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
Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier 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 Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier 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
I spent 2 nights and everything was great. I'll be back!
Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
It was a wonderful visit with not one complaint about the amenities, cleanliness or staff!
Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Good room lower floor was a little close to the street and a little loud but it’s Chicago so to be expected. Breakfast was good and the room was clean.
Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026
Sentral Michigan Avenue
Sentral Michigan Avenue is not your average hotel but more like an apartment stay. Full kitchen, washer/dryer, even a broom & dustpan for spills!! Its a beautiful little place that feels homey. We had a little trouble with our tv remote refusing to work but they had it fixed in no time! I cannot ...
Reviewed on 15 Mar 2026
Level Chicago – Old Town
Spacious room with great views and washer and dryer
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
Very clean!!! Everything you need available in the apartment. Aldi store onsite. We also got the Chicago City Pass and this location was very convenient for all the activities we chose.
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
Navy Pier
A ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainment district.
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.
Grant Park
Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.
Things to do
Skydeck - Willis Tower Admission
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket
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- American Medical Association Headquarters
- Visit Brighton Park
- Visit Bucktown
- Visit Downtown Chicago
- Visit Gage Park
- Visit Goose Island
- Visit Grace Abbott Homes
- Visit Grand Boulevard
- Visit Humboldt Park
- Visit Hyde Park
- Visit Lincoln Park
- Visit Little Village
- Visit Magnificent Mile
- Visit Mid-North District
- Visit Near North Side
- Visit Near South Side
- Visit Noble Square
- Visit North Lawndale
- Visit Northalsted
- Visit Prairie District
- Visit Printers Row
- Visit Ravenswood Manor
- Visit River North
- Chicago Riverwalk
- Visit South Commons
- Visit South Loop
- Visit The Loop
- Visit Theatre District
- Chicago Theatre
- Visit Wrigleyville
- Chicago Holidays
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- Downtown Chicago Holidays
- Magnificent Mile Holidays
- Michigan Avenue
- Millennium Park
- Visit Rush Street
- Shops at North Bridge
- Visit South Side
- The Loop Holidays
