Chicago

We’re honored to announce that Chicago has been voted the Best Big City in the U.S. for a remarkable seventh consecutive year. It’s a momentous achievement and a true testament to the enduring allure of our beautiful and dynamic city. The prestigious honor comes from the discerning readers of Condé Nast Traveler who participated in the annual Readers’ Choice Awards, the industry’s longest-running awards program. Over 520,000 travelers from around the world cast their votes and once again crowned Chicago as the nation’s Best Big City.

View Gallery

Destination Info

Chicago, the largest city in the Midwest, lies in the heart of the United States. That makes getting here a breeze, no matter how you like to travel. Explore options by plane, car, train, and more.

Getting here by plane
Chicago is home to two international airports conveniently located in the center of the country, with thousands of daily inbound and outbound flights to more than 240 destinations.

No one knows Chicago like a local. But this city always has something new to discover, whether it’s a unique neighborhood to explore, a new restaurant to discover, or a cool hotel to enjoy for a staycation. Here’s how to explore Chicago in a whole new way.

Discover new worlds at our museums

Our world-renowned museums know no bounds — you can travel through outer space at the Adler Planetarium, uncover ancient Egyptian mysteries at the Field Museum, come face to face with a beluga whale at the Shedd Aquarium, admire Impressionist masterpieces at the Art Institute of Chicago, or step inside a whirling tornado at the Museum of Science and Industry. You’ll also find contemporary galleries, interactive spaces, cultural heritage museums, and so many more unique museum experiences.

Feel the beat of our live music scene

Chicago-style jazz. Amplified blues. House music. These are just a few of the genres with deep Chicago roots. Our city has always been the proud home of genre-defining artists, bucket-list music festivals like Chicago Blues Festival and Lollapalooza, famed stages like Buddy Guy’s Legends and the Green Mill, and our own undefinable big-city sound. Maybe that’s why the energy of our live music scene is truly one of a kind. Come hear it all for yourself.

Dive into our acclaimed dining scene

Chicago’s award-winning dining scene is as diverse as the city itself. We’re home to the prestigious James Beard Awards ceremony (along with plenty of past winners), along with 69 Michelin-awarded restaurants. Come get a bite of everything from classic Chicago eats (like deep dish pizza or an authentic jibarito) to globally inspired cuisine in our international neighborhoods to once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences like Alinea and Kasama.

Make your meeting eventful

Voted the Best Big City in the U.S. for the seventh year in a row by Conde Nast Traveler readers, Chicago is ready to welcome you!

We have one-of-a-kind hotels, venues, and services that can adapt perfectly to today’s needs. The city boasts one of the best food scenes in the world with a multitude of Michelin-rated and James Beard Award-winning restaurants, unbeatable arts and attractions, exciting nightlife, and miles of public green spaces as well as a sparkling lakefront and lively Riverwalk for your attendees to enjoy.

Chicago was also named “Top Metro for Corporate Investment” for the 9th year in a row by Site Selection Magazine. According to the magazine, the Chicago metro area saw an all-time record number of new and expanding corporate locations, more than any other region in the country. These surging capital investments continue to make Chicago the perfect place to plan your meeting.

Whether you’re planning a large or small meeting, Chicago has the space, culture, and people to make it eventful.