Explore Chicago

ALBANY PARK

Since the 1970s, Albany Park has been a point of entry for immigrants from Asia and Latin America. As one of Chicago's most ethnically diverse neighborhoods, it boasts an unmatched array of multicultural restaurants, including local favorite Noon-O-Kabab and the celebrated falafel of Semiramis.
Along the Lawrence Avenue corridor, you will discover independently-owned grocery stores, delicious Korean cuisine and a collection of highly regarded Middle Eastern and Mexican restaurants.
But Albany Park is more than delicious Pad Thai and perfectly roasted kabobs. This charming community vaunts year-round musical and stage performances by the Albany Park Theater Project.

beverly

This opulent South Side neighborhood is famous for incredible architecture, vast green spaces and a strong Irish heritage.

The neighborhood's shamrock influence prevails on the pub-lined streets of Western Avenue's ethnic business corridor, where there are more Irish-style bars than in any other neighborhood in Chicago. As the home of Chicago's South Side Irish Parade, the Emerald Isle is almost palpable. Beverly's most striking building, The Beverly Unitarian Church, borrows its design from a medieval castle once situated between Dublin and Belfast. The Beverly Arts Center, an epicenter for local culture, features a professional theater series and presents live music performances by nationally recognized acts.

Beverly also boasts one of the country's largest historical districts, complete with trademark homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries. The area's shopping pocket along 103rd Street showcases the area's intimate and unique shopping district, which includes Heritage Gallery and Calabria Imports. Further north, you will find the original Rainbow Cone, a city institution that's been serving up ice cream for more than 80 years. For those of you with an especially demanding sweet tooth, Jimmy Jamms Sweet Potato Pies is right around the corner and offers a honey cream cheese-topped slice of nirvana.

BOYSTOWN

The city's Boystown neighborhood is one of the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities in the United States. The neighborhood, located within the East Lakeview community, has profoundly affected the cultural fabric of Chicago with the Center on Halsted, a distinguished community center that welcomes over 1000 people per day.

The area's banner events, the Chicago Pride Parade and Market Days, attract more than one million spectators and visitors of every background and sexual orientation each summer. With streets that are adorned with colorful pylons and eccentric boutique shopping, the area has an energy all its own.

The party never stops in Boystown, with a flourishing stage show scene and lively nightlife. Catch thoughtful works by the Strawdog Theatre Company and Oracle Productions, as well as stimulating performances by the long running "Blue Man Group" at the Briar Street Theatre. After the show, enjoy a night out on North Halsted's bar and restaurant district, which features gay-friendly staple Spin and show tune institution Sidetrack, as well as outstanding dining options from Spanish to Asian to American cuisine.

bridgeport

Bridgeport is a working-class neighborhood on Chicago's near South Side and, as the birthplace and home to five Chicago mayors, a reputed hotbed for city politics. In addition to its homegrown civic leaders, the neighborhood also claims the Chicago White Sox, one of Major League Baseball's oldest franchises.

As part of an artistic movement on Chicago's South Side, Bridgeport has become a hinge point for revitalizing the area's connection to arts and culture. The Zhou B Art Center displays amazing pieces of contemporary art, while the Bridgeport Art Center and Co-Prosperity Sphere are prevailing staples in the community. 

Along South Halsted's ethnic business corridor you will find Schaller's Pump, Chicago's longest-operating tavern. This neighborhood staple has been serving up brown bottles and butt steak for more than 135 years. Nana, one of the most notable farm-to-table organic restaurants in Chicago, is one of the corridor's more recent gifts to the city.

Bronzeville

Between 1910 and 1920, a tremendous number of African American workers journeyed to Bronzeville to escape oppression in the southern United States. As one of the most significant landmarks of the "Great Migration," this South Side neighborhood is shrouded in a glowing, African American cultural allure.

Bronzeville's 20th century resurgence, which rivaled the Harlem Renaissance, is responsible for tremendous cultural and social advances. Pulitzer Prize recipient Gwendolyn Brooks, civil rights activist Ida B. Wells, and legendary musician Louis Armstrong were profoundly responsible for the area's development and subsequent cultural crusade, which included advances in civil rights, jazz, blues and gospel music as well. 

As part of a community-driven revitalization, Bronzeville seamlessly bridges its historical significance and flourishing modern renaissance. Amongst newly opened coffee shops and restaurants, you will find spectacular displays of Victorian Era architecture. These mansions, which were primarily built in the late 19th century, represent the area's extraordinary display of Gothic, Romanesque and Queen Ann-style design.  

