Chicago Neighborhoods Guide

Here's our rundown on some of the best things to see and do in all of Chicago's neighborhoods. From observation decks, gardens, and museums to cruises and parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

By Casey Makovich
Chicago neighborhoods

Planning a vacation to Chicago? Our local experts put together a helpful Chicago neighborhoods guide so you can make the most of your time in the Windy City. We highlighted a handful of the top attractions and places to see in all of Chicago's best neighborhoods, so you can relax and focus on enjoying the trip.

The North Side and Lincoln Park

chicago-skyline-lincoln-park

North of downtown, Chicago’s North Side and Lincoln Park area is home to lots of top Chicago attractions, shopping, dining, expansive green spaces, and more.

Things to do in the North Side and Lincoln Park
 

  • Explore Wrigleyville and cheer for the home team while catching a Cubs game at the beloved stadium or one of the many sports bars nearby.
     
  • Lincoln Park is a popular (and pricey) residential area and home to famous landmarks, including Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago History Museum, and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
     
  • Explore Old Town, an affluent and hip historic neighborhood with Victorian-era buildings, charming streets, family-owned restaurants, and more.
     
  • The park itself is a great place to explore - it's a third larger than NYC's Central Park and is full of things to do! Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo (free!), check out the Conservatory, and the Cultural Center, or enjoy one of the many playing fields and golf courses.
     
  • Got any LEGO® fans in the family? Be sure to check out LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, a large indoor space filled with exhibits, construction demos, interactive areas, and more.

Getting in: Chicago History Museum tickets, Lincoln Park Zoo Ride tickets and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center tickets are all included on the Go Chicago Card.

West Side and Central

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Chicago’s West Side/ Central area consists of lots of fun neighborhoods to explore.

Things to do in Chicago’s West Side
 

  • Architecture and American Literature buffs will want to head to Oak Park where you'll find the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright’s residential home designs (including his own) and Ernest Hemingway’s childhood home and museum.
     
  • Chicago’s largest zoo, the Brookfield Zoo, offers year-round fun with diverse animal exhibits, a large nature park, and more. See all your favorite furry friends, from spider monkeys to giraffes to bottlenose dolphins.
     
  • Go on a taste tour of Chicago’s Little Italy where Chicago’s immigrant past is preserved and Italian culture reigns. From pizza and pasta to specialty Chicago treats like Italian ice, plus Polish sausage, the food scene in Little Italy is not to be missed.

Getting in: Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home Tour tickets, and Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio Tour tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes, while Brookfield Zoo is separately ticketed.

Downtown, The Loop, and the Magnificent Mile

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Chicago’s large downtown area is made up of many neighborhoods, including Gold Coast, River North, Streeterville, Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, The Loop, South Loop, and Museum Campus.

Gold coast

Check out the Gold Coast, an affluent neighborhood just north of Downtown for high-end shopping, upscale dining, diverse Chicago architecture, the Chicago History Museum, the popular nightlife scene on Rush Street, and more.
 

  • Take a stroll down Astor Street and appreciate the 19th-century style homes and apartment complexes. The gorgeous buildings still remain as a testament to the fashionable style of their original residents.
     
  • Calling all foodies - the dining options in Gold Coast are second to none! From upscale barbeque joints to classic Italian family-style spots, you're bound to find the perfect meal(s).
     
  • Enjoy a walk on Rush Street during the day for top-of-the-line shopping, then circle back at night for the best nightlife in the city.
     
  • Speaking of food, if you haven't already tried a deep dish pie yet, stop at Lou Malnati's of Gold Coast ASAP! Once you've tried Lou's, turn the rest of your trip into a Deep Dish pizza scavenger hunt.

River North

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The commercial district just west of the Magnificent Mile is known as River North and is an area of the city with dormant factories and warehouses turned art studios and work spaces for Chicago’s creative types.
 

  • This trendy arts-focused neighborhood is a top destination for visitors looking for fine dining, upscale drinks, clubs, art-centered shopping, and more.
     
  • Merchandise Mart is the perfect place to spend the day perusing showrooms full of cutting-edge furniture, art, and design.
     
