City Information
Explore city history, fast facts, climate and practical visitor information for Chicago.
City Information
Fast Facts
City Information
Public Holidays
January: New Year’s Day - 1st Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day – 3rd Monday in Jan; February: Groundhog Day- 2nd Lincoln’s Birthday – 12th Valentine’s Day- 14th President’s Day- 3rd Monday in Feb; March: C. Pulaski’s Birthday – 2nd
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Visa Information
There is now a new process for persons traveling to the United States. It includes an Electronic Visa Application Form. This form will be processed faster and is now used for all Nonimmigrant Visa applications. The Electronic Visa Application Form is an online application that can be filled out on the internet, making the whole process a lot faster. The average wait period has been reduced to 1-2 days in Abu Dhabi and about 5 days in Dubai.
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When to go
Summer is the best time to visit Chicago. The weather gets hot and humid -- regularly into the mid 30s --but temperatures are moderated somewhat by Lake Michigan. It's usually sunny too, though severe storms can pop up suddenly. Summer is also filled with festivals and cultural activities.
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Chicago Residents
Chicagoans are often extroverted; talkative, assertive and outgoing. They are friendly, social people who are positive in most situations. Chicago is a great place for people who like group activities and social gatherings. Hard-working Chicagoans love sports, both as participants and fans. Many can be seen playing along the lakeshores. According to the US Census Bureau, White Americans made up 37.6% of Chicago’s population while Black or African Americans made up 35.0%. Asian Americans accounted for 4.9% of the population while other races made 20.6%. The main ethnic groups in Chicago are African American, Irish, German, Italian, Mexican, English, Bulgarian, Greek, Chinese, Slovak, Lithuanian, Polish, Bosnian, Czech, Filipino, Serbian, Russian, Ukrainian, Indian, Arab, and Puerto Rican. Poles in Chicago constitute the largest Polish population outside of the Polish capital of Warsaw.
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Chicago History
What is now Chicago was first settled by Europeans in the 1780s. During the War of 1812 it was the sight of Fort Dearborn, an important outpost of the US Army. The town of Chicago was founded along the southwest shore of Lake Michigan on August 12, 1833 after the remaining Native American population was forcefully removed following the Treat of Chicago.
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Chicago Today
Chicago is called the "second city", as it is second only to New York in terms of its importance in the United States. It is an economic powerhouse. Chicago has the 4th highest GDP of any metro area in the world. That's reflected in the spectacular skyline, which contrasts beautifully with the shore of Lake Michigan.
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Chicago in one day
Start your tour of Chicago with a sampling of the city's famed architecture. Take a guided walking tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation. This two hour tour traverses the Loop, giving insight into the city's history and letting you feel the pulse of the city. There is also an architectural boat tour available that runs along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, if you don't feel like walking.
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More places in Chicago
Keep exploring Chicago and add more stops to your plan.
More restaurants in Chicago
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More hotels in Chicago
Keep exploring Chicago and add more stops to your plan.
