Things to do in Pilsen, Chicago

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
pilsen chicago

Do you like your neighborhoods to have the perfect mix of cool, community, and culture? Then give Pilsen a go! This district of Chicago has some great and unique entertainment opportunities for travelers and locals alike. So, if you're visiting Chi-Town on vacation, these are the best things to do in Pilsen!

Including

  • Live music
  • BBQ with a glamorous twist
  • Some culture
  • Parks
  • Street art
  • and more!
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Get live

We begin today with music. Live music, to be exact! Nothing quite beats seeing a band jam in the flesh, and lucky for you, Pilsen has a few awesome venues to check out.

One of Pilsen's oldest landmarks is Thalia Hall, which is over 120 years old and still going strong! This powerhouse of live entertainment hosts comedy greats like Dave Chappelle as well as huge bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, among many others. In recent years, the addition of several bars, restaurants, and alternative stages have grown Thalia Hall's entertainment opportunities. So go check out what's on when you're visiting Chicago.

If you prefer your music noisier, your performance wilder, and your gigs more carefree, then check out The Dojo. Chicago's premier underground music venue hosts local noise bands, leftfield artists, and much more. Every weekend they have new and exciting alternative acts gracing the stage, so head down there and see what all the fuss is about!

Carnival BBQ

BBQ is the backbone of America. For decades, we've ventured out of our abodes, fired up the grill, and invited friends and family over for a cookout. Nothing brings the community together better than BBQ. And Pilsen has a quality BBQ joint with a musical twist. We're talking about Honkey Tonk BBQ, where hungry souls can go to fill their bellies and their minds, thanks to the jazz and blues parties they host most nights.

Chow down on some delicious BBQ meat, and then work off the calories through the night. But one Saturday a month, they mix things up a bit, as the place is taken over by an improv burlesque quintet. They'll have you dancing and laughing in no time. Easily one of the best things to do in Pilsen when you visit Chicago!

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Get cultural

Next, let's switch gears to something more cultural. If you're looking for some inspirational, mind-opening experiences, then Pilsen's got you covered.

At the National Museum of Mexican Art, you'll find art from Mexicans both in the US and across the border. Chicago is known as the 'Mexico of the Midwest', and this museum is a testament to the artistry of many Mexicans who now call Chi-Town home. Wander through over 7000 pieces, and learn about the stories that helped create them.

Or, if your tastes lie a little leftfield and you want something exclusive, then House of the Apocalypse might be just what you're looking for. Only open for four hours every month, this weird and wonderful collection of artwork is quite the sight. Featuring sci-fi and post-apocalypse influences, House of Apocalypse's collection is something you won't quite find anywhere else.

Street art named desire

If you prefer your artwork of the outdoor, urban variety, or simply want to peruse in the glow of the sun, then go check out the massive collection of street art on 16th Street. Brought together thanks to a collaboration between multiple local institutions, you'll find a wealth of works from global street artists.

In fact, this collaboration has helped restore a lot of the area, which was once derelict and dirty. So, two birds with one stone then! At the same time, it's ensured that Pilsen remains true to its roots, and doesn't sway too far into the gentrification we've seen happening all over America and other parts of the world. Pilsen is community-first, and always should be.

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More eateries!

And when all that activity brings on the hunger prangs, Pilsen's got some great restaurants to sate your grumbling tummy.

Head to Barrio for some authentic Mexican cuisine and a whole menu dedicated to tequila-based cocktails!

What some fresh, farm-to-table dishes at a reasonable price? Go check out Dusek's Tavern. Their fixed menu of exciting, New-American cuisine means you get delicious food and a great price.

In the market for some delicious East-Asian delights? Give HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen a look. With a mix of street food, fixed dishes, unique family recipes, and a fine line of cocktails to boot, it's a must-visit for anyone visiting Pilsen.

