Areas & Neighborhoods
Museum Campus
Museum Campus is a 57-acre park in Chicago facing Lake Michigan in Grant Park. It encompasses five of the city's major attractions: the Adler Planetarium, America's first planetarium; the Shedd Aquarium; the Field Museum of Natural History. This is also where Soldier Field is located.
Millenium Park
The lakefront campus, located in the heart of downtown, is home to the iconic Cloud Gate statue (aka “The Bean”), interactive fountains, tranquil gardens, free events, public art, skating rinks, rock climbing, and plenty of green space.
Michigan Avenue
You’ll be on this street for most of your time in the city. The Art Institute, Millenium Park, and shopping are located along this street. Also known as the Magnificent Mile.
State Street
Runs parallel to Michigan Ave. Also known for shopping. The Chicago Theater is on State Street.
Northside
Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park, Andersonville. Where people root for The Cubs
Southside
Where people root for The Sox.
Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park & Lakeview
Neighborhoods north of downtown. Also where Boystown is located - the gay neighborhood in Chicago. Great areas for drinking and bars. Wrigleyville is where Wrigley Field is. Go Cubs.
Pilsen
Come for the Mexican food. This is known as the Latino neighborhood.
Orange Line
Train to Midway airport.
Blue Line
Train to O’Hare airport and Wicker Park/Bucktown.
West Loop
Hip neighborhood that was formerly an industrial area. It’s where “restaurant row” is located and lots of nightlife. A little bland in terms diversity and architecture, but a great area to come eat and get schwasted. Where rich tech kids buy condo’s.
Wicker Park/Bucktown
This was known as the hipster neighborhood (when I lived there 10 years ago). “Artsy at heart” with lots of music venues and vintage stores.
The Viagra Triangle
Known as the Viagra Triangle - you’ll find rich old men taking out younger women. Known for nightlife and bars.
Do’s
Dress for bone-chilling cold
Wear shoes that are warm and okay to get wet.
Make reservations in advance
For the fancier restaurants and bars.
Ride the CTA
It’s easy and part of the fun. CTA = Chicago Transit Authority. Includes the train and the bus. The different train lines are colors (orange line, blue line, red line). The “loop” is the center of Chicago and taking the above ground train around the loop is a great way to see the city.
Watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
And then wish you were there in the Summer. It’s okay - you can come back.
Don’t’s
Order a hot dog with ketchup
Just don’t.
End up on Lower Wacker
Wacker Drive is a street that runs along the Chicago River. There is an Upper Wacker and Lower Wacker. It’s not necessarily unsafe on Lower Wacker, it’s just very easy to get lost. If you end up down there, just find the next set of stairs to get back to Upper Wacker. Fun fact - scenes from Batman The Dark Knight were filmed on Lower Wacker.
Stay only on Michigan Ave
The neighborhoods are not hard to get to - and the best bars and restaurants are NOT on Michigan Avenue.
Pronounce Wabash Avenue wrong
It’s WAbash, not waBASH. You’re welcome.
Forget Souvenirs
Activities
When you are not eating.
Architecture Tour
The boat tour is the best thing to do in the summer, but this is the winter alternative. This is also a friendly solo activity. Highly recommend any architecture tour. You can also do a tour by the “L train” (short for elevated train)
See The Blackhawks or The Bulls
You know, Michael Jordan.
Do a Brewery Tour
Technically this does fall under the eating and drinking category. So sue me. Chicago has an epic midwestern beer culture. You can do a brewery tour at any of the following.
Bars & Casual Food
Reservations Required
Vibes
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