Chicago — City of Architecture
The Bean · Deep-Dish · Lake Michigan

About — visiting Chicago 2026

Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States, in Illinois on the shore of Lake Michigan — city population ~2.7 million, metro area around 9.5 million. It's known as the birthplace of the modern skyscraper, home to the Art Institute (one of the world's great art museums), a hub of blues and jazz, and the origin of deep-dish pizza. The nickname "The Windy City" comes from the strong winds blowing off the lake.

The main airport, O'Hare International (ORD), is one of the busiest in the world with direct flights worldwide. There are no nonstop flights from Bangkok — you'll connect via Tokyo (ANA/JAL/United), Seoul (Korean/Asiana), Taipei (EVA) or Doha (Qatar) into ORD. Total travel time is ~22-26 hours, with low-season fares around ฿38,000-55,000. The second airport, Midway (MDW), focuses on domestic carriers.

For Thai citizens, you'll need a B1/B2 (tourist/business) visa from the US Embassy in Bangkok — there's no Visa Waiver/ESTA. The fee is $185 and interview waits run 8-12 months, so apply early. Around town you'll ride the 'L' train (CTA) — 8 elevated lines plus buses — using a Ventra card or a tapped contactless card at $2.50 per ride. The Blue Line links O'Hare to The Loop in ~45 minutes for $5. If you stay downtown, you won't need a car.

The best window is May-October (spring through fall, 18-28°C — perfect for the lakefront and the river cruise). September-October brings fall colors, lots of festivals and thinner crowds. Summer (June-August) has lakeside festivals every weekend. December-February is bitterly cold (-10 to -5°C) with lake winds that cut to the bone (living up to the Windy City name) — hotels are cheap but pack serious winter gear.

Honest take before you book — Chicago is made for walking the riverfront and lakefront, especially in summer. But come in winter and you'll have to accept it's genuinely harsh — the wind makes it feel far colder than the thermometer says. On safety, the tourist areas (The Loop / River North / Mag Mile / Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Wrigleyville) are safe by day and evening; avoid parts of the South and West Sides after dark. Late at night, take Uber/Lyft instead of long walks. Start with our US B1/B2 visa guide → or browse the top 10 Chicago hotels →