2 Best Sights in Chicago, Illinois

Bounded by Ida B. Wells Drive on the north, Polk Street on the south, Plymouth Court to the east, and the Chicago River to the west, this district fell into disrepair in the 1960s, but a neighborhood resurgence began in the late 1970s. Bibliophiles flock in for the Printers Row Lit Fest, a weekend-long literary celebration held each September. But, at any time of year, you can admire examples of buildings by the group that represented the First Chicago School of Architecture (including Louis Sullivan).

For a glimpse of how the working class lived at the turn of the 20th century, head south of Wicker Park to the Ukrainian Village. In its center, on Haddon Avenue and on Thomas and Cortez streets between Damen Avenue and Leavitt Street, you'll find a well-preserved group of workers' cottages and apartments. At the corner of Leavitt and Haddon Streets, gilded cupolas mark Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral (tours offered occasionally; schedule at  holytrinitycathedral.net), an early-20th-century church designed by renowned Chicago architect Louis Sullivan.