Drinks

After all of those activities and food, the next stop on your Pilsen journey should be one of its many watering holes. Thankfully, Pilsen is full of them, so you have the pick of the litter.

Want some classic pub food, refreshing craft beer, and cool aesthetic on your night out? Skylark's the one.

Want to try something a little kookier? How does a hidden basement bar with creative punches sound? That's Punch House, which has a whole menu full of fruity punches to try, as well as sandwiches, all rolled into a retro-vintage vibe. Doesn't get more Pilsen than that!

Or, grab a slice of pizza and pick from any number of craft beers at The Green Room Tap.

Whichever way you decide to go, you're bound to have a blast!

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Find a park-ing spot

Let's end this list on a walk through some of Chicago's green and pleasant land. Of course, we're talking about parks. And, of course, Pilsen's got its share of great ones!

Firstly, there's Harrison Park, which has a gym, indoor pool, and even meeting rooms housed within the Fieldhouse. So, if you like to get active, you can do it inside or out. Beyond that, you'll find over 18 acres of sweet green space to go sit, have a jog, or prepare a picnic. Look out of the bust of Emiliano Zapata, one of the biggest names of the Mexican Revolution.

Or, check out Dvorak Park, which boasts a baseball field, its own pool and unique water feature, soccer pitches, playgrounds, and a whole heap of comfortable, welcoming grass. You may even catch the odd performance there on the right day, as there's a big art scene that calls the park home. The playground is perfect for kids, if you're bringing the little ones.

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

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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What are the best museums in Chicago and why?

A major cultural hub, Chicago won’t let you down when it comes to its museums. Lovers of nature documentaries need look no further than the Field Museum or Shedd Aquarium, with Chicago Botanic Garden and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum completing this section of the best museums in Chicago. Art lovers have their pick of the masterpieces with the Art Institute of Chicago joining the Museum of Contemporary Art and Streeterville’s independent art spaces to total more galleries than anywhere outside of New York. Architecture buffs are spoilt for choice too, with Chicago the birthplace of the skyscraper and home to master designer Frank Lloyd Wright, adding further to the list. Then there’s the awesome range of children’s and family museums. If all these options have your head in a spin, take a look at our pick of the best museums in Chicago. The best natural history museums in Chicago One of the world’s best natural history collections, the Field Museum could have you enthralled for days, though even a couple of hours is enough to take in the highlights, from the impossible-to-miss titanosaur skeleton – the largest dinosaur remains ever discovered at 122 feet long and 28 ft high – to some of the tiniest creatures to ever walk the Earth. Shedd Aquarium just next door fulfils a similar role for the world’s marine habitats. Blending its 1930s origins with state-of-the-art displays, its tanks and vivariums are awash with the color of the oceans. The warm tropical waters of the Caribbean’s reefs are celebrated just as much as the cool waters of the Pacific northwest and the Great Lakes. Between May and September visitors can feel the rough skin of rays in the touch tank, whilst all year round sea turtles, sharks, beluga whales and jellyfish are sure to entertain. The award-winning Chicago Botanic Garden actually comprises 25 different