  • Similar to Gold Coast, there are plenty of top-rated restaurants along the river to enjoy!

Navy Pier

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Navy Pier in Streeterville is a hub of activity with unbeatable lakefront views, boardwalk-style fun, souvenir shops, postcard-worthy views, and more.

Here are a few top Navy Pier attractions and things to do nearby.

Things to do in Navy Pier
 

  • Take a ride on some memorable amusement rides located right on the pier.
     
  • Pick up a bike rental and explore Chicago’s 26 miles of scenic, fun, and safe lakefront trails.
     
  • Families will enjoy the entertaining and educational exhibits and activities at the Chicago Children’s Museum.
     
  • Theater buffs can see excellent productions of classic shows at the award-winning Shakespeare Theater for some thespian fun.
     
  • Grab a drink and some classic Chicago eats at the outdoor Landshark Beer Garden, featuring free live music on Wednesdays in the summer and one of the best views of the Navy Pier’s twice-weekly summer fireworks.
     
  • One of the coolest parts of Chicago is the gorgeous river that splits the city in half - and there's no better way to see the beauty on both sides than aboard a cruise. Enjoy learning more about the history and architectural advancements of the Windy City as you cruise along the river.

Getting in: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel and Rides tickets, Chicago Children's Museum tickets, Bike & Roll: 4-Hour Bike Rental tickets, Shoreline Architecture River Cruise tickets and Shoreline Classic Lake Tour tickets are all included on Go City® Chicago passes.

Magnificent Mile

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The Magnificent Mile district is the area immediately surrounding North Michigan Avenue and a popular destination for visitors with many of the city’s hotels, shops, restaurants, bars, attractions, and more.

Things to do near the Magnificent Mile
 

  • Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art to see cutting-edge art from ascendant artists and contemporary icons. As one of the world's largest institutions for contemporary art, it's a can't-miss for any art lover.
     
  • For 360-degree views of Chicago, head to 360 Chicago (formerly John Hancock Observatory), for a ride in the world’s fastest elevator to the 94th floor of this Chicago must-see.
     
  • Measure up and compare your skills to some of Chicago’s finest athletes at the Chicago Sports Museum.
     
  • Want to tour the entire city but don't know where to stop? You can hitch a ride on the Hop On Hop Off Big Bus right on the Magnificent Mile! You'll learn more about Chi-town as you go, and you can hop off at any of these famous stops: Adler Planetarium, SkyDeck Chicago, Millenium Park, Chicago's Museum Campus, and more.

Getting in: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Chicago tickets, 360 Chicago tickets, and Museum of Contemporary Art tickets are all included on Go Chicago Card.

The Loop

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The Loop, Chicago’s official downtown, is home to many of the city’s premier attractions and things to do. When people refer to “The Loop”, they’re talking about the city’s downtown area, bordered by the Chicago River to the north and west, Michigan Avenue to the east, and Roosevelt Avenue to the south. The Loop area is surrounded by a circuit of elevated trains.

Here are some fun suggestions for things to do near Millennium Park and The Loop in Chicago.

Things to do in The Loop
 

  • Learn about the iconic Willis Tower and get in some spectacular views from the observatory deck at Skydeck Chicago's famous all-glass balcony “The Ledge”. You can even see four different states: Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
     
  • Fans of the arts will enjoy a tour of the legendary Chicago Theatre. This theater has hosted stars like Dolly Parton, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra and has put on Tony Award-winning productions.
     
  • Of course, if you're in the area you can't skip a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago. TripAdvisor has consistently ranked it as one of the top museums in the world and for good reason. It's home to an impressive collection of photography, artifacts, paintings, and sculptures of all different styles.

Getting in: SkyDeck Chicago, and Chicago Theatre Tour are available on all Go City® Chicago passes. Art Institute of Chicago is separately ticketed.

Museum Campus/ South Loop

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Part of Chicago’s large Grant Park, Museum Campus is a 57 acre park along the Michigan Lake waterfront and home to three of the city’s most popular museums. 

Things to do in Museum Campus and the South Loop
 

  • The Field Museum, one of the most prominent natural history museums in the country, features state-of-the-art exhibits, interactive galleries, and impressive displays of natural wonders from around the world.
     
