Why You Should Visit This U.S. City Set To Break All-Time Tourism Records This Summer

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I didn’t plan to fall in love with Chicago. My flight bought canceled, and I ended up with an sudden in a single day layover.

But as an alternative of sulking in an airport lodge, I ventured into town, and wow, was that the fitting name! A fast stroll became a spontaneous journey: skyline views from the riverwalk, stay music drifting by way of Millennium Park, deep dish pizza that modified my life. I left questioning why I hadn’t booked an actual journey there within the first place.

Now, Chicago is about to interrupt all-time tourism data this summer season, and it makes excellent sense. If you’ve been enthusiastic about a U.S. metropolis escape that mixes large vitality with chill lake vibes, that is it.

Here’s why it’s best to expertise Chicago in summer season 2025:

Record Flights, Easy Access: It’s Never Been Easier to Get There

Chicago’s accessibility this 12 months is off the charts. Both O’Hare and Midway International Airport are gearing up for his or her busiest summer season ever, with almost 17.8 million departing seats anticipated between June and August, in response to the Chicago Department of Aviation.

That means extra choices, higher costs, and new routes, together with thrilling additions like Madrid, Naples, and even Reykjavik.

Major airways like American, United, and Southwest are all in enlargement mode, so attending to Chicago from virtually anyplace is a breeze this 12 months. If you’re flying home, you’ll be spoiled for selection. If you are flying internationally, you will probably discover direct connections you did not have earlier than.

Pro tip: Once you land, skip the costly journey share and hop on the CTA ‘L’ train, O’Hare connects through the Blue Line, and Midway through the Orange Line. It’s low cost, quick, and drops you straight into downtown.

Festivals, Food, and Fireworks: Chicago’s Summer Calendar Is Wild

There’s one thing about summer season in Chicago. The metropolis transforms into one big outside competition, with occasions almost each weekend and free concert events within the park that make you overlook you’re in the course of a significant metropolis.

Here are just some occasions on my radar for 2025:

• 🎸 Lollapalooza (July 31–Aug 3): Olivia Rodrigo, TWICE, Korn, and Tyler, The Creator are all headlining this 12 months. Enough mentioned.
• 🎷 Chicago Blues Festival (June 5–8): A free, multi-stage celebration of town’s legendary blues legacy.
• ✈️ Air & Water Show (Aug 16–17): Fighter jets and stunt planes soar over Lake Michigan, and it’s completely free.
• 🏁 NASCAR Chicago Street Race (July 5–6): Racing by way of downtown streets? Only in Chicago.

You may also catch smaller neighborhood gems like Andersonville’s Midsommarfest or Wicker Park Fest, the place you’ll discover superb meals, native bands, and that down-to-earth Chicago neighborhood vibe.

My Spontaneous Visit Turned Into a Full-On Obsession

The very first thing I did after I landed unexpectedly? I headed to Millennium Park. I took the standard selfie at The Bean (aka Cloud Gate), wandered by way of the gardens, and ended up listening to a string quartet play underneath the celebrities.

That was the second I knew this wasn’t simply one other metropolis.

Just a few issues I at all times advocate now:

• 🚤 Architecture River Cruise: The finest method to see Chicago’s jaw-dropping skyline and study in regards to the metropolis’s wild architectural historical past.
• 🎡 Navy Pier: Ride the Centennial Wheel at sundown. The views of the lake and skyline are unreal.
• 🏙️ 360 CHICAGO or Skydeck at Willis Tower: Both provide panoramic views, however I’m keen on 360 CHICAGO due to the lakefront views and the TILT journey for those who’re feeling courageous.

Get Outside: Chicago’s Waterfront and Neighborhoods Shine in Summer

Chicago is aware of the right way to do summer season proper. The Lakefront Trail is an 18-mile path alongside Lake Michigan, excellent for biking, strolling, or simply people-watching. You’ll cross seashores, parks, and skyline views that rival any coastal metropolis.

Some of my favourite neighborhood experiences:

• 🛶 Chicago Riverwalk – You can hire a kayak or simply seize a cocktail and watch the boats go by.
• 🎨 Pilsen – A colourful, mural-filled space with unbelievable Mexican meals and artwork galleries.
• 🍽️ West Loop – Packed with eating places and rooftop bars, it is a foodie dream.

Speaking of Food: Come Hungry (and Maybe Stretchy-Pants Ready)

No matter how lengthy your journey, meals needs to be a part of your itinerary. Start with the classics:

Want one thing extra elevated? Try rooftop eating at Cindy’s (insane Millennium Park views) or Aba within the West Loop.

And for those who’re indecisive (like me), ebook a food tour. They’re tremendous enjoyable and provide you with a crash course within the metropolis’s meals scene.

This Is The Summer to Be in Chicago

Summer 2025 is about to be historic for Chicago tourism.

And whereas the stats are spectacular, the actual magic is within the expertise: a spontaneous jazz efficiency within the park, a slice of caramelized crust pizza, a rooftop sundown that makes you’re feeling such as you’re in a film.

So, whether or not you’re reserving a full journey or simply taking of venture on a protracted layover, go!

Be a part of the vitality. Wander the neighborhoods, eat an excessive amount of pizza, and fall slightly in love with the Windy City.

I do know I did.

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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.