Stunning residential architecture and its storied history aside, the neighborhood's most striking, modern influence is in the realm of public art. Commissioned to help rejuvenate the area, Bronzeville contains some of the most celebrated works within the City of Chicago's Public Art Collection. Of note is a sculpture-adorned stretch of Martin Luther King Drive that features Alison Saar's "Monument to the Great Northern Migration," The Bronzeville Walk of Fame, and The Victory Monument.

Chinatown

With more than 65,000 Chinese residents, Chicago's Chinatown is one of the largest neighborhoods of its kind in the United States. Located on the city's near South Side, the vibrant and energetic culture is reflected in the area's many specialty shops, authentic cultural cuisine and signature landmarks, like Ping Tom Memorial Park and a Buddhist Temple.

The main drag of Wentworth Avenue is a dim sum drenched display of Chinese food perfection. Along this epic street, you will discover restaurants, distinctive boutique shopping and the Chinatown Gate, a beautifully ornamented entryway to the neighborhood.

Just north of the Wentworth Avenue District is Chinatown Square, the largest Chinese mall in the Midwest. Besides hosting award-winning restaurants, like Phoenix or Lao Sze Chuan, you will find an incredible collection of public art that includes zodiac-inspired animal sculptures and twin pagodas. The area's signature piece, an enormous tile mosaic created by celebrated artists Yan Dong and Zhou Ping, represents the accomplishments of Chinese people in America. Rather poetically, the mural embodies the neighborhood as a significant gift to Chicago. 

Edgewater

Edgewater, as the name would imply, hugs the shores of Lake Michigan some seven miles north of downtown Chicago. Famous for its expansive beaches and sprawling park space, this neighborhood boasts an eclectic mix of urban gains and natural beauty. When strolling through Edgewater, expect to find families, a crowd of illustrious city landmarks and some of the Midwest's best antique shopping. 

Between its lantern lights and vintage lamp posts, the neighborhood's Bryn Mawr Historic District is a charming reminder of the city's 1920's era. Bryn Mawr Avenue is lined with notably significant buildings, including the historic Belle Shore Apartment Hotel and Edgewater Presbyterian Church. You will also discover the Edgewater Beach Apartments, which were once connected to the former Edgewater Beach Hotel, an infamous playground for celebrities in the 1950s.

The neighborhood's ethnic mix, which includes large pockets of African and Eastern European immigrants, lends delicious international fare to the area. Edgewater is also famous for its authentic deli's, boutique grocery stores and specialty farm stands. But the neighborhood's signature attraction is its antique shopping.

Gold Coast

Just north of downtown Chicago, and nestled against the Lake Michigan shoreline, is the Gold Coast. As the name would imply, the area is one of the country's most affluent neighborhoods. With streets that are lined with historic mansions and specialty boutiques, the Gold Coast is an intensely popular area for residents and visitors.

Branching off of The Magnificent Mile is Oak Street, an upscale shopper's dream. The retail revelry includes internationally recognized stores, swanky boutiques and rare, designer fashions. If carrying around loaded shopping bags makes you hungry, you can stop at one of the district's many celebrated restaurants, including Michelin-starred winners and classic Chicago steakhouses.

A day of shopping becomes a night of revelry on the neighborhood's fabled Rush Street. Amongst the prestigious hotels and celebrated eateries, you will find a trove of booming nightlife hot spots and high-energy events. Treat yourself to the Gold Coast, you deserve it.

Humboldt Park

Affixed with two enormous, metal Puerto Rican flags that measure almost 60 feet in height, Humboldt Park is rooted in a proud Latino tradition. With streets that are decorated in vibrant murals and air that smells of carne guisada, Humboldt Park is a Caribbean escape shrouded in urban charm.   

One-quarter of Humboldt Park's residents are of Puerto Rican descent and the area's cultural epicenter, known as the Paseo Boricua, bursts with national pride and Spanish Colonial architecture. On this stretch of Division Street, you will find authentic Latin cuisine, specialty shopping and the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, an invaluable ethnic tribute to the area's deeply-rooted heritage.

As an event that draws more than one-million people every year, the neighborhood's Puerto Rican People's Parade is one of the highest attended Latino celebrations in the country. And keeping with the festive theme, the area hosts Fiesta Boricua, an annual block party that draws tens of thousands of visitors every summer.

Hyde Park

In 1893 Hyde Park hosted the Chicago's World Fair (known as the Columbian Exposition) which, among other things, introduced the United States to electricity and the Ferris wheel. The event was so grand that it required more than 600 acres of space, the construction of 200 buildings and welcomed close to 30 million people. More than 120 years later, the area is still a profound hinge point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

Bookended by two of the city's most significant cultural institutions, The University of Chicago to the west and The Museum of Science and Industry to the east, Hyde Park is an incredibly popular South Side neighborhood for locals and visitors. The Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere and boasts more than 2,000 exhibits. The University of Chicago is a Victorian Gothic-clad, Nobel Prize factory with one of the country's most scenic campuses to boot. Not far from the fabled school, you will find the home of President Barack Obama. The neighborhood's cultural contributions don't end there, either.

