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Plan Your Visit

Welcome to Summer in Chicago! Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the city or a lifelong resident, Chicago is brimming with new adventures just waiting to be discovered this summer.

Urban Adventure Headquarters

Use this website to get hundreds of great ideas for activities and events, then be sure to make your first stop the Urban Adventures Headquarters located in the Visitor Information Center at the Chicago Cultural Center. The Urban Adventures Headquarters is staffed with friendly and informative Urban Rangers who can help you chart your trek into the city.

To help jump start the action, the Urban Rangers will offer 30-minute mini-itineraries around each of the 7 Urban Adventure themes. Return the mini-itinerary and collect an Adventurer pin for that theme. Complete all 7 and collect an Urban Adventures reusable tote bag! Each week, you can also pick up a handy Weekly GO! guide at the Urban Adventure Headquarters, featuring highlights of the special events happening each week.

Urban Adventure Headquarters in the Visitor Information Center

Chicago Cultural Center
77 E. Randolph Street (across from Millennium Park)
Mondays-.Thursdays..............................8am-7pm
Fridays..............................................8am – 6pm
Saturdays..........................................9am – 6pm
Sundays..........................................10am – 6pm
Holidays...........................................10am – 4pm

Accommodations

Planning a trip to Chicago? From luxe 5-stars to trendy boutique properties to student-friendly hostels, Chicago offers accommodations that can suit any travel style and budget.

For more information, including great rates on hotel rooms and exciting Urban Adventure packages, visit our Places to Stay page.

Chicago Greeter and InstaGreeter Tours

Chicago Greeter is a FREE service provided by the Chicago Office of Tourism that matches visitors with enthusiastic, city-knowledgeable residents for a private two to four- hour tour. These volunteer residents, or greeters, highlight the remarkable sights and ambiance that make Chicago a terrific place to live and visit.

With a Greeter, visitors can discover our diverse neighborhoods, enjoy our stunning lakefront and citywide parks, visit world-class and uncommon cultural facilities and museums, find emerging designers at fashionable shops and boutiques or try one of our outstanding restaurants. Greeter tours are available in 15+ languages. Register 7 – 10 business days in advance at ChicagoGreeter.com.

The Chicago InstaGreeter is perfect for visitors with free time or those unable to pre-register with Chicago Greeter. This free, on-the-spot Chicago Greeter service is a great introduction to downtown Chicago for travel parties of six or fewer. InstaGreeter 60-minute walking visits are available on a first come, first served basis on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. central time. Just check in at the InstaGreeter booth in the Urban Adventure Headquarters, 77 E. Randolph Street.

Chicago Neighborhood Tours

For a great introduction to a Chicago neighborhood, check out Chicago Neighborhood Tours. These half-day bus and walking tours provide a unique way to explore our exciting and diverse communities. Be sure to check out the popular 3-hour Summertime Sampler Tours, featuring three diverse neighborhoods in one trip. Book early!

Chicago Guidebook of Special Values

Chicago visitors are encouraged to check out our Guidebook of Special Values website featuring printable coupons for discounts to exciting Chicago attractions, restaurants, tours, shopping and more.

Speak to a Live Travel Counselor

For more information on visiting Chicago or to book hotel accommodations, please call 1.877.CHICAGO (1.877.244.2246) toll-free. The TTY toll-free number for the hearing impaired is 1.866.710.0294.

For additional information visit:
www.cityofchicago.org/tourism