Chicago Travel Facts
The Basics
City Name: Chicago
Where is it located?: Chicago is in north Illinois on Lake Michigan.
Why do people go there?: Chicago: perpetually the second city fighting to explain the real reason it’s also known as the windy one (it’s because of politics, not actual wind!) With one of the most beautiful skylines in the country overlooking Lake Michigan, Chicago has fantastic diversity, culture, arts, dining and just about everything else you want, as long as you can afford it.
How do travelers get there?: You can take the train or bus in, but there are a number of flights to Chicago from all over the country, as it has one of the busiest airports in the world (O’Hare) , and another that’s home to all the cheap flights (Midway)
Currency: US Dollar
City Code: 312
Population: 2 million
Languages: English
Travel Information
Neighborhoods: Park Manor, Ranch Triangle, Oakland, O’Hare, Mount Greenwood, South Commons
Attractions: Lake Michigan, Michigan Ave. Shopping, Sears Tower
Accommodations: Chicago Hostels, Cheap Hotels in Chicago
Tourist Office: Chicago Tourist Office
Off-the-beaten-path: The Leaning Tower of Niles, Montrose Dog Beach, The Statue of Time, Billy Goat Tavern
Health Issues: overweight, obesity, asthma, diabetes, HIV/AIDS,
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Avoid the winter bluster and stifling summer humidity by heading to Chicago in late spring or early fall.
City Specific Events: Chicago Winter Delights every January, African-American Heritage Month every February, Chicago Flower and Garden Show every March, Chicago Improv Festival and Chicago International Antiques and Fine Art Fair every April, Art Chicago and Memorial Day Parade every May, Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Printer’s Row Book Fair, Grant Park Music Festival and Gay and Lesbian Pride Festival every June, Chicago Country Music Festival, Independence Day Celebration and Chicago Outdoor Film Festival every July, Latin Music Festival and Gold Coast Art Fair every August, Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago Museum Week and Chicago Celtic Festival every September, Chicago International Film Festival and Columbus Day Parade every October, Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Chicago Humanities Festival every November, Christkindlmarket and LaSalle Bank WinterWonderfest every December
How to get around?: The L, or elevated train system, is extensive and widely used. There is also a well-developed bus and train system to get around the city and its massive Chicago land burbs.
Good to know: Chicago is known as Chi-Town and Windy City because of its politicians bragging about their city. Others call Chicago as the City of Big Shoulder because of its many skyscrapers. Some refer to it as the “Second City” because Chicago is regarded as the second most prominent in the country when it comes to culture and entertainment.
Cheapest airport to fly into: There are plenty of airports serving Chicago like O’Hare International Airport, Chicago Midway International Airport, Gary/Chicago International Airport, DuPage Airport, Clow International Airport, Schaumburg Regional Airport, etc. To get cheaper flights, it would be wise to use the airport that is nearer to your trip destination.
Need more information?: Check out the Chicago travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
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