15 days in Chicago & Washington DC Itinerary

Chicago is known for sightseeing, museums, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: admire the masterpieces at The Art Institute of Chicago, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Lincoln Park Zoo, take in the waterfront at Navy Pier, and make a trip to Millennium Park.

To see traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Chicago trip planning site.

Paris, France to Chicago is an approximately 11-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time to Central Standard Time, which is usually a -7 hour difference. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Paris in June, with highs in Chicago at 32°C and lows at 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sat) so you can fly to Washington DC.

Venture out of the city with trips to Baltimore (National Aquarium, Horseshoe Casino, &more) and Gettysburg (Gettysburg National Cemetery & Gettysburg National Military Park). There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at National Air and Space Museum, get a sense of history and politics at United States Capitol, admire the masterpieces at National Gallery of Art, and take an in-depth tour of United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

To see photos, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Washington DC trip itinerary maker.

Fly from Chicago to Washington DC in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Chicago to Washington DC due to the time zone difference. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Chicago in July: high temperatures in Washington DC hover around 37°C and lows are around 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Mon) early enough to fly back home.