Things to do in Lakeview, Chicago

By Dom Bewley

Heading to Chicago for your vacation, or are you a Chi-Town dweller who wants to know what's good? Check our Lakeview. There's so much going on, you're bound to find something fun! These are our recommendations for the best things to do in Lakeview, Chicago!

Including:

  • Live music
  • Lake life
  • Bowling
  • See a film
  • Get golfing
  • and more!
Image of Concert, Crowd, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Guitar, Musical Instrument,

Rock out

If you're the kind of person who loves the twang of live guitars, the thunderous bass of a drum kit, and raising your swaying lighter in the air, you'll be looking for some live music. Thankfully, Lakeview, Chicago has a whole host of performance venues where you can go get your groove on.

The Vic has been a mainstay in the live music scene for over a century. Some of the biggest music acts on the planet have played there over the years. The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Beastie boys did a joint gig in '87, Soundgarden took the stage in 2010, and Ariana Grande performed there back in 2018. They even host comedy gigs, such as Bill Hicks' famous One Night Stand special. On top of all that, The Vic has their own cinema events called 'Brew and View', where you can grab a drink and relax while watching some great movies.

Or, if you want to see up-and-coming bands, try Metro or Underground Lounge. Who knows, you might be the first to see the next big thing. You can tell your grandkids all about it, and they won't care one bit.

Wherever you go, seeing some live music is easily one of the best things to do in Lakeview, Chicago!

Go view a lake

It would be a travesty to visit a place called lake view and not see any water. Thankfully, visit the beautiful Belmont Harbor to do just that. Over 800 boats of all shapes and sizes call it home, and there aren't many better places in the city to go and ponder the meaning of life, just like one of those terrible made for TV movies. Stare off into the distance as ship captains sound their foghorns. Wonder what it's really all about. The most daring of you may even ask if you can come aboard and escape all your problems. Out on the open ocean, running from your inner demons. Months at sea, wondering if you can trust the crew. Why do your socks keep going missing, and who's eating all the apples? No. It's not worth it. Just stand at Belmont Harbor and admire the beautiful views of the Chicago skyline.

Image of Sphere, Bowling, Adult, Female, Person, Woman,

Keep bowling, bowling, bowling

Like the feel of a heavy ball in your hand, the plonk of pins, and the cries of 'strike!'? Well, I suspect you'll be one of them bowling people. Lakeview's got you covered with Southport Lanes. In a digital world of automation, microchips, and evil robots, why not go analog? Southport Lanes is one of the last alleys where the pins are manually reset - by people. Yep, they do old-school here. So go check it out, throw a few terrible misses, maybe a strike or two if you're lucky, and then wash down all the sadness with some beers at the on-site brewery.

See a flick

Want to laugh, cry, cheer, and cower in terror in front of some celluloid? Lakeview has some great cinemas you have to check out!

Landmark Century Centre Cinema is more of your typical theater affair, with big screens, big sounds, and the biggest films playing all year round.

If you're looking for lesser-known, unusual movies, then hit up the Music Box Theatre. Luck out, and you might visit Lakeview when one of the theater's many festivals is taking place.

Image of People, Person, Crowd, Boy, Child, Male, Teen, Adult, Man, Indoors, Classroom, School, Audience, Lecture, Seminar, Chair,

Get theatrical

Or, if you prefer treading the boards to treating yourself to popcorn, head to Lakeview's Theater District. There are tons of venues like the Anthenaeum and Mercury Theatres, which have a number of shows on throughout the year. So, if you want to unleash the inner thespian inside of you, head down there and check out what's on!

Grab a bite

You were waiting for this one, weren't you? You'll be delighted to discover that, yes, Lakeview has a whole host of eateries of all shapes and sizes. For your midday snacks, look no further than Uncommon Ground or The Chicago Diner. Both offer a host of American diner treats, and since they open at 11am, you can get it while the getting's good. The early bird catches the syrup-covered bird!

Or, if you're looking for some fine evening dining, check out Lowcountry for all your seafood needs, and Ella Elli for your Mediterranean cravings. With plenty of wine, cocktails, or beer to wash down all this delicious food, you'll have a grand old time!

Image of Alcohol, Beverage, Cocktail, Mojito, Cup, Herbs,

Grab a drink

Speaking of wine, cocktails, and beer, what if you're only in the market for a beer? Tuck those fears away, in the safe space no one can reach, because Lakeview's full of bright bars, cozy pubs, and everything in between.

