Is Chicago losing tourists?


Is Chicago losing tourists? They aren't. A whopping 60% more tourists — nearly 48.9 million domestic and international visitors — came to Chicago in 2022 compared to the year before, according to the tourism group Choose Chicago.


Why do so many people visit Chicago?

People who love to eat and drink flock to Chicago, IL not just for food but also for the local beer for which the city has been known for. The city's local breweries earned the city the moniker “Greatest Drinking City in America”. Bars in the city present an array of choices of beer products.


Do tourists need a car in Chicago?

Many locals drive as a main mode of transportation. Getting a rental car and driving is a decent option for visitors, but by no means is it necessary for getting around Chicago. If you're visiting Chicago on a road trip or plan on taking Chicago day trips during your visit, then it may be an option worth considering.


Does Chicago get a lot of tourists?

CHICAGO — Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Lynn Osmond, CEO of Choose Chicago, today announced Chicago hosted 30.7 million domestic and international visitors in 2021, an 86% increase over 2020. “I cannot overstate how proud I am of Chicago's continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayor Lightfoot said.


How many tourists visit Chicago annually?

Just over 2.7 million people live in Chicago, but the city sees more visitors than that. In fact, it's estimated that 50 million people visit Chicago every single year.


Why is Chicago a fun city?

What makes Chicago so much fun? Well, there's a long list of reasons, and it likely starts with the sheer number of amazing things to do in Chicago, from taking in exhibitions at a Chicago museum to seeing the city spread out below you from atop the Willis Tower Skydeck.