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Chicago Triumphs—Again

For the eighth year in a row, Chicago was named the Best Big City in the U. S. in the Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards

By Amanda Christensen

Chicago || Photo by Wirestock Creators/Dian Liu, courtesy of Adobe

For the eighth year in a row, Chicago was named the Best Big City in the U. S. in the Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards, voted on by more than 500,000 readers. From hosting major events like the 2024 Democratic National Convention, the Nascar Chicago Street Race, and the renowned Lollapalooza music festival to seeing an overall increase in hotel room stays across leisure and business visitors, the city had a stellar year for its tourism and hospitality markets in 2024.

According to Choose Chicago—the city’s official sales and marketing organization—group hotel demand this summer totaled 1.1 million room nights across the months of June, July, and August, marking a 7% increase from last year, with a total of 3.4 million hotel room nights booked across all traveler markets. The city’s busy summer season also welcomed more than 670,000 international visitors, a notable 11% increase from last year’s numbers. “Chicagoans know that our city is second to none, and now we have yet another accolade to prove it,” says Mayor Brandon Johnson in a prepared statement. “This honor is a testament to the strength, warmth, and resilience of Chicagoans and the beauty and vibrancy of our neighborhoods.”

If planners are looking to get in on all the hubbub of a thriving city, there is little shortage of venues and activities to choose from. McCormick Place is the largest convention center in North America, boasting some 2 million square feet of function space to work with. Remarkable culture and historical outlets to add a tour of include the Field Museum, American Writers Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago. And, of course, get up close with nature and wildlife with a visit to Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, or one of the city’s refreshing parks—Grant and Millennium parks sit right along South Michigan Avenue.

choosechicago.com

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