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.
Sections
8
Chicago Neighborhood Map
River North
Lincoln Park
Fulton Market (West Loop)
Gold Coast
Wicker Park
Chicago Neighborhood Map
See where each neighborhood is located and what makes it unique!
Use this Chicago neighborhood map to identify key points of interest, local events, and dining options that make each area unique.
Chicago Neighborhoods Map
Take my quiz to find a neighborhood that best suits you!
Find Your Perfect Place to Stay in Chicago!
A must read when you want to see Chicago and save $.
Easy Guide: 4 Ways to Get from the Airport to Downtown Chicago
See my recommendations on where to explore the Windy City.
Best Chicago Neighborhoods to Explore | travelsandtreasures.com
Want to tour Chicago? Check these out!
9 Great Chicago Architecture Tours
River North
River North is a dynamic neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife, artistic flair, and luxurious dining and shopping experiences.
Known for art galleries, upscale dining, nightlife, and the scenic Riverwalk.
River North
luxury hotel with unparalleled service, spacious rooms, and a prime location overlooking the Chicago River.
STAY 🏨 The Langham
mid-range hotel with modern amenities
STAY 🏨 Hyatt Place Chicago River North
stylish, dimly-lit steakhouse with a menu of signature dishes and French-inspired sides.
EAT 🥩 Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
chic restaurant offering modern Italian dishes, and handmade pastas
EAT 🥩 RPM Italian
A laid-back eatery serving healthy comfort food, coffee, and innovative cocktails.
EAT 🥩 Beatrix Restaurant
See contemporary galleries like Zolla/Lieberman Gallery and Addington Gallery.
DO ✅ River North - Chicago Gallery
An iconic Art Deco building, home to showrooms, exhibitions, and trendy dining spots.
DO ✅ The Merchandise Mart
Stroll along the scenic Riverwalk, lined with cafes, public art, and stunning views of the Chicago River.
DO ✅ Chicago Riverwalk
A multi-level shopping destination featuring Nordstrom and other upscale retailers.
SHOP 🛍️ The Shops at North Bridge
boutique known for its unique floral designs, jewelry, and curated home goods.
SHOP 🛍️ Asrai Garden
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
Home to Lincoln Park Zoo, scenic walking paths, and lakefront views at North Ave beach.
Lincoln Park - Chicago Neighborhoods
boutique hotel that combines art, music, and culture
STAY 🏨 Hotel Versey Chicago Lincoln Park
great for those watching their budget
STAY 🏨 Chicago Getaway Hostel
A world-renowned, Michelin 3-star restaurant offering an unforgettable, avant-garde dining experience.
EAT 🍔 Alinea
great tapas, one of my favorite places to nosh
EAT 🍔 Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
A bright and airy spot serving Californian-inspired cuisine and fresh cocktails.
EAT 🍔 Summer House Santa Monica
great for first dates too; lights at holiday season are spectacular
DO ✅ Lincoln Park Zoo
great for belly laughs with family or friends
DO ✅ The Second City: Comedy Shows in Chicago
A stunning botanical garden featuring tropical plants and seasonal flower shows.
DO ✅ Lincoln Park Conservatory
A convenient shopping center with stores like Sephora, Express, and Anthropologie.
SHOP 🛍️ Lincoln Park Plaza
Trendy shops like Art Effect (gifts and home decor) and Allbirds (sustainable footwear).
SHOP 🛍️ Chicago's Armitage Avenue
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.
Dining hotspot with Restaurant Row and the Fulton Market District.
West Loop (Fulton Market) - Chicago Neighborhoods
A sleek hotel blending Japanese-inspired design featuring a rooftop bar and restaurant.
STAY 🏨 Nobu Hotel Chicago
A stylish boutique hotel with a rooftop pool, trendy dining, and co-working spaces.
STAY 🏨 The Hoxton, Chicago
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
Stephanie Izard’s globally-inspired small plates in a warm, bustling atmosphere.
EAT 🍔 Girl & The Goat
Renowned for its decadent burgers, hailed as some of the best in the country.
EAT 🍔 Au Cheval
A farm-to-table restaurant focusing on beer, oysters, and pork dishes.
EAT 🍔 The Publican
really cool vintage finds
SHOP 🛍️ Randolph Street Market Festival
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
Upscale shops, historic mansions, and Oak Street Beach.
