Chicago vs. New York City

These two great American cities are worthy of all the tourist traffic they generate year in and year out. New York has been an iconic destination for generations. Chicago is easily one of the most global cities in the country.

By Katie Sagal
Published: May 16, 2024
Chicago vs New York

Making the tough choice of Chicago vs. New York City? We’ve put together a brief comparison of the two cities and their top attractions and activities. See which seems more enticing, from river cruises to street food. Learn how to save on admission to the best things to do in each city below.

✈️ >> Buy the Go City® New York pass and the Go City® Chicago pass

Observation decks

Both NYC and Chicago have two stellar observation decks from which to see the best sights of their respective cities. Many people choose to visit both observation decks. But it’s also easy to pick your favorite and see the aerial views from your chosen landmark. Here’s a brief comparison of the four observation decks.

New York

New York observation deck

 

  • Empire State Building. Among the most iconic buildings in New York City, the Empire State Building offers an 86th-floor observation deck with panoramic views. It’s located in midtown Manhattan and boasts a refined Art Deco aesthetic.
     
  • Top of the Rock. Located in the famous 30 Rock Building, Top of the Rock Observatory is famous for its unobstructed 360-degree views and convenient location in Rockefeller Plaza.

Deciding between these two? Check out our Top of the Rock vs. Empire State Building breakdown.

Chicago

Chicago observation deck
  • 360 CHICAGO. Housed in 875 N. Michigan —itself containing several shops and restaurants— 360 CHICAGO is located on the 94th floor and provides unbeatable views of the waterfront. Many visitors also enjoy their upgradeable experience called TILT.
     
  • Skydeck Chicago. Located in what used to be known as the Sears Tower, Skydeck Chicago provides stellar views from 1,353 feet up in the air on the 103rd floor. Visitors can see parts of four different states from this observation deck.

Art Museums

Chicago and NYC offer pretty stiff competition when it comes to museums. They both feature some of the best museums in the world. Additionally, many of the most-visited art museums are found in these two cities. Here’s a quick rundown of the biggest art museums in each city.

Moma
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art. Among the best art museums in the world, the Met boasts massive collections of everything from Ancient Egyptian artifacts to medieval armor to eighteenth-century portraiture.
  •  
  • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). One of the finest and most extensive collections of modern art in the entire world, MoMA is home to many famous works of art by the biggest names in recent history—Warhol, Pollack, Van Gogh, Gaugin, and many more.

Check out our recommendations for must-see things at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Chicago

Art institute of Chicago
  • Art Institute of Chicago. Just as prestigious and often more frequently visited than the Met, the Art Institute’s collections also span much of human history and include everything from impressionist paintings to satirical prints.
     
  • Museum of Contemporary Art. The MCA is much smaller than MoMA and focuses instead on truly contemporary works of art, including a great deal from living artists. A visit here is a good opportunity to see the art world as it is evolving today.

Natural History Museums

Each city boasts one impressive natural history museum. Both are renowned for their fine collections of natural objects and as well as their cutting-edge research. Here’s a brief look at what they each offer.

New York

American Museum of Natural History
  • One of the largest such institutions in the world, the American Museum of Natural History is well known for its collection of dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and an expansive collection of ocean life.

Chicago

field-museum-chicago-on-summer-day
  • The earliest collections at the Field Museum were donated from the Columbian Exposition in 1893, but they’ve expanded far beyond that scope to include millions of artifacts, objects, and even the most famous dinosaur skeleton in the world: SUE the T. Rex.

City Tours

Big Bus

Chicago and New York City both have more to see than you can accomplish in one trip, or even two. That’s where a comprehensive tour can come in handy. These popular bus tours are the best way to see each city efficiently. Here are our picks for the top bus tours in each city.

New York
 

  • Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. This hop-on hop-off option from Big Bus New York offers unlimited rides for an entire day, with Uptown and Downtown loops to choose from. You can stay on for both loops to cover much of your day. Otherwise, hop off where you’d like to explore more.
     
  • The RIDE. A themed bus tour that’s part comedy act, part theatre, and part tour, The RIDE is perennially popular with visitors to NYC. They’ll cover city hotspots in 75 minutes for one hilarious experience.
     

Chicago
 

  • Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. A hop-on hop-off option from Big Bus Chicago, this loop includes 14 different stops throughout downtown Chicago. Stop at places like Museum Campus, Willis Tower, and Millennium Park.
     
  • Scenic North Side Tour. An exhaustive tour, the scenic North Side Tour covers landmarks and hotspots in Chicago that aren’t typically covered by downtown tours. It’s a two-hour sightseeing tour that covers everything from Water Tower Place Mall to Wrigley Field.

 

Cruises

With Chicago’s lakefront location and Manhattan being an island, both cities are popular for their multiple cruise options. Here are some of the top cruises in each city to help you decide which sound the most appealing.