display gardens within four habitats. A ‘living museum’ and conservation center, more than a million visitors pass through its turnstiles in an average year, taking in its six miles of lake shoreline and nine islands. These range from the naturalistic form of the English Garden to the perfectly-manicured planting of the Japanese Garden. Part of Lincoln Park, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum focusses on the flora and fauna of the Chicago region, however its butterfly house contains a mix of 200 different types of native and exotic butterflies. The best art museums in Chicago Guarded by its famous bronze lions, few museums can match the sheer size of the permanent collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. Tucked into the green spaces of downtown, its 300,000 objects include a collection of impressionist artworks rivaling the Musée d’Orsay in Paris with six of Claude Monet’s waterlily paintings and Vincent van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles. More modern works include those by Pablo Picasso, Edward Hopper and Andy Warhol. Hot on its tails is the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, which focuses on works from the later twentieth century and early twenty-first. Although only founded in 1967, the MCA has a reputation of spotting the hottest new talent through its series of curated exhibitions. Meaning there’s always something new to see, keep an eye out for Jeff Koons’ Rabbit and Magritte’s The Wonders of Nature dotted about the incredible modern architecture. Chicago also has an impressive number of smaller galleries, represented perfectly by Hyde Park Art Center and the Woman Made Gallery. However, it’s no exaggeration to say Chicago has dozens of independent galleries, with the Streeterville neighborhood the best place to head for art lovers. The best architecture museums in Chicago One of the most architecturally innovative cities in America, Chicago saw the construction of the first steel-framed skyscraper, was home to leading light Frank Lloyd Wright and the once-tallest building in the world. That first skyscraper – the ten-story Home Insurance Building – is now long gone. It was demolished in 1931. However, there remain several examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s unique ‘organic architecture’ which aimed to unite man and the environment, doing away with internal walls to allow light to flood into his structures. His home and studio of ten years stands as it did in 1909, with guided tours providing an insight into his way of working and raising his six children. 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The Museum of Science and Industry may not sound the most exciting of places, but this is a situation when names can be deceiving. Where else could you find a functioning model of your heart, explore a captured World War Two submarine or discover the future of energy? With three levels of exhibition space, you won’t be disappointed. But to head beyond Earth, would-be astronauts will need to lock on to the Adler Planetarium. Another must-see museum in Chicago, there’s three full-sized auditoriums to choose between hosting various shows, as well as important artefacts including the Gemini 12 space capsule and antique scientific instruments that demonstrate how our understanding of space has changed over the ages. Save when visiting Chicago’s best museums With such an array of stunning museums, costs can soon mount up. However, travel with Go City and this never becomes a problem. Our passes include incredible savings on many of the best museums in Chicago in addition to a wide-range of other attractions you won’t want to miss.
Ian Packham
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Things to do in Hyde Park, Chicago

