Places to Explore

• Chicago Outskirts

  Chicago's suburbs aren't just for commuters. The towns that lie to the north, west, and south of the city are rich in history, culture, museums, and outdoor activities. Add a day or two to your itinerary... (more)

• Hyde Park

  Hyde Park is something of a trek from downtown Chicago, but it's worth the extra effort. Today the neighborhood is considered a vibrant, eclectic part of the city. The community is rich in academic and... (more)

• Lakeview and the Far North Side

  Lakeview got its name from the 1850s-built Hotel Lake View. By 1889 Chicago took the town for its own. Today it is a massive neighborhood made up of small enclaves, each with its own distinct personality... (more)

• Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and Bucktown

  In 1864, Lincoln Park—the park, which extends from North Avenue to Foster Avenue—became the city's first public playground. Its zoo is legendary. The area adjacent to it, bordered by Armitage... (more)

• The Loop, Including West Loop and South Loop

  Noisy and mesmerizing, the Loop is a living architectural museum that sidles alongside shimmering Lake Michigan. Gleaming modern towers vie for space with 19th-century buildings while striking sculptures... (more)

• Near North and River North

  With art galleries, the famous Magnificent Mile, the Gold Coast, and upscale dining options, River North and Near North hold some of the city's greatest attractions. Navy Pier and the Children's Museum... (more)

• Pilsen, Little Italy, and Chinatown

  A jumble of ethnic neighborhoods stretches west of the Loop and from the south branch of the Chicago River to the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290). Once home to myriad 20th-century immigrants, the area is... (more)