North Side Lincoln Park And Lakeview
Lincoln Park is a family-friendly neighbourhood close to miles of beautiful parkland. Lots of families live here, close to the Old Town with its theatres and literary history, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Theres a well maintained shopping strip, and even a beach on the lakefront. Lincoln Park also has a couple of great museums, and, as you walk towards the Old Town, youre in amongst a collection of impressive old homes and mansions, the most expensive in Chicago, in an area often referred to as the Gold Coast. Lakeview has the nightlife and Wrigleyville, home of Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs, which makes it a fantastic destination for anyone looking for some fun, and great music venues. The North Side neighbourhoods also have their fair share of architecture to interest and impress, and theres lots of choice when it comes to eating or drinking, especially if you want to eat after midnight.
West Loop / West Town Best Chicago Neighborhood For Foddies
Chicagos former industrial district, the West Loop has since become one of the citys trendiest and most diverse boroughs. Since the turn of the 20th century immigrants have defined West Towns culture, with their influence continuing to be celebrated through the many sights, sounds, and tastes of the area.
Arguably Chicagos dining hotspot thanks to its Restaurant Row, the West Loop boasts an unending assortment of dishes and food items from around the world, with more than its share of pubs and live music venues to satiate any nightlife champion.
The French Market, located just inside the Ogilvie train station, spotlights such fare as Belgian fries, lobster rolls, Hawaiian poke bowls, and all manner of pastries and produce, making it the perfect destination for high-end strolling and sampling.
Its not just food thats a major draw in the West Loop, however the Arcade Emporium at Fulton Market is a gamers paradise with its pool and air hockey tables, pinball machines, and arcade games, while Brooklyn Boulders gives you the opportunity to rock climb indoors.
For an especially Big Lebowski-worthy evening, you can head to Punch Bowl Social for bowling and brews.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN WEST LOOP
Where To Stay For Nightlife In Chicago River North
With its lively night scene, River North is perfect for food lovers and night owls.
The restaurants and bars are without a doubt the best part of the show.
You should check out Gilt Bar, famous for its craft cocktails and amazing American dishes.
It opens at 5 pm and is so popular you might want to book a table early.
Another great place is Bub City, a wild-west themed bar and restaurant, home of comfort food, awesome beer and barbeque in Chicago.
They also offer live music, setting the perfect mood.
The family-owned Lou Malnatis Pizzeria is one of River Norths finest.
You cannot leave Chicago without trying the famous deep-dish pizza and no one does it better than Lou.
Suggested accommodations in this area:
- Hostels & Cheap: Freehand Chicago , Found Hotel
- AirBnb & Apartments: Kasa , The Penthouse
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Lakeview Where To Stay In Chicago For Local Vibe
Lakeview is a residential suburb immediately north of Lincoln Park. Quite removed from the hustle and bustle of the city center, this neighborhood is ideal for anyone looking for somewhere quieter to escape the crowds.
As it is quite far removed from the city center and many of Chicagos main attractions, I would not suggest this area if it is your first time visiting the Windy City. Likewise, if you are planning to stay in Chicago for a shorter visit, Lakeview is not the most convenient location to maximize your time.
Lakeview is perfect if you are looking to experience a more local, everyday side of Chicago. As a residential neighborhood, the cafes and restaurants are largely family-run and cater to the locals rather than tourists.
One of the loveliest areas of Lakeview is around Belmont Harbour. The sheltered bay is home to a small marina surrounded by a leafy park. Wandering along the walking trails whilst watching the boats drift around the harbor makes for a very relaxing afternoon stroll. You can also check out Broadway and Chicago Music Exchange, and Wrigley Field baseball stadium in this area.
Stay in Lakeview if Youre looking for a quiet neighborhood to experience everyday life in suburban Chicago Being quite far removed from the city center is not an issue It is not your first time visiting Chicago.
Best places to stay in Lakeview:
Best hotels in Chicago near OHare International Airport:
Things To Do In Lincoln Park
The best part about the neighborhood is its 1,200-acre park, also called Lincoln Park. The park has everything from Lincoln Park Zoo to its own lifeguard-patrolled beach, North Avenue Beach. Lincoln Park Zoo is an excellent spot for a family day out, and North Avenue Beach is the best place for a swim or game of volleyball. On a rainy day, Lincoln Park Conservatory is a godsend, and you can easily spend an hour or two exploring indoors.
The streets themselves in Lincoln Park are safe and friendly. Yet Lincoln Park is also well-suited to budget travel. You wont find the hoity-toity attitudes and sky-high prices that sometimes curse neighborhoods like Gold Coast and the Chicago Loop. If you are deciding where to stay in Chicago as a family or budget traveler, we recommend considering Lincoln Park.
