Kimpton Gray Hotel Chicago, an IHG Hotel

The best time to visit Chicago is from late May through June and September, when temperatures are mild and rain is less frequent. July and August are the warmest months, with highs around 27°C and higher humidity, though lake breezes help. The rainiest stretch is April and October, each with about 12 rain days, so pack accordingly. Winter months are cold and snowy, but the city is quieter and indoor attractions are easy to enjoy.

For first-time visitors, the Loop is central to sights like Millennium Park and the Art Institute, with easy transit. River North offers dining and nightlife, with hotels like The Peninsula Chicago and Waldorf Astoria Chicago. The Magnificent Mile is great for shopping, with the Park Hyatt Chicago and InterContinental Chicago. Each area suits different priorities, so pick based on your main interests.

Millennium Park is the city's green heart, with the Cloud Gate sculpture nearby. The Art Institute of Chicago holds a major collection of Impressionist and modern art. Navy Pier offers lakefront views and family-friendly attractions. Skydeck Chicago and 360 CHICAGO provide high-rise panoramas of the skyline and lake. The Chicago Riverwalk is a pleasant path along the river with city views.

Full-day tours from Chicago head to the Indiana Dunes, with its lakeshore and dunes, and to the historic districts of Oak Park. You can also visit the Frank Lloyd Wright trail in Oak Park and the lakefront sights of Milwaukee. If you prefer not to book a tour, well-known day trips include a visit to the northern suburbs of Evanston or a trip to the glitzy North Shore towns.

Plan 4 days for Chicago. Spend 2 days on the Loop sights: Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, the Art Institute, and Skydeck or Willis Tower. Use a third day for Navy Pier, the Riverwalk, and 360 CHICAGO. Add a fourth day for the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry or Shedd Aquarium. If you take a day trip, add one more day.