Flights To Chicago Guide

The trip begins at several major airports across the United Kingdom, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester Airport, and Birmingham Airport, among others. These airports offer a range of flights to Chicago’s main international airport, O’Hare International Airport (ORD), and the subsidiary airport, Midway International Airport (MDW).

There are usually flights from the UK to Chicago that are accessible throughout the day, with departures from early morning to late evening, depending on the airline and airport. Major international hubs London Heathrow and London Gatwick have several flights to Chicago, with a number of departures every day.

Travellers from the North and Midlands regions of the United Kingdom are facilitated with alternatives, with flights from Manchester Airport and Birmingham Airport to Chicago taking off at different times.

Woking Travel offers efficient transfer services that make it convenient for tourists to go from the airport to their hotels once they arrive in Chicago. This guarantees a comfortable and stress-free travel, freeing up travellers to focus on taking in everything Chicago has to offer.

Check out Transfers-Woking Travel to schedule and book your transfers!

For your destination, Woking Travel offers a selection of hotels that are tailored to fit various price ranges and preferences. Explore our range of hotels at Hotels-Woking Travel or discover exciting holiday packages at Holidays-Woking Travel.

Here are the top 10 hotels in Chicago, ranging from opulent 5-star hideaways to quaint 3-star facilities. 

1. The Peninsula Chicago: Experience ultimate indulgence in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. This 5-star hotel is known for its spacious rooms, award-winning spa, and rooftop terrace dining.
   
   
2. The Langham Chicago: Situated on the Magnificent Mile, this 5-star hotel offers elegant accommodations and unparalleled service, giving visitors an opulent and unforgettable experience.
   
   
3. Hyatt Regency McCormick Place: With family-friendly rooms, an indoor pool, and easy access to the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, this 4-star hotel is an ideal choice for those travelling with kids.
   
   
4. Chicago Athletic Association Hotel: This 4-star historic landmark has been reimagined as a boutique hotel. It offers playful, sophisticated rooms with unmatched views of Millennium Park.
   
   
5. Waldorf Astoria Chicago: With a prestigious 5-star rating, elegance and sophistication meet in this luxury hotel, offering top-tier amenities and service in the Gold Coast neighbourhood.
   
   
6. Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection: This 4-star downtown boutique hotel, located in the heart of Chicago’s Streeterville neighbourhood, gives guests a one-of-a-kind experience with its authentic design and creative amenities, which are inspired by art and science.
   
   
7. The Robey: Capturing the spirit of Wicker Park and Bucktown, The Robey, with a 4-star rating, stands out with its unique architecture, stylish rooms, and panoramic city views.
   
   
8. Freehand Chicago: A 3-star hybrid hotel-hostel offering both shared and private rooms, perfect for travellers looking to enjoy comfort and style without breaking the bank.
   
   
9. The Willows Hotel: Situated in the Lakeview neighbourhood, this quaint 3-star boutique hotel provides cosy rooms furnished with contemporary amenities and Victorian-style décor at a lower cost.
   
   
10. Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza River North: For both business and pleasure travellers, this 3-star hotel provides spacious rooms with convenient amenities and splendid views of the Chicago River and downtown skyline. This hotel is ideal for those looking for a comfortable stay at an affordable price.

Getting around Chicago can be convenient.  Here are some easy ways to get around the city:

Public Transit

1. Chicago “L” Train: This iconic train system covers most of the city and offers easy and affordable transportation, with single rides starting at $2.50.
2. Metra: Metra runs commuter trains that link the suburbs and surrounding areas with downtown Chicago. For people who commute to and from the city for business or pleasure, it’s a practical option.
3. City buses: With over 100 bus routes, you can reach almost any destination in Chicago for just $2.50 per ride.
4. Divvy Bikes: For a scenic and eco-friendly ride, rent a bike from one of the many stations throughout the city.

Ride-Sharing Services

1. Uber/Lyft: These popular apps offer convenient transportation options at varying price points, including solo or shared rides.
2. Taxis: Hail a cab on the street or call for a pickup to reach your destination quickly. During the summer months, water taxis operate along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, providing a picturesque transportation medium between downtown locations.