In the market for some fun in Chicago? Then look no further than Hyde Park! This fantastic area of the city is full of things to do, so pick your poison and enjoy your visit! These are the best things to do in Hyde Park, Chicago! Including: Museum of Science and Industry Go to a park Smart Museum of Art The beach The theater and more! Museum of Science and Industry Kick your trip to Hyde Park, Chicago off with some sweet knowledge. Head over to the Museum of Science and Industry and learn all about science and industry! This 14-acre behemoth of learning is the largest science museum in the US, and lets visitors get to grips with a boat-load of exhibits. See the cutting-edge laser projection in the Giant Dome Theater. Enter the Numbers in Nature Mirror Maze and use the power of math to escape. Explore a German submarine from the Second World War. And even control a 40-foot indoor tornado. All through the power of science and learning. Perfect for big and little kids alike, the Museum of Science and Industry is sure to scratch that curiosity itch, and is easily one of the best things to do in Hyde Park when you visit Chicago! Frederick C. Robie House Created by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright as the future of horizontal design, Robie House is an artifact of its time. Built for the wealthy Robie family, they sadly had to leave the abode after just over a year due to familial gambling debts. However, their loss is your gain, as you can now explore this beautifully-designed building yourself! Take a tour of the landmark, and learn all about the building's history, and the inspiration for its design. Parks, parks, and more parks Since we're talking about Hyde Park, we'd be remiss not to mention some parks. There are plenty of places to stroll through nature or lay on some sweet green grass in the area. Midway Plaisance Park offers a mile of green goodness, and great views of the city too. Head there in the colder months, and you might even find a makeshift ice rink set up so you can carve some sick powder, or whatever you do at an ice rink. Since the park is supported by the neighboring University of Chicago, you can be sure that it's well taken care of. And, lucky you, you may even see the occasional hacky sack tournament or other studenty goings-on. Or, if you're looking for more activities, check our Jackson Park. There, you'll find a gym to pump some sweet iron, as well as tennis and basketball courts for all your ball-related needs. On top of all the action, you'll also discover hundreds of species of birds, trees, and perhaps even bees. Make sure to check out the Osaka Garden before you leave. It's the epitome of peaceful. And, finally, head to Burnham Park and go to Promontory Point. This lookout point is a great place to relax in the shadow of the city's beautiful skyline. Plus, they put on a number of events there, such as movies and performances. So go there, admire this beautiful place, and have some fun while you're at it! Smart Museum of Art Do you want to get smart? Of course you do! We have just the ticket - the Smart Museum of Art! Part of the University of Chicago's campus, you'll find a world of art from throughout time. A must-visit exhibit is the Asian Collection, which features paintings and sculptures from thousands of years of Asian history. Learn all about the techniques and materials artists used to create their masterpieces throughout millennia. Then, refuel at the Smart Cafe with some delicious bites and refreshing drinks on offer! Eat! All this walking around and looking at things can sure make you hungry. So, where better to squash that hunger than at one of the area's many amazing restaurants! There are plenty of cuisines to choose from, so no matter your taste, you'll find something to snack on! Feeling bougie? Head to Chez Moi and check out the French takes on delicious seafood dishes. Itching for some Italian? Check out Piccolo Mondo or Francesca's for some authentic dining. In the market for some fantastic pizza pie? Look no further than Giordano's. Some say it's the best deep dish in the city. Go to the theater Are you feeling fancy? Do you want a little culture in your life? Go visit Court Theater. Another part of the University of Chicago's campus, Court Theater features amateur and professional performances from a variety of groups. With around 20 performances going on every year, you're sure to find something mind-opening on show. Even the critics agree, with the WSJ voting it the most consistently excellent theater company in the country! Hit the beach Next up on the list, let's check out the golden sands of the beach. 57 Street Beach is just a stone's throw from the Museum of Science and Industry, and offers visitors sand, sun, and sea in equal measure. Take a towel and relax, dare to dip in the ocean, or simply stroll along the shore for the perfect relaxing end to your Hyde Park visit. Easily one of the best things to do in Chicago! The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago And finally, we end our adventure back at the uni, baby, where you'll find The Oriental Institute. This museum slash learning center is focused on the history of the great ancient civilizations of the past, including Mesopotamia, Persia, and Egypt. Inside, you'll find over 300,000 artifacts, including scrolls, tablets, and other wonders excavated from the earth. While commonly used as a great place of study for students, there's nothing stopping curiously-minded people from wandering in and around the amazing artifacts on show. You can even pick up a keepsake from the institute's shop, if you want to show your support, and show off your trip to your colleagues. And that's our list of the best things to do in Hyde Park when you visit Chicago! In the market for more city fun? Check out Chinatown, or see what's going on at Lincoln Park!
Dom Bewley
things to do in gold coast chicago
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Things to do in Gold Coast, Chicago