  • No trip to Chicago is complete without exploring the impressive array of aquatic life from all over the globe at Chicago’s most visited attraction, the world-famous Shedd Aquarium. Shedd is home to over 32,000 fascinating marine animals.
     
  • Do a little exploring beyond Chicago at America’s first planetarium, the Adler Planetarium, and experience all things space come to life.
     
  • Just south of the planetarium, nature lovers will enjoy exploring Northerly Island, a 91-acre peninsula dedicated to nature with walking paths, play areas, views of Chicago’s skyline, and some of the best fishing in the city.

Getting in: The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium tickets are all included on Go City® Chicago passes.

South Side

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Chicago’s South Side is an integral part of the city and home to the University of Chicago.

Things to do on the South Side
 

  • Check out the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, the Museum of Science and Industry. Housed in the only remaining building from the famous 1893 World’s Fair, this museum has something for everyone to enjoy.
     
  • Frank Lloyd Wright fans will want to take a trip to the Robie House, one of his architectural masterpieces and an exemplary display of an American Prairie Style home.
     
  • Lorado Taft Midway Studios, owned by the University of Chicago, was the art studio of Lorado Taft, one of the early 20th century’s most influential sculptors.

Getting in: Museum of Science and Industry and Robie House tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City®

Discover our full line-up of Chicago attractions including Adler Planetarium, Navy Pier, Chicago Children's Museum, and more.

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.   

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Old Town Chicago
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Things to do in Old Town Chicago

Ahoy there, sailor! Are you taking the old steamboat over to the growing Metropolis they call Chicago? I do declare, you may be delighted by the city's Old Town district. There's plenty to do and see there, partner. Want to know what? Well, we'll tell you right now. Here are some of the best things to do in Old Town, Chicago! Including: Stand up A little history The beach Immersive art The theater and more! Second City Let's kick things off with the best medicine. We're talking about laughter, of course! What if we told you that Old Town is where some of the best and brightest comics strutted their stuff before becoming famous? You might think that's nonsense. But believe us, it is not. Many of the comic greats you see on your screens today cut their teeth at Second City, America's premier improv club. Through the years, comedy legends such as Bill Murray, Alan Alda, John Belushi, and Mike Myers have called it home, and you'll always find hilarious hijinks going on there. So go check it out! Who knows, maybe you'll stumble upon the next big thing in comedy when you visit? If you like to laugh and you're visiting Chicago, Second City is easily one of the best things to do in Old Town! Chicago History Museum If you're visiting Chicago, you might not know much about the city or its history. Would you like to know more? Well, never fear, because the Chicago History Museum is here! Step inside, and discover the city's rich history from a number of exhibits. At the Crossroads of America exhibit, you'll get to relive the most significant events in the city's history, meet Chicago's most renowned leaders, and learn how culture shaped Chi-Town throughout the centuries. Step into Sensing Chicago, and appreciate the city with all five senses! Hop on a high-wheel bike, hear the roar of the Great Fire of Chicago, smell the unique scents of the Union Stock Yard, and catch a fly ball at Cominsky Park! Perfect for big and little kids alike. Enter the Abraham Lincoln exhibit and learn all about the life and struggles of one of the country's best