Amy Bizzarri 2023-01-16 11:30:08
Explore Chicago’s 77 unique neighborhoods and discover hidden gems like must-see museums, stunning public art, lively shopping districts, and diverse cultural attractions. PULLMAN When the Pullman National Monument was built in the 1880s as a town for the workers who manufactured luxury train cars, it was considered one of the most beautiful industrial communities in America. Start your tour at the Visitor Center, housed in the recently restored clock tower. Then stop at the Hotel Florence, the hotel that once accommodated railroad CEOs and dignitaries. At the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, learn about the African American labor movement and attend the annual Juneteenth Celebration. Pullman residents open their doors to the public during the Historic Pullman House Tour. HYDE PARK The University of Chicago is the academic and cultural epicenter of Hyde Park. Take in a performance at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts or see a show at the Court Theatre, recipient of the 2022 Regional Theatre Tony Award. See more than 5,000 ancient artifacts from the Middle East on display at the Oriental Institute Museum. View a wide range of visual arts, from ancient Chinese prints to provocative contemporary works, showcased at the Smart Museum of Art. Architecture buffs won’t want to miss Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie-style masterpiece, the Frederick C. Robie House. Nearby, The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in Washington Park highlights African American history, culture, and art. Peruse contemporary art at the Hyde Park Art Center or learn via the hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry. Connect with nature at the Japanese-inspired Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park, home to Yoko Ono’s SKYLANDING sculpture, a steel representation of unfolding lotus petals. The circa 1923 Stony Island Arts Bank is now a modern art gallery, media archive, and creative community hub in the close by South Shore neighborhood. BRONZEVILLE Historically known as the city’s “Black Metropolis,” Bronzeville is a center of Black culture in Chicago. Hop aboard the Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour and visit local galleries. Stroll the stretch of Martin Luther King Drive that features the Monument to the Great Northern Migration, the Victory Monument, and the many murals along the Bronzeville Walk of Fame. Founded in 1940, the South Side Community Art Center is the oldest African American art center in the U.S., serving as an artist-and community-centered resource and offering an inspiring array of public exhibits and events. Admire works by emerging and established Black artists and stroll the Great Migration Sculpture Garden at Gallery Guichard. There are great dining options throughout the neighborhood, with favorites that include Pearl’s Place, Norman’s Bistro, and Bronzeville Winery. CHINATOWN Chicago’s century-old Chinatown transports visitors straight to China, minus the long airplane ride. Pass through the picturesque Chinatown Gate that marks the entrance to Wentworth Avenue, home to Chinese bakeries, dim sum eateries, and charming gift shops. The Chinese American Museum of Chicago promotes culture and history through public exhibitions and educational programming. The outdoor Chinatown Square mall, located just north of the main Wentworth Avenue district, offers numerous cafes, boutiques, and a plaza surrounded by statues of the 12 animal signs of the Chinese zodiac. Nearby, check out the colorful Nine Dragon Wall mosaic. The most scenic way to get to Chinatown is via a Chicago Water Taxi ride from the Loop to the neighborhood’s idyllic Ping Tom Memorial Park, where visitors are invited to picnic, play, kayak, and enjoy the picture-perfect city skyline views. PILSEN Pilsen offers a vibrant glimpse into Mexican American life in Chicago. The free National Museum of Mexican Art celebrates Mexican culture and history through captivating exhibits and special events. Tortillerías, family-run restaurants, bars, breweries, and vintage boutiques line 18th Street. Vivid, large-scale murals abound along 16th Street. The Pilsen Arts & Community House is a space where local artists come together to showcase and develop their talents. The Chicago Arts District hosts a monthly gallery night with free receptions at the many galleries and studios along Halsted Street. The landmark Thalia Hall sets the stage for a wide array of music and artistic events, and also houses old-school Dusek’s Tavern, cocktail-forward Punch House, and the cozy Tack Room bar. WEST TOWN Waves of immigrants shaped West Town into the creative, eclectic enclave it is today. On its main commercial avenues, Chicago Avenue and Grand Avenue, you’ll find some of the city’s hottest breweries and restaurants. The area is also home to Ukrainian Village, where you’ll find cultural artifacts and history exhibits at the Ukrainian National Museum, and contemporary artwork at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art. Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art promotes the understanding and appreciation of art outside the mainstream through rotating and permanent exhibits. LOGAN SQUARE Logan Square is a hip, creative neighborhood. Its hot dining scene offers everything from Michelin-rated restaurants to buzzy bars and breweries. With its majestic, 19th-century mansions, stately Logan Boulevard leads to the heart of the neighborhood and the eagle-topped Illinois Centennial Monument. Chicago blues grace the small stage of the family-owned Rosa’s Lounge, while the Concord Music Hall hosts artists of all genres, from punk to electronic to hip-hop. Rent a Divvy bike and ride The 606, a 2.7-mile recreational trail that was once an abandoned rail line. HUMBOLDT PARK Iron Puerto Rican flags flank Paseo Boricua, Humboldt Park’s cultural corridor that stretches along Division Street between Western and California avenues. Learn about Puerto Rico’s artistic contributions at The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, housed in the landmark Humboldt Park stables. Or take a deeper look into the neighborhood’s hidden gems with a walking tour hosted by the Paseo Boricua Tour Company. Paddle the tranquil lagoon in a swan boat, swim at Humboldt Beach, and explore the trails of Humboldt Park, the neighborhood’s namesake park. Dine at one of the neighborhood’s many traditional Boricua eateries, and be sure to try a jibarito (a fried plantain sandwich invented in Chicago). Or check out Ørkenoy, a brewery, restaurant, and cocktail bar with an artsy edge, located in the Kimball Arts Center. Don’t miss the Puerto Rican People’s Parade, an annual summer event that honors the community’s Puerto Rican identity. ALBANY PARK Albany Park is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country. See a performance celebrating Spanish culture at the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater. The Albany Park Theater Project hosts live shows that highlight its international namesake neighborhood. Learn more about a rich heritage that dates back more than 4,000 years at the National Cambodian Heritage Museum. Snack on Filipino street food while you shop at Seafood City Supermarket.neighborhood. Learn more about a rich heritage that dates back more than 4,000 years at the National Cambodian Heritage Museum. Snack on Filipino street food while you shop at Seafood City Supermarket. UPTOWN In the 1920s and ‘30s, Uptown was a booming entertainment destination. The Green Mill takes patrons back to its Prohibition Era heyday and still hosts live music almost every night. On Argyle Street, an endless array of Asian restaurants serves everything from banh mi to dim sum. The annual Argyle Night Market (July – September) offers alfresco fun, including pop-up eateries and live performances. Catch a show at the Black Ensemble Theater, known for its excellent musicals depicting notable African Americans. The Pride Arts Center presents queer theatre, movies, and comedy. TAKE A CHICAGO GREETER TOUR Set off on a tour of the Chicago neighborhood of your choice, guided by an in-the-know local. The free, fun, and informal Chicago Greeter program matches visitors with local volunteers who will customize a tour to your own interests and language. You’ll need to book your two- to four-hour tour at least 14 days in advance. If you’re short on time, let InstaGreeter take you on a free, hour-long guided walk of downtown Chicago. InstaGreeter tours require no advance registration, and depart from the Chicago Cultural Center in the Loop on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Learn more at chicagogreeter.com. BRONZEVILLE “I didn’t realize, until becoming an adult, the importance of Bronzeville in African American history. It wasn’t until after moving away from the city that I began to discover the streets I traveled and places I visited were the same streets and places of some of Chicago’s, and the country’s, most prominent and influential people.” – Roy Malone UPTOWN “I love Uptown for its tremendous diversity of people, architecture, housing, and cultures. It’s an American and international melting pot. It is beautiful and gritty at the same time.” – Christine Kandaras CHINATOWN “Chinatown is a cultural destination not to be missed. Experience regional cuisines, learn about Chinese traditions and culture, and stroll through Ping Tom Memorial Park while taking in the view of Chicago’s magnificent skyline.” – Sharyne Moy Tu PILSEN “I enjoy walking visitors through the neighborhood, showing off the murals everywhere, going into La Casa del Pueblo Mexican grocery store, the Nuevo Leon Mexican bakery, and pointing out many of the small mom-and-pop restaurants and shops.” – Stetson Siler AUTHOR’S TIP You can easily and affordably explore many of Chicago’s neighborhoods via the ‘L’ train. Explore more neighborhoods at choosechicago.com/neighborhoods. CHICAGO ON SCREEN Chicago’s neighborhoods have served as the backdrop for some of the most memorable films and television shows of all time. The crew of Chicago PD hangs out at Lottie’s Pub in Bucktown. Scenes for Patsy’s Pies, owned by the character Fiona in Shameless, were shot at Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House in Uptown. The big shootout in The Untouchables was filmed at Union Station. The characters of Chicago Fire attend the real-life training center for the Chicago Fire Department — the Chicago Fire Academy. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off included a trip to see a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, while pop geek Rob Gordon (Chicago’s own John Cusack) caught a flick at the Music Box Theatre in High Fidelity. Scan here to learn about more movie and TV show sites that visitors can check out!
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