A Chicago store and window display

Best Chicago Souvenirs

Taking a trip to Chicago soon? It’s likely you’ll want to take something back home with you that reminds you of your trip. It’s equally likely you’ll want to buy a small item for friends and family you left behind.

If you want to find souvenirs made in Chicago rather than tacky plastic items that have no real link with the city, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got some fantastic ideas for the best Chicago souvenirs below!

Edible Chicago souvenirs

Image of Face, Happy, Head, Laughing, Person, Adult, Female, Woman, Accessories, Glasses, Male, Man, Bracelet, Jewelry, Smile,

The main problem with edible gifts from the windy city is having the willpower to avoid consuming them all before you’ve even left downtown.

Don’t be put off by the long lines which often stretch down the street from the Garrett Popcorn shops on West Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. Dishing up their ‘Chicago Mix’, half cheese and half caramel, to the people of the city since 1949, they’re clearly doing something right. Small bags cost as little as $3, though the souvenir skyline tins make a great keepsake long after the popcorn itself is all gone. They also have outlets at O’Hare Airport.

With a pedigree dating back even further is Fannie Mae chocolates, which have been Chicago based since first opening in 1920. Head to one of their city center stores and you’ve got the option of creating your own mix of pixies, mint meltaways and vanilla buttercreams.

At the upper end of the chocolate market is the Chicago-only Vosges Haut-Chocolat. With each chocolate hand-finished, the company is particularly well-known for their truffles, with flavors as diverse as hazelnut and balsamic vinegar and ginger with wasabi. As some indication of price, a box of 16 truffles will set you back around $50.

On the savory front, The Spice House on North Wells Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (close to Chicago History Museum) offers more than the usual cooking herbs and spices. Their team has created a range of Chicago-themed blends that will brighten up your home cooking for weeks to come.

Drinkable Chicago souvenirs

Image of Glass, Alcohol, Beer, Beverage, Lager, City, Urban, Beer Glass, Liquor,

The same can be said for another much-loved Wells Street store, Old Town Oil. Specializing in small-batch olive oils and vinegars from farms across the globe, they have some very tasty-looking gift boxes, and can even produce custom bottle labels.

Oils and vinegars won’t quench your thirst, but beers will, with Goose Island an award-winning craft brewery set up to bring good beers to the Chicago streets. Using 15 different yeasts to turn the sugars into alcohol before aging the beer in bourbon barrels for extra flavor, visitors are welcome to the brewery tap room on Fulton Street or its Clybourn brewhouse to sample their selection of seasonal and year-round beers.

With over 100 international prizes to its name, the Koval Distillery has come a hell of a long way since starting up in 2008 as the first new distillery in the city since the 1800s. Their copper vats produce whiskeys, gins and specialty spirits using organic grains. Everything from soaking of the grain to bottling takes place in house so the dedicated team are able to keep track of every step to produce their signature clean flavors.

Jewelry and curios

Image of Accessories, Pendant, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Jewelry, Necklace,

The Field Museum is another great place to keep a lookout for souvenirs. Its store is awash with goodies, though we’ve chosen to focus our attention on their jewelry selection. Linking back to the museum’s incredible natural history collection, it ranges from T-Rex earrings to necklaces and pendants threaded with natural stones such as quartz and onyx.

Echoing the form of Chicago’s favorite piece of public art – Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate – Tiffany & Co’s Chicago store sells sterling silver bean pendants designed by Elsa Peretti. If the price tag stops you stepping beyond the window displays, various other outlets do similar pieces in base metals.

But if it’s a wall in your house you’re thinking of decorating, the store at the Museum of Contemporary Art has a variety of art-based items, from $10 fridge magnets to mobiles based on Bauhaus and surrealist principles which would provide a dash of color to any room.

Wearable Chicago souvenirs

Image of Shirt, Dressing Room, Indoors, People, Person, Adult, Female, Woman, Male, Man, Furniture,

A sports mad city with professional basketball, ice hockey, baseball and American football teams, getting tickets to a game is an unmissable Chicago experience. And to remember it, what could be better than your very own jersey?

Each stadium and arena have their own store, but you can also find items linked to all Chicago’s teams at stores including Clark Street Sports. So whether it’s an oversized foam finger or an official wristband emblazoned with the Chicago Cubs logo, odds are you’ll find it here.

Thanks to an array of nationwide and boutique local stores, fashionistas can also take something home that will forever remind them of their time in the windy city. Independent Wolfbait & B-Girls is a marketplace offering the wares of 250 local artisans, including clothing you won’t find anywhere else and an almost endless pick of potential gifts. Other quirky establishments include Optimo Fine Hats, offering custom headgear for men whatever the occasion.

Grabbing a T-shirt with the Chicago skyline will help your little ones remember their trip to Chicago, or make them want to visit themselves one day if they weren’t with you. Other items linked to the city’s architecture include ever-popular snow globes containing representations of the Willis Tower and Skydeck amongst other landmark buildings.

