Travel To Chicago – IL
Getting Around New York City
Nearby Airports
- Midway International Airport-MDW
- O’Hare International Airport-ORD
Things to Do and See in New York City
Other Popular places to see in Chicago
Best Chicago Neighborhoods for Travelers
Chinatown – IL
For an immersion experience in Chinese culture, just take the train from the red line to Cermak stop and immerse yourself in Chinatown. Enter the gate of Chinatown, pay respects to ancestors in the Enlightenment Buddhist temple, dine in dim sum at Phoenix restaurant, and use an abacus to count the tiled dragons on the falsely modest Nine Dragon Wall (hint: there are more than 500). For a taste of Italy in the heart of Chinatown, try the pies at Connie’s pizza or enjoy pasta and jukebox opera on the corner of Bertucci. Nearby, catch White Sox baseball games in the US Cellular Field.
Bridgeport – IL
Bridgeport is a paradise for foodies interested in tasting the many cultures that call Chicago home. Thanks to the roots of immigrants and blue-collar neighborhoods, Bridgeport offers something for everyone at every budget: Gio’s Cafe for delicious Italian Sandwiches, Carbon for Mexican tacos, and Ed’s Pot Sticker House for Chinese dumplings. Pass by Schaller’s pump, the oldest pub in Chicago (opened in 1881), and find non-touristy souvenirs at Let’s Boogie Records and Tapes.
Boystown – IL
Boystown is really a pocket Lakeview but is best known as the first LGBT community of Chicago. Marked by flags pride rainbow and pylons that line Broadway, Boystown is the access point for LGBT businesses and clubs like Spin and Hydrate. The annual Chicago Pride Parade draws thousands of spectators and participants to the neighborhood every July. Boystown also has much more to offer to the non-LGBT public, including independent bookstores, upscale bars, and clothing boutiques. It is home to comedy clubs like Chicago’s Laugh Factory Chicago, attracting national talent. Chicago once housed the largest meatpacking district in the United States, but now local crowds cram into Boystown’s Chicago Diner, a vegan restaurant that makes everything on the menu from scratch (expect for the least an hour wait at night).
Bucktown – IL
What it was once a working-class neighborhood outside the typical route has become a center of the art scene in Chicago. Bucktown is full of trendy bars, vegans restaurants, attractive hipsters, and live music, not to mention the remarkable galleries and hybrid art studio/living spaces. The neighborhood boasts a vibrant nightlife fueled by beer micro-brewed, cheap drink specials, and plenty of food late at night. Bucktown is easily accessible from downtown and the Damen Blue Line stop is the center of the neighborhood action. Stop by for a piece of gourmet pizza, or hop into Subterranean to get a taste of the famous independent music scene in Chicago. Fair warning: Parking is almost impossible on weekend nights, so take the train.
Lincoln Park – IL
Lincoln Park is a neighborhood with two personalities: devoted parents and party animals. During the day, families and residents visit attractions such as the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago History Museum, and many upscale retailers and eateries in the neighborhood. At night, Lincoln Park becomes a playground for 20-somethings packed in bars extending along Lincoln Avenue. Must-see attractions include the Biograph Theater (where famous bank robber John Dillinger was shot), the Conservatory Lincoln Park, and immense lakefront park that gives its name to the neighborhood.
Hyde Park – IL
Hyde Park is one of the hidden gems of Chicago, featuring Barack Obama’s Kenwood House, the Court Theater, and the DuSable Museum of African American History. University of diverse young population, Chicago student has helped to turn Hyde Park into a center of entertainment, food, and special events. Enjoy brunch at the Valois restaurant or Asian fusion food at Chant, both favorites of the U of C scene. Hyde Park is served by the red line, so it’s easy for visitors to access this southern neighborhood.
West Loop – IL
West Loop is a neighborhood with the explosion of new construction. With bright new condominium buildings, independent shops and galleries galore, West Loop is the place to go for professionals seeking the life of the center, at a reasonable cost. Visitors come from food restaurants in the famous Girl & The Goat, The Publican, and Wishbone. Opening night at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on 20 N. Wacker is also exciting scenes.
Museum Campus – IL
Museum Campus isn’t a residential neighborhood, but rather a collection of some of the most respected and popular institutions in Chicago. Scattered throughout the southern end of Grant Park, Museum Campus boasts the Field Museum of Natural History, the Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. All are within walking distance of each of the other, as well as Chicago Bears Stadium, Soldier Field. This area is the most easily accessible by walking from the downtown or taking the free shuttles and public buses that serve its attractions.
Roscoe Village – IL
Roscoe Village is a neighborhood on the rise among young families that maintains its mellow, community-minded character. Sunday brunch is worth waiting at Victory’s Banner and Orange on Roscoe, and Northdown Cafe and Taproom offers a vegetarian menu with a variety of draft beers. For comedy night, music, and performances from local and touristy acts, visit Beat Kitchen. Roscoe Village is accessible by bus, and parking is relatively easy to find.
Gold Coast – IL
Gold Coast is home to the rich and old new money of Chicago alike, with extravagant mansions and history in each block. Oak Street offers some of the most high-end shops in the city, and restaurants like Le Colonial (French / Vietnamese) and Spiagga (Italian) serve lavish meals for large date nights. In the same way that a socialite went astray, the neighborhood intersection of Rush and Division becomes the lively center of the scene of the Chicago club night.
River West – IL
West River can be a bit unusual, but worth the trip for local flavor, delicious food, and some of the best bars in Chicago, such as Emmit’s Irish Pub, Delux Bar & Grill, and Aberdeen Tap. The neighborhood is just to the side of the blue line, so it is a quick 10 minutes from the center. Passengers who came to have a drink ended up having their stay in West River, and the local population explosion has brought interesting cafés and independent boutiques in the area.
Wrigleyville – IL
For those who love baseball, there is no place beats Wrigleyville. Home to the Cubs at Wrigley Field, Wrigleyville has long been a mecca of bars (check out the CubbyBear), restaurants, and sports-themed revelry. Right to the end of the block from the stadium, laugh until it hurts in the world-famous Improv Olympic comedy theater, and discover your new favorite band at tiny, terminal hip Metro. During the season the Cubs, take the red line train to avoid crazy parking situation in this area.
Old Town – IL
Home to Chicago’s comedy jewel, the Second City Theater, the old town maintains the culture to reach the north side of Chicago. Visitors will find top-notch dining in the Twin Anchors and Perennial Virant and brew enthusiasts receive a liquid education at the Old Town Ale House. After weekend Second City shows headliners like Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Sarah Silverman it has been known to stop for a drink at Corcoran. The Old Town shopping district is also known for its collection of independent, high-level boutiques, where local shop owners offer the coolest products made in Chicago.