Illinois

Heartland of Culture and Skyline

Illinois sits in the Midwest with Chicago as its largest city and a hub of culture, food and architecture. The state features diverse landscapes from rolling prairies to forests along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Major cities include Springfield, the capital, known for political history; Peoria, famous for riverfront parks; and smaller towns that reflect Midwestern values like community and hard work. Illinois is a transportation center with major highways and rail lines connecting regions across the country.

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State/Prefecture in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

See price details

Safety: 6.5

General Safety:	6
Health & medical:	7
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	8

Read details

5/5

English is universally spoken and understood. Spanish is also widely spoken, especially in urban centers, aiding communication for many travelers.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Illinois Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Strong for urban culture and architecture. Visit major museums, explore city parks, enjoy theater and music and experience famous skyline views.

Place score

7.2

Best at:

Art

Aquariums

Lakes

Museums

Luxury shopping

Personal score

Suited for

👶 6

Families

🧓 6

Seniors

❤️ 7

Couples

🛡️ 6

Travel Beginners

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Illinois, United States

❄️

Jan

❄️

Feb

🌤️

Mar

🌤️

Apr

🌤️

May

☀️

Jun

☀️

Jul

☀️

Aug

☀️

Sep

🌤️

Oct

🌤️

Nov

❄️

Dec

High season:	June - Sep.
Shoulder season:	April - May, Oct.
Crowdedness:	8 (Very crowded)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Climate and season vary by region: Chicago best for sightseeing June to September, southern Illinois and state parks best April to October, winters cold statewide

Tornado season peaks April to June, mainly across central and southern Illinois

Lollapalooza in Chicago takes place in late July or early August; hotels fill up and prices spike

Don't miss

🏙️ Take an elevator ride to Willis Tower’s Skydeck and step onto The Ledge
🖼️ Explore Chicago’s Art Institute and see American Gothic in person
🚤 Cruise the Chicago River and admire the city’s architecture
📸 Walk through Millennium Park and snap a photo at The Bean
🍕 Taste deep-dish pizza where it was invented in Chicago

You've been here?

Why travel to Illinois?

Illinois offers a rich cultural experience with world-class museums, theaters and architectural marvels in Chicago, paired with peaceful natural escapes like Starved Rock State Park. Its diverse culinary scene, ranging from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, plus important historical sites, makes it a compelling destination for all types of travelers. Travelers should be cautious of urban crime in certain Chicago neighborhoods and plan accordingly. Seasonal weather extremes include hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, affecting travel plans.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Chicago
A bustling metropolis in the American Midwest, Chicago offers world-class architecture, deep-dish pizza and vibrant neighborhoods. While downtown can feel crowded, exploring the lakefront or venturing into quieter districts reveals a city full of culture and energy for every traveler.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Willis Tower
This iconic skyscraper in Chicago offers breathtaking panoramic views from its observation deck. The Willis Tower stands tall against the skyline, providing a memorable experience for visitors seeking to explore the city's architectural wonders and enjoy stunning vistas.
2 The Art Institute of Chicago
This world‑class museum in Illinois showcases over 300 years of art, from Impressionist masterpieces to contemporary installations. Visitors can explore its expansive galleries and enjoy free guided tours during peak season.
3 Millennium Park
This iconic green space in Chicago's Loop features a massive steel sculpture and sweeping fountains. The surrounding area buzzes with activity, offering world-class architecture, vibrant festivals and endless photo opportunities for visitors seeking urban energy.
4 Wrigley Field
A historic baseball stadium in Chicago's Wrigleyville neighborhood, featuring ivy-covered walls and a classic wooden bleacher design that draws fans to experience timeless American sports tradition every summer season.
5 Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
This interactive museum features hands-on exhibits, a planetarium and a historic train. Visitors explore science through engaging displays, including a full-scale dinosaur skeleton and an IMAX theater experience within the city's cultural district.
6 Navy Pier
This iconic pier extends into Lake Michigan, offering breathtaking views and vibrant nightlife. The historic structure features a distinctive tower and hosts various events, making it a beloved Chicago landmark for visitors and locals alike.
7 Chicago Riverwalk
This scenic stretch along the Chicago River offers stunning views of the city skyline and historic architecture. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, walk the promenade or grab a bite at riverside restaurants while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
8 Lincoln Park Zoo
9 Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
10 SkyDeck Chicago Willis Tower
11 Starved Rock State Park
12 Shedd Aquarium