With these options at your disposal, getting around Chicago is easy and hassle-free. So go ahead and explore this vibrant city with ease!

The list of must-see attractions in Chicago is as tall as its skyline. Here are the top 10 places you cannot miss:

1. The Art Institute of Chicago is located in the heart of the city and is renowned for its vast collection of American, Impressionist, and Post-Impressionist works spanning centuries and cultures. 
   
   
2. Millennium Park and ‘The Bean’ sculpture: The Millennium Park and ‘The Bean’ sculpture are popular tourist destinations that offer a picturesque setting for a stroll or picnic.
   
   
3. Navy Pier: A family-friendly entertainment complex with restaurants, shops, and attractions such as the Centennial Wheel and Chicago Children’s Museum along Lake Michigan.
   
   
4. Magnificent Mile: Magnificent Mile is a shopper’s paradise, with high-end retailers and luxury boutiques lining the iconic street.
   
   
5. Wrigley Field: The Wrigley Field is ideal for the lovers of baseball. Catch a game at the famous home of the Chicago Cubs and feel the energy of the crowd.
   
   
6. Willis Tower: Formerly known as Sears Tower, Willis Tower offers unbeatable views from its Skydeck on the 103rd floor.
   
   
7. Lincoln Park Zoo: The Lincoln Park Zoo is a free slice of nature in the city for tourists and residents to explore. It is home to a diverse range of animals and also features an interactive farm-in-the-zoo.
   
   
8. The Museum of Science and Industry: A mecca of innovation, this museum showcases hands-on exhibits and relics from the world’s fairs.
   
   
9. The Shedd Aquarium: The perfect location for marine enchantment. Explore the world’s oceans and rivers at the top-rated Shedd Aquarium.
   
   
10. Chicago Riverwalk: Chicago Riverwalk is a great option for strolls and stellar views. Grab a bite, hop on a boat tour, or simply take in the stunning skyline from this vibrant riverside promenade.
    
    

From masterpiece collections to natural wonders, each location encapsulates a facet of Chicago’s allure, making your visit not just a voyage through space but also through time and culture.

These are Chicago’s top ten restaurants, offering everything from exquisite dining to must-try local eats:

1. Alinea: A three-Michelin-star restaurant with a multi-course tasting menu that is a true culinary adventure, acclaimed for its creative and avant-garde approach to fine dining.
   
   
2. Girl & the Goat: Celebrity chef Stephanie Izard is the founder of this popular West Loop eatery, which has an innovative menu of shared plates with robust flavours and global influences.
   
   
3. Smyth:  A two-Michelin-star restaurant with a farm-to-table tasting menu that focuses on fresh ingredients, offering an intimate and engaging dining experience.
   
   
4. Oriole: Set up in a small dining room, this two-Michelin-star restaurant serves a sophisticated tasting menu that blends flavours from throughout the world with distinct techniques.
   
   
5. Au Cheval: This laid-back yet classy restaurant in the West Loop, famed for its burgers, has developed a huge following because of its rich, decadent menu.
   
   
6. Spiaggia: With breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, this Michelin-starred Italian restaurant offers elegantly prepared meals with a modern touch.
   
   
7. Frontera Grill: The flagship restaurant of celebrity chef Rick Bayless serves traditional Mexican food with a focus on using locally harvested, fresh ingredients.
   
   
8. The Purple Pig: Situated on Magnificent Mile, this vibrant eatery specialises in small plates influenced by the Mediterranean region, with an emphasis on pork, cheese, and wine.
   
   
9. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab: A classic Chicago institution renowned for its incredible steaks, seafood, and unique stone crab claws.
   
   
10. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria: This famous Chicago pizzeria, a must-visit for fans of deep-dish pizza, serves a delicious and classic interpretation of the city’s most-loved deep-dish style.

Your Chicago agenda is incomplete without these pivotal activities, capturing the essence of the Windy City:

1. Taste an authentic Chicago-style hot dog: Savour a traditional Chicago-style hot dog at The Wiener’s Circle to delve in an authentic Chicago culinary experience.
   