If you're looking to supplement your session with some free popcorn and a boogie around the jukebox, try Jake's Pub, a no-frills, classic pub experience that's been open since the '30s.

Want a sports bar with some delicious cajun chicken, cocktails, and craft beer? Hit up nola.

Want to get fancy? Try the craft cocktails and upmarket vibes at Elixir Lounge. With so many options, grabbing a drink or two is one of the best things to do in Lakeview, Chicago!

Birdy or bogey?

And finally, we're putting distance from the end of our list. Why don't we end on the green with a round of golf or three? Whether you're looking for proper, seasoned swings or a bit of fun, Lakeview's got you covered and then some.

Hop onto the Sydney R Marovitz Golf Course to knock some balls about on a professional course by the shore of Lake Michigan. They even offer classes if you want to improve your swing, or have no idea how to play golf at all.

Or, if you just want a little fun with your putting, check out Diversey Range. They offer a cozy mini golf course for you and your friends or family to enjoy.

And that's our list of the best things to do in Lakeview, Chicago!

Dom Bewley

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The Chicago skyline from the shores of Lake Michigan
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Chicago in January

Winter doesn’t stop Chicagoans getting out and about, and even outdoor events continue to enliven and entertain those living in the city. Anyone looking to experience the festive season with reduced crowds and cheaper accommodation costs might also look to Chicago in January rather than in December, since many seasonal attractions extend their stay into the first month of the year. There are plenty of permanent attractions to enjoy too, from the Art Institute of Chicago to Shedd Aquarium. Here’s our guide to the windy city’s top January sights. Weather in Chicago in January It’s fair to say you don’t travel to Chicago in January for the weather! There’s no hiding the fact that it gets very cold in Chicago in January, with average temperatures of just 30°F. With windchill – this is the windy city after all – and with cloud free nights, temperatures can fall as low as 12°F. However, as those other defenders of cold climates – the Norwegians – say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Woolen items will be your best friends, whether that’s thermal underwear and base layers or thick knitted sweaters, beanies, scarfs and gloves. A little over 1.5 inches of rain and snow means you’ll want to add a waterproof jacket or umbrella to your packing list, whilst weatherproof shoes or boots comfortable enough to walk in all day are also going to give you a major win over the weather. Cling on to the Christmas spirit January is known to be one of the most depressing times of year, but you can help keep the blues at bay by stretching the Christmas frivolities beyond the New Year’s Eve fireworks above the rides of Navy Pier and into the first week of January. The city’s official Christmas tree, a Blue Spruce topping out at 50 feet high, remains lit in Millennium Park from 6AM until 11PM daily until January 9. So close you can get the two in the same photograph, Millennium Park is also the location of one of Chicago’s newest landmarks – Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate sculpture. The Museum of Science and Industry’s annual Christmas Around the World exhibition is another attraction which continues into January. A further reason to pay a visit to this phenomenal museum, this seasonal exhibition contains around 50 Christmas trees, each decorated to symbolize festive celebrations around the world. Entrance is included as part of a standard ticket. Explore the four corners of the world It may be missing the crabs of Christmas Island, but Shedd Aquarium should still be high on the list of things to do in Chicago in January for anyone with an interest in our marine habitats. A stone’s throw from Lake Michigan, its location couldn’t be better. Being entirely enclosed, it doesn’t really matter what the weather might be doing either. In addition to uncovering life below the surface of the Great Lakes, the aquarium does an excellent job at revealing the wonders in all the world’s oceans. Taking a 360° tour of a Caribbean reef populated by turtles and sharks, and Pacific waters with beluga whales, dolphins and sea otters are just a few of a long list of highlights. As neighbors go, few could be better than the Field Museum. Covering pretty much everything Shedd Aquarium doesn’t, its grand halls hold an apparently endless stream of natural marvels, from the most complete T-Rex skeleton ever discovered – called Sue – to artefacts from the ancient Americas. For a modern look at the world, head to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). Sandwiched between Lake Shore Park and Historic Water Tower, its immense collection is focused on the years from 1945 to the present day. Its asymmetric staircase and views across Lake Michigan are worthy of inclusion in its collection. Don’t ignore the parks and gardens Green spaces aren’t necessarily at their best in the winter months. However, Lincoln Park Conservatory is just one spot with year-round color. This gem of the Victorian age comprises four different halls. The Palm House contains a fiddle-leaf rubber fig put in place in 1891, whilst the Orchid Room boasts hundreds of these tropical blooms. The cooler houses are also bright with the red leaves of Mexican poinsettias as part of the winter show – ending a week into January. Back in Millennium Park, the bare trees provide a backdrop to McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which has skaters gliding across its surface right through to the spring. Situated on the plaza of the same name, it’s one of America’s biggest inner city rinks, but still dwarfed by the area covered by the skating ribbon which meanders through Maggie Daley Park and is twice the size. Humboldt Park has a much more residential feel, located amid the neat grid of streets to the west of the trendy Wicker Park neighborhood. At its heart lie a series of lagoons, though its paths are better trod for the architectural and sculptural landmarks dotting the park. These include the Bavarian-style stables and receptory building, acting as the visitor center and Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, as well as two bronze bison at the east entrance of the Formal Gardens. Head to the heights Birthplace of the steel-framed skyscraper, Chicago is known for its high-rise central districts. One of the best ways of getting a bird’s eye view is from the Skydeck observation station on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower. From almost 1400 feet up, most of the city’s landmarks can be spotted from its windows – and parts of Illinois’ neighboring states too. Outdoing even this is The Ledge, a group of three glass boxes which overhang the sides of the tower. Make sure you’ve got a head for heights before stepping onto their glass floors! From ground level there’s still plenty to see though, with many of Chicago’s best-known buildings recognizable from movies including Home Alone, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Saving in Chicago in January Far from being shut down for the winter, Chicagoans seem to bask in the snowy scenes their city sees. And because of the range of winter and seasonal attractions in Chicago in January, you could say the month is actually one of the best times of the year to visit. Whenever you choose to take your vacation in Chicago, be sure to do it with Go City. Month after month and year after year we’ve provided visitors to cities around the world with incredible savings on admission to top attractions.
Ian Packham
A couple capture the scene on a Chicago street
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Where to stay in Chicago

