Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. An urban Midwestern destination perfect for city breaks, Chicago is conveniently located right on the vast waters of Lake Michigan, one of the world's largest freshwater lakes. The city's friendly locals affectionately call Chicago 'My Kind of Town', in honour of musician Frank Sinatra's famous single.
Chicago is served by two airports, O'Hare and Midway. When viewing package holidays in Chicago and arranging your flight from London to Chicago, make sure you arrange the correct travel documents. British citizens are included in the USA's Visa Waiver Program, and can enter the country with a passport and current ESTA authorisation for holidays of up to 90 days. Apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours before your scheduled flight and hotel in Chicago. Chicago is on Central Standard Time (CST), six hours behind the UK, and uses US dollars as the local currency.
If you're eyeing temperate weather for your weekend Chicago, you'll want to plan your flight to Chicago in May, June, or September. During these three months, temperatures are typically pleasantly warm and ideal for sightseeing. At the height of summer, plan your package holidays in Chicago to include water activities ideal for hot weather. Winter brings cold temperatures—keep in mind they don't call this the 'Windy City' for nothing—and you might catch some snow.
Chicago hosts various festivals throughout the year. Music fans will want city breaks in Chicago to include June's Chicago Blues Fest, while foodies will love the Taste of Chicago in July. December's festivities bring in the Winter Wonderfest celebration, and an outdoor ice rink is set up at iconic Milennium Park. If you fancy a weekend in Chicago in March, you can capture the Luck of the Irish at the St. Patrick's Day Parade and River Dyeing, where the city's Chicago River is dyed green.
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Chicago.
Don't forget to bring back great gifts and souvenirs after your flight from Manchester to Chicago! Your creative friends will love the local wares from The Museum Shop of The Art Institute of Chicago, which has beautiful wall art, accessories, and stationery. Foodies will enjoy a gift box with spices from Chicago's diverse cultural neighbourhoods. For family members and children, you can't go wrong with memorabilia from the Willis Tower, Lake Michigan, or one of Chicago's many sports teams.
Planning on flying to United States? If a city break in Chicago doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities in United States ? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!