Robie House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is widely considered one of the most iconic masterpieces in American design. The DuSable Museum of African American History is the largest institution of its kind in the United States. And the Hyde Park Art Center has been a powerful force in the city's art scene for more than seven decades.

Irving park

Avondale's friendly neighbor to the north is a residential area that boasts old Victorian homes and classic Chicago-style two-flats. The architecture of Irving Park - some of which predates the Great Fire of 1871 - is all over the neighborhood, from enormous family estates to The Villa District, a residential pocket that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Besides its style, Irving Park is also very tasty. The neighborhood's flagship restaurant, Arun's, is considered by many to be one of Chicago's signature eateries, while Mirabell, an Austrian-German spot, reflects the neighborhood's European roots. The United Nations-like assortment of restaurants continues with The Abbey Pub, Smoque BBQ, and Italian fare at Sabatino's, a longtime staple of the community.

Jefferson Park

Jefferson Park, named for the neighborhood's eponymous green space, is known for being a family-friendly community and a popular residential area for Chicago's fire fighters, police officers and school teachers. With vast wooded areas, nearby golf courses and an abundance of families, Jefferson Park mixes a suburban feel with a city touch.

Layered in Eastern European influence, this neighborhood is shrouded in authentic Polish flavor. Andy's Deli and Smak-Tak are a pair of area staples that reflect Jefferson Park's Polish roots. Barbeque lovers unite behind the braised beef perfection of the Gale Street Inn, while the close by Saigon Grill provides some of the city's best Vietnamese-inspired street dishes.

Jefferson Park's most distinguished landmark is the Copernicus Civic and Cultural Center, a beautifully restored performing arts palace and a standing tribute to the Polish American community. Besides art exhibits, dance groups and theatrical performances, the building avowals one of the few surviving atmospheric-style theaters in the Chicagoland area. Designed by renowned architect Mason Rapp, the 2,000 seat auditorium provides a unique setting for the facility's many artistic pursuits. 

Kenwood

From Muddy Waters to Muhammad Ali and longtime White Sox owner Bill Veeck, some of Chicago's best have called Kenwood home. This remarkable neighborhood on the city's South Side was once a refuge for Chicago's elite who, to escape the clamor of downtown Chicago, built enormous homes on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Today, Kenwood gracefully echoes its lavish beginnings with historic streets, official Landmarks and an ever-growing commercial district.

For the architecture buff, Kenwood vaunts an impressive collection of Art Deco high-rises from the early twentieth century. Walking through the neighborhood's Indian Village district, visitors are greeted by the Powhatan Apartments and the Chicago Beach Hotel (now Regents Park), which are both recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.

Artistically inclined visitors will be amazed by the Hyde Park Art Center, a community center that offers major exhibitions and a lively calendar of must-see events. If taking in the celebrated works of local artists gives you an appetite, the nearby Zaleski & Horvath MarketCafe is considered by many to be one of the city's top delis.

Lakeview

Anchored by a beautiful stretch of shoreline to the east and dotted with train stops from two ‘L' lines, Lakeview is one of Chicago's liveliest and most accessible neighborhoods. Several distinct areas — East Lakeview, Central Lakeview, Boystown and Wrigleyville — meld together to form a lakefront community that celebrates diversity and boasts something for every type of visitor.

Hit the bustling commercial districts along Belmont Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Southport Avenue, Clark Street, Halsted Street and Broadway Street to shop — be it for vintage frocks, designer jeans or leather biker gear — or live it up with the locals at the seemingly endless options for bars and pubs, and the dozens of celebrated restaurants in between.

Arts and culture come in the form of live music venues, several summer street festivals and a thriving scene for theater, dance and comedy (Belmont Theater District is a stellar collection of nearly 20 independent companies).

Not to be outdone by its extraordinary entertainment landscape, Lakeview makes full use of its slice of Lincoln Park, a 1,200-acre oasis dedicated to the outdoors. Here you will find the scenic Lakefront Trail, a golf course and driving range, a boat harbor, a bird sanctuary, tennis courts and grassy playing fields that are also perfect for picnics or just soaking in the views.

Lincoln Park

In Lincoln Park, Chicago's motto urbs in horto—or "City in a Garden"—truly comes to life. Historic churches and handsome brick row houses nestled within landmark districts sit next to peaceful parks, while quiet, tree-lined residential areas give way to bustling business corridors.

