Discover the Best Solo Travel Destinations
Whether you want to explore Europe or somewhere further afield, discover some of the best places to travel solo around the world from Birmingham Airport.
Visiting Chicago for the first time?
Firstly, head to the 360 Chicago observation deck to get a good view of the third-largest city in America. Located 1,000 feet above the famed Magnificent Mile in the iconic John Hancock Building, it offers breathtaking 360 degrees views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.
Another way to see Chicago’s cityscape is by boat on a river and lake cruise. From gentle lake tours to exhilarating speedboat rides you can soak up the sights with a recorded commentary for interesting facts.
Popular with locals, head to Grant Park, 319 acres of prime open space. With so much to do, you won’t get bored. Enter through its Michigan Avenue entrance and you’ll find yourself at the Art Institute of Chicago showcasing a tremendous collection of art - paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, photographs, video, textiles and architectural drawings. It’s also a gathering for the city’s biggest events including the Taste of Chicago Festival, the biggest food event anywhere, and in October is the start and finish line for the Chicago Marathon.
Average temperature in Chicago
| January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | -1°C | 1°C | 8°C | 15°C | 21°C | 27°C | 29°C | 28°C | 24°C | 17°C | 9°C | 2°C |
| Minimum | -11°C | -8°C | -2°C | 4°C | 9°C | 14°C | 17°C | 16°C | 12°C | 6°C | 0°C | -8°C |
Looking for something different?
Movie fan? Take a tour around Zap Props. In the 36,000-square-foot warehouse you’ll find thousands of props that have appeared in almost every major movie and TV series filmed in Chicago.
Around since the 1930's, Rainbo Club is a historic club known for producing generations of musicians, artists and writers. Once home to a series of burlesque shows, the dimly-lit space is now a stomping grounds for Chicago's young and fashionable, with cheap beer and a great vibe.
Try Kuma’s Corner, the restaurant where all the dishes on the menu are named after metal bands. It’s a gourmet burger bar, hoping to exceed your expectations. In case you’re interested, our choice would be the ‘Metallica’ - who can say no to buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing?
The Chicago Bean sculpture found in Millenium Park
The river running through the centre of the city
Airlines that fly to Chicago
If you want to explore Chicago, fly one-stop with Aer Lingus, pre-clearing US customs in Dublin, allowing you to enter the US as a domestic passenger.
Want to go further?
Fancy a road trip whilst in Chicago? In around 85 miles you’ll find Lake Geneva, perfect if you’re seeking adventure or nature. From ziplining to relaxing on the Riviera Beach, there’s plenty to do.
The distinctive Chicago style of jazz is famous around the world
Want to know a secret?
Try the Hoosier Mama Pie Company offering a plethora of delicious baked goods made by hand! Offering a selection of sweet and savoury pies, we’d recommend trying whatever is the ‘Pie of the month’, and even booking onto one of the ‘Pie School’ classes on a Sunday evening to learn all the secrets of pie making.
Feeling inspired?
Book your flight now.
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