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Rentals In Gold Coast
The Gold Coast Neighborhood in Chicago is one of the most popular places to live in the city. Its got a lot of great restaurants, shops, and other attractions, so its definitely worth checking out if youre looking for an apartment or house to rent.
If youre looking for a neighborhood thats the epitome of Chicago, look no further than Printers Row. This historic neighborhood is located in the South Loop area of Chicago, right smack dab between downtown and McCormick Place.
The Printers Row community is known for its great food and architecturethere are tons of restaurants and bars to try out while visiting, and they all seem to be within walking distance of one another. Whether youre looking for a place to grab a bite after work or want an evening out on the town with your friends, Printers Row has got you covered.
In addition to its rich history and culture, Printers Row has a low crime rateso you can feel safe walking around at night.
- Spend June right at the Printers Row Lit Fest
- Watch sports while you rat at the First Draft
- Enjoy Mexican Food at Flacos Tacos
- Relax at the Printers Row Park
- Bottoms up at the Sociale
South Loop Where To Stay In Chicago For Museums
Situated on the lakefront Museum Campus, the South Loop is where youll find some of Chicagos grandest museums, as well as the Jazz Showcase, blues label Chess Records, and Buddy Guys Legends.
Here is where established and forthcoming artists alike seek out and showcase new work, with students, locals, and travelers coming together for lively nighttime events.
No stay in Chicago is complete without a walk through the South Loops elegant Prairie Avenue District, home of the Millionaires Row where many of Chicagos earliest elite set up residence.
Those who partake in a water taxi lake route tour can disembark directly in front of Shedd Aquarium, with the nearby Field Museum an ideal companion for your science-themed outing.
The South Loops stunning lakefront views make for some of the best hotel possibilities, although prices can run on the costlier side during peak seasons.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CHICAGO IN SOUTH LOOP
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Best For: Outdoorsy Families
The Lincoln Park neighborhood is ideal for families who love to get out and explore ! North Avenue Beach, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and Lincoln Park Conservatory are all a stones throw away, while a quick ride on the L will bring you north to Wrigley Field or south to the Magnificent Mile and Loop quite easily.
To Do In/Near Lincoln Park | Lincoln Park Zoo, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Lincoln Park Conservatory, North Avenue Beach, Chicago History Museum
Family Hotels in Lincoln Park
Wicker Park The Coolest Area Where To Stay In Chicago
In case you want to stay in one of the coolest areas in the city, Wicker Park neighborhood is your answer!
Wicker Park is my recommendation for young people and hipsters looking to have some fun and explore some very cool places, such as cafes and pubs. Youll also find many great restaurants here, as well as street food stands.
Plus, this area is scattered with concert venues such as the Empty Bottle perfect if youre looking to have some fun!
If you feel like this is the place for you, take a look at the hotels below and Im sure youll find an ideal place to stay:
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Where To Stay In Pilsen
If you want to stay in Pilsen, you can find some good options on Airbnb, but if youre looking for a hotel, the historic Blackstone on Michigan Avenue overlooking Grant Park or the modern at McCormick Place are both within two miles of Pilsen.
Book the Blackstone: from $129/night, expedia.com
Book the Marriott Marquis: from $224/night, expedia.com
West Side And Wicker Park
Chicagos West Side neighbourhoods were founded on beer, and thats not a comment on people enjoying a brew, this is where the German, Polish, Ukrainians and Czech immigrants set up their breweries, and they did very well, creating comfortable, elegant communities with plenty of cultural variation. Its all different now, but theres still a flavour of Europe, and this is one of the best places in Chicago for fussy drinkers of beer and coffee.
Wicker Park is one of Chicagos coolest neighbourhoods, it looks cool and it sounds cool, but its not as cool as it was before everyone knew that it was cool. These days the cool is a bit higher end and more accessible for visitors, but there are still plenty of cool places to drink and appreciate how cool you are. As well as being cool, Wicker Park is also the best connected of all the West Side neighbourhoods, with the Blue L line running right through. Pilsen has some hip art galleries and great Mexican food, and Logan Square is elegant and residential.
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Near North Side: An Excellent Compromise
This area of Chicago is a great compromise for a centrally located staywithout spending too much. Across the Chicago River, its off the main streets , but with everything you need nearby.
The North Side is also full of places of interest, starting with the lake view, with its romantic shores on Lake Michigan, and also offers several attractions on Navy Pier and great green spaces to escape the oppression of the city, such as Lincoln Park.
However, there are also impressive skyscrapers and architectural masterpieces here, including TrumpTower, Tribune Tower, The Water Tower Place and the John Hancock Center, as well as artistic tours at the many museums and theaters. A great area to sleep.
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The Langham ChicagoReassuringly contemporary design, huge glass windows with city and lake views, classy amenities and location make The Langham a first-rate hotel. Spa and pool are available, as well as a restaurant and bar where, in addition to excellent cuisine, guests can enjoy evening entertainment.
- Freehand Chicago The fact that the Freehand is more of a youth hostel than a hotel doesnt mean you should prepare to sleep in vagrant-like conditions. Although the rooms are a bit small, they are clean and basic. Perhaps, if you dont like crowded food halls, youll avoid having breakfast in the hostel bar.
Find accommodation in Near North Side
Wicker Park & Bucktown
Technically two separate neighborhoods divided by North Avenue, the area has generally gotten grouped together since its rise in popularity in the early 90s when such artists and musicians as Liz Phair and Urge Overkill gathered here, especially at bars like the Rainbo Club and rock venues like Subterranean.
Over the past two decades, the neighborhood has gentrified , but what has remained are hip independent shops like Una Maes, for a mix of vintage and contemporary mens and womens clothing, candles, apothecary, and more Myopic Books, one of Chicagos best selections of new and used bookswere talking 60,000 books stacked on those old wooden shelves and Asrai Garden for stunning floral design, jewelry, scents, and other distinctive offerings.
While you make a day of strolling and shopping, stop at Antique Taco for blood orange margaritas and crispy tempura cod or barbecue pork carnitas tacos, wood-fired pizza and meats at Etta, elevated Spanish fare at Mama Delia, classic red sauce Italian at Club Lucky, house-made pasta at Tortello, Costa Rican at Irazu, Southern-style tamales at the Delta, modern Filipino at Cebu, or seasonal tasting menu fare at the Bristol. The options are plentiful so wander until you find what grabs you.
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Is It Safe To Stay In Downtown Chicago
Generally speaking, Downtown Chicago/The Loop is a safe place to stay. There are pickpockets, but you should be fine as long as youre vigilant about your belongings and surroundings. It may also be a good idea to leave valuables in your Chicago hotel room while out and about.
Thanks for reading my guide to where to stay in Chicago I hope it helps you pick the best neighborhood and area for you. And dont forget to check out our list of the 33 best things to do in Chicago for more great vacation inspiration.
The Windy City is sure to be wonderfully memorable regardless of where you stay have fun!
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Best Apartments In Chicago
If youre the type of traveler that prefers some comfort during their travels, I know how you feel, as Im exactly the same! This is why, at times, booking an apartment instead of a hotel might be one of the best choices that you can make!
Luckily for you, there are plenty of Airbnb options in Chicago for all tastes and budgets! Below you can find my selection with some of the best apartments I could find, all of them in the city center:
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The Best Areas To Stay In Chicago
One of the great American cities, Chicago is known for jazz music, Prohibition-era gangsters, their signature deep-dish pizza, and pioneering architecture seriously, if you do nothing else here, take the Chicago River Architecture Cruise. The city is crammed with fabulous places to stay, from the most luxurious five-stars to hip hostels. Most options lie in the city center, but more choices are springing up in Chicagos dynamic outer neighborhoods.
Most of the Windy Citys biggest attractions are in or close to The Loop, the downtown area roughly bounded by the central loop of the L Train and the shore of Lake Michigan. Today, much of Downtowns commercial activity and some of the best restaurants and bars in the city have spread beyond the Loop to adjacent districts: South Loop, West Loop, and the famous shopping strip of Magnificent Mile, which separates the River North and Streeterville districts. This barely scratches the surface, however Chicago sprawls for well over 25 miles in all directions from here, a patchwork of neighborhoods and suburban communities dubbed Chicagoland. .
While its relatively easy to explore the city center on foot, Chicagos outer neighborhoods cover a vast area that is best approached by Chicago Transit Authoritys 24-hour L Train network, Metra trains, or taxis and Uber/Lyft. If driving yourself, be prepared for overnight parking rates of up to $50 at top hotels in the city center.
Where To Stay In Chicago: Best Areas And Hotels For 2022
Chicago is the best. The largest city in Illinois is one of the most exciting cities in the United States. It has a skyline that would turn most cities green with envy and has vibrant city life and culture. Chicago is also situated on the shores of Lake Michigan and even has waterfront and watersport activities on offer.
Of course, as the third most populated city in the United States, it is no wonder that the windy city is full of things to do and places to eat. The massive city has lots of different neighborhoods with different qualities. This guide will cover where to stay in Chicago and which areas you should choose.
Well introduce you to each of Chicagos best areas. From the citys trendiest neighborhoods to its most convenient, lets delve into where to stay in Chicago.
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Things To See And Do In Wicker Park
- Visit the Flat Iron Arts Building, an all artist studio building.
- Listen to legendary artists and great live music at Subterranean.
- Caffeinate your day at The Wormhole Coffee
- Stroll or picnic at the actual Wicker Park
- Sample legendary Mexican cuisine at Big Star
- Head up to Bloomingdale Trail also known as the 606 and enjoy amazing views of the city.