15 days in Chicago & Los Angeles 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, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Shedd Aquarium, walk around Millennium Park, and admire the landmark architecture of 360 Chicago Observation Deck.

To see traveler tips, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Chicago sightseeing planning site.

Paderborn, Germany to Chicago is an approximately 22-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time to Central Standard Time, which is usually a -7 hour difference. Traveling from Paderborn in September, things will get a bit warmer in Chicago: highs are around 30°C and lows about 19°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Tue) so you can fly to Los Angeles.

Change things up with these side-trips from Los Angeles: San Diego (San Diego Museum of Art & USS Midway Museum) and Disney California Adventure Park (in Anaheim). Pack the 5th (Thu) with family-friendly diversions at Disneyland Park. Pack the 9th (Mon) with family-friendly diversions at Universal Studios Hollywood. There's still lots to do: make a trip to Santa Monica Pier, see the interesting displays at The Getty Center, appreciate the extensive heritage of Ocean Avenue, and browse the different shops at Two Rodeo Drive.

For traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Los Angeles travel planner.

Traveling by flight from Chicago to Los Angeles takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles is minus 2 hours. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Chicago in October, with highs in Los Angeles at 32°C and lows at 19°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.