New York

luxury-cruise-ship-sailing-new-york
  • NYC Landmark Cruise. This landmark cruise is a 90-minute excursion around the waters of Manhattan, showcasing everything from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Statue of Liberty. It’s ideal for photo ops and offers informative narration alongside your views.
     
  • Liberty Cruise. A 75-minute boat tour around Lower Manhattan and Ellis Island, the Liberty Cruise is a specific focus on Liberty Island and its environs. This cruise option is best for those who want a focused excursion.

Chicago

Chicago river cruise
  • The Architecture River Cruise sails along the Chicago River is a 75-minute trip that encompasses time on all three branches of the river. The focus is on city landmarks that have been constructed or rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1871. Also great for photos.
     
  • Lake Tour. The Lake Tour of Lake Michigan is a 45-minute cruise that showcases all of the city skylines from Navy Pier to the Hancock Tower and beyond. Informative narration will highlight everything of note, and you’ll get excellent lake view photos.

Cuisine

Pizza in New York

Remarkably enough, both cities are famous for their unique styles of pizza.

New York-style pizza has a thinner crust but is not thin and crispy like a brick oven pizza. It has lots of cheese and is a bit floppier in terms of the eating experience. You’ll find authentic slices all over the city - remember to fold it in half while eating!

Chicago-style pizza is a deep-dish style, usually a few inches thick, and served in a cast-iron pan. It's also topped with plenty of gooey cheese and plenty of meaty toppings. There are several famous places in the city to find this delectable specialty - check out Gino’s East or Lou Malnati’s.

Both cities are also known for their international populations and global influence. Therefore, you can find practically any culinary style in either city. Whether you’re looking for some ramen, sushi, or filet mignons, you’ll find all of it in Chicago or NYC.

As far as cuisine goes, your point of comparison is probably going to be price. Chicago has many Michelin-star restaurants with nearly astronomical prices. However, you’re still more likely to find more affordable haute cuisine in the Windy City than you are in NYC.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® 

Admission to most of these top New York and Chicago attractions is included with Go City. You can save on admission to these and many other popular activities, tours, and cruises. These easy digital passes are a great way to see the best each city has to offer and save up to 50% on admission vs paying at the gate.

✈️ >> Buy the Go City® New York pass and the Go City® Chicago pass

Share your adventure with us

Tag @GoCity or use the hashtag #GoCityPass in your vacation photos and we'll see if we can feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, events, and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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New York
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10...9...8... 10 tips for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square

New York City's Times Square celebration is one of the most famous and popular New Year's Eve celebrations in the world, so it's no surprise that Times Square and the city as a whole will be packed around this time.
Nicole Muto
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Outdoor Things to do in NYC

New York City has some of the best museums, galleries, and concert venues in the country, not to mention the shopping! However, with the exception of the time spent darting from place to place, a vacation comprised of these activities alone doesn't get you outside very much. So save those indoor-only vacations for the winter! If you’re spending some time in New York City this summer, do something outdoorsy like renting a bike. Enjoy the charm and healthy fun of NYC streets and parks in the summer, because there’s plenty to explore on two wheels. A New York attractions pass can help you save money on bike rentals, tours, and even a visit to the Central Park Zoo, so pick one up today to make your adventures healthier for your wallet, too! Chances are you haven’t brought your own bike to NYC. That’s OK, because New York bike rentals are affordable, flexible, and very easy to procure with the New York attractions pass. With pick-up locations in Midtown, Central Park West, and Battery Park, you’ll be able to find a nearby bike rental location that’s convenient to wherever you’re staying in Manhattan. All of these rental locations are in convenient proximity to great bike routes and trails as well, making that included bike map even easier to use. Central Park Bike tours are particularly popular for those who enjoy the exercise and fresh air of riding a bike, but want a little bit more focus to their activity. Tour various routes throughout this massive 840-acre urban park as part of a small group, and learn about the history of the park and its many statues, playgrounds, and waterworks as you ride. You can also opt for a guided tour that includes New York’s new Greenway Path, a beautiful walking/biking path in two parts that runs along the Hudson River and the East River. This route is especially popular with locals and is one of the most traveled bike paths around. Once you’re in the park, be sure to pay a visit to the Central Park Zoo, a local favorite with families. They have a special petting zoo just for the very young and a respectable selection of zoo standbys, including polar bears, monkeys, sea lions, and even some endangered species like the red pandas. The Central Park Zoo has been particularly successful among urban zoos with regards to reconstructing the wild habitats of its animals on a smaller scale, so be on the lookout for special touches in each exhibit, like indigenous plant life. If you’re the adventurous type and love a good urban bike ride, check out something like the Hudson River bike tour, a three-hour tour that lets you explore riverfront landmarks and even pedal across the Brooklyn Bridge. The guide will give you several chances to pause for photography, too, so don’t worry about trying to balance your handlebars while you’re zooming in for that perfect shot. All of these New York bike rental options are great for kids and adults, so it’s the perfect outdoor activity for the whole family. If you are traveling with kids, be sure to show up in advance to things like bike tours, as they’ll need to make sure your children are paired with the appropriate sized bike. You’ll be provided with helmets and things like a bike lock and local trail map, but you should be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sneakers or other practical shoes. Since many rentals let you keep the bike all day, it can also serve as an eco-friendly way to explore NYC. Of course, you can also rent the bike for a shorter period of time if you’ve only got the afternoon to explore. Whatever you’re looking for in a bike ride, you’ll be able to find it in New York City. Enjoy the great outdoors and NYC’s gorgeous park system on two wheels this summer and leave the taxis far behind. With a New York attractions pass, you can also save money on bike rentals, bike tours, and all that other stuff you probably want to see in New York.
Katie Sagal
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Tips for Visiting the Statue of Liberty – Discount Tickets & More