Gold Coast - Chicago Neighborhoods
historic luxury hotel blending classic elegance with contemporary comfort
STAY 🏨 Ambassador Chicago - JDV by Hyatt
sleek, upscale hotel with spacious rooms
STAY 🏨 Thompson Chicago, by Hyatt
Explore rare books, maps, and fascinating exhibits in this historic research library.
DO ✅ Newberry Library
Stroll down a picturesque street lined with beautiful mansions and historic architecture.
DO ✅ Astor Street District
Relax on this sandy urban beach with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
DO ✅ Oak Street Beach
A Chicago institution known for its prime steaks, seafood, and old-school charm.
EAT 🥩 Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
A modern steakhouse offering indulgent dishes and a luxurious dining experience.
EAT 🥩 Maple & Ash
A must-visit spot for Chicago’s iconic deep-dish pizza.
EAT 🍕 Lou Malnati's, the Best Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Restaurant
bring lots of dough!
SHOP 🛍️ Luxury Shopping in Chicago's Oak Street District
A multi-level shopping center featuring Bloomingdale’s and upscale retailers like Gucci and Montblanc.
SHOP 🛍️ 900 North Michigan Shops
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.
Trendy boutiques, vibrant nightlife, and incredible street art.
Wicker Park / Bucktown - Chicago Neighborhoods
historic hotel with onsite dining
STAY 🏨 The Robey
Couples in particular like the location
STAY 🏨 Ruby Room Guest Rooms
A sophisticated cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe and craft drinks.
EAT 🍔 The Violet Hour
Known for its award-winning craft beer and New Haven-style pizzas.
EAT 🍔 Piece Brewery
A casual and iconic spot serving delicious tacos and margaritas in a lively atmosphere.
EAT 🍔 Big Star | Chicago's Best Tacos and Margaritas
Explore vibrant murals and graffiti that showcase the neighborhood’s artistic spirit.
DO ✅ Offbeat Street Art Tour | Chicago Street Art, Mural & Graffiti Tour
The neighborhood’s namesake park with a playground, gardens, and seasonal farmers markets.
DO ✅ Wicker Park Farmers Market
A multi-use elevated trail perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying street art along the way.
DO ✅ The 606
A stylish boutique offering curated vintage and modern clothing, accessories, and gifts.
SHOP 🛍️ Una Mae's
A legendary music store with vinyl records, CDs, and an impressive selection of collectibles.
SHOP 🛍️ Reckless Records
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.
Known for colorful murals and authentic Mexican food.
Pilsen - Chicago Neighborhoods
find hotels near Pilsen or South Loop
STAY 🏨 Top Hotels in Chicago, IL from $90
It's free!
DO ✅ National Museum of Mexican Art
A historic venue hosting live music, comedy shows, and unique performances, often paired with great dining options.
DO ✅ Thalia Hall
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
Try the n ever-changing charcuterie and cheese boards.
EAT 🍔 Dusek's Tavern
Buñuelo and churros and dulce, Oh my!!
EAT 🍔 Panaderia Nuevo Leon
For MEAT LOVERS only. Get the mixed plate so you can sample a bunch of stuff.
EAT 🍔 Carnitas Don Pedro
An independent bookstore offering a carefully curated selection of new and used books.
SHOP 🛍️ Pilsen Community Books
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.
Historic neighborhood with the Museum of Science and Industry and the University of Chicago.
Hyde Park - Chicago Neighborhoods
Charming streets, Second City comedy club, and unique local stores.
Old Town - Chicago Neighborhoods
Quaint Swedish heritage, independent bookstores, and cozy cafes.
Andersonville - Chicago Neighborhoods
Authentic Asian restaurants, gift shops, and the Nine Dragon Wall.
Chinatown - Chicago Neighborhoods
Traditional Greek restaurants and bakeries like Artopolis.
Greektown - Chicago Neighborhoods
Delicious Italian food, including authentic pasta and gelato.
Little Italy - Chicago Neighborhoods
An artistic hub with neighborhood charm and great local breweries.
Bridgeport - Chicago Neighborhoods
Wrigley Field, lively bars, and a fun LGBTQ+ community in Boystown.
Lake View - Chicago Neighborhoods
Known for its Irish pubs, historic architecture, and the Beverly Arts Center.
Beverly - Chicago Neighborhoods
A diverse neighborhood with beautiful lakefront beaches, global cuisine, and a thriving arts scene.
Rogers Park - Chicago Neighborhoods
Historic churches, Eastern European restaurants, and trendy coffee shops.
