Guidebook for Chicago
Sightseeing
Beautiful spot to sit back or stroll down in the city. Recently developed.
273 locals recommend
Chicago Riverwalk
306-370 W Wacker DrBeautiful spot to sit back or stroll down in the city. Recently developed.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore DrOne of my best childhood memories
Buckingham Fountain
301 S Columbus DrLarge elaborate fountain in Grant Park
Very touristy destination, but some boat tours of the lake launch from here. Great place to view the fireworks in the summer. Fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday Memorial day through Labor day.
933 locals recommend
Navy Pier
600 E Grand AveVery touristy destination, but some boat tours of the lake launch from here. Great place to view the fireworks in the summer. Fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday Memorial day through Labor day.
See the faces of Chicago natives projected on two towering fountains housing LED screens
27 locals recommend
Crown Fountain
201 E Randolph StSee the faces of Chicago natives projected on two towering fountains housing LED screens
Cloud Gate
201 E Randolph StThe famous shiny "Bean"
Everything Else
Very busy on weekends, but always my choice for a run or bike ride early in the morning
229 locals recommend
Lakefront Trail
Lakefront TrailVery busy on weekends, but always my choice for a run or bike ride early in the morning
Drinks & Nightlife
Kingston Mines
2548 N Halsted StBlues Club
Blue Chicago
536 N Clark StBlues Club
Haymarket Pub & Brewery
737 W Randolph StBrewery with interesting history
Gorgeous outdoor balcony among the iconic lit up older buildings in the city
11 locals recommend
Terrace 16
401 N Wabash AveGorgeous outdoor balcony among the iconic lit up older buildings in the city
My favorite bar. Experience modernist cocktails featuring neat techniques such as smoke, infusion, flavored ice, and liquid nitrogen. Brought to you by the same chef of 3 Michelin-starred Alinea
77 locals recommend
The Aviary
955 W Fulton MarketMy favorite bar. Experience modernist cocktails featuring neat techniques such as smoke, infusion, flavored ice, and liquid nitrogen. Brought to you by the same chef of 3 Michelin-starred Alinea
Food Scene
Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
130 E Randolph StBreakfast
Yolk Streeterville
355 E Ohio StBreakfast
AraOn Restaurant
160 W Adams StAsian/French fusion
Do-Rite Donuts & Coffee
50 W Randolph StUnbelievable fresh small-batch donuts
India House Restaurant - Chicago
59 W Grand AveUpscale Indian cuisine
Indian Garden Restaurant
247 E Ontario StAuthentic Indian cuisine
Classy Mexican restaurant that serves great tacos and killer margaritas. Best pescado (fish) tacos in town.
26 locals recommend
Mercadito
108 W Kinzie StClassy Mexican restaurant that serves great tacos and killer margaritas. Best pescado (fish) tacos in town.
One of the three Chicago stalwarts (the other two are Lou Malnati's and Gino's) in making Chicago's iconic deep dish pizza. Walking distance from the condo!
519 locals recommend
Giordano's
5311 S Blackstone AveOne of the three Chicago stalwarts (the other two are Lou Malnati's and Gino's) in making Chicago's iconic deep dish pizza. Walking distance from the condo!
Foodies travel to Chicago JUST to eat at this avant-garde restaurant at the forefront of Modernist cooking. It's expensive, to be sure, but an experience to remember for a lifetime.
97 locals recommend
Alinea
1723 N Halsted StFoodies travel to Chicago JUST to eat at this avant-garde restaurant at the forefront of Modernist cooking. It's expensive, to be sure, but an experience to remember for a lifetime.
This is one of only two 3 Michelin-star restaurants that Chicago has. For fine dining downtown nothing comes close.
10 locals recommend
Grace
652 W Randolph StThis is one of only two 3 Michelin-star restaurants that Chicago has. For fine dining downtown nothing comes close.
Best ramen joint downtown. Thick and rich broth served with generous amounts of pork cheek. Located in the basement of Green Street Smoked Meats.
31 locals recommend
High Five Ramen
112 N Green StBest ramen joint downtown. Thick and rich broth served with generous amounts of pork cheek. Located in the basement of Green Street Smoked Meats.
Great casual BBQ joint. Line up, get served, sit down at communal picnic benches in a large space that looks like a tastefully converted warehouse. The bar here is pretty good as well!
107 locals recommend
Green Street Smoked Meats
112 N Green StGreat casual BBQ joint. Line up, get served, sit down at communal picnic benches in a large space that looks like a tastefully converted warehouse. The bar here is pretty good as well!
Voted best burger in the US this year. Wait can be up to 3-4 hours during peak times! Stays open till late. No reservations
620 locals recommend
Au Cheval
800 W Randolph StVoted best burger in the US this year. Wait can be up to 3-4 hours during peak times! Stays open till late. No reservations
One of my favorite restaurants. Reservations look impossible online (at least 1 month out) but if you walk in early (preferably before 6) and put your name down you can usually eat in 1.5-2 hours
496 locals recommend
Girl & The Goat
809 W Randolph StOne of my favorite restaurants. Reservations look impossible online (at least 1 month out) but if you walk in early (preferably before 6) and put your name down you can usually eat in 1.5-2 hours
Shopping
Chicago French Market
131 N Clinton StBunch of bakeries, groceries, restaurants all in one
Arts & Culture
Great museum for all types of art. New modern wing is quite nice. Voted #1 museum in the world by trip advisor. Free Thursday evenings
1159 locals recommend
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveGreat museum for all types of art. New modern wing is quite nice. Voted #1 museum in the world by trip advisor. Free Thursday evenings
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
201 E Randolph StGreat outdoor venue for concerts when the weather is warm
The Second City
230 W North AveImprov/Comedy. Free certain weeknights after 10pm
Essentials
Mariano's
2021 W Chicago AveYour large go-to grocery store. Many fresh and organic options