So, you've chosen your vacation destination. The Windy City. Chi-Town. The real-life Metropolis, minus the superheroes. Chicago is a fantastic getaway destination, full of great food, fun nights out, and plenty of top-level entertainment. But it's a big old town, with multiple districts and areas that crisscross throughout its gargantuan layout. With so many to choose from, which one is right for you? Well, don't let choice paralysis get the better of you! We've done all the research necessary, so you don't have to. Give Gold Coast a go. It's as simple as that. With a wealth of entertainment on offer, it's the perfect vacation spot. Here are our picks for the best things to do in Gold Coast, Chicago! Including: Oak Street Beach Playboy Mansion Broadway Playhouse Washington Square Park Drake Hotel Bar and more! Hit the Beach Why not ease into your trip with a spot of lounging? After all, you've got the rest of your vacation to go see the sights. Lucky for you, the Gold Coast lives up to its namesake. Head there, and you'll find Oak Street Beach. Of course, you'll find heaps of golden sand, clean sea, and (hopefully) glistening sun - that's what the beach is all about, after all. However, Oak Street Beach is also perfectly placed to visit at any time during the day, as it's just a stone's throw from the city itself. Take a dip in the ocean, go grab an ice cream for the kids - or yourself, who are you kidding - and then check out the nearby patio bar for a cool, refreshing drink. Easily one of the best things to do in the Gold Coast when you visit Chicago. Feel like a Playboy Yes, really. Though you probably know the Playboy Mansion as the once celebrity-laded party mansion near Beverly Hills, it wasn't always there. In fact, the original Playboy Mansion was bought right here on the Gold Coast back in the '50s. The rather less impressive original is well over 100 years old at this point, and has changed hands multiple times. First, Hefner donated it to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago when he moved into his legendary LA pad. Then, the institute sold it to a redevelopment firm, and it's now been converted into condos in a rather typical fashion. However, if you want to see a piece of 20th-century American history in the flesh, you owe it to yourself to go and bask in the extravagant opulence of the original Playboy Mansion. Just don't plan on buying one of the condos, unless you've got a few mill to spare. Broadway, baby! If the weather takes a turn, or you just want a couple of hours out of the sun, why not retreat to the bright lights and comfort of broadway? Yes, even in Chicago, you can get a taste of the New York performance mile thanks to Broadway Playhouse! A stone's throw from the coast, you'll find a host of great plays and musicals being shown throughout the year, from all-time classics to the new shows on the block. You might even stumble upon a one-man show, or local play before it gathers steam. Walk in the Park Are you a fan of the color green? Do you like walking? Is the prospect of breathing in fresh air, mingling with trees, shrubs, and grass appealing to you? Answer us these questions three, and we'll give you a place you want to be. At. A park, of course! Gold Coast has you covered in flowers and grass, thanks to Washington Square Park. Go there for the giant 19th-century fountain, stay for the delightful green spaces, picnic opportunities, or simply for a stroll. So, what are you waiting for? Get Risky When you're in Gold Coast, why not grab a drink at a Hollywood monument? Sort of, at least. Featured in the '80s Tom Cruise classic Risky Business, the Drake Hotel is one of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks! But we're not talking about the room service here. We're talking about the Hotel's bar, called the Coq d'Or. This lavish hotel lounge has been warming customers' cockles since the dark Prohibition days. Head inside and find a wealth of drinks, a menu to die for, and enough comfort you'll feel like a marshmallow. A pampered marshmallow. Best Pizza in town Wow, all that doing things, seeing things, and experiences must have made you hungry. Well, Chicago is famous for one thing in the food department, and that's deep dish. The Chicagoan take on the Italian classic is known worldwide for its deliciousness, thanks to its unusual sauce-over-cheese twist. So why not go get some and see if it lives up to its reputation? Lou Malnati's, right in Gold Coast, is arguably the best in town. The name is a staple of the Chicago style, having helped pioneer it in the early 20th century. So go grab a slice of delight and take your tastebuds to pizzatown. Or something. Go Shopping Let's end this list on a shopping, surely many of our readers' favorite pastimes. Thankfully, Gold Coast is full of shops of all shapes and sizes, so no matter what item you seek, you're sure to find it there. However, for those of you with expensive tastes, you'll be looking for The Magnificent Mile. Head there, and you'll find a shopper's paradise. Over 400 stores line the 'Mile', including the likes of Chanel, Louis Vitton, and Tiffany. So, if you're looking for some dear deals and have the cash to splash, you'll be right at home. On top of all that shopping, you'll also find a slew of gourmet restaurants, snug cafes, and much more. So, if that all sounds like heaven to you, go on down and see what's cracking! And that's our list of the best things to do in Gold Coast, Chicago! If you want to know about the other areas of Chicago, check out our thoughts here. Heading to Chicago at the tail end of winter? The beaches might be a no-go, but there's plenty more to do and see!
Dom Bewley

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