Chicago Tourism Statistics

Page last updated: 20 August 2024

Chicago, known as the Windy City, is a cultural and historical centre that attracts approximately 50 million visitors each year. Its attractions include the scenic Lake Michigan shores, the iconic Willis Tower, and The Magnificent Mile.

How many tourists visit Chicago each year? 

Over 50 million tourists travel to Chicago every year.¹

• In 2019, the city experienced a peak year, welcoming a total of 61.58 million visitors. This figure included 2.21 million international visitors.

• The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused a drop in tourism, reducing the total number of visitors to 16.52 million, with international visitors falling sharply to 488,000.

• Signs of recovery began in 2021, with total visits increasing to 30.71 million. The number of overseas visitors also grew by 8.3%, reaching 528,000.

• By 2022, Chicago’s tourism continued to rebound, with 48.62 million visitors overall, including 1.44 million international tourists.

• The upward trend continued in 2023 when the city welcomed a total of 51.96 million visitors.

How many tourists visited Chicago in 2023?

In 2023, Chicago welcomed 51.96 million tourists, a 6.9% increase from 2022 but still 15.6% lower than the peak year of 2019. 

• Of these, 50.13 million were domestic visitors, and 1.83 million were international tourists.
  
  

How many tourists visited Chicago in 2022?

In 2022, 48.62 million tourists visited Chicago, reflecting a 58.3% increase from 2021. This included 47.18 million domestic and 1.44 million international visitors.

• The 1.44 million international visitors in 2022 marked a 161% increase compared to the previous year (528,000) but reached only about 62% of the pre-pandemic figure (2.21 million international visitors).
  
  

How much do visitors spend in Chicago every year? 

Tourism expenditure in Chicago set a new record at $19.2 billion in 2023. 

• Before the pandemic, tourist spending in Chicago peaked at $16.7 billion, with international visitors accounting for $2.15 billion of this total.

• However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, total tourist spending dropped to $6.97 billion in 2020 and $12.08 billion in 2021. Of these, spending by international visitors only reached $525 million in 2020 and $394 million in 2021.²

• In 2022, Chicago experienced an increase in visitor spending to $12.1 billion.³

How much did visitors spend in Chicago in 2022?

Visitors in Chicago spent a total of $12.10 billion in 2022.

• This amount reflected a 73.6% increase from the $6.97 billion spent in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. However, spending in 2022 was still 36% below the pre-pandemic level of $18.9 billion.

• Leisure expenditures reached $12.2 billion, while business expenditures amounted to $7 billion.
  
  

Where do visitors to Chicago come from?

India was the leading source of international tourists to Chicago from 2019 to 2022, with steady numbers also coming from the United Kingdom, Brazil, Germany, and France.⁴

• In 2022, over 110,000 visitors were from India, 96,000 from the United Kingdom, 56,000 from Brazil, 52,000 from Germany, and 40,000 from France. 

• Visitor numbers from these countries dropped sharply in 2020 and 2021 due to pandemic-related travel restrictions but began to recover in 2022, approaching pre-pandemic levels. 
  
  

Impact of Coronavirus – Chicago Tourism Statistics 2020 and 2021

• The COVID-19 pandemic led to the number of tourists dropping by 73.2%, from 61.58 million in 2019 to 16.52 million in 2020. This decline caused a sharp reduction in tourist spending, which fell to $6.97 billion, a decrease of 63.3% from the previous year’s $18.97 billion.

• In 2021, Chicago’s tourism sector began to recover, with visitor numbers increasing by 85.9% to 30.71 million. Tourist spending also rose to $12.08 billion, but this was still well below pre-pandemic levels.
  
  

Why do people visit Chicago?

People visit Chicago mainly for leisure and business purposes.⁵

• Leisure Travel: Over 36.92 million visitors came to Chicago for leisure in 2023. The city’s attractions, cultural events, and landmarks such as Millennium Park, museums, and theatres draw a large number of tourists.

• Business Travel: Business travel is also a key reason for visits, with 13.21 million business travellers in 2023. Chicago hosts numerous conferences, conventions, and corporate meetings, making it a central business hub.
  
  

What are the most popular attractions in Chicago?

• Millennium Park: Home to the famous Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), Millennium Park sees about 25 million visitors annually, making it a central social hub in Chicago.

• Navy Pier: Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most visited attractions, drawing approximately 9 million visitors annually. The pier offers 50 acres of gardens, shops, restaurants, and entertainment, making it a top destination.

• The Art Institute of Chicago: This renowned museum attracts about 1.5 million visitors each year, known for its extensive collection of impressionist art.

• Willis Tower Skydeck: The Skydeck at Willis Tower receives around 1.5 million visitors annually, offering breathtaking views of Chicago from its 103rd floor.

• The Field Museum of Natural History: This historic museum welcomes approximately 1.3 million visitors each year, providing a deep dive into natural history through its extensive exhibits.
  
  

Chicago Travel Resources

When is the best time to visit Chicago?

The best time to visit Chicago varies depending on weather preferences and crowd levels:

• Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season, attracting the most visitors with warm temperatures ranging from 57°F to 84°F. Chicago hosts numerous festivals in the summer, such as Lollapalooza, contributing to high visitor numbers. However, it is also the most crowded and expensive time, with millions of tourists flocking to the city​.

• Fall (September to November) offers a more balanced experience with fewer crowds and pleasant weather. September is especially popular, with temperatures averaging between 54°F and 75°F. Visitor numbers decline after the summer, making it a favourable time for those seeking a less crowded visit​.

• Spring (March to May) is ideal for avoiding crowds, with temperatures ranging from 28°F to 70°F. This season sees fewer visitors, making it easier to explore the city’s attractions.

• Winter (December to February) is the least popular time to visit Chicago due to cold weather, with temperatures often below freezing. Visitor numbers are low, making it a quiet time to visit, though outdoor activities may be limited.
  
  

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References

1. ChooseChicago: Chicago Tourism Overview – 2016 to 2023 ↩︎
2. ChooseChicago: Economic Impact of Tourism In Chicago – 2016 to 2021 ↩︎
3. ChooseChicago: Economic Impact of Tourism In Chicago – 2022 & 2023 ↩︎
4. ChooseChicago: International Visitation to Chicago – Top Markets ↩︎
5. ChooseChicago:  Business and Leisure visits in Chicago ↩︎