The Best Travel Books for Chicago: Our Picks & Reviews
Chicago offers a wide range of attractions and activities, from the bustling shores of Lake Michigan to the star-studded stages of Broadway in Chicago and the architectural marvels of the downtown skyline. With so much to see and do, visitors can enjoy iconic attractions like Millennium Park, world-class museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, and culinary hotspots ranging from deep-dish pizza joints to Michelin-starred restaurants. A good travel book is invaluable for navigating this vibrant metropolis, with insider tips on scenic walks along the Chicago Riverwalk, the best local farmers markets and jazz clubs in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Wicker Park. and the best pubs around Wrigley Field.
Our Travel Book Recommendations - Chicago
Our Travel Book Recommendations - Chicago
Fodor’s Travel Chicago
Fodor's Travel Chicago is one of the best guidebooks for anyone looking to explore the Windy City. This newly redesigned edition offers a wealth of insider knowledge, from deep-dish pizza spots to lakefront bike routes. Packed with vibrant photos, detailed maps, and curated recommendations, it covers everything from iconic museums to hidden gems. Whether you're planning your first visit or your tenth, this guide's multiple itineraries, practical tips, and cultural insights will help you experience Chicago like a local.
DK Eyewitness Travel: Top 10 Chicago
DK Eyewitness Travel is another very nice guide for those visiting Chicago. This outstanding series captivates travelers with its vivid color photographs and in-depth coverage of the Windy City's art, architecture, and cultural scene. What truly distinguishes these guides are their meticulously crafted maps and illustrations, offering unparalleled visual detail. First-time visitors to Chicago will find the Top 10 guide particularly valuable, as it distills the city's essential attractions and experiences into a compact yet thorough format. This is an especially good guide for those who want to visit museums or the highly recommended Shedd Aquarium.
Discovering Vintage Chicago
Step back in time and explore the heart of the Windy City with Discovering Vintage Chicago. This captivating guide unveils the hidden gems and beloved institutions that have shaped Chicago's unique character for generations. From the jazz-infused Green Mill to the savory delights of Margie's Candies, author Amy Bizzarri leads you on a nostalgic journey through the city's most enduring establishments. Discover the stories behind iconic spots like Wrigley Field and the Music Box Theatre, alongside lesser-known treasures cherished by locals. The Discovering Vintage series offers similar deep dives into the classic haunts of other major American cities.
A View from the River, from the Chicago Architecture Foundation
A View from the River is the perfect companion to Chicago's beloved Architecture Foundation river cruise. The book profiles 60 of the city's most significant buildings—the same structures you'd see during that unforgettable 1.5-hour journey through downtown. What makes this guide particularly valuable is how it mirrors the cruise's narrative approach, connecting Chicago's skyline to the broader story of the city's remarkable growth. The imagery captures these buildings from the river's perspective, making it equally useful as pre-trip preparation or post-cruise nostalgia for anyone captivated by Chicago's architectural legacy.