Spend on the things that count with the best Chicago souvenirs

The best Chicago souvenirs are those which continuously remind you of all the good times you had at the city’s attractions. That good time will be made all the better if you’ve visited them with Go City. Explore the city in this way and you’ll be able to take advantage of substantial savings on entrance admission to many of the top attractions and things to do. So why not check out our pass options and join the thousands of visitors who have already done just this?

Ian Packham
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

andersonville water tower
Blog

Things to do in Andersonville, Chicago

Chicago is a great city full of diversity, including from some unexpected places. Andersonville is known locally as 'Little Sweden', thanks to its Swedish immigrant community. So why not go and see what all the fuss is about? These are the best things to do in Andersonville when you vacation in Chicago! Including: Comic collections Art galleries Historical museums Magic shows New age performances and more! Stand up comics In the past decade or so, comic books have seen a resurgence, thanks to the popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America have all become household names in the past decade, with their films bringing in billions. So, it's no wonder that comic shops like Alley Cat Comics are reaping the benefits too! Nestled behind an iron gate, you'll find this delightful shop. Step inside, and you'll discover a world of comics, graphic novels, and books, so if you're in the market for a specific release, or looking to increase your collection, go check them out. They also host weekly game nights, if you fancy sprinkling a little competition into the mix. Art attack Andersonville might be called Little Sweden due to its large Scandinavian population, but that brings other continental benefits along with it. In this case, we're talking culture, and by culture, we mean art galleries. if you want to get your art on, Andersonville's got you covered. For nearly 30 years, Las Manos Gallery has showcased the work of local artists, giving visitors an impression of the area from those who call it home. Now, it doubles as a store, where you can purchase your favorite pieces! A great stop on your tour of Andersonville, if you're looking for things to hang on your dreary walls. For a more eclectic, community-focused collection of hand-crafted art, clothing, jewelry, and much more, head over to Andersonville Galleria. Over one hundred vendors display their wares across two winding floors, so it's a great place to explore and discover something that's just right for you. Historical signifance Given the influence Swedish immigrants continue to have on the area, it's no wonder Andersonville has a museum dedicated to them. For over forty years, the Swedish American Museum has done just that. With thousands of artifacts to see, and personal stories to read, it's a fascinating look at how Swedes helped make the US the country it is today. So, if you want to know more about Andersonville's rich culture and history, you know what to do. It's magic! Is your life missing a little spark? Is the banality of the real world dragging you down? Well, why not add a little magic to your vacation? Well, take a walk to the Chicago Magic Lounge and discover a world of wonder within its walls. Expect to find a wide variety of magic shows across its three performance spaces, as well as a fully-stocked bar, a menu of delicious bites, and even kid-friendly performances on Sundays. They really pulled the rabbit out of the hat with this one. Sorry. No, I'm not sorry. Wordplay is the nectar of the gods. The Future is now On the subject of shows, why not catch some theater while you're in town? We're not talking about any of that traditional stuff, either. We're talking weird. We're talking leftfield. We're talking quick-fire theatre. At the Neo-Futurarium, they specialize in indie theatre. What makes them unique is their signature shows, which are an hour long and contain thirty short plays that lead into one another. In their cozy performance space, you'll be expected to get involved in the action, so be prepared for that should you dare venture forth. And, if you're truly taken by their style, you can even learn from them at some of their in-house workshops! Caffeine dreams After all that doing, you might be needing a pick me up to see you through. Luckily, Andersonville has one of the best coffee houses in Chicago! At the Coffee Studio, you'll find a selection of locally-sourced, sustainably-grown coffees and teas in a wide variety of flavors and styles. And if you want to have a go at making your own at home, they even sell all the tools you'll need to make your own fantastic brews. If you wander in after dark, you'll find this coffee house has transformed into a craft beer and liquor joint, where you can try some local creations of the alcoholic variety! Eat, don't deplete Looking for a nice place to grab some grub during your stay? Andersonville's got you covered with some amazing eateries right on your doorstep. m.henry offers a wide variety of New American cuisine options for both breakfast and brunch, with some international fusions to keep you guessing. Grab a fried egg sandwich and a continental pastry, and wash it all down with some freshly-squeezed juice. The perfect way to start your day! Or, if you're looking for something a little spicier, or some amazing ingredients to cook up your own masterpiece, head over to the Middle East Bakery and Grocery. Pick up a falafel wrap, a pie, or some homemade soup along with a delightful selection of spices, fruit, and veg. Drink, don't think! And let's end this list on a night out. If you're looking to knock back a few brews before bed, check out our favorite Andersonville watering holes. Hopleaf has over sixty beers on tap, from local craft brews to international greats. Go see which one is your favorite, and maybe pair it with a little seafood or a meat board if you're feeling peckish? Or, check out a Prohibition-era speakeasy turned Nordic bar at Simon's. Come for the delicious drinks, traditional mulled wine, and other seasonal treats. Stay for the welcoming atmosphere and fascinating decor! And that was our list for the best things to do in Andersonville, Chicago! Looking for more to do in the city? Why not make the most of your trip and see all of Chicago's landmarks in one fell swoop?
Dom Bewley
edgewater chicago
Blog