Made up of a long list of neighborhoods and districts each offering something different, deciding where to stay in Chicago can be a bit of a headache, especially if you’re a first-time visitor to the city. Whatever you’re looking for out of a leisure trip to the windy city, our pick of the best areas of Chicago to stay is sure to be a help! The Loop Enclosed by the Chicago River to one side and Grant Park to the other, the Loop is probably the best place to stay in Chicago for those new to the city since its streets include the central business district and many of the city’s top attractions, including the Willis Tower’s Skydeck observation level and the Art Institute of Chicago. It takes its name from the elevated railway which has looped around it since the Great Fire of 1871. Synonymous to most with the downtown area, it’s also one of the commercial hubs of the city. Being at the heart of the action (Route 66 starts here too), there’s no shortage of hotels either. Predominantly populated by luxury stays – the Hyatts and Radisson Blus of this world – budget travelers will likely find themselves looking at more affordable neighborhoods nearby, such as Lincoln Park. However, the Loop does it have a good quantity of backpacker hostels for those just looking for a central place to lay their head at the end of a long day of sightseeing. Streeterville Immediately north of the Loop on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Streeterville neighborhood is still close enough to downtown to be a worthwhile base and is a good pick for solo travelers and visiting couples. Known to be a very safe neighborhood in Chicago for visitors, it has some similarities to its southern counterpart. Gleaming tower blocks line the Magnificent Mile (a part of North Michigan Avenue), containing roughly 450 stores as well as the famed 875 North Michigan Avenue (John Hancock Center). Its southern extent stretches out into Lake Michigan thanks to the 50 acre Navy Pier. Its rides include Centennial Wheel, which replicates the world’s first Ferris Wheel, built in 1893 for the World’s Fair. Lincoln Park A little further out, but linked to the rest of the city by a number of metro stations and lines, Lincoln Park is one of the largest and most affluent districts in Chicago’s North Side. It is popular with young families and urban professionals, ensuring it feels fresh and ever changing. Named after the city’s largest park, which sits beside Lake Michigan for an uninterrupted seven mile run, the area is one of the best parts of Chicago for those on a budget. Attractions include the 32,000 creatures which call Lincoln Park Zoo their home, as well as Chicago History Museum, the first port of call for anyone interested in discovering how Chicago became one of the world’s leading cities. Lincoln Park also contains the northern half of Old Town, where buildings remain low to the ground – at least by Chicago standards – to create a homely feel. This is where you’ll find the Second City Theater, the previous stomping ground of everyone from Tina Fey to John Belushi. River North It may not have the lake shore, but River North does have a reputation as the coolest place to stay in Chicago. Separated from Streeterville by the Magnificent Mile, River North oozes stylishness and perhaps contradiction too – it has more galleries than anywhere outside of Manhattan, but is also known for its nightlife. For this, you should head to Hubbard Street. The banks of the Chicago River have to be the top place for a stroll in the area, whilst landmark buildings to look out for include the Wrigley Building and the monumental behemoth of a structure known as Merchandise Mart, whose exterior façade becomes the world’s largest projector screen for a few months of each year. A good range of restaurants, many with riverside terraces, means you’re unlikely to go hungry for long. West Loop That said, foodies should stake their claim to accommodation in West Loop, which – that’s right – is west of the Loop. Occasionally also known as the Near West Side, West Loop shines from a gastronomic perspective, with Greektown and Little Italy just two destinations you should be aware of thanks to the twentieth century’s influx of immigrants into this former industrial port area. Randolph Street is otherwise known as Restaurant Row for good reason, but for sumptuous food without any pretension head to the French Market tucked inside Ogilvie train station. Its 30+ independent vendors make it one of the best spots in the city for fresh ingredients as well as mouthwatering dishes from sushi to empanadas. Seating is available. Wicker Park Well-to-do Wicker Park is growing in confidence when it comes to where to stay in Chicago. Northwest of West Loop and centered around the Damen metro stop, this neighborhood has the sort of self-assurance which usually leads to great things. And Wicker Park is no exception to this rule. A charmingly informal blend of eclectically-stocked clothing stores, groundbreaking restaurants and we-just-have-to-stop-there bakeries, Wicker Park is also pretty hot when it comes to night spots, with a wealth of live music venues all vying to be the place to head. With median house prices of $550,000 it can never really be called hipster, but that’s certainly the vibe it gives off. Budgeting for trips to Chicago Finding where to stay in Chicago that’s right for you comes down to a balance of location, feel and price. The best neighborhoods in Chicago for visitors are generally those in and around the downtown area, although the closer you are to the Loop, the higher the per night cost you’re probably looking at. When it comes to attraction admission, you can make incredible savings simply by opting to travel with Go City. Our pre-pay passes take all the mystery out of budgeting for trips to Chicago whilst providing you with great savings on many of the city’s top attractions.
Ian Packham
Chicago Riverwalk Tour
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Chicago Memorial Day Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in May

