The third-most populous city in the U.S., Chicago is home to a diverse population. Its many neighborhoods and community areas boast an array of cultural flavors, tourist attractions, and historic architecture. In the Chicago Loop and the surrounding Gold Coast and Magnificent Mile, you’ll find the city’s biggest tourist attractions. Get a photo of your reflection under “Cloud Gate” in Millennium Park or ride the ferris wheel on Navy Pier.
Of course, there is much to see and enjoy outside of these highly trafficked locations. Visit Boystown, America’s first-recognized LBGTQ+ district or catch a show in Lakeview’s Belmont Theater District. In warmer months, don’t miss a trip to the shore, with neighborhoods like Edgewater, Lincoln Park, and Hyde Park enjoying miles of sandy beaches.
It doesn’t stop within city limits, neighboring towns including Oak Park, Edgewater, and Rosemont offer plenty in the way of shopping, museums, and live entertainment without the hustle and bustle of the city. Whatever you’re craving, the Greater Chicago area has something in store for you.
Wrigleyville
Wrigley Field gives this small Lakeview nabe its spirit and its name. Mostly everything here revolves around the cubs—from game day pubs to shopping, tours, and rooftop views of the big game.
West Town
Historically a Polish neighborhood, West Town today is a cultural melting pot. It features an array of great restaurants, an independent theater scene, and many historic churches along with the expansive Humboldt Park.
Wicker Park
Built around its four-acre park of the same name, Wicker Park today is a trendy, hipster enclave full of great boutiques, a hip cocktail scene, and upscale restaurants. It also has many examples of early Chicago architecture.
Streeterville
Streeterville is located north of the Chicago river and east of Magnificent Mile. This touristy location is known for its many hotels and the city’s leading attraction: Navy Pier.
West Loop
In the center of Chicago to the west of the river, find this trendy neighborhood full of top-tier dining, luxury boutiques, and happening nightlife. Catch a live show or find a new treasure at Randolph Street Market.
South Loop
The Southern part of the Chicago Loop is a vibrant neighborhood home to the city’s Museum Campus. There are also an array of jazz clubs, restaurants, and historic districts.
Rosemont, IL
To the immediate northwest of Chicago, find Rosemont, a small village tucked next to O’Hare International Airport. It has great shopping, tons of entertainment, and plenty of green space.
Rogers Park
At the very northeastern tip of Chicago, Rogers Park offers a diverse, progressive community and acres of waterfront park land. Home to Loyola University, there is an array of early 20th-century architecture.
River North
As its name suggests, this happening neighborhood is tucked along the north side of the Chicago River, West of Magnificent Mile. The area is known for its nightlife and world-class dining.
Old Town
As its name suggests, Old Town Chicago offers some of the city’s oldest examples of Victorian architecture. It’s other claim to fame is Second City comedy club, which has launched an array of comedic greats.
Evanston, IL
Tucked in northern Chicago along Lake Michigan, Evanston is best known as home to Northwestern University. It also boasts sandy beaches, historic mansions, and beautiful parks.
Lincoln Square
This residential nabe on the North Side of Chicago is known for its German Heritage, shown today in bierhauses and a famous apothecary. There’s also a music school, historic cemetery, and lots of local shopping.
Logan Square
In northwestern Chicago, this diverse neighborhood is home to some of the city’s best dining, cocktail culture, and on-trend shopping. There’s also historic places like Humboldt Park, Comfort Station, and Logan Theatre.
Oak Park
Lying directly to the west of Chicago, Oak Park charms with historic architecture, plenty of live theater, family-friendly museums and entertainment, and several nature reserves.
Lincoln Park Neighborhood
Housed on the North Side of Chicago, Lincoln Park is best known for the neighboring park of the same name, home to a zoo, conservatory, lily pond, two museums, and a sandy beach.
Lakeview
This family-friendly neighborhood has it all. It’s home to Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs as well as all the entertainment you could want in the Belmont Theater District.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is home to the University of Chicago as well as the Museum of Science and Industry. Along with its learned features, the nabe is popular for its beautiful parks and beaches.
Gold Coast
This swanky section of the city bordering Lake Michigan is home to some of Chicago’s wealthiest residents. It also has a luxe shopping section and a sandy beach for sunbathing.
Edgewater
Once a summer escape for the Chicago elite, Edgewater is still loved for its pastoral lakefront location today. Locals enjoy great restaurants, beautiful views, and a vibrant local shopping district.
Chicago Loop
Chicago’s Loop is the central neighborhood of downtown, home to the city’s leading architectural landmarks (like Willis Tower), dining destinations, and the famous Millennium Park.
Bucktown
This Logan Square neighborhood is largely residential, home to a trendy assortment of young professionals. They enjoy a great bar scene, popular restaurants, and a unique array of live entertainment.
The Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s premiere shopping district, home to an array of world-class retailers, restaurants, and attractions. There’s also landmark architecture and a theater scene.
Boystown
America’s first recognized LGBTQ+ district, Boystown has a vibrant queer culture as well as some of the city’s best restaurants, comedy clubs, and unique shopping outposts.