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Best Chicago Neighborhoods to Explore | travelsandtreasures.com

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I love my city, and there is so much more to explore in Chicago beyond The Bean! These are guides to exploring our fabulous neighborhoods.
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Chicago Neighborhood Map

See where each neighborhood is located and what makes it unique!

 
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Use this Chicago neighborhood map to identify key points of interest, local events, and dining options that make each area unique.
Chicago Neighborhoods Map
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Take my quiz to find a neighborhood that best suits you!
Find Your Perfect Place to Stay in Chicago!
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A must read when you want to see Chicago and save $.
Easy Guide: 4 Ways to Get from the Airport to Downtown Chicago
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See my recommendations on where to explore the Windy City.
Best Chicago Neighborhoods to Explore | travelsandtreasures.com
 
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Want to tour Chicago?  Check these out!
9 Great Chicago Architecture Tours
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River North

River North is a dynamic neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife, artistic flair, and luxurious dining and shopping experiences.

 
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Known for art galleries, upscale dining, nightlife, and the scenic Riverwalk.
River North
 
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luxury hotel with unparalleled service, spacious rooms, and a prime location overlooking the Chicago River.
STAY 🏨 The Langham
 
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mid-range hotel with modern amenities
STAY 🏨 Hyatt Place Chicago River North
 
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stylish, dimly-lit steakhouse with a menu of signature dishes and French-inspired sides.
EAT 🥩 Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
 
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chic restaurant offering modern Italian dishes, and handmade pastas
EAT 🥩 RPM Italian
 
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A laid-back eatery serving healthy comfort food, coffee, and innovative cocktails.
EAT 🥩 Beatrix Restaurant
 
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See contemporary galleries like Zolla/Lieberman Gallery and Addington Gallery.
DO ✅ River North - Chicago Gallery
 
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An iconic Art Deco building, home to showrooms, exhibitions, and trendy dining spots.
DO ✅ The Merchandise Mart
 
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Stroll along the scenic Riverwalk, lined with cafes, public art, and stunning views of the Chicago River.
DO ✅ Chicago Riverwalk
 
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A multi-level shopping destination featuring Nordstrom and other upscale retailers.
SHOP 🛍️ The Shops at North Bridge
 
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boutique known for its unique floral designs, jewelry, and curated home goods.
SHOP 🛍️ Asrai Garden
 
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Explore high-end furniture and home decor shops like Ligne Roset or BoConcept for inspiration.
SHOP 🛍️ River North Design District

Lincoln Park

I highly recommend this neighborhood for living like a local

 
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Home to Lincoln Park Zoo, scenic walking paths, and lakefront views at North Ave beach.
Lincoln Park - Chicago Neighborhoods
 
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boutique hotel that combines art, music, and culture
STAY 🏨 Hotel Versey Chicago Lincoln Park
 
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great for those watching their budget
STAY 🏨 Chicago Getaway Hostel
 
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A world-renowned, Michelin 3-star restaurant offering an unforgettable, avant-garde dining experience.
EAT 🍔 Alinea
 
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great tapas, one of my favorite places to nosh
EAT 🍔 Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
 
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A bright and airy spot serving Californian-inspired cuisine and fresh cocktails.
EAT 🍔 Summer House Santa Monica
 
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great for first dates too; lights at holiday season are spectacular
DO ✅ Lincoln Park Zoo
 
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great for belly laughs with family or friends
DO ✅ The Second City: Comedy Shows in Chicago
 
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A stunning botanical garden featuring tropical plants and seasonal flower shows.
DO ✅ Lincoln Park Conservatory
 
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A convenient shopping center with stores like Sephora, Express, and Anthropologie.
SHOP 🛍️ Lincoln Park Plaza
 
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Trendy shops like Art Effect (gifts and home decor) and Allbirds (sustainable footwear).
SHOP 🛍️ Chicago's Armitage Avenue
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Fulton Market (West Loop)

West Loop/Fulton Market is a trendy, vibrant neighborhood known for its industrial-chic vibe, top-notch dining, and thriving art and design scene.

 
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Dining hotspot with Restaurant Row and the Fulton Market District.
West Loop (Fulton Market) - Chicago Neighborhoods
 
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A sleek hotel blending Japanese-inspired design featuring a rooftop bar and restaurant.
STAY 🏨 Nobu Hotel Chicago
 
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A stylish boutique hotel with a rooftop pool, trendy dining, and co-working spaces.
STAY 🏨 The Hoxton, Chicago
 
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Explore world-class dining with a variety of cuisines from some of Chicago’s top chefs.
DO ✅ A Guide for Navigating Chicago's Restaurant Row on Randolph Street
 
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Stephanie Izard’s globally-inspired small plates in a warm, bustling atmosphere.
EAT 🍔 Girl & The Goat
 
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Renowned for its decadent burgers, hailed as some of the best in the country.
EAT 🍔 Au Cheval
 
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A farm-to-table restaurant focusing on beer, oysters, and pork dishes.
EAT 🍔 The Publican
 
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really cool vintage finds
SHOP 🛍️ Randolph Street Market Festival
 
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Check out designer stores and curated local shops, like Uncommon James for jewelry and lifestyle items.
SHOP 🛍️ TOP 10 BEST Shopping near Fulton Market, Chicago

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is synonymous with luxury and sophistication, offering a mix of high-end dining, shopping, and beautiful scenery

 
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Upscale shops, historic mansions, and Oak Street Beach.
Gold Coast - Chicago Neighborhoods
 
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historic luxury hotel blending classic elegance with contemporary comfort
STAY 🏨 Ambassador Chicago - JDV by Hyatt
 
