15 days in New York City & Chicago Itinerary

Writer Pearl Buck once called New York City “a place apart,” and this giant urban center remains unlike any other in the world.

Take a break from the city and head to Valley Forge National Historical Park and Great Neck Steppingstone Park. 9/11 Memorial and Trinity Church will appeal to history buffs. Venture out of the city with trips to Philadelphia (Kelly Drive & Logan Circle). There's lots more to do: take a stroll through Times Square, don't miss a visit to Rockefeller Center, pause for some photo ops at Statue of Liberty National Monument, and race across the water with a speed boat tour.

To find ratings, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the New York City trip planner.

Hamburg, Germany to New York City is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. You'll gain 6 hours traveling from Hamburg to New York City due to the time zone difference. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Hamburg in July, with highs in New York City at 35°C and lows at 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) early enough to fly to Chicago.

A huge and vibrant city, Chicago is home to top-notch theaters, shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants.

Escape the urban bustle at Boat Tours & Water Sports and Montrose Beach. Popular historic sites such as Ernest Hemingway Birthplace and Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple are in your itinerary. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Chicago: Willow Springs (Centennial Bike Trail & John Husar l&M Canal Trail). The adventure continues: explore the world behind art at The Art Institute of Chicago, wander the streets of The Magnificent Mile, learn more about the world around you at Field Museum, and learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Lincoln Park Zoo.

For more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Chicago road trip planning tool.

You can fly from New York City to Chicago in 4 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference when traveling from New York City to Chicago is minus 1 hour. Expect a bit cooler evenings in Chicago when traveling from New York City in July, with lows around 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Mon) to allow time to fly back home.