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are among the most iconic landmarks in all of New York. Both represent an important period in the history of immigration in this country. They reflect the long-held ideal of America as a safe haven for all who seek liberty and freedom. The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Ellis Island was once the home of the primary immigration center in the United States. Today, it is a fascinating museum. Head to both of these top attractions on a fun ferry ride and spend an educational afternoon with the whole family. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the both the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for Discount Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry Tickets? We’ve got you covered - ferry tickets for the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island are available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that's right for you: The below options include a ferry ticket, audio tours, and access to the grounds of both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. 1. Explorer Pass - Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 10 attractions. 2. Build Your Own Pass - Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note: tickets to access the Pedestal and Crown of the Statue of Liberty are not included with the Explorer Pass. If you wish add access to those parts of the statue, you will need book Crown Reserve tickets and/or Pedestal Reserve tickets separately. Make reservations as soon as possible as space is limited and tours often sell out months in advance. Top Statue of Liberty Facts Tips for Your Upcoming Visit You may use either two of the ferry departure points for your trip. Battery Park in New York - departs every 25 minutes, 8:30am - 4:00pm (last departure at 3:30pm) Liberty State Park in New Jersey - depearts every 40 minutes, 8:30am - 4:00pm (last departure at 3:30pm) If time is a concern, then we strongly encourage using the Liberty State Park, New Jersey location for faster processing, boarding, convenient access and ample parking. Save on Statue of Liberty Ferry Tickets with the New York City Explorer Pass®. If visiting using an Explorer Pass, you must pick up your ferry boarding pass before entering the security line. All visitors are required to pass through a mandatory airport grade security screening, so be prepared for a long wait. We suggest arriving early in the morning. Allow at least 2 hours to visit one island and 4 hours to visit both islands. Bring your camera. You'll want to take pictures of the Statue of Liberty from the shore, from the ferry, and from up close on Liberty Island. A limited number of wheelchairs are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis for no fee from the National Park Service. Visiting the Pedestal or Crown of the Statue of Liberty requires a reservation. Book well ahead to ensure availability the day you want to visit. When is the best time to visit the Statue of Liberty? What should I bring to The Statue of Liberty? There are a number of limitations on what is permitted on either island, so it’s best not to bring much if you want to avoid paying for a locker. You won't be permitted to bring large bags, and backpacks and strollers are not allowed at the Pedestal and Crown areas of the Statue. You'll have to put everything except your camera and medication inside a locker beforehand. Some things you you plan to bring include: Camera - You'll take a lot of photos trying to capture the statue from every angle. Don't forget to take photos of the NYC skyline, too. Money for souvenirs Comfortable shoes - Most of the visit will be on your feet. The boat deck can be slippery, so wear shoes with good traction. If you're visiting the pedestal or crown, you'll need shoes that are safe for climbing stairs. On Ellis Island, the Hard Hat Tour prohibits sandals or open-toed shoes. Dress for the weather - Much of the visit is outdoors, so come prepared with the layers you need to stay warm. Sunscreen - You will likely be waiting in long lines outside. What are things to do at Liberty Island? Self-Guided Audio Tours Self-guided audio tours are included with every ticket for both the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, with special tours for children and those with vision impairments. The Audio Tours are available in different languages including Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish. If you'd like to be able to ask questions while you explore, there are ranger-led tours at both islands as well. The Pedestal of the Statue of Liberty A Pedestal Tour includes access inside the Statue of Liberty Pedestal and the Statue of Liberty Museum. The lowest part of the Statue of Liberty, just above the lobby, the Pedestal forms the base of the Statue. Be sure to visit the Statue of Liberty Museum on the second floor to learn all about the history and heritage of the world’s most famous statue. The pedestal's observation deck offers panoramic views of the harbor. The pedestal is partially wheelchair accessible, with elevator access part of the way up. There are 215 steps to the top of the pedestal for those who choose to climb. The museum presents the history of how France and the United States cooperated to erect the statue and exhibits the original torch. Remember: Statue of Liberty Pedestal tickets are separately ticketed. The Crown of the Statue of Liberty