Chicago, Illinois

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Handy local info

Currency - US Dollars

Visa requirements from UK - Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)

Airport - O’Hare International Airport

Climate - highest temperatures tend to be July and August, average 28 degrees.

Lowest temperatures tend to be December & January with average temp of 0 degrees.

Best time to go - June to September

Language - English

Favourite places to visit in Chicago

Chicago Observation Deck; on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Centre, are breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline, the lakefront and 4 states.

Lincoln Park - Chicago's biggest park, hosting public beaches, harbors, a zoo, a conservatory & a couple of museums. Go for a walk around South Pond & admire the views of Chicago's skyscrapers. If you visit in the summer - make sure you head to North Avenue Beach.

Millennium Park; open lakefront, with ferris wheel, outdoor music pavilion and ice skating rink (in winter).

Must do in Chicago

Chicago River Cruise; view the city’s glorious architecture in this wonderful way. You can join a dinner cruise if you want to make it extra special.

Big Bus Tour; Get on the hop-on hop-off city bus to see all the main attractions with a tour guide. I always love to see cities this way, when I can.

Pizza - You can't go to Chicago and not enjoy one of their unique pizzas. Be warned they are huge! But so good. You can even do a pizza tour, where you can visit local neighbourhoods for the best pizza in the city & hear why it's such an important part of Chicago's culture.

Helicopter Ride - If you want to do something really special, I highly recommend a helicopter ride over Chicago. The views of the city & the lake are stunning & it's such a special way to see this beautiful place.