Chicago guidebook
Neighborhoods
The West Loop is a trendy neighborhood west of downtown Chicago. This neighborhood is great for restaurant and bar hopping.
89 locals recommend
West Loop
The West Loop is a trendy neighborhood west of downtown Chicago. This neighborhood is great for restaurant and bar hopping.
The Bronzeville neighborhood has historic roots! Many soul and jazz artists have passed through here. This neighborhood also has great Lake Michigan access on 31st, 35th, 39th, and 41st streets.
32 locals recommend
Bronzeville
The Bronzeville neighborhood has historic roots! Many soul and jazz artists have passed through here. This neighborhood also has great Lake Michigan access on 31st, 35th, 39th, and 41st streets.
The historic Hyde Park neighborhood is a must see. This neighborhood is home to President Barack Obama and the University of Chicago. Be sure check out the bustling 57th and 53rd streets for a variety of entertainment, shopping, and dining options.
150 locals recommend
Hyde Park
The historic Hyde Park neighborhood is a must see. This neighborhood is home to President Barack Obama and the University of Chicago. Be sure check out the bustling 57th and 53rd streets for a variety of entertainment, shopping, and dining options.
Pilsen is a great neighborhood to explore if you are in the mood for great cocktails, live music at Thalia Hall, or Mexican food.
103 locals recommend
Pilsen
Pilsen is a great neighborhood to explore if you are in the mood for great cocktails, live music at Thalia Hall, or Mexican food.
Great neighborhood for shopping or checking out the local dining options
35 locals recommend
South Loop
Great neighborhood for shopping or checking out the local dining options
Fulton Market
This a trendy district full of bars and restaurants
Tons of restaurants and shops. Our favorite restaurant is MingHin. Driving in this neighborhood can be stressful!
217 locals recommend
Chinatown
Tons of restaurants and shops. Our favorite restaurant is MingHin. Driving in this neighborhood can be stressful!
Sightseeing
The lakefront trail is great for running, biking, walking, or even a picnic
229 locals recommend
Lakefront Trail
Lakefront TrailThe lakefront trail is great for running, biking, walking, or even a picnic
Grant Park is a great place for sightseeing or checking out local events.
332 locals recommend
Grant Park
337 E Randolph StGrant Park is a great place for sightseeing or checking out local events.
This a great area for downtown Chicago shopping and people watching.
598 locals recommend
Hot Tix - Mag Mile Location
This a great area for downtown Chicago shopping and people watching.
This is a must see for a sports fan. Take the red line to Wrigley field to watch a Cubs game or have a beer at one of the nearby sports bars.
1004 locals recommend
Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison StThis is a must see for a sports fan. Take the red line to Wrigley field to watch a Cubs game or have a beer at one of the nearby sports bars.
Stop by Guaranteed Rate Field to check out a White Sox game. The stadium is walking distance from our home.
120 locals recommend
Guaranteed Rate Field
333 W 35th StStop by Guaranteed Rate Field to check out a White Sox game. The stadium is walking distance from our home.
Be sure to take a stroll on the beautiful campus of the University of Chicago.
122 locals recommend
The University of Chicago
5801 S Ellis AveBe sure to take a stroll on the beautiful campus of the University of Chicago.
Buckingham Fountain
301 South Columbus DriveCloud Gate
201 E Randolph StDaley Plaza
50 W Washington StCheck out the Picasso sculpture in the plaza
Soldier Field
1410 Special Olympics DrFood scene
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
1120 N State StA Chicago classic
Great for tacos and margaritas. Be prepared for a long wait. Reservations are not accepted.
66 locals recommend
La Vaca Margarita Bar
1160 W 18th StGreat for tacos and margaritas. Be prepared for a long wait. Reservations are not accepted.
Harold's Chicken Shack Fish & Pizza
1208 E 53rd StA Chicago classic
Newer rooftop inside of the hotel. It’s very spacious and close to Wintrust Arena or Soldier Field.
15 locals recommend
VU Rooftop Bar
133 E Cermak RdNewer rooftop inside of the hotel. It’s very spacious and close to Wintrust Arena or Soldier Field.
The J. Parker
1816 N Clark StRooftop with amazing lake views
Apogee
2 W Erie StVery trendy rooftop bar downtown with craft cocktails. Try the frose!
A Chicago staple for burgers. Be prepared to wait. Reservations are not permitted
620 locals recommend
Au Cheval
800 W Randolph StA Chicago staple for burgers. Be prepared to wait. Reservations are not permitted
A Chicago staple owned by Chef Stephanie Izard that can take months to get in. The roasted cauliflower is delicious. Call to make a reservation
496 locals recommend
Girl & The Goat
809 W Randolph StA Chicago staple owned by Chef Stephanie Izard that can take months to get in. The roasted cauliflower is delicious. Call to make a reservation
Giordano's
5311 S Blackstone AveA Chicago classic
No-frills walk up restaurant, where you can get your fill on desserts. Seasonal operation.
10 locals recommend
Sugar Shack
630 W 26th StNo-frills walk up restaurant, where you can get your fill on desserts. Seasonal operation.
Great brunch spot in Lincoln Park. They have great French toast flights
11 locals recommend
Frances' Deli and Brunchery
2552 N Clark StGreat brunch spot in Lincoln Park. They have great French toast flights
Another Stephanie Izard owned restaurant. It gets very busy, so make a reservation well in advance.
30 locals recommend
Duck Duck Goat
857 W Fulton MarketAnother Stephanie Izard owned restaurant. It gets very busy, so make a reservation well in advance.
Do-Rite Donuts & Coffee
50 W Randolph StStan's Donuts & Coffee
1560 N Damen AveGarrett Popcorn Shops
173 Michigan AveA Chicago classic. Try the Chicago mix!
Aba
302 N Green StAmazing food! The short rib hummus and broccoli are the excellent.
The Allis Chicago
113-125 N Green StA great place for brunch
Pearl's Place Restaurant
3901 South Michigan AvenueNo frills, eat to your heart’s content breakfast spot
Eméché Cakery & Cafe
3453 S Prairie AveHip cafe and bakery that is a 5 min walk from our home.
A staple for brunch in Bronzeville. The Peach coffee is delicious.
21 locals recommend
Peach's Restaurant
4652 S King DrA staple for brunch in Bronzeville. The Peach coffee is delicious.
RPM Steak
66 W Kinzie StPerfect for a fancy steakhouse dinner
Whimsical bar that has milkshakes with (or without) alcohol. It is also kid friendly.
6 locals recommend
JoJo's Shake Bar
23 W Hubbard StWhimsical bar that has milkshakes with (or without) alcohol. It is also kid friendly.
MingHin Cuisine
2168 S Archer AveOur favorite Chinese restaurant to dine in or takeout.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Nearest Subway Line
The 35th-Bronzeville-IIT Green Line station is 7 min from our home. It is 20 min to downtown (that includes the walk)