   
2. Spend an evening at a blues bar: Explore the substantial musical history of Chicago by going to a popular blues bar like Kingston Mines or Buddy Guy’s Legends. Enjoy live shows that encapsulate the spirit of the blues culture in the city.
   
   
3. Stroll along the Lakefront Trail: Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a leisurely bike ride along the spectacular 18-mile Lakefront Trail. This trail is excellent for all seasons and offers terrific views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago cityscape.
   
   
4. Attend a performance at the Chicago Theatre: Experience the splendour of the historic Chicago Theatre, a masterpiece of architecture distinguished by its iconic marquee.
   
   
5. Caddy for a round of golf at the Marovitz course: Play golf at the picturesque 9-hole Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course beside Lake Michigan. This challenging but fun course overlooks the breathtaking Chicago skyline.
   
   
6. Take an architectural boat tour: Take an architectural boat tour about the Chicago River to learn about the city’s fantastic construction marvels and exciting history.
   
   
7. Picnic in Grant Park: Consider Grant Park to be “Chicago’s front yard.” Pack a picnic and unwind there. Take in this urban sanctuary’ lush greenery, exquisite gardens, and calm atmosphere—the perfect lazy afternoon.
   
   
8. Buckingham Fountain’s grand nightly water and light show: One of the largest fountains in the world, Buckingham Fountain, is a sight to behold during its nightly water and light show. Particularly after sunset, the choreographed display is not to be missed.
   
   
9. Visit the Field Museum: Discover ‘Sue,’ the most extensive and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton discovered to date, by visiting the Field Museum. 
   
   
10. Chicago Cultural Center: Witness the Chicago Cultural Centre, a remarkable architectural landmark, to see its magnificent stained glass domes and mosaics.

Chicago experiences a wide range of weather conditions across four distinct seasons.

• Winter (December to February): The range of temperatures is 20°F to 40°F (-6°C to 4°C). It tends to get cold and snowy, so it is ideal for visiting nearby ski slopes, ice skating, and holiday markets. For those on a tight budget, winter is when airfares to Chicago are typically the cheapest. 
• Spring (March to May): The temperature ranges from 4°C to 21°C (40°F to 70°F). It is gently fragrant and ideal for leisurely strolls in parks and outdoor activities. 
• Summer (June to August): The temperature range is 21°C to 29°C (70°F to 85°F). It is warm and muggy, perfect for lakefront activities, beach outings, and festivals such as Taste of Chicago. Because this is the busiest tourist season, book early to bag the best flight deals.
• Fall(September to November): The temperature range is 45°F to 70°F (7°C to 21°C). It is crisp and cool with lovely foliage. It is excellent for cultural events and boat cruising. 

Be mindful of the season while planning your trip, as you will want to experience everything, from beach days in the summer to winter sports experiences. 

Follow this Local Chicago Weather Guide to ensure the weather is ideal when booking a trip!

Chicago switches between Central Daylight Time (CDT) during daylight saving time and Central Standard Time (CST) otherwise. 

• GMT: Chicago is 6 hours behind GMT

• BST: Chicago is 6 hours behind BST, which is effectively 7 hours behind GMT.

Currency:

• The currency in Chicago is the US dollar ($). ATMs are readily accessible throughout the city, and most businesses accept credit cards.

Language:

• English is the primary language spoken in Chicago, but due to its diverse population, you’ll also hear different languages being spoken throughout the city.

Local Customs: 

Chicagoans are intensely passionate about their sports teams, absolutely adore deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, and exhibit representative Midwesterner courtesy. Public transportation and tipping are also considered to be social graces, and the city’s rich cultural diversity is portrayed through neighbourhood festivals and architectural celebration.

Local Laws:

For tourists visiting Chicago, it’s important to be aware of both federal and state laws that apply. Here are some useful links:

• City of Chicago’s Official Tourism Site
• UK Travel Advisory to Chicago

The allure of Chicago’s diverse tapestry of experiences beckons you. Every moment in this city is a brushstroke on the canvas of your travel memories. Chicago is a destination that inspires dreams and enables them. Embark on this enchanting adventure, book your flights, and witness the unparalleled beauty that awaits in Chicago.

Let Woking Travel curate your perfect Chicago escape. Book now!