CHICAGO — In a city where skyscrapers kiss the sky and the shores of Lake Michigan beckon with coolness, Chicago has secured its place among America's tourist jewels. According to a Tripadvisor survey published on May 27, 2025, the City of Winds ranked fifth among the best summer destinations in the USA, trailing only Las Vegas, New York, Myrtle Beach, and Ocean City. Over 2,800 travelers from the USA and five other countries, surveyed regarding summer plans from June 1 to August 31, recognized Chicago as a magnet for those seeking culture, flavor, and urban charm. In a year when the city welcomed a record 55 million visitors, Chicago is not just staying competitive — it is rewriting the rules of summer tourism.
Why Chicago?
Chicago, with its architectural masterpieces, culinary scene, and pulsating rhythm, has long ceased to be just an industrial hub. The Tripadvisor survey, reflecting the moods of both American and international travelers, emphasizes the city’s attractiveness for those wanting to combine city life with leisure.
"Chicago is a city that has everything: world-class museums, deep-dish pizza, and jazz clubs that come alive after sunset," notes Sarah Nelson, a Tripadvisor analyst. The fifth place ranking — dominated by beach resorts and Vegas gaming tables — attests to Chicago’s versatility.
The city charms with its diversity. Millennium Park, with its iconic “Cloud Gate” (or “The Bean,” as locals call it), attracts families and Instagram bloggers. Architecture tours along the Chicago River reveal the city’s history, where every skyscraper tells a story of ambition. The gastronomic scene, from legendary pizzerias like Lou Malnati’s to Michelin-starred restaurants such as Alinea, makes Chicago a haven for gourmets. “There’s an energy here that energizes you,” says Maria Gonzales, a tourist from Mexico planning to visit in July. “It’s not just a place; it’s a feeling.”
Record Year and Global Competition
Chicago is not just holding its own — it is setting records. According to Choose Chicago, in 2024, the city was visited by 55.2 million people, a 6.5% increase over the previous year. This jump is partly explained by recovery post-pandemic and aggressive marketing campaigns positioning Chicago as an all-year-round destination. Festivals such as Lollapalooza, drawing hundreds of thousands of music lovers each year, and the Chicago Air and Water Show, where fighter jets roar over the lake, add summer magnetism to the city.
In the Tripadvisor ranking, Chicago outranked popular destinations like Honolulu and Nashville but lagged behind Florida’s beach havens, three of which made it into the top 10. Internationally, Cancun, Paris, and London led the list, but Chicago remains competitive due to accessibility — airfare from Europe to O’Hare is often cheaper than to New York, and hotels offer a wider range of prices. “Chicago gives you a big city at a price that doesn’t make your wallet tremble,” says a source in the city’s tourism industry.
Challenges and Triumphs
Behind the glamour of a tourist boom lie challenges. Like many large cities, Chicago struggles with safety issues in certain neighborhoods, which sometimes discourage travelers. In 2024, the crime rate decreased by 8% compared to the previous year, but incidents like the recent shooting in Akron remind of urban vulnerabilities. Mayor Brandon Johnson, actively promoting tourism, invests in community programs to make tourist zones like The Loop and Magnificent Mile safer. “We’re showing the world that Chicago is not just headlines — it’s hospitality,” he said at a recent press conference.
Local residents, however, have mixed feelings. “Tourists are good for the economy, but you can’t move in downtown during summer,” complains Anna Kowalski, owner of a cafe in Wicker Park. On X (formerly Twitter), Chicagoans joke that “Millennium Park is now Disneyland for tourists,” but they acknowledge that the flow of visitors supports small businesses, especially after pandemic economic shocks.
Looking to the Future
Chicago does not plan to stop. Choose Chicago announced a campaign for 2025 focusing on lesser-known gems, such as the Pilsen neighborhood with its Mexican murals or jazz evenings in Bronzeville. The city is also preparing to revive events canceled due to the pandemic, notably the new Taste of Chicago 2.0 food festival, promising to be a hit in August. “We want people to see not only skyscrapers but also the soul of the city,” says Lynn Osmond, director of Choose Chicago.
While Las Vegas entices with casinos and New York dazzles with Broadway lights, Chicago offers something unique: a place where culture, history, and flavor intertwine against the backdrop of a shimmering summer lake. The fifth place ranking on Tripadvisor is not just a number but a recognition that the City of Winds has become an integral part of the American travel dream. For those planning summer trips, Chicago whispers: come, and we will show you why we are unforgettable.
