tour

Chicago-Style Holiday Hike: Festive Food and Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

There’s nothing more magical than downtown Chicago during the holiday season. Bobby’s Holiday Hike is a 3hr guided walking and food tour through the Chicago Loop, brought to you by Bobby's Bike Hike, internationally recognized for their tours. You’ll get to sample the Windy City’s favorite winter treats; including a slice of deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dog, Italian Beef, chocolate brownie, and hot apple cider. Upon arrival, you can add a VIP holiday craft beer package for $19.99/person. Our entertaining guides will get your holiday spirit primed with plenty of food and knowledge. Did you know Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was a story created in Chicago? You’ll see the Christmas window displays at the original Marshall Field’s department store, Chicago's city Christmas tree, the ice skating rink at Millennium Park, and the legendary Christkindlmarket, a traditional German Christmas Market. No other tour offers such an all-inclusive experience of Chicago during the holidays!

From $85 USD

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4.9 (110 reviews)
Chicago's West Side Foodie Ride Bike Tour

Chicago's West Side Foodie Ride Bike Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Take a detour off the beaten path, and explore the flavors of Chicago’s vibrant West Side with Bobbys's Bike Hike, America's longest running city bike tour company, who recently ranked as Top 20 Food Tours in the World by TripAdvisor and Top 10 Food Tours in America by USA Today! This 4-hour guided food and bike tour is the perfect way to learn more about Chicago's neighboroods and taste authentic Chicago dishes along the way. You’ll explore the cultural cuisines of historic Fulton Market district, Ukrainian Village, Wicker Park, and Lincoln Park for toffee and ice cream. The tour finishes with a chocolate tasting in Old Town. You’ll learn the history of these beautiful neighborhoods and the tradition behind each of the dishes sampled. Ride through Chicago's gorgeous and unique neighborhoods, plus our legendary Lakefront Trail! There is no better way to explore Chicago than by bike!

From $99 USD

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4.9 (54 reviews)
Chicago Loop Walking Tour

Chicago Loop Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The Loop is the heartbeat of downtown Chicago! It is filled with great architecture, drop-dead gorgeous interiors and fantastic works of art from famous artists. Along the way, we'll discuss some of the people, and people groups, that have helped to make this one of the "must see" communities, in Chicago!

From $60 USD

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4.4 (14 reviews)
Chicago Lakefront Electric Bike Tour

Chicago Lakefront Electric Bike Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This tour takes you along the Lakefront bike path. Which you'll be able to experience the beautiful nature that surrounds the city skyscrapers. You will get a chance to ride Electric Bikes and see the city from a different vantage point. It all begins navigating through our meeting point and going by the bike path to Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum Campus). As we admire the grounds and perfect location between the iconic skyscrapers and nature. We will then proceed and make our way over to the lakefront path. Riding along we will take you to a magnificent view of the skyline which is the best place for a photo shoot. Afterward, we will take the lakefront bike path over the Chicago River. A quick ride back to our starting point ends the tour.

From $69 USD

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5.0 (6 reviews)
Chicago Private Foodie Tour: Windy City Faves

Chicago Private Foodie Tour: Windy City Faves

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Our Chicago Foodie Lovers Tour will take you to the most iconic and delicious spots in Chicago all in one day. If you are looking for a little bit of culture, great photos, and a ton of delicious food then this is the tour for you. The day will start with meeting with your friendly local guide. From there your tour will begin as you start your day walking throughout Chicago and dining at the most famous and delicious food spots in Chicago. This half-day tour will be fully packed with famous landmarks, yummy food and much much more! ==== Full schedule 11:00 AM - Meet your guide at the Grand subway station 11:05 AM - Taste a famous Portillos hotdog 11:45 AM - Enjoy an Al’s Italian Beef Sandwich 12:35 PM - Drool lover a Chicago favorite... deep dish pizza 1:25 PM - Take some Garrett's Popcorn to go 1:35 PM - Check out Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building 2:05 PM - Try the delicious Do-rite Donuts 2:20 PM - Walk to Buckingham Fountain 3:00 - Get dropped off at the Millennium Subway Station

From $288 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
️ Chicago Instagram Walking Tour (Private & All- Inclusive)

️ Chicago Instagram Walking Tour (Private & All- Inclusive)

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Our Chicago Walking Instagram Tour will take you to the most Instagrammable spots in Chicago all in one day. If you are looking for a little bit of culture, some amazing architecture, & a ton of great photos then this is the tour for you. The morning will start with meeting with your friendly local guide at the meeting point. From there your tour will begin as you start your day walking throughout Chicago and exploring the most famous locations in the city. This half-day tour will be fully packed with famous landmarks, vintage architecture, secretly located spots and much much more! ==== Full schedule 10:00 AM- Meet your Guide at the Grand Subway Station 10:10 AM- Walk along Magnificent Mile 10:20 AM- Stop at Wrigley Building & admire Tribune Tower 10:50 AM- Explore Pioneer Court 11:20 AM- Explore Millennium Park & see Cloud Gate 11:55 AM- Check out an Iconic fountain 12:20 AM- Chicago Riverwalk 1:00 PM- Explore Navy Pier 2:00 PM- Get dropped off by your guide at Millennium station

From $236 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Chicago Private Instagram Car Tour (Private & All-Inclusive)

Chicago Private Instagram Car Tour (Private & All-Inclusive)

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

If you're looking for an exciting and stress-free day exploring the wonders of Chicago, then this is the tour for you. We can’t wait to show you around! The morning will start with a private pickup from your hotel by one of our friendly, local guides. From there your tour will begin as you start your drive in one of our comfortable and spacious vehicles. This full-day tour will be fully packed with famous landmarks, vintage architecture, secret spots and much much more! ==== Full schedule 10:00 AM – Pick up from Hotel 10:15 AM – Check out Buckingham Fountain 10:45 AM – Arrive at Michigan Avenue Bridge 11:15 AM – Awe at the Chicago Cultural Center 12:15 PM – See Cloud Gate and explore Millennium park 1:00 PM – Lunch time 2:00 PM – Go to Chicago Theater 2:30 PM – See Garfield Park Conservatory 3:00 PM – Check out the Greetings from Chicago mural 3:30 PM – Snap a cool pic outside of Wrigley Field 3:45 PM – Return to hotel 4:00 PM – Arrive at hotel

From $750 USD

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