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The Best Chicago Things To Do Solo, With Friends, or On a Vibe
21
items From hidden gems to iconic spots, here are Chicago activities you can enjoy alone, with your crew, or whenever you’re in the mood for a city adventure.
Map
Sections
4
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Outdoor Activities
Local Favorites
Restaurants
A new entrant into the Chicago pizza scene - their tavern style is outstanding, and I can't wait to go back to try the artisan style pizza! Super cute and cozy.
Zarella
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in the city. The dips with griddle bread is a must-try (you're going to want to order more bread, trust me). Every single dish I've had here is incredible, and I jump on any chance I get to go! Reservations can be h...
Maxwells Trading
A more casual option off the Mag Mile with a classic Irish pub vibe. My go-to is chicken fingers with curry sauce.
D4 Irish Pub
My fave spot for sushi in the West Loop - dark, moody, and a total vibe.
Sushi Dokku
Another more casual spot near the Mag Mile - can't beat it when you just need a basket of wings (plus, Jason Kelce stopped by recently!)
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
Mediterranean small plates in a gorgeous space - they also have a beautiful outdoor terrace with great skyline views.
Aba
If you're heading to a Cubs game and looking for a more elevated vibe, Swift Tavern is a great spot. A bit more laid back than their sister steakhouse, but great food and overlooking the bustle of Clark Street. They also have a happy hour that's wort...
Swift Tavern
A neighborhood staple - reasonably priced, big portions, and delicious. My go-tos are the farfalle pollo and the conchigie al fuso.
The Pasta Bowl - Lincoln Park
Other Food & Drinks
A not-so-hidden gem with incredible unique flavors, located super close to the El so it's easy to get to from all over town. There WILL be a long line outside, but it moves, and it's worth the wait. I dream about these pastries.
Del Sur Bakery
This mini-chain has the best falafel sandwich - awesome for a quick lunch or dinner when you're out and about.
Rōti: Fast-Casual Mediterranean Restaurant
Local coffee shop with interesting and delicious seasonal flavors near the Belmont El - not much seating, but grab an iced latte to go and take in the neighborhood sights.
Levant Coffee
Get the Seoul Sassy chicken wings with a side of atomic sauce and thank me later.
Crisp
This little grocery store recently opened in Lakeview - I stop in for fresh hummus, baba ghanoush, and most importantly, *baklava.*
Heart of Middle East Grocery & Bakery
Outdoor Activities
The lily pond just reopened after a major renovation - such a pretty, quiet spot in the middle of the city, and near the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory.
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
I love taking a walk through the zoo. It's fun all seasons (Holiday Zoolights is a personal fave), and even better, it's FREE!
Lincoln Park Zoo
This is one for the summer months, but Chicago has its very own sandy beach - Lake Michigan feels as big as any ocean, and you can tan in the shadows of skyscrapers; what else do you need?
North Avenue Beach
One of my fave places to walk around - especially in the winter when it's freezing outside but warm and humid inside! Reservations are totally free, and you feel like you're about to see a dinosaur around every corner.
Lincoln Park Conservatory
This tour is so fun for tourists and locals alike. Cruise along the Chicago river while learning fun facts about the gorgeous skyline - a perfect afternoon! Take a stroll along the river walk before or after.
CAC River Cruise aboard First Lady - Chicago Architecture Center
Local Favorites
The cutest local store with all the K-Pop merch you could want.
K-Pop Merch | Chicago
The perfect market to roam on a beautiful summer day - check out the produce, pick up a bouquet of flowers, and grab a coffee for the walk home.
Green City Market Lincoln Park
I love browsing this local shop full of eclectic gifts and knick knacks alongside stationary and art prints.
Foursided Card + Gift