Hotels in Chicago

The Windy City has long been recognized as one of America's finest when it comes to a variety of mouth-watering cuisine. Whether you're a fan of fine dining or affordable comfort food, Chicago has you covered. Some of the country's most renowned restaurants are in the city, including the Michelin-starred Parachute, Alinea and Spiaggia. Chicago's fantastic steakhouse tradition is alive and well, with standouts including Maple & Ash and top-rated Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse. Experience Chicago's skill at perfecting simple favorites at legendary spots like the Italian sandwich spot Johnnie's Beef and the iconic Gene & Jude's hot dog stand. Comfort food fans, meanwhile, will be in heaven thanks to Big Jones and Smoque BBQ. With unique options like Macau cuisine, pioneering farm-to-table cafes and what may well be America's first Michelin-starred brewpub, Chicago has something for every foodie.

Grant Park is such a Chicago institution, it is sometimes referred to as 'Chicago's Front Yard.' At 319 acres, it holds a vast number of attractions that are a must-see for any visitor. One of its premier attractions is Millennium Park, which is host to many breathtaking artistic installations by both visual artists and architects. Sitting atop a parking garage and a rail station, it is the world's most extensive rooftop garden! The Buckingham Fountain is the centerpiece of Grant Park, and one of the world's largest. The Museum Campus is host to the Alder Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History and Shedd Aquarium. Music performances ranging from the Chicago Jazz Festival to Lollapalooza are held at the Petrillo Music Shell. There are many breathtaking gardens throughout the park, and history buffs will enjoy sculptures such as the Abraham Lincoln Monument, the Columbus Monument, and The Logan Monument.

This aptly named downtown Chicago district is actually a section of the city's famous Michigan Avenue. What makes it so magnificent? Its mix of the upscale department and luxury retail stores, fine dining restaurants, posh hotels, and more make it a paradise for the traveler looking for a luxe experience. From Bulgari to Burberry, Saint Laurent to Louboutin, and Omega to Rolex, the finest in shopping are all here. The Grand Lux and Lawry's The Prime Rib are just some of the fine dining options available. You'll also get your best view of Chicago from 1,000 feet up thanks to the John Hancock Building's 360 Chicago observation deck. Want to be sure your luxury Chicago hotel is located within walking distance of all this decadence? Four and five-star hotels, including the Four Seasons and the Park Hyatt are all located along the Magnificent Mile.

Officially named the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, this sprawling 40,000 square foot wonder is the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere! It is home to more than 2,000 exhibits including a full-sized coal mine, a massive model railroad and the 'Science Storms' exhibit featuring a water tornado and tsunami tank. War buffs travel from around the world to see the U-505, one of two German submarines captured during World War II. Focuses on everything from farming to toy making mean there's an exhibition for every member of the family. And these are only the permanent ones – plan your travel dates around the temporary exhibition you want to see.

As the only Great Lake that does not share its shoreline with Canada, Lake Michigan is easily the largest lake in the United States. There are portions in four different states, but the Chicago section definitely has a character of its own. The world-famous Navy Pier is an attraction you simply cannot miss when visiting the city. It offers an indoor shopping and dining area, the Chicago Children's Museum, and a host of seasonal attractions. The Centennial Ferris Wheel gives you 200-feet high views of the city. Paddleboarding, kayaking and jet skiing are all readily available. And whether you prefer a conventional dinner cruise, a giant schooner or an adrenaline-packed speedboat, Lake Michigan has a cruise option for you.

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest, largest and most famous museums in the entire country. This is mainly due to possessing some of the world's most iconic art pieces. Its 300,000 works of art include Pablo Picasso's The Old Guitarist, Vincent Van Gogh's Self Portrait and Grant Wood's American Gothic. American, Asian, and European art spanning 4,000 years are on display alongside photography, textile, and architecture displays. Just the architecture of the museum building itself is worth the visit! For any aspiring artist or art fan, this is a must-see.

With 32,000 animals and 5,000,000 gallons of water, it's no surprise that the Shedd Aquarium long held the record as the largest indoor aquarium in the world. Its 1,500 species include beautiful and unusual fish, amphibians, marine mammals, snakes, birds, and insects. A multiple Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Best Exhibit' winner, you can expect to see reproductions of marine habitats from around the world. Rare creatures, as well as universal favorites, make the Shedd Aquarium a destination enjoyed by marine enthusiasts and wide-eyed children alike.