presidents! See how his leadership shaped the Civil War, and the events that led up to his assassination. And finally, check out Facing Freedom in America, which charts the struggle of many people's efforts to achieve freedom in the country. These interactive displays will open your mind to the plights of many peoples, from suffrage to the civil rights movement. North Ave Beach Need to relax? Unwind? Lacking a little Vitamin D and want to get tanning? Then you'll want to hit the beach. Thankfully, Old Town has North Avenue Beach, which not only offers many opportunities for you to lounge or wade into the water, but also activities too! Head there in summer, and you'll find a slew of volleyball tournaments, bikes to rent, and opportunities to try out watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking. So, if you need a little sun, sea, and sand when you're in Chicago, go check it out! The Moody Church Whether you're religious or not, you may be partial to a grand spectacle. If the thought of grandiose architecture and awe-inspiring craftsmanship gets you giddy, go check out the Moody Church in Old Town. This grand place of worship was completed back in the 1920s, and stands as a testament to design. Go get your pray on, or simply attend to look around. You're sure to find someone on hand to talk you through the construction of the building, and the goings-on within over the years. Either way, it's a great stop on your travels through Chicago's Old Town! A Red Orchid Theatre Do you want to supplant your visit with dramatics? Go check out A Red Orchid Theatre. Widely considered to be one of the best theaters in the country, Red Orchid is comprised of multiple writers, actors, and directors, including Hollywood's Michael Shannon. Every year, their shows break new ground in the theater world, telling edgy, gut-wrenching stories that are performed with finesse. So, why not go check out one of their critically-acclaimed performances when you're in Old Town? Eat, of course! All that reading and planning your trip to Old Town has probably left you hungry. Let's fix that. Thankfully, Old Town has a whole host of delightful restaurants and cafes for you to visit! Want to start your morning just right? Try Kanela Breakfast Club, a Chicago eatery with spots all over the city. Omelets, eggs, grilled cheese, and much more await you on their diverse menu. If you want some delicious cocktails to wash down a hearty meal, head to Happy Camper. During the day, you'll pair authentic pizzas with a host of drinks. During the night, you'll get to enjoy one of the best bars in the city! Want to sample barbecue that delighted the late, great Frank Sinatra? Then stop by Twin Anchors, which has quality ribs on offer all year round. Are you feeling continental? Try La Fournette, a traditional French bakery right in the heart of Old Town. Alongside the usual suspects of baguettes, croissants, and sweet pastries, they also have salads, soups, and much more behind the counter. So, whatever you feel like eating, Old Town's got you covered! Get immersive with Van Gogh And finally, let's end this rowdy route through Old Town's best bits with something different. If you've dipped your toe into the world of art, you know about Vincent Van Gogh. The Dutch Post-Impressionist painter is one of the most critically-lauded artists in the world. His paintings sell for millions, and his best works hang in the most fabulous galleries on Earth. You might know of Van Gogh, but you've never seen his work like this. At the Immersive Van Gogh experience, you'll see his works come to life with animation. Walk through his most famous works, like Starry Night, Sunflowers, and The Potato Eaters. It's an illuminating experience, and with over 2 million visits to its original Paris installation, it's a easily one of the best things to do in Old Town when you visit Chicago! And that's our list of the best things to do in Old Town, Chicago! Enjoy your visit!
Dom Bewley
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Blog