🎡Places for activities

1 Field Museum
The Field Museum in Chicago stands as a premier natural history destination, featuring vast dinosaur halls and expansive African savanna exhibits that immerse visitors in global biodiversity through interactive displays and world-class collections.
2 Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
3 Six Flags Great America
4 Anderson Japanese Gardens

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Shawnee National Forest
2 Mississippi River
3 Original Lake Michigan Shoreline
4 Starved Rock State Park
5 Illinois River
6 Matthiessen State Park
7 Cache River State Natural Area
8 Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge
9 Garden Of the Gods

🛍️Shopping

1 The Shops at North Bridge
2 Water Tower Place
3 Fashion Outlets of Chicago
4 Woodfield Mall
5 Magnificent Mile
6 Chicago French Market
7 Oakbrook Center
8 Downtown Naperville
9 Chicago Premium Outlets

🎈Events

Chicago Air and Water Show
Taste of Chicago
Chicago Blues Festival
Lollapalooza Music Festival
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
Chicago Jazz Festival
Illinois State Fair
Riverside Arts Weekend
Chicago Marathon
Navy Pier Winter WonderFest

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Pack layers; Illinois weather varies widely throughout the day.
Use public transit in Chicago to avoid traffic and parking hassles, especially during rush hour.
Check local event calendars before visiting museums; many host free admission days or special exhibitions.
Explore historic Route 66 towns for authentic diners and vintage car shows, offering unique photo opportunities and regional cuisine.

How to travel to Illinois

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the main hub with international and domestic flights. Midway Airport serves domestic flights. Amtrak trains and buses connect Chicago with other cities in Illinois and the U.S.

Access summary

From Chicago O’Hare (ORD): CTA Blue Line train downtown, about 40–45 min.
From Chicago Midway (MDW): CTA Orange Line train downtown, about 25–30 min.
From Milwaukee or Indianapolis: Drive interstate highways into Illinois, typically 3–4 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Illinois

Accommodation ranges from upscale hotels and boutique properties in Chicago to budget motels and inns in smaller towns. Lakefront and downtown areas are popular among visitors for convenience and views.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Warwick Allerton Hotel Chicago

8.0

Hotel Felix Chicago River North/Magnificent Mile

8.2

Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

9.4

Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop - Theatre District

8.8

Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago

8.3

The Ivy Hotel

9.0

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Illinois

Public transportation in Chicago includes an extensive 'L' train system and bus network making it easy to explore the city. Outside urban areas, renting a car is recommended for flexibility as public transit is limited in rural parts.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-1 %

Daily expenses in Illinois are around 1% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£75	£162	£445
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£36	£83	£210
🍝 Food per day	£32	£72	£209
🚕 Transportation per day	£7	£7	£26

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£30
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£14
🍟 Fast food combo	£9
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£11.50
☕ Cappuccino	£3.80
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£4.50

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.90
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£15
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.65

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£11
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£110
🤧 Cold medication	£8.50
💇 Basic haircut	£22

Safety information overview

General safety

Illinois is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be mindful of crime in some urban neighborhoods, particularly after dark. Usual precautions enhance safety.

Health & Medical

Illinois offers high-quality medical facilities, especially in Chicago and larger towns. Emergency services are robust and accessible.

Accessibility

Major tourist areas and transportation systems offer good accessibility. Some historic sites might pose challenges due to building age and design.

Tap water

Tap water in Illinois is safe to drink and meets all federal standards. Bottled water is also widely available.