Armitage Avenue is lined with independent boutiques and high-end retailers; Clark Street is packed with casual cafes, ethnic restaurants and sweet shops that spill out onto the sidewalks during warm weather; and Lincoln Avenue buzzes all night with bars and taverns that cater to the young college crowd from the nearby DePaul University campus. In addition to shopping and dining, Lincoln Park is a diverse arts and entertainment destination as well with a plethora of museums, top theaters and live music clubs to pick from.

For scenery, there's plenty of natural beauty and outdoors to enjoy. This North Side neighborhood's namesake park is a sprawling 1,208 acres of green space with a free zoo open year-round, a nature museum and conservatory. And when the weather's right, head over to the lakefront trail and beaches, where sand and surf are set against a backdrop of downtown skyscrapers.

Lincoln Square

An Old World heritage meets modern charm in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. Small stretches throughout the area still maintain its roots such as a traditional German dining hall and a turn-of-the-century, European-style apothecary.

But more than old-fashioned shops and cobblestone streets, Lincoln Square is an eclectic enclave that boasts an array of hip restaurants, bars and boutiques. Music, arts and crafts are a focus here and for dining, there’s an international flair — dig into authentic Mexican, feast on French fare or grab a slice of Neopolitan-goodness at the local pizzeria.

Neighborhood gems dot the streets along the commercial heart of Lincoln Square at the intersections of Lawrence, Western and Lincoln Avenues, as well as the Ravenswood corridor — a unique cross-section of industry and creative businesses.

Little Italy and University Village

The Little Italy neighborhood is a living legacy of Chicago's immigrant past. Here food is culture and history remains engrained in stone — from the humble halls of the original settlement homes at Jane Addams Hull-House Museum to the vaulted ceilings of The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii.

On Taylor Street, from Morgan Street west to Ashland Avenue, you'll find restaurants that span generations. Pizza and pasta reign supreme here, but other specialty spots have a calling of their own, including: Mario's Italian Ice (a curbside stand shelling out shaved ice since the ‘50s) and Al's Beef (a curbside stand turned popular chain) as well as nearby Maxwell Street Market (where discount shoppers can score tasty street food and the famed Polish sausage).

More recently, ambitious up-and-comers have been bringing new flavors to the dining scene. Fueling this renaissance in Little Italy are its Near West Side neighbors of University Village, Tri-Taylor and the medical district — growing areas made up of diverse groups of students and professional who live, work, eat and play here.

Little Village

If you start on one end of 26th Street, it might take you a while to get to the other. This commercial district that anchors the Little Village neighborhood (known as La Villita in Spanish but also more formally as South Lawndale) stretches an impressive two miles. It's an authentic slice of home for the Mexican-American community that resides here and is a port of entry for many incoming Latinos.

Amid colorful murals, you'll find just about every kind of small business on this street: ethnic grocery stores, mouthwatering bakeries, a delightful candy shop, plus storefronts filled with everything from dazzling quinceañera party dresses to leather Western wear.

But for those who pass under the terra cotta Bienvenidos a Little Village archway looking for a true taste of the "Mexico of the Midwest," you won't be disappointed. Follow your senses and you may pick up the jingle of the passing paletero (push cart vendors selling fruity ice cream bars) or maybe the sweet smell of fresh tortillas from El Milagro Tortilleria. Once that has duly whet your appetite, stop into one of the many taquerias serving up made-to-order tacos or just grab a bite to go from the food carts that line the street

Logan Square

Cheap eats and bike-friendly streets. Gourmet coffee, scruffy dive bars and artisanal cocktail lounges. Some may say it's a recipe for a hipster haven but there's a proud, working-class sensibility that keeps this Northwest Side neighborhood grounded. In Logan Square, the strong neighborly connection is evident all around, from active preservation groups to community gardens and a locally-run farmers market. "Local" being the key word when describing many aspects of the scene: ingredients are sourced locally at their buzz-worthy restaurants; corner taps tout local, craft brews; galleries showcase local artists; and concerts and street fests promote local, upstart bands.

At the heart of this community is the actual "square" in Logan Square. It comes together at the intersection of Kedzie and Logan Boulevard, where a circle interchange meets with Milwaukee Avenue. The boulevards themselves are widened thoroughfares that are set apart by grassy, landscaped medians and tall, stately trees that border both its sides. The neighborhood boasts four of them in total and these link together to form Chicago's "Emerald Necklace," an expansive system of interconnected parks and streetscapes dotted with beautifully-restored mansions, handsome greystone homes and majestic churches.

Loop

As Chicago's official downtown area, the Loop is one of the most important central business districts on the globe. In addition to its dynamic architecture and buzzing atmosphere, the area has an incredible concentration of cultural institutions, urban park spaces, award-winning restaurants and a shopper's paradise on State Street.

