My tips for Chicago
In my extensive Chicago Travel Guide I’ll show the most important sights and what you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Chicago! And if you’re like me, always exploring the gastronomical scene in foreign cities and love to taste your way through all the specialties, you should take a look at my huge Food Guide about Chicago on my blog! Chicago is famous for its culinary innovations!
➜ The Top 20 Tourist Attractions in Chicago
➜ Chicago Food Guide
By the way: Unfortunately, like most American cities, Chicago is not really cheap. But you can save a lot of money with the Chicago City Pass*.
Read my review and find out, if it’s worth it!
➜ The Chicago City Pass: Is it worth it or not?
Good to know
Chicago is also called the Windy City. The location on the huge Lake Michigan makes you feel like you’re at the ocean!
THINGS TO DO
Reflecting yourself in the shiny sculpture “Cloud Gate” (also called “The Bean”), tracking down the latest food trends & enjoying the friendliness of the Chicagoans
Tips for your trip to Chicago
HOW TO GET THERE
Chicago has one of the largest airports in the U.S., O’Hare International Airport. It is even the hub of United Airlines.
From Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna or Zurich you can even fly directly to Chicago.
OVERNIGHT
Chicago, like many major U.S. cities, is an expensive place – but not as expensive as New York!
I advise you to stay in the center of Chicago. This may be a bit more expensive, but it is especially practical if you want to be out and about in the evening.
➜ Find the best hotel deals in Chicago*
VISUM
Under the Visa Waiver Program you can stay 90 days visa-free in the USA with a German passport and many others. However, you must have a valid ESTA, which you must apply for before you travel. The ESTA is valid for two years, but must be renewed before that time under certain conditions (e.g. when changing passports).
➜ to the ESTA application
The Visa Waiver Program also applies to many other countries.
➜ All countries for the Visa Waiver Program
Facts about Chicago
How many people live in Chicago?
Chicago has a population of around 2.7 million, making it the third largest city in the USA after New York and Los Angeles.
How long is the flight to Chicago?
From Frankfurt, for example, the direct flight to Chicago takes about 8 hours.
Why is the Chicago River sometimes colored green?
Every year, the Chicago River is dyed green on St. Patrick’s Day. St.Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and is also significant in Chicago due to its large number of Irish immigrants.
What is there to do in Chicago?
If you like New York, you’ll love Chicago even more! This city of millions on Lake Michigan combines a big-city feeling with a relaxed lifestyle and a high recreational value.
You can plunge into the huge skyscraper canyons, admire the fascinating architecture or enjoy the rich mix of art and culture. And don’t even get me started on the selection of good restaurants: Chicago is not only the birthplace of the amazing Deep Dish Pizza, but also a real paradise for foodies!
How expensive is Chicago?
Like all American cities, Chicago is not particularly cheap. Especially good food (if you don’t want to live exclusively on fast food) and the entrance fees for the most important sights can strain your travel budget. With the Chicago City Pass you can save quite some money.
Chicago is not exactly cheap when it comes to hotels either. It is best to book your accommodation early to secure a good price.
➜ Get the best hotel deals in Chicago*
