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The Ultimate Chicago Neighborhood Guide

By J.P. Anderson and Lauren Brocato By J.P. Anderson and Lauren Brocato | August 16, 2024 | Lifestyle, Feature, Culture, Guides,

As Jane Byrne, Chicago's first female mayor (1979-83) famously said, "Chicago's neighborhoods have always been the city’s greatest strength," and that sentiment continues to ring true today. From the vibrant Pilsen community to the bustling Loop to the glamorous Gold Coast, the vast range of culturally rich communities make Chicago the world-class destination it is today.

Whether you find yourself on the north side or south of the city, don't miss the top spots featured in our curated guides to Chicago's neighborhoods.

The Magnificent Mile

Stretching from the Chicago River to Oak Street along Michigan Avenue, the Magnificent Mile is 13 glorious blocks of top shops, hot dining destinations, luxury hotels and some of the city's most popular cultural attractions.

Explore the Mag Mile's hottest spots in our guide here.

Gold Coast

The elegant tree-lined streets of Chicago's Gold Coast are home to some of the city's highest rollers, and it's long been one of the Windy City's most prestigious neighborhoods.

We've curated the ultimate guide to the Gold Coast here.

River North

From world-class galleries and design showrooms to chic hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and A-list nightlife, Chicago's River North neighborhood is one of the city's most buzzing districts.

Click here for the full guide.

The Loop

Home to parks, top museums, excellent restaurants, luxury hotels and fascinating history—all in the city’s central business district—The Loop has everything you need to start a visit to Chicago on the right foot.

Don't miss these 25 spots in the Chicago Loop.

Lincoln Park

Home to inventive dining destinations, one-of-a-kind shops, lovely tree-lined streets, hot nightlife hubs and some of the city's most scenic outdoor areas, Lincoln Park is a neighborhood like no other.

Here's everything you need to know about this popular North Side nook.

Lakeview

For an indulgent getaway in the heart of Chicago, look no further than Lakeview.

Here, we present the best that Lakeview has to offer.

The West Loop

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From sizzling-hot restaurants and bars to chic shops, must-see museums and more, the West Loop is one of the city’s most exciting neighborhoods.

Here, our ultimate guide to the top spots around town.

West Town

One of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods, West Town—west of the river to Western Avenue and stretching from Grand to Augusta—scores with Michelin-starred dining, rich culture and history and some of the city’s most design-forward shopping.

Here’s where to find the best of this booming district.

Bucktown & Wicker Park

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Bucktown/Wicker Park blew up in the ’90s with a buzzing art scene and some of the city’s hottest restaurants, all centered around the six-way intersection of North, Damen and Milwaukee avenues.

Check out all the hottest spots in our ultimate Bucktown & Wicker Park guide here.

Logan Square

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Boasting arguably the most stacked dining and drinking scene in the city, the northwest side hipster haven of Logan Square also serves up chic shopping, one of the city’s best public spaces and more.

Here are our favorite spots around town.

Pilsen

One of Chicago’s richest cultural neighborhoods, Pilsen has long been a magnet for immigrants to the city, from Irish and Germans in the 19th century to Eastern Europeans and now a vibrant Mexican community that has enlivened the neighborhood with incredible restaurants, colorful street art and compelling attractions.

Check out our favorite spots in Pilsen here.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park, the lively south-side Chicago neighborhood that honors art and culture, has plenty of hot dining and shopping destinations, and scenic locations.

We've rounded up the can't-miss spots in our guide to Hyde Park here.

Andersonville

From its Swedish heritage to its impressive dining scene and charming side streets, this bustling pocket of Chicago’s North Side has oodles to offer for residents and locals alike.

Here, our can’t-miss spots in the neighborhood.

Streeterville

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Home to the iconic Navy Pier, the Museum of Contemporary Art and plenty of lakeside attractions, there’s a lot to love about the Streeterville neighborhood.

Here, our favorite spots in this buzzing little corner on the east edge of Chicago.

The South Loop

Adler PlanetariumFrom the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium to Soldier Field and blues joint Buddy Guy’s, the South Loop has major appeal for both locals and tourists alike. Check out our essential spots in the neighborhood.

See Also: These Are The Hottest New Restaurants In Chicago


Tags: JP Anderson Lauren Brocato

Photography by: Thumbnail photo by Pgiam/iStock

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