Explore AAA Travel
Great Lakes
Road TripsTravel TipsChicago weather is rarely boring. Summer is muggy, spring is damp and cool, and winter is downright challenging.
Temperatures can peak in the 90s in July and August, the heat exacerbated by humidity. Lake Michigan breezes bring a hint of relief. In winter the breezes become chilling winds that combine with frigid temperatures to produce wind-chill factors that can drop to 20 below zero. Precipitation levels are highest April through September, but winter snow is a given. December and January are snowiest, but flakes may pile up into March.
A light casual look is appropriate in summer; add layers during the spring and fall. A heavy coat and winter boots are essential travel accessories from late November through March; a light jacket is advisable even in summer. An evening at a world-class restaurant or cultural institution is an occasion for finer fashion.
Chicago, IL
Top AAA Diamond Hotels
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
Sponsored Listing
Members save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile511 N Columbus Dr. Chicago, IL 60611
Book Now
Members save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Embassy Suites by Hilton Hotel Chicago-Downtown600 N State St. Chicago, IL 60654
Book Now
Members save up to 10% and earn World of Hyatt points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Hyatt Regency Chicago151 E Wacker Dr. Chicago, IL 60601
Book NowTravel Information
City Population
2,695,598
Elevation
673 ft.
Sales Tax
Illinois sales tax is 6.3 percent; cities and counties impose additional increments. The Chicago area has a lodging tax of 17.4 percent.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
311
Hospitals
Mercy Hospital & Medical Center, (312) 567-2000; Northwestern Memorial Hospital, (312) 926-2000; Resurrection Medical Center, (773) 774-8000; Saint Anthony Hospital, (773) 484-1000; The University of Chicago Medicine, (773) 702-1000; University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, (866) 600-2273.
Visitor Information
111 N. State St. (lower level) Chicago, IL 60602. Phone:(312)781-1000
Air Travel
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)—17 miles northwest of the city—is served by major domestic and foreign carriers. Midway International Airport (MDW), though smaller and serviced by far fewer carriers than O'Hare, is closer to the Loop—only 8 miles southwest of downtown.
Rental Cars
Chicago is served by major car rental agencies. Arrangements should be made before you leave on your trip; your local AAA club can provide this assistance or additional information. Hertz, (312) 372-7600 or (800) 654-3080, offers discounts to AAA members.
Rail Service
Chicago Union Station, 225 S. Canal St., is the city's main train depot and Amtrak's local hub. Trains run to both coasts and well into the South, with stops at most major cities along the routes; phone (800) 872-7245.
Buses
Greyhound Lines Inc. has its station at 630 W. Harrison St.; phone (312) 408-5821 or (800) 231-2222.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available in Chicago.
Public Transportation
Transportation by train and bus is available in Chicago.
call or visit a AAA Travel Agent Today!
Find a AAA OfficeAs a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.