Famous for its striking architecture, the Loop vaunts signature buildings by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Louis Henri Sullivan, as well as Aqua by modern day prodigy Jeanne Gang. The area hangout, Millennium Park, complements its surrounding with stunning architectural marvels of its own. The park's crown jewels include a Frank Gehry-designed amphitheater and Cloud Gate, the landmark "Bean" that's become an iconic symbol of Chicago. Nearby Maggie Daley Park and the Chicago Riverwalk are two new engaging outdoor spaces that embrace design — and fun!

In addition to architectural marvels, Chicago's cultural attractions also have a prevailing presence in the downtown Loop. The celebrated Theater District buzzes with Tony Award-winning shows and glittering marquees. The Chicago Cultural Center provides an incredible range of performance and visual arts, while the Art Institute of Chicago is widely considered to be one of the finest institutions of its kind in the world. 

Magnificent Mile

With so many stores (about 460 to be more exact) you could spend days just shopping. The Magnificent Mile packs luxury boutiques, department stores and multi-story mega malls all into one eight-block stretch. And that's not including the nearly 300 restaurants and 60 hotels that also make up this cosmopolitan downtown center. Beyond the glossy retail facades, however, lay incredible art and architecture, history and culture.

Make sure to look both up and down as you meander the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and the Chicago River. Incredible bridges and a riverwalk right below street level offer unique views. And iconic buildings soar above including the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower which anchor the south end and the John Hancock Center (Chicago's fourth tallest building) to the north. The neighborhood's most famous monuments, the Historic Water Tower and Pumping Station, are among the oldest structures in Chicago and stand as symbolic reminders of the city's rebirth after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

North Center

In North Center, most of the action centers at the six-way intersection where Irving Park Road meets Lincoln and Damen Avenue. Spread all around are options to suit just about any fancy: casual pubs where locals gather for drinks and sports, theater if you're a fan of the stage or live music at a club that books both small weekly gigs and nationally-known artists. And for every cuisine, try one of the neighborhood standbys for your fill of Irish, German, Chinese and more. Bakeries, coffee shops and delis round out the offerings.

Influenced heavily by the early European immigrants that settled here, the community retains a classic charm in its architecture. Stroll the quiet residential areas and you'll find well-kept brick homes, tree-lined streets and large picturesque parks.

North Park

North Park University — located appropriately in the North Park neighborhood — vaunts the Swedish blue and gold for its school colors and, of course, goes by the Vikings. The University's ode to Swede culture is an embodiment of the neighborhood in general. Tre Kronor, the neighborhood's signature restaurant, is a Swedish diner that serves up some of the best quiche in town. Foster Avenue is decorated with authentic Swedish gift shops. And if you're looking for a bottle of glogg, it's never hard to find.

Besides its small town feel and Swedish influence, North Park also has an expansive green space at Peterson Park and the North Park Village Nature Center. The area also boasts the historical Bohemian National Cemetery and, to demonstrate its range, Brazilian-style desserts at Beijo de Chocolat.

Old Town

From artsy to affluent, this historic neighborhood has been home to immigrant families, gays, hippies and young professionals alike over the years. An incredibly popular neighborhood destination, largely because of its close proximity to the lake and downtown, Old Town keeps up a lively pace day and night. Victorian-era buildings, brick alleyways and narrow, tree-lined streets are charming backdrops to a busy main strip that runs along Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street.

For entertainment, comedy takes center stage—with The Second City and Zanies Comedy Club providing the laughs—and the resident theater scene is stellar as well. Shopping is quite eclectic as you can pick up specialty spice blends, imported olive oils, chunks of fudge, rare wines and premium cigars all in one single spree down Wells.

Family-owned restaurants are fixtures of the neighborhood and the depth of the variety runs deep: barbeque ribs, sushi, steak frites, pasta and pizza are all noteworthy. You can continue to soak up area history at one of the more seasoned taverns, though new bars and boutiques keep Old Town forever young and hip.

Pilsen

Culture thrives in Pilsen and invites you to explore the treasures that wait around every corner. Here bold murals have blossomed in the most unexpected places — on the fronts of homes, along railway overpasses, and wrapped around train platforms. The artful vibe continues within storefront galleries and studios, as well as in the colorful collections of the National Museum of Mexican Art, a highly-regarded cultural institution.

It's a neighborhood that pulses with a youthful spirit and is ever evolving. For over 150 years, Pilsen has been a port of entry for immigrants. Early on it was waves of Eastern Europeans, which later shifted and became predominantly Latino. Now blended in the close knit Mexican-American community is creative types and students. Thanks to this diversity, you'll find offbeat vintage shops, independent coffee houses and quaint cafes alongside bodegas, panaderias and restaurants serving authentic Mexican cuisine.

