LandmarkMillennium Park and the Bean
The mirrored Cloud Gate sculpture reflects the skyline.
Cheap flights to Chicago
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Chicago at a glance
- Country
- United States
- Airports
- O'Hare International (ORD), Midway International (MDW)
- Search code
CHI- Money
- US dollar (USD)
Discover Chicago
Architecture, deep-dish pizza, jazz and blues, and beaches on a lake that looks like an ocean. Chicago is the great city of the American Midwest.
What it's called
- The Windy Cityfor its weather and, some say, its talkative politicians
- Chi-Townlocal slang
- Shikaakwaa Native word for a wild onion that grew here
Things to do in Chicago
Landmark
ViewsArchitecture river cruise
The best way to learn about the city's towers.
CultureArt Institute of Chicago
Famous works like Seurat, Hopper and American Gothic.
CultureNavy Pier
A Ferris wheel and lake views.
ViewsSkydeck at Willis Tower
Step onto a glass box 103 floors up.
About the United States
The United States stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific, plus Alaska and Hawaii. In one country you get skyscraper cities, red-rock deserts, tropical beaches, snowy mountains and small towns with diners and county fairs.
- CapitalWashington, D.C.
- MoneyUS dollar (USD)
- LanguageEnglish (Spanish is widely spoken too)
Economy
It is the world's largest economy. Silicon Valley tech, Hollywood films, Wall Street finance, Texas oil and Midwest farms all play a part, and travel and tourism support millions of jobs.
Culture
People from every corner of the world made America, and you taste it in the food: barbecue, soul food, Tex-Mex, pizza and more. Jazz, blues, country, rock and roll and hip-hop were all born here, and game day is close to a holiday.
Places to visit
- Grand Canyonthe most famous view in the West
- Yellowstonegeysers, bison and the first national park
- New Orleansjazz, Creole food and the French Quarter
- San Franciscothe Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars
- Washington, D.C.monuments and free Smithsonian museums
- Las Vegasshows and neon in the desert
Why the United States is worth it for you
- A whole world in one tripCities, beaches, deserts and mountains without crossing a border.
- Free museumsThe Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. are free to enter.
- Flights everywhereSo many airports and airlines that fares stay competitive and connections are easy.
- Road-trip freedomGood highways, motels in every town and scenery that changes every few hours.
Travel more of the United States
Places worth adding to your trip, from Chicago or on another visit.
NatureGrand Canyon, Arizona
A mile-deep canyon carved by the Colorado River; sunrise at the South Rim is unforgettable.
NatureYellowstone, Wyoming
The first national park in the world, with geysers like Old Faithful, bison and hot springs.
NatureYosemite, California
Granite cliffs, giant sequoias and waterfalls in the Sierra Nevada.
CultureNew Orleans, Louisiana
Jazz on Frenchmen Street, beignets and the French Quarter's iron balconies.
HistoryWashington, D.C.
The Capitol, the White House and the free Smithsonian museums.
NightlifeLas Vegas, Nevada
Neon, shows and casinos, and a gateway to Zion and the Grand Canyon.
LandmarkNew York City
Skyline, Broadway and the Statue of Liberty.
See the guide →
BeachHawaiʻi
Volcanoes, surf and the spirit of aloha.
See the guide →Eat like a local
- Deep-dish pizzaThick crust, cheese, then sauce on top.
- Chicago-style hot dogMustard, relish, onions, tomatoes and peppers, never ketchup.
- Italian beefThin-sliced beef in a dipped roll.
The story of Chicago
Chicago grew from a trading post into a railroad hub in the 1800s. After the Great Fire of 1871 it rebuilt in stone and steel, and soon the world's first skyscraper rose here in 1885.
The United States through history
- Long before 1500
Hundreds of Native American nations lived across the land.
- 1607
Jamestown, Virginia, becomes the first lasting English settlement.
- 1776
The Declaration of Independence is signed on July 4 in Philadelphia.
- 1865
The Civil War ends and slavery is abolished.
- 1964
The Civil Rights Act outlaws discrimination by race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
- 1969
Apollo 11 lands the first people on the Moon.
Good to know
- Best time to go
- May to October; winters are cold but have holiday markets and skating.
- Getting around
- The 'L' trains cover the city and run to both airports.
- Language
- English (Spanish is widely spoken too)
Ready to see Chicago for yourself?
Find flights to ChicagoPopular routes
Flights from Chicago
Tips for flying to Chicago
- Chicago has 2 airports. Searching the code CHI covers all of them, so you see every option in one list.
- No fixed dates? Leave them blank: the search opens with your route filled in so you can compare nearby days.
- Compare the total price with bags. Some of the lowest fares leave out checked luggage or seat selection.
- You book with the airline or travel agency directly, so check their name and change rules before you pay.
When you land in Chicago
Places to stay, things to do and getting around, from trusted travel brands.
Questions about Chicago
Which airports serve Chicago?
O'Hare International (ORD), Midway International (MDW). Search code: CHI.
What currency is used in Chicago?
US dollar (USD).
How do I find cheap flights to Chicago?
Enter where you're flying from in the search above. JetSetCheap compares fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies, then you book directly with the seller.