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sleek, upscale hotel with spacious rooms
STAY 🏨 Thompson Chicago, by Hyatt
 
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Explore rare books, maps, and fascinating exhibits in this historic research library.
DO ✅ Newberry Library
 
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Stroll down a picturesque street lined with beautiful mansions and historic architecture.
DO ✅ Astor Street District
 
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Relax on this sandy urban beach with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
DO ✅ Oak Street Beach
 
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A Chicago institution known for its prime steaks, seafood, and old-school charm.
EAT 🥩 Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
 
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A modern steakhouse offering indulgent dishes and a luxurious dining experience.
EAT 🥩 Maple & Ash
 
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A must-visit spot for Chicago’s iconic deep-dish pizza.
EAT 🍕 Lou Malnati's, the Best Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Restaurant
 
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bring lots of dough!
SHOP 🛍️ Luxury Shopping in Chicago's Oak Street District
 
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A multi-level shopping center featuring Bloomingdale’s and upscale retailers like Gucci and Montblanc.
SHOP 🛍️ 900 North Michigan Shops
 
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A boutique offering high-quality, American-made menswear and accessories.
SHOP 🛍️ INDEPENDENCE

Wicker Park

Wicker Park combines creative energy with laid-back charm, making it a favorite neighborhood.

 
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Trendy boutiques, vibrant nightlife, and incredible street art.
Wicker Park / Bucktown - Chicago Neighborhoods
 
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historic hotel with onsite dining
STAY 🏨 The Robey
 
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Couples in particular like the location
STAY 🏨 Ruby Room Guest Rooms
 
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A sophisticated cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe and craft drinks.
EAT 🍔 The Violet Hour
 
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Known for its award-winning craft beer and New Haven-style pizzas.
EAT 🍔 Piece Brewery
 
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A casual and iconic spot serving delicious tacos and margaritas in a lively atmosphere.
EAT 🍔 Big Star | Chicago's Best Tacos and Margaritas
 
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Explore vibrant murals and graffiti that showcase the neighborhood’s artistic spirit.
DO ✅ Offbeat Street Art Tour | Chicago Street Art, Mural & Graffiti Tour
 
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The neighborhood’s namesake park with a playground, gardens, and seasonal farmers markets.
DO ✅ Wicker Park Farmers Market
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A multi-use elevated trail perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying street art along the way.
DO ✅ The 606
 
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A stylish boutique offering curated vintage and modern clothing, accessories, and gifts.
SHOP 🛍️ Una Mae's
 
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A legendary music store with vinyl records, CDs, and an impressive selection of collectibles.
SHOP 🛍️ Reckless Records
 
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An iconic used bookstore with multiple floors of rare and unique finds.
SHOP 🛍️ Myopic Books

Pilsen

Pilsen’s cultural history and artistic vibe makes it one of Chicago’s most welcoming parts of the city.  I enjoy attending the festivals and the Mexican Independence Day Parade.

 
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Known for colorful murals and authentic Mexican food.
Pilsen - Chicago Neighborhoods
 
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find hotels near Pilsen or South Loop
STAY 🏨 Top Hotels in Chicago, IL from $90
 
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It's free!
DO ✅ National Museum of Mexican Art
 
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A historic venue hosting live music, comedy shows, and unique performances, often paired with great dining options.
DO ✅ Thalia Hall
 
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Stroll through the neighborhood to discover stunning murals that celebrate Mexican heritage and local creativity.
DO ✅ Neighborhood Mural Walk Guide - National Museum of Mexican Art
 
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Try the n ever-changing charcuterie and cheese boards.
EAT 🍔 Dusek's Tavern
 
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Buñuelo and churros and dulce, Oh my!!
EAT 🍔 Panaderia Nuevo Leon
 
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For MEAT LOVERS only.  Get the mixed plate so you can sample a bunch of stuff.
EAT 🍔 Carnitas Don Pedro
 
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An independent bookstore offering a carefully curated selection of new and used books.
SHOP 🛍️ Pilsen Community Books
 
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Discover unique finds at small thrift stores and boutiques like Knee Deep Vintage.
SHOP 🛍️ 18th Street Vintage Chicago

Explore More Chicago Neighborhoods

After living here for more than 40 years, these are the best family-friendly neighborhoods in Chicago.  

 
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Historic neighborhood with the Museum of Science and Industry and the University of Chicago.
Hyde Park - Chicago Neighborhoods
 
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Charming streets, Second City comedy club, and unique local stores.
Old Town - Chicago Neighborhoods
 
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Quaint Swedish heritage, independent bookstores, and cozy cafes.
Andersonville - Chicago Neighborhoods
 
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Authentic Asian restaurants, gift shops, and the Nine Dragon Wall.
Chinatown - Chicago Neighborhoods
 
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Traditional Greek restaurants and bakeries like Artopolis.
Greektown - Chicago Neighborhoods
 
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Delicious Italian food, including authentic pasta and gelato.
Little Italy - Chicago Neighborhoods
 
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An artistic hub with neighborhood charm and great local breweries.
Bridgeport - Chicago Neighborhoods
 
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Wrigley Field, lively bars, and a fun LGBTQ+ community in Boystown.
Lake View - Chicago Neighborhoods
 
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Known for its Irish pubs, historic architecture, and the Beverly Arts Center.
Beverly - Chicago Neighborhoods
 
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A diverse neighborhood with beautiful lakefront beaches, global cuisine, and a thriving arts scene.
Rogers Park - Chicago Neighborhoods
 
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Historic churches, Eastern European restaurants, and trendy coffee shops.
Ukrainian Village - Chicago Neighborhoods