Chicago for art lovers: museums, murals and masterpieces

From a world-class museum and powerful murals to free Tiffany domes and night-time projections, our Chicago art guide maps the city’s most inspiring attractions.
St Patrick's Day Chicago
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How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday beloved by many, but it’s particularly special to Chicagoans. As a city with a vibrant Irish heritage—and an even more enthusiastic Irish-American population—Chicago is the perfect place to celebrate St. Paddy’s. From dyeing its iconic river a vivid green to holding one of the best St. Paddy’s parades in the US, Chicago goes all out for this holiday. Here’s a guide to what to do, where to go, and how to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. So put on your best, brightest green outfit and get ready to celebrate.  Dyeing of the Chicago River Each year on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, the city of Chicago dyes its famous river a lush bright green. This is a cherished tradition dating back over 50 years and is one of the highlights of any celebration. Every year spectators from across the city and around the country line the bridges and riverwalk to watch the barges release the dye into the water and see the river slowly turn emerald green. They use organic dyes that are safe for the environment; as a result, the color only lasts for about five hours. The dyeing begins at 9 am, so get to the river early in the day if you want to see the color in its full glory. St. Patrick’s Day Parade One of the largest St. Paddy’s Day parades in the country, Chicago’s vibrant version of an Irish-American classic, is legendary. This downtown celebration traverses Columbus Drive, heading north from Balbo to Monroe. Columbus Drive divides Millennium Park and Grant Park in half, so the parade route is a scenic one. The parade usually begins at noon, so arrive early to grab a good spot. You’ll enjoy plenty of green, white, and orange outfits, Irish step dancers, marching bands, elaborately decorated floats, and even bagpipers (of course!) Other St Patrick's Day events in Chicago There are plenty of things to do across Chicago to celebrate your favorite Irish holiday. Check out a few of these local events & activities to make the most of your time in the Windy City. St. Patrick’s Festival at the Irish-American Heritage Center: Held after the parade, this family-friendly event offers traditional and contemporary dance performances alongside tasty food and drink. A good option for those traveling with kids.   South Side Irish Parade: Another great family-centric event, this smaller but no less enthusiastic parade begins at noon on the Sunday nearest St. Paddy’s Day, setting off from 103rd Street & Western Avenue.   Shoreline Cruises Architecture River Cruise: While this architecture cruise also runs regularly on days the river isn’t green, the cruises today are especially popular. Get up close to the emerald waters and snap those perfect Instagram shots while learning all about the city’s built environment.   Leprechaun Leap: This popular race offers 5k or 8k courses along the gorgeous Lake Michigan waterfront. It’s been a beloved tradition among runners for nearly 20 years now, and attracts participants from all over. Dress in costume for the most fun!   Hop-on Hop-off Chicago City Tour: See more of the city with a hop-on hop-off tour from Big Bus. Take advantage of their local expertise to get some advice on what else to do to celebrate, and get around the city easily. Places to eat & drink on St. Paddy’s Day in Chicago One of most people’s favorite things about St. Patrick’s Day is the opportunity to enjoy delicious Irish food and a pint or two of plain (aka Guinness). Scope out these bars and restaurants while you’re in town for the holiday. Many places will have special events on, some requiring advance tickets, so these aren’t your only options by any means. If you’re traveling with an adults-only group, you may also want to consider a pub crawl through River North (Division Street is always popular). Remember, bars in Chicago stay open very late if you need an excuse to keep the festivities going. Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant: This River North mainstay is perfect for those looking to enjoy traditional Irish fare with a bit of a modern update.   D4 Irish Pub & Café: Think Irish food with some modern American flair thrown in: fish and chips or corned beef and hash, plus avocado toast and lobster mac n’ cheese.   Lady Gregory’s: An Andersonville legend, Lady Gregory’s is a must-visit destination for whiskey connoisseurs. With more than 300 options to choose from, make sure you take advantage of their full dining menu to balance it all out.   The Galway Arms: Found just west of Lincoln Park (right near the zoo), the Galway Arms has been voted Best Irish Pub for four years running. Enjoy its cozy historical vibe and scrumptious authentic cuisine.   The Grafton Pub & Grill: Located in Lincoln Square, this traditional Irish pub features tasty burgers with an extensive whiskey menu. They’re always good for some Irish-American music, too. Tips for Booking St. Patrick’s Day Hotels If you do intend to make St. Paddy’s in Chicago a part of your next getaway, be sure to plan in advance. Hotels book up fast, and crowds are thick around the riverfront and parade route. Check out our logistical tips for a smoother vacation. Because St. Patrick’s Day is such a big holiday for the city of Chicago, many hotels will run special deals or discounted rates around this time of year.    If you are a member of a hotel’s reward program, it might be a good idea to cash in some points now. You can reserve in advance and pay less than you would otherwise.   Even if you aren’t sure of your plans, book your hotel room at a refundable rate that you can alter later if necessary.   Aggregate sites like Trivago, Hotels.com, and Expedia can be good resources for finding affordable hotels. Keep in mind that some sites may require that you pay for the full price of the hotel upfront.   Look for hotels outside the immediate downtown area. While you probably want to stay in the Loop to be near the parade and other Chicago attractions, you don’t need to stay right off Millennium Park to be close. River North or Lincoln Park are great neighborhoods to find hotels that won’t be as full. Some useful Chicago resources to help you plan your trip Check out the top things to do in Chicago, things to do when it rains in Chicago, and museums you must visit on your trip to the Windy City. Share your adventure with us Remember to tag @GoCity in your holiday snaps and we might just feature you on our socials. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and inspiration for your chosen destination. Want to save money on those bucket-list attractions? Check out passes from Go City and you could save yourself up to 50% on your must-sees – perfect! ☀️Compare Chicago passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️
Andrew Martineau

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