If you’re looking for real-life spots to eat, explore or experience around Chicago, this list is your new go-to. I’ve pulled together the best restaurants, hidden gems and memorable outings that feel less touristy and more authentic. Whether you live...
Sections
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Chicago Activities to check off your bucket list
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Chicago Activities to check off your bucket list
Sight seeing activities
A great night farmers market
Argyle Night Market
A good garners market with fresh produce
South Loop Farmers Market
A great walking/ biking trail that has stops to shop at not far from the trails it’s beautiful and scenic
The 606
Has great playground and pickle ball courts festivals like ARC are also held in Union park.
Union Park
My personal favorite but Chicago has a ton of beaches along the lake front and they all have different vibes
North Avenue Beach
Really beautiful botanic garden and it’s Free
Lincoln Park Conservatory (Free with Reservations)
A great park with a variety of dogs big and small
Washington (George) Park
Amazing views of the Chicago skyline
Margaret T. Burroughs Beach
Other Food & Drinks
Must try coffee shops and restaurants!!
I love the vibe in here and the Ube Matcha is really good
Drip Collective
There beers and ciders are really good
Haymarket Brewery
Great ambiance and great food, they also have concerts here from comedy to music artist
City Winery Chicago
I love their rotating menu of ice cream, the waffle cone smell fills up the whole block
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
An old bank turned into a donut shop and the bank vault is where there stored. Really cool spot with a variety of donuts
Doughnut Vault
Arts & Entertainment
Chicago Animal attractions
Great zoo that is also free admission.
Lincoln Park Zoo
One of the bigger zoo’s in the city that is great for large group trips.
Brookfield Zoo
Local Favorites
Some quaint and comfy bookstores in Chicago
My personal favorite book store it's small with a good selection of books
Madison Street Books
Really good soul food I like their catfish
Cleo’s
The vibe in here is really nice and they have good catfish and grits
Soul Vibez - Chicago
Chef Royce is amazing and so welcoming, EVERYTHING!! Is fresh and made in house by her and her team. You're treated like family when you walk in the door.
