During the past year and a half, we’ve truly missed welcoming millions of visitors to our amazing city. But Chicago has always been a place for comebacks — ever since the world’s first skyscraper rose from the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 — and this same resilient spirit has carried us through these uncertain times.
In the past few months, Chicago has fully reopened, implemented new safety protocols, and seen some of our signature big city buzz reemerge. Now, as visitors from around the world return to Chicago, we couldn’t be more proud to announce some exciting news.
Chicago is the Best Big City in the U.S. for an unprecedented fifth consecutive year.
The prestigious recognition comes from Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2021. This year, more than 800,000 readers from all around the country voted for their favorite destinations and awarded Chicago the title of Best Big City again — making us the only city to ever win this accolade five years in a row.
Naturally, we’re thrilled. But we can’t celebrate this moment without expressing our deep and lasting gratitude to the city’s many tourism and hospitality professionals. Their dedication and generosity have helped visitors from across the globe fall in love with our city time and time again.
So, what makes Chicago the country’s Best Big City? There are so many reasons. It could be our welcoming and inclusive spirit, award-winning food scene, iconic attractions, or our vibrant neighborhoods, which offer something new to discover around every corner.
The only way to know is to explore it all for yourself. Come experience the wonders of this amazing place, so that you’ll understand why Chicago is a city unlike any other.
Discover our diverse neighborhoods
Humboldt Park; photo by Abel Arciniega :: @tequilagraphics
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. We’re home to more than 77 of them, each with its own unique vibe, restaurants, boutiques, museums, and friendly locals. You can explore them all, from global cuisine in West Ridge, to colorful street art in Humboldt Park, to fascinating African-American history in Bronzeville.
Explore Chicago neighborhoods
Chicago neighborhoods for music lovers
10 must-see neighborhood theatres
The best Chicago neighborhoods for boutique shopping
Experience the thrill of live events
Paradise Square; photo by Kevin Berne
The curtain is rising again on Chicago’s cultural scene. Our calendar of live events is back and stronger than ever with an array of exciting performances and shows planned for this fall, from Broadway in Chicago to dramatic operas to iconic improv. Come rediscover the exhilarating lights and sounds of live music, dance, comedy, theatre, and more.
The best upcoming live cultural events in Chicago
Where to see live music, comedy, and more in Chicago right now
Your guide to Chicago’s theatre scene
Dive into an acclaimed dining scene
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
Chicago’s award-winning dining scene is as diverse as the city itself. You’ll find something for every palate, from fine-dining tasting menus, to classic Chicago eats, to globally inspired cuisine in our international neighborhoods. Here’s a taste of Chicago’s most essential and eclectic eats.
Michelin guide to Chicago
Eat around the world in our international neighborhoods
Your guide to essential Chicago restaurants
Discover new worlds at our museums
Art Institute of Chicago; photo by Abel Arciniega :: @tequilagraphics
Meet the world’s largest dinosaur, step inside a whirling tornado, and admire Impressionist masterpieces at Chicago’s renowned museums. And the art spills out into the streets — you’ll find captivating public art and feast-for-the-eye murals scattered throughout our vibrant neighborhoods.
Explore Chicago’s Museum Campus and Museum Campus South
12 unique museums that locals love
Street art & murals in Chicago’s neighborhoods
Find endless outdoor adventures
Chicago Riverwalk; Ranvestel Photographic
Chicago is the “city in a garden”, which means you’ll find green spaces and outdoor activities around every corner. You can walk the Lakefront Trail, take a boat cruise on the Chicago River, kayak alongside our scenic skyline, or have a picnic in one of our neighborhood parks. And don’t forget to snap a selfie at “The Bean” in iconic Millennium Park.
Guide to Chicago’s Millennium Park campus
Discover outdoor adventure in Chicago
Explore the Chicago Riverwalk
Feel the warmth of a welcoming community
Pride Fest Chicago, photo by Adam Alexander Photography
Chicago is one of the most inclusive cities in the world. We’re home to vibrant multicultural neighborhoods, diverse LGBTQ+ communities (including the oldest official LGBTQ+ neighborhood in the country), accessible attractions, sensory-friendly experiences, and a welcoming Midwest spirit that ensures everyone feels right at home.
Accessibility in Chicago
Sensory-friendly attractions
Chicago’s best LGBTQ+ bars and clubs
The ultimate LGBTQ+ Chicago guide
Meet the people behind Chicago’s minority-owned businesses
Attend bucket-list events and festivals
Christkindlmarket Chicago
No matter the season, you’ll find a packed schedule of exciting events in Chicago. You can rock out at a summer music festival on the lakefront, sample food from around the world at neighborhood street fairs, and admire the twinkling lights at charming holiday markets and parades. Check out some of our top events and festivals throughout the year.
Holidays in Chicago: Top things to do
Top summer music festivals in Chicago
Year-round guide to festivals and events
Admire awe-inspiring architecture
Seadog architecture cruise
Wherever you go in Chicago, you’re surrounded by architectural marvels and iconic landmarks. We’re home to the world’s first skyscrapers, a treasure trove of Frank Lloyd Wright wonders (including a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Pullman National Monument, and plenty of stunning works in our neighborhoods and historic districts.
Find an architecture boat cruise
Guide to Chicago’s architecture highlights
Tour historic districts in Chicago’s neighborhoods
Find fun for the entire family
Shedd Aquarium; photo by Abel Arciniega :: @tequilagraphics
Chicago is home to an astonishing number of all-ages adventures. Take a spin on a soaring Ferris wheel, touch stingrays at the aquarium, meet penguins at a historic zoo, climb and play at a whimsical lakefront park, and beyond. Discover some of the best attractions and activities for the whole family.
30 kid-friendly things to do in Chicago
Your guide to Navy Pier
10 things to do with teens and tweens
Are you ready to experience Chicago? Explore things to do and start planning your visit now.