City in Illinois, United States
Chicago
Lakefront, architecture, deep-dish pizza and a very walkable core with strong transit. Friendly Midwestern feel; winters are brutal and some neighborhoods away from tourist areas see high violent crime.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$4,000–5,800Comfortable, one person · $4,000–5,800Details
- Value for money4/100Better value than 3% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 25°CDetails
- Air quality8.7 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2022) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water from Lake Michigan is safe; lead service lines remain in many older buildings, so use a filter for long stays.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$150–350Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phone pay work almost everywhere; carry small bills for tips, food trucks and some bars.Details
Where to stay in Chicago
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| The Loop and River North | First-timers: architecture, museums, hotels and transit |
| Wicker Park / Bucktown | Cafés, bars, music venues and independent shops |
| Lincoln Park | Quieter, near the lake, zoo and parks |
| Lakeview / Boystown | LGBTQ+ nightlife, cafés and Wrigley Field |
| West Loop | Restaurants and nightlife with easy transit |
Apps that work in Chicago
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Yellow cabs exist and use meters; rideshare is generally cheaper. Waymo is not yet available in Chicago.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phone pay work almost everywhere; carry small bills for tips, food trucks and some bars.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
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- Washington, D.C.Capital city
Going to Chicago solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Chicago meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
- Chicago Department of Aviation (O'Hare and Midway)
- Choose Chicago (tourism)
- Chicago Department of Water Management
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.