Guidebook for Chicago
Arts & Culture
The world famous improv comedy club, where dozens of major comedians got their start.
433 locals recommend
The Second City
230 W North AveThe world famous improv comedy club, where dozens of major comedians got their start.
One of the best museums in North America. Remarkable collection of paintings, known best for its unrivaled Impressionist and Modern collections.
1159 locals recommend
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveOne of the best museums in North America. Remarkable collection of paintings, known best for its unrivaled Impressionist and Modern collections.
Catch a game at one of the greatest and oldest sports venues in the country, with the famed ivy wall. One of the best places on earth.
1004 locals recommend
Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison StCatch a game at one of the greatest and oldest sports venues in the country, with the famed ivy wall. One of the best places on earth.
My favorite blues joint in Chicago, where you can still catch a performance by authentic blues greats.
44 locals recommend
B.L.U.E.S.
2519 N Halsted StMy favorite blues joint in Chicago, where you can still catch a performance by authentic blues greats.
Sightseeing
Get the birds-eye view of the city at this incredible observation deck, over 100 floors high.
111 locals recommend
360 CHICAGO
875 N Michigan AveGet the birds-eye view of the city at this incredible observation deck, over 100 floors high.
Soak in the sun at this massive beach, the best and most popular one in Chicago, just a ten-minute walk away.
338 locals recommend
North Avenue Beach
Soak in the sun at this massive beach, the best and most popular one in Chicago, just a ten-minute walk away.
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N Cannon DrA beautiful museum for nature lovers.
Shopping
Water Tower Place
835 Michigan AveJust one of many great places to shop along Michigan Avenue.
Food Scene
One of the best bakeries in Chicago, run by a couple from Alsace region of France. Authentic breads and pastries.
28 locals recommend
La Fournette
1547 N Wells StOne of the best bakeries in Chicago, run by a couple from Alsace region of France. Authentic breads and pastries.
Widely viewed as the best coffee in the city.
23 locals recommend
Intelligentsia Coffee Old Town Coffeebar
1233 N Wells StWidely viewed as the best coffee in the city.
If you want to try deep-dish pizza, this is my recommendation: the original Uno's location. Lots of character here and great pizza. Plenty to see and do nearby as well.
36 locals recommend
Pizzeria Uno
29 E Ohio StIf you want to try deep-dish pizza, this is my recommendation: the original Uno's location. Lots of character here and great pizza. Plenty to see and do nearby as well.
Some of the best mexican food in the Midwest by allstar chef Rick Bayless. Also check out Bayless's Xoco, a more casual dining experience, next-door!
38 locals recommend
Frontera Grill
445 N Clark StSome of the best mexican food in the Midwest by allstar chef Rick Bayless. Also check out Bayless's Xoco, a more casual dining experience, next-door!
A cute French restaurant just around the corner. Quiet and consistently good. Grab a table outdoors on a nice day!
13 locals recommend
Bistrot Margot
1437 North Wells StreetA cute French restaurant just around the corner. Quiet and consistently good. Grab a table outdoors on a nice day!
Essentials
One of the best and most original groceries in the city, just a few blocks away. A new grocery with an excellent selection, and an Intelligentsia coffeeshop inside as well.
64 locals recommend
Plum Market Old Town
1233 N Wells StOne of the best and most original groceries in the city, just a few blocks away. A new grocery with an excellent selection, and an Intelligentsia coffeeshop inside as well.
Drinks & Nightlife
Swanky roof-top bar with amazing views of the lake and Lincoln Park.
124 locals recommend
The J. Parker
1816 N Clark StSwanky roof-top bar with amazing views of the lake and Lincoln Park.
Beer lovers won't want to miss sampling this local brewery's consistently excellent offerings.
103 locals recommend
Half Acre Beer Company
4257 N Lincoln AveBeer lovers won't want to miss sampling this local brewery's consistently excellent offerings.
Entertainment & Activities
FREE admission to this impressive zoo! Plenty of food and beverage options here for the family.
1117 locals recommend
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark StFREE admission to this impressive zoo! Plenty of food and beverage options here for the family.
A must-see in summer, where the massive sculpture "Cloud Gate" is located. Live outdoor music and movies at the Frank-Gehry designed Pritzker Pavilion. Water fountains for children to play in.
1243 locals recommend
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph StA must-see in summer, where the massive sculpture "Cloud Gate" is located. Live outdoor music and movies at the Frank-Gehry designed Pritzker Pavilion. Water fountains for children to play in.