A Perfect
10
Chicago was just named the Best Big City in the U.S. for a historic 10th year in a row.
Explore the moments and milestones that shaped the past decade and see what’s next for Chicago.
A decade ago, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series — ending a 108-year drought and ushering in a new era of Chicago sports.
Since then, the Sky and the Hounds brought home championships of their own. And the city welcomed major sporting events, like the NFL Draft and the world’s first NASCAR Street Race.
Over the past decade, the city has earned its place as a culinary powerhouse.
The longtime home of the James Beard Awards, Chicago has Beard-winning chefs and Michelin-starred restaurants across the city. And shows like The Bear put a spotlight on the city’s hustle and heart.
Plan your visit
Discover the latest things to do and see in the country’s Best Big City.
Chicago is shaped by water, from the sandy shores of Lake Michigan to the Chicago River flowing through the heart of the city.
When the Chicago Riverwalk was completed in 2019, it transformed the downtown riverfront into a pedestrian oasis. And the lakefront continues to evolve, from a reimagined Navy Pier to an improved Lakefront Trail.
Chicago’s iconic skyline is never finished — what else would you expect from the birthplace of the skyscraper?
The St. Regis broke barriers as the tallest building in the world designed by a woman. Closer to the ground, the Robie House was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its influence on modern architecture.
About the award
The prestigious Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveler is the industry’s longest-running and most trusted awards program.
This year, nearly 800,000 travelers from around the world cast their votes — weighing in on each city’s culture, attractions, hospitality, and more.
It’s been a decade of hits for Chicago music.
Lollapalooza expanded to four days, Sueños and El Grito drew hitmakers to Grant Park, and cool new venues like the Salt Shed brought fresh energy to the city’s live music scene. And Chicago’s artists continued to push boundaries across genres.
No visit to Chicago is complete without exploring one of our diverse neighborhoods.
Some enclaves have undergone dramatic transformations — like Fulton Market, from meatpacking district to dining mecca. Others are regularly ranked among the world’s coolest neighborhoods, like Avondale, Pilsen, and West Town.
History is made in Chicago. The city is a premier destination for major events from top organizations like Sundance, Premier League, NCAA, and more.
We’ve hosted everything from some of the world’s largest conventions and trade shows to major milestones like the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
In 2025, Time Out named Chicago one of the world’s best cities for culture — the only U.S. city to make the list.
The city’s dynamic cultural scene is always pushing the boundaries, from cutting-edge productions through Broadway in Chicago to blockbuster exhibits at our must-visit museums.
Chicago doesn’t settle when it comes to building a better, more sustainable city.
In the past decade, the city achieved 100% renewable energy for all city-owned facilities and added more than 500 miles of bike lanes. In 2026, Chicago was ranked number one in the world for climate resilience — the only U.S. city in the top 10.
In 2026, the Obama Presidential Center opened its doors in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood.
It was a transformative moment for the city’s South Side, cementing the area’s cultural significance and attracting visitors from all over the world to come discover what’s next for Chicago.