Adding to the multicultural mosaic is the neighboring area Heart of Chicago, anchored by several old-school Italian restaurants. But whether you're on 18th Street or Oakley Avenue, it's the strong cultural heritage and rich working class legacy that are the backbone of Chicago's Lower West Side neighborhoods.

Portage Park

Portage Park is one of the largest Polish communities in Chicago. In addition to its many Polish shops, restaurants and delis, one of the neighborhood's green spaces, Chopin Park, is named for Poland's most famous pianist. The northwest side community is also known for its 36-acre namesake park, which hosted the Pan-American Games in 1959 and the 1972 U.S. Olympic swimming trials where Mark Spitz once set a world record.

Besides the park, you'll also find celebrated bakeries, flower shops and clothing boutiques in the area's three shopping districts, including a bustling European-inspired retail corridor on Six Corners.

While Portage Park is primarily a residential neighborhood, the area still boasts a few must-see attractions, like the elegantly restored Portage Theater and The Patio. The Portage Theater is home to a fully-developed performing arts center that specializes in underground and silent films. Similarly, The Patio is another stylish restorations project, but this theater shows first-run movies.

Pullman

Travel back to the 1880s within this time capsule of a neighborhood. The Pullman Historic District, a National Historic Landmark District, was built from scratch and an innovative concept at the time. George Pullman designed the model company town for employees of his railcar factory, complete with its own residences, churches, schools, parks, library and hospital—all the amenities needed for a "town within a town."

Factory production lines are no longer churning out luxurious sleeping cars but the centerpiece of Pullman, the Hotel Florence, remains an elegant example of the Queen Anne style and offers a glimpse into its high-society past.

Learn more at The Historic Pullman Foundation Visitor Center, which contains artifacts from the neighborhood and George Pullman's mansion on Prairie Avenue, and take either a self-guided or guided walking tour of the area.

At the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, discover how America's labor relations were changed by the creation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters Union, the first African American labor Union to win a collective bargaining agreement. The collection displays exhibits and artifacts pertinent to the African American Railroad employee, the Great Migration, and the American Civil Rights Movement.

River North

A stylish urban neighborhood that borders the Magnificent Mile and is just across the bridge from the Loop, River North is the go-to district for those who appreciate fine art and design. And for those who appreciate fine dining and drinks, the momentum behind the latest trendsetting openings continues to build and the late night energy swells.

Dormant factories and industrial warehouses began their transformation in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming work spaces and studios for artists and entrepreneurs. What followed was an influx of new businesses that densely concentrated the area and have made River North a hub for creativity and entertainment. Anchoring the area is the massive Merchandise Mart, with its endless trade showrooms for furniture and design wholesalers, and surrounding this epicenter are eye-catching galleries, home stores and antique shops. And architectural standouts are plenty, from the twin corn cobs Marina City to its neighbor the stately, steel and glass 330 N. Wabash building by Mies van der Rohe.

Cultured by day, River North shifts into high gear by night. The dining scene is always buzzing-from knockout noodles and Spanish small plates to high-end steakhouses and famed pizzerias. Just about every type of cuisine is covered in this mix of award-winning restaurants and local favorites. And for some after-hours revelry, slip into any of the sleek new clubs, upscale wine bars and craft cocktail lounges that dot the scene.

Rogers Park

Spanning the lakefront roughly from Devon Avenue to Howard Street, Rogers Park has the distinction of being the city's northernmost neighborhood. This distance from downtown may play a hand in why many local haunts have that under-the-radar appeal. But easy accessibility by way of multiple train stops means that the unique dining, arts, culture and entertainment found in Rogers Park are never too far away. And the sound of waves crashing along the shores is near as well, as nearly all the streets leading you east end at public beaches and parkland on Lake Michigan.

The Rogers Park neighborhood holds another distinction: it is considered one of the most diverse in Chicago. As a home to people from all over the world, there is no single dominant ethnicity but rather its residents speak nearly 40 different languages and hail from over 80 countries. This rich tapestry has a dynamic edge to it and as a community, there has been a visible effort to work together to revitalize public spaces and support local businesses.

Bright, fresh murals and newly-updated ‘L' stations add to the experience while commercial districts along Howard Street and Clark Street, in the Glenwood Avenue Arts District and Jarvis Square tout a robust theater scene and lively music clubs, as well as galleries and studios, coffee shops and late-night dive bars. And just as the student population coexists with long-standing residents and more recent immigrant arrivals, the mix of ethnic eateries is a blend of many different backgrounds: Jamaica, Mexico, Belize, Peru, Ethiopia, Korea, Italy, India and the Middle East, among others, are all represented.

Roscoe Village

Tucked on Chicago's North Side between North Center and Lakeview, the sleepy little pocket that is Roscoe Village is a collection of laid-back taverns, destination brunch restaurants and cozy cafes that perk up during the warm-weather months with pretty sidewalk patios and friendly beer gardens. Dining ranges from traditional comfort food to Turkish, burgers to bakeries, Cuban to creamy custards — all serving up casual hospitality.

Part of this neighborhood's charm is not only how easy it is to walk to all the local favorites (the biggest cluster is along Roscoe Street from Damen to Western Avenue), but how much personality all the small, independently-owned business have. Window shops showcase everything from funky knick knacks to beautiful antiques, vintage clothing to upscale babywear. Mixed among the storefronts are classic frame and brick homes and sidewalks filled with families at play, which gives this "village within the city" a friendly, small town feel.

South Loop

The South Loop is such a dynamic mix of attractions and histories that the neighborhood tends to be seen as many different things to many different people. Consider the assorted areas that comprise the South Loop:

Much of its eastern edge is encompassed by the Museum Campus, an impressive collection of cultural treasures that includes the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium. This campus sits on scenic lakefront parklands that are an extension of Grant Park. With 319 acres of green space and recreational fields, Grant Park is known as "Chicago's front yard" to locals and also plays host to major city events such as Taste of Chicago, Chicago Blues Festival and Lollapalooza. 

Jutting out further into Lake Michigan is Northerly Island, a peninsula sought out by nature lovers, while along the southern edge the sports fans know Soldier Field as the stadium for the beloved Chicago Bears football team. Meeting attendees are most familiar with McCormick Place, the largest convention center in the country, which is also in the immediate area.

And yet there are even more facets to the South Loop. History buffs point out the Motor Row District along South Michigan Avenue and nearby Prairie Avenue District, the "Millionaire's Row" that was lined with mansions belonging to Chicago's most wealthy elite during the end of the 19th century.

In the adjacent Printer's Row neighborhood, urban loft condos now fill the commercial spaces in what was formerly the center of the Midwest's publishing industry. Connections to this past are still seen within the venerable, independent book store and annual summer lit fest here. But business professionals and students have brought new life and redevelopment (though the vibe remains mellow), filling the restaurants, music clubs, smaller theaters and museums that have all established themselves in the community.

SOUTh shore

There must be something in the water that fosters brilliance in this southern lakefront community. First Lady Michelle Obama, business magnate Larry Ellison, Nobel Prize winner James D. Watson and rapper Kanye West are all former residents of South Shore. In addition to its homegrown celebrities, the neighborhood boasts architectural spectacles, one of the city's largest beaches and the South Shore Cultural Center, a crown jewel in Chicago's arts and culture community.  

As the neighborhood's main attraction, the South Shore Cultural Center features an impressive array of galleries, dance studios and public beaches. A longstanding symbol of community pride, it was the sight of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle's wedding reception and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The building also boasts a nine-hole golf course and the Paul Roberson Theatre, a 600-seat space that hosts the South Shore Opera Company.

The neighborhood's most striking area is the Jackson Park Highlands. This residential pocket features a hodgepodge of architectural styles and imposing mansions, which when combined with a pit stop at nearby Rainbow Beach, make for one of the most charming neighborhood strolls in Chicago. 

Streeterville

Streeterville may be most known as the gateway to Navy Pier, but the story of its namesake "Captain" George Wellington Streeter is a controversial one woven with accounts of false property deeds, open gun battles and years of eviction suits. It began in 1886 when Streeter's ship was lodged in a sandbar after a storm, after which he invited building contractors to continue piling waste around it — a practice that had begun when Lake Michigan was used as a dump during the cleanup that followed the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. He claimed this newly created marshland as his own and it wasn't until decades later that the courts could finally rule against him.

You'll find a statue of "Cap" standing on this formerly contested site as a reference to its early history, but even more colorful than this eccentric character is the neighborhood's main attraction: Navy Pier. A play land filled with amusement rides, gift shops and eateries, its docks are lined with sightseeing boats and bicycles. In addition to sweeping lakefront views, Navy Pier is home to its own beer garden and evening fireworks in the summer, as well as year-round favorites, Chicago Children's Museum and Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

Beyond the Pier, there's much to do in Streeterville. The neighborhood boasts a range of dining options, from four-star French cuisine to pub fare. Entertainment can be had in the form of outdoor recreation at Ohio Street Beach or arts appreciation at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Uptown

A vibrant blend of old and new, Uptown is an intriguing neighborhood where Chicago's rich history and ethnic diversity intersect. This was a booming entertainment district for shopping and revelry in the 1920s and 1930s — though the area has weathered multiple changes over time. Most recently, a renaissance has been underway in the Uptown neighborhood and that faded glory is sparkling once again in the form of restored movie palaces and Art Deco beauties.

For live music and nightlife, sit back for some jazz at the Green Mill, a 100-year-old classic where the swanky atmosphere harks back to prohibition's heyday. Or for a lively mix, go for either indie rock, salsa concerts, world-class boxing or colorful wrestling matches at the Riviera or Aragon.

Historic landmark districts in Buena Park, Sheridan Park and Uptown Square are just some of the architectural highlights. And to immerse yourself in the present, just have a sample of the ethnic cuisines that have found a home in the neighborhood. On Argyle Street and the surrounding blocks, you can do a tour of Asia with destination restaurants serving up Beijing duck, sushi, traditional Chinese dim sum and Vietnamese specialties like banh mi and pho. Adding to the variety are ethnic grocers mixed among Ethiopian, Lebanese, Indian cuisine and more.

West Loop

A transformation — or rather, an explosion — has taken place among the former factories, wholesale markets and warehouses on the edges of downtown. One of Chicago's fastest growing neighborhoods, the West Loop is a study of contrasts.

Still somewhat industrial and gritty, the slew of new sleek restaurant openings has centered around Randolph Street and nearby Fulton Market. The aptly named "Restaurant Row" doesn't discriminate against nightlife either so the selection on these few blocks alone is staggering. You can go from sushi bar to sports bar, bakery to brewery, wine tasting to taquería, butcher shop to champagne salon, late-night diner to futuristic cocktail lounge — all within this stretch. Specialty foods galore also abound at the nearby Chicago French Market, the city's only year-round, indoor marketplace.

Interspersed among the West Loop luxe lofts and the chic retail boutiques are galleries, design stores and antique sources that give the area its creative-edginess. Sculpture, textiles, folk art, contemporary paintings and European prints are just some of the collections to see in the showrooms. And for more culture, Greektown has a wealth of it. A new museum and cultural center joins the Hellenic bakeries, energetic tavernas and reputable restaurants serving fresh tzatsiki, flaming saganaki and gyros — among other traditional eats.

West Ridge

West Ridge and its eastern neighbor, Rogers Park, share a common border along Ridge Avenue, giving rise to its oft used alternate name, West Rogers Park. Immense diversity characterizes West Ridge, which features thriving Jewish, Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian commercial centers. The most famous is probably Devon Avenue, the heart of Chicago's Indian and Pakistani communities. People flock here to experience its many authentic restaurants, shops and ethnic grocery stores.

West town

For a feel of the youthful, creative energy on Chicago's northwest side, make your way to the eclectic cross-sections of West Town, Ukrainian Village and East Village. You'll pass colorful galleries and museums, independent theater companies, small-scale music venues and retail boutiques touting lines from local designers. Mixed in are historic churches, brick cottages, quaint coffee shops and a booming restaurant and bar scene.

Day and night, these communities offer a multitude of things to do, all with a low-key vibe and within an easy stroll. Whether you are looking for a brunch spot, antique furniture or vintage accessories — or you want to seek out traces of the area's humble immigrant history — wander block by block along the main arteries Division, Chicago and Grand Avenue.

Wicker Park / Bucktown

One of Chicago's creative epicenters lies just outside downtown Chicago in Wicker Park and Bucktown. These synonymous neighborhoods are famous for live music and nightlife, chef-driven restaurants and countless art galleries — many housed within the Flat Iron Arts Building. If you have an acute knowledge of craft cocktails or an affinity for coffee, plus want to sift through records or thrifted threads, there's no better area to sip and shop in the country.

The area has become a prevailing influence on Chicago's Michelin-rated, James Beard Award-winning dining scene, boasting some of the city's most sought after tables. Wicker Park and Bucktown are also known for their palate pleasing nightcaps, like renowned brewery Piece and mixology tour de force The Violet Hour.

Along North, Division, Milwaukee and Damen Avenues, you will find an unbelievable blend of vintage shops amid independently-owned boutiques touting fashions for both men and women, and luxury home goods and beauty products. On the same blocks are nationally-recognized names in fashion, and a mix of major retail chains that have also set up shop to satisfy the on-trend crowds.

Wrigleyville

Wrigleyville is the lively little pocket in the Lakeview neighborhood that sits in the shadows of historic Wrigley Field, the second oldest stadium in baseball and home to the beloved Chicago Cubs. It has become a magnet for sports fans and young professionals alike, and particularly singles who hop from bar to bar along Clark, Addison and Sheffield Avenues.

Rather tame by day, the neighborhood's souvenir shops and casual eateries are open but quiet. For late night entertainment, a boisterous after-hours crowd heads to Wrigleyville for everything from live music to sketch comedy. But if there's a day game or a night game letting out at "The Friendly Confines" then look out: the streets swell with the masses of fans looking to celebrate a Cubs win... or lament their lovable losers.