Things to do in Edgewater, Chicago

Have you ever been by the sea, walked to the edge of the water, and wondered, 'there should be a place named after where I exactly am right now'? If you have, then sure. That's pretty weird, but it certainly works for this segue into one of Chicago's best districts, Edgewater! Come for the water's edge; stay for the great food, drinks, culture, and entertainment! These are our picks for the best things to do in Edgewater, Chicago! Including: Beaches Theatres Great coffee Museums Food Hit the beach Why not kick off your vacation with a little sun, sea, and sand? Chicago is known for its proximity to the Great Lakes, but we're not talking about those. We're talking about the beach, baby, and Edgewater's got one that's just perfect for you. Osterman Beach, named after the district's Alderman in the late '80s, is a fantastic relaxation location for all and sundry. There's plenty of space to stretch out and catch some rays. Just remember to bring the lotion. On top of the usual lounging, if you're feeling athletic, you can take part in watersports, play a few rounds of volleyball, or take a dip in the lifeguard-protected ocean. If you've brought your pooch, they're more than welcome too! There's also bike hire, free wi-fi, and plenty of restrooms too. So why not stop by if you're looking for things to do in Edgewater, Chicago? See a show Looking to add a little drama to your stay? Why not take in a theater performance at one of Edgewater's many performance venues? If you like your plays on the cozier side, Steep Theatre has a sixty-person capacity, and they use the intimate venue to full effect, putting on gut-punching performances that reach the back of the room with ease. Or, if you're looking for a theater with more of a community focus, check out Raven Theatre. Since the '80s, they've put on exciting performances with fantastic up-and-coming writers and actors. But their work doesn't stop there. They also hold a summer camp every year that helps local kids get into the spirit of live theatre and performance. They also allow their space to be rented out by would-be directors to try their hand at the craft! Or, if you like your performances with a focus on women, you need to go see something from the Rivendell Theatre Ensemble. Their female-only performances shine a unique and authentic light on many of the issues women face, both in the past and today. Grab a coffee Of course, even on vacation, it can be a challenge to get yourself up and ready for a long day of sightseeing, adventure, and exploration. So, why not lean on old reliable to see you through. We're talking, of course, about brown gold. The big c. Coffee. Someone has probably called it one of those things at one point. Thankfully, Edgewater has some great coffee houses for you to refuel and reenergize. One of the best is Metropolis Coffee Company. This cozy cafe is big on community, and you'll likely feel right at home as soon as you enter. But less about that, what about the coffee? Well, you'll find fair-trade blends from all across the globe, with plenty of rich, aromatic offerings to perk your nose and delight your taste buds. Their tea game is also on point, with plenty of herbal, black, and green bags to soak. You can even see works from local artists that adorn the walls. Nice. Absorb some culture With your veins powered by sweet coffee beans, you're ready to open your mind to some culture and history. Edgewater's got you covered with the Swedish American Museum. For over four decades, this museum has celebrated Swedish heritage in the US. It's no wonder it's located right in the heart of Chicago's 'Little Sweden,' then! Chi-Town has a rich Swedish history, and you can learn all about how Swedes helped make Chicago, and the US as a whole, the amazing place it is today! Over three stories, you'll explore over 12,000 artifacts, see art pieces, and find out what it's really like to be a Scandinavian American! Get some chow All that exploring must have made you hungry. Don't worry, we understand. If you're looking for delicious food, then Edgewater's got you covered with some fantastic options on offer. Here are our picks for the eateries you should visit on your vacation! If you're looking for some delicious diner food with a laid-back atmosphere and a familial touch, head over to Alexander's Restaurant. This family-run joint has American classics with a few Greek twists, and utilizes delicious recipes passed down through the generations. Their churro French toast is something else - you won't regret it. Looking for something a bit more modern? Check out Uncommon Ground, a sustainably-minded spot with a brunch, lunch, and dinner menu featuring New American spins on classic recipes. What makes this place unique is its rooftop garden, where they grow a lot of the produce they use in their food. Neat, huh? Why not pair your fried green tomato sandwich with a frosty craft beer and check out the live music they have on? Looking for some Asian cuisine while you're in Edgewater? Jin Ju is our favorite. Their contemporary takes on Korean classics are appropriate, given the modern aesthetic and dim lighting you'll find within. We recommend the scallion pancakes and fried dumplings. Divine. Pair them with a sake-based cocktail, and you've got yourself a fun-filled night! Or, in the market for something a little spicier? Check out Mango Pickle. This South Asian bistro offers plenty of Indian dishes on a seasonal menu, as well as exotic teas, coffees and, of course, lip-licking cocktails. Why not pick a few small plates, so you don't miss any of the amazing dishes on offer? They come in both meaty and veggie options, so no matter your taste, they'll hit the right spot! And those are our picks for the best things to do in Edgewater, Chicago! Interested in visiting some of the other districts in the city during your stay? Check out some of our other favorites!
Dom Bewley

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon