This Popular US Destination Was Ranked The 'World's Most Beautiful City'

Let's say someone walks up to you and asks you to name some of the world's most beautiful and instagrammable destinations; you'll very likely mention places like Paris, Santorini, Venice, and such. But to mention a single city that's the most beautiful? That might be a little difficult, due to its subjectivity. Still, based on a 2025 global survey by Time Out, Chicago just snagged the title of "World's Most Beautiful City". Out of all the places considered, Chicago came out on top, even beating Cape Town into second. 83 percent of respondents in that survey voted Chicago "beautiful," and that surely feels like a win for a city that one might as well consider among the underrated travel destinations in the world.

But here's something to note: Chicago's beauty isn't just about offering a killer view. It's in fact an entire mix of awesomeness, as the skyline hugs Lake Michigan as if showing off. The city is also endowed with miles of open green space, and the Chicago River (known for its popular Riverwalk) cuts right through the heart of downtown. Take a walk, and you'll find 26 miles of public lakefront and thousands of acres of parks where you can engage in activities like hiking and paddling.

And don't even get started on the architecture. Chicago is literally the birthplace of the skyscraper. Moreover, there's everything from old-school Art Deco to glossy, modern towers. The buildings sort of set the vibe. It doesn't matter if you're taking a stroll around the city or hanging out in a park, one thing Chicago will do to you is that you'll find yourself looking up and looking most of the time.

Getting to Chicago is about as painless as it gets. Like many visitors, you simply fly into O'Hare International Airport, which is about 17 miles away from downtown, providing three domestic terminals and one international. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line train will drop you downtown within 40 to 45 minutes, and operates 24/7. You may also come in through Midway Airport, but the CTA Orange Line will be your best means into town in this case, taking about 25 minutes.

The "L" trains and buses can take you almost anywhere, as they cover most major attractions. Fortunately, rideshares, car rentals, and taxis are also widely available. If exploring on-foot is something you'd like to try, then you can have a leisurely walk around the city, as it has in fact been considered the most walkable in America. You can explore neighborhoods like the Loop (downtown), River North for dining and nightlife, and Streeterville for museum visit and lakefront trails.

If you can only squeeze in one must-see spot, go to Millennium Park. The amazing thing about this park is that it's free, centrally-located, and yes, you get to see the fantastic art known as The Bean (or Cloud Gate). If you, however, want something more fascinating, the Shedd Aquarium, home to over 32,000 sea animals like beluga whales, is another place you shouldn't miss, and you can combine that with a walk along the lake. If you're in for a serious adrenaline rush, the Willis Tower Skydeck is where to go. Here, you literally step out onto a glass ledge that's 1,353 feet above the city, giving you jaw-dropping panoramic views. It's certainly not for you if you're the fainthearted type.

Chicago is great year-round, but tends to be at its absolute best from late-spring to early-fall. That's the time when weather is warm, and people are out on the lake; the city is also more alive with festivals and boat tours. Fall isn't bad either, stepping in with a cooler and a little quieter atmosphere; it also comes with different events and is considered the season for theater. As for winter? It's magical in its own icy way, with dazzling holiday lights, ice skating, and cheaper theater tickets awaiting.

When you're packing for your trip to Chicago, be smart about it and, needless to say, prioritize comfort. In summer, you'll want to bring along solid walking shoes, essentials like sunscreen, a jacket for those lake breezes, and perhaps an umbrella in case it rains. For a winter visit, you certainly wouldn't want to skimp, because Chicago's winter can come with serious cold and biting winds, so don't forget to come with a heavy coat, gloves, thick socks, waterproof boots, and scarves; layering is also a helpful move. And you might as well check out this guide on parking for cold weather.

As for places to stay, there are various options depending on your budget. If you're interested in five-star luxury, typically with prices around $400 or more, you can go for The Langham or The Peninsula (both for an Asian-style experience), or The Ritz-Carlton (for classic luxury). Mid-range hotels may have prices around $100 a night, depending on season and other factors. You may also want to check out the boutique hotels and budget-friendly spots in neighborhoods a little outside the Loop.