The Torch Exhibit Featuring the original torch (which was actually replaced in the 1980s) and a number of drawings, and photographs depicting this iconic symbol of freedom, this exhibit is a good replacement for not being able to ascend to the torch itself. Things to Do at Ellis Island Ellis Island Immigration Museum With nearly 400,000 artifacts and over 1 million archival records, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum is an expansive collection of historical records pertaining to the millions of immigrants who passed through this island on their way to a better life. Search the American Family Immigration History Center’s databases in person at Ellis Island or online before you go. The museum's exhibit "Journeys: The Peopling of America" presents the immigration experience before Ellis Island opened and after it closed, but the museum emphasizes the arrivals process experienced by immigrants to the United States at Ellis Island. Begin in the Baggage Room, where immigrants checked their bags after disembarking their ships. Upstairs, the Registry Room and the Hearing Room are where immigrants were examined before being granted entry to the United States. The Dormitory Rooms, where travelers who were briefly detained stayed overnight, host special exhibits. Peopling of America Center This is a must-see on your trip to Ellis Island. This exhibit space tells the story of immigration to America before the opening of Ellis Island in 1892. It explores the way immigration works today following the closure of the Island in 1954. These galleries follow the lives of real immigrants as they make their way into the United States and try to build a new life for themselves. American Family Immigration History Center For those of you with a particular interest in your family’s history, this Center is going to be a real treat. Get a chance to explore the entire archival collection of immigration arrival records at Ellis Island and search for your ancestors. Search by passenger record, ship manifest, and ship information. Have any family on the Wall of Honor? Search for the location of their name with the Foundation’s Search the Wall. Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour The Hard Hat Tour takes visitors on a 90-minute tour of the South Side of Ellis Island. The tour visits the Ellis Island Hospital facilities, including the contagious disease wards and autopsy rooms. The tour also includes the art exhibit "Unframed – Ellis Island" by JR, featuring full-size photographs of immigrants. No children under 13 are allowed on this tour. Nearby Attractions Liberty Island and Ellis Island stand apart from New York City in its harbor. However, there are many attractions near both the New York and New Jersey ferry landings. For a couple ideas, check out our things to do in lower Manhattan post. Here are a few others we suggest adding to your itinerary... See the famous Charging Bull statue and walk over to Wall Street, where you'll find Federal Hall, a National Memorial marking the spot where George Washington became president. Honor more of our nation’s important history with a visit to the poignant 9/11 Tribute Center & Memorial Museum. If you’d like to see the statue but don’t feel like waiting in lines at the actual island, try these fun options out on the water... Landmark Cruise by Circle Line Sightseeing Clipper City Tall Shop Sail Shearwater Classic Schooner Sail The Museum of Jewish Heritage is also right on the waterfront. New York City Hall is an interesting place to snap photos. Pedal across the Brooklyn Bridge on a bike tour. If you're departing from the Jersey City location, take time to appreciate the views of New York City's West Side skyline. Liberty State Park's greenery provides a respite from the concrete city and its trails can even take you through a salt marsh. The Liberty Science Center helps visitors understand science and technology through hands-on exhibits. Where to eat near the Statue of Liberty? What restaurants are near the Statue of Liberty? You are allowed to bring your own food for lunch. However, it needs to be sealed prior to entering the screening facility. Coolers are not allowed. The boat ride to the islands is brief. But if you get hungry on the way, you can purchase food on board. Evelyn Hill Inc. is the food concessionaire located on Liberty Island and Ellis Island. It offers a variety of high quality food options. Back in Manhattan, you'll find hot dog vendors and the Battery Gardens restaurant tucked as far south on the island as you can get. Dine with a view of Lady Liberty at Battery Gardens. Gigino at Wagner Park also features great Statue views alongside Italian fare. Are you a Seinfeld fan? Then head to the Original Soup Man. Beaubourg offers high-end French cuisine and a delicious raw bar. In the mood for Japanese fare? Check out Shinjuku Sushi. History buffs will enjoy Trinity Place, located in a converted bank. Kids will love Peanut Butter & Co. Sandwich Shop. Families can find a wide variety of affordable chain options from Shake Shack to Subway. Save on Admission with a New York Explorer Pass Remember, the New York City Explorer Pass is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Statue of Liberty ferry tickets, plus admission to your choice of dozens more top attractions. Save up to 50% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.
Lindsay Eagan

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