Central Chicago Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Central Chicago
Where to stay in Central Chicago
Magnificent Mile
Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.
River North
Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.
Theatre District
While you're in Theatre District, take in top sights like Michigan Avenue or State Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).
Streeterville
Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Streeterville. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.
Near North Side
Known for its fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Near North Side. Top attractions like Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue are major draws. Catch the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.
Gold Coast
The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Gold Coast. A stop by Michigan Avenue or Lake Michigan might round out your trip.
Congress Plaza Hotel
"Bring earplugs, people love driving down Michigan avenue blasting music loudly"
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
"The hotel was marvelous. The breakfasts were amazing. Anything you could think of was there. The rooftop bar is definitely worth visiting."
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
The Chicago Hotel Collection - Magnificent Mile
"Valet parking was terrible and I should have received a $30 discount off of the valet parking per my reservation and they charged me the full amount. Also waited over 30mins for valet to get my car"
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Sentral Michigan Avenue
"The place was dirty for the standards id expected in Chicago lakeshore area especially by Michigan Avenue. Check-in was fully automated it took me somebtime to figure but once I did it was excellent. There also was a dirty couch in main hall area"
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
"Great place to stay."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Level Chicago – Old Town
"Super nice"
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Popular places to visit
Navy Pier
A ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainment district.
McCormick Place
Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.
Michigan Avenue
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Soldier Field
Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.
Millennium Park
A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape.
Chicago Riverwalk
Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.
Things to do
Skydeck - Willis Tower Admission
City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Premier Dinner Cruise
- Navy Pier
- Millennium Park
- Chicago Riverwalk
- Grant Park
- Willis Tower
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Chicago Theatre
- Field Museum of Natural History
- Cloud Gate
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Water Tower Place
- 875 North Michigan Avenue
- Northerly Island Natural Area
- Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
- Aon Center
- Auditorium Building and Theatre