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer for many - so why not take advantage of the celebratory weekend and head to Chicago? Make the most of your long weekend in Chicago and explore the marvels of one of America's greatest cities where there's plenty to see and do in May. If you’re looking for Chicago Memorial Day Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities, events and fun things do in Chicago including... Navy Pier Fireworks Hop aboard a Lake Cruise Bike a car-free Lakeshore Drive Enjoy one of the many street festivals and more... Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go Chicago pass. Choose as you go from dozens of Chicago attractions and activities and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Chicago attractions – learn more. Please note, some of these special May and Memorial Day weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Chicago pass. Navy Pier Fireworks and Fun See the City From Above Hop Aboard a Cruise Connect with Nature Bike the Drive Chicago Memorial Day Parade By Photo by U.S. Army Public Affairs - Midwest / soldiersmediacenter (Memorial Day Observance in Chicago) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons Visited annually by about 10,000 Chicagoans, the parade begins promptly at noon and commemorates veterans and active duty personnel. It starts at the intersection of State and Lake Street and continues down State Street to Van Buren. It begins with a wreath-laying ceremony, if you want to make sure you get a spot at the beginning. Getting In: The Chicago Memorial Day Parade is free and open to the public. Hit Up the Beach Visit a Conservatory Enjoy some nature in an urban setting. Two of Chicago's most popular conservatories are the Garfield Park Conservatory and The Lincoln Park Conservatory. You can even "visit" tropical climates within different areas of the conservatories. This is the perfect way to step away from the crowds and take in some natural beauty. Getting In: the Garfield Park Conservatory and the Lincoln Park Conservatory are both free and open to the public. Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival Kicking off Chicago’s outdoor street fest, this music festival is located just steps from the Belmont Red Line ‘El’ stop. The lineup gets better every year, featuring delightful cover bands and unique local music. No tickets are required, but donations are strongly encouraged to benefit the Central Lakeview Merchants Association. There are actually a bevy of festivals to choose from on Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago, from Irish-themed events to EDM concerts. Check out the events calendars for more ideas and ticketing info. Getting In: The Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Chicago pass. Shopping (& Window Shopping) Remember to Save on Attraction Admission There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Chicago in May to help you plan your Memorial Day weekend itinerary. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the Go Chicago pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!
Katie Sagal

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