2021-02-04 10:45:11
Take a few days to explore Chicago, where you’ll discover the charms of our diverse neighborhoods, an array of LGBTQ+ attractions and events, and surprising hidden gems that you can experience for free. CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOODS Chicago is made up of 77 unique neighborhoods. Get out and start exploring with some of these neighborhood cultural attractions, shopping districts, and hidden gems. PULLMAN The Pullman National Monument commemorates the first planned industrial community in the United States, built in the 1880s as a company town for Pullman Company workers who manufactured luxury train cars. Start your tour at the new visitor center housed in a restored clock tower (opening in spring 2021), then stop and view the historic Hotel Florence. Visit the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum to learn about the African American labor movement and attend the annual Juneteenth Celebration. Pullman residents open their homes to the public annually for the Historic Pullman House Tour. HYDE PARK The University of Chicago is the academic epicenter of Hyde Park. On campus, take in a cultural performance at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. Off campus, architecture buffs can’t miss the Robie House, a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the fascinating exhibits at the DuSable Museum of African American History and the Museum of Science and Industry. Peruse contemporary works at the Hyde Park Art Center. Find serenity at the Garden of the Phoenix, an authentic Japanese garden nestled in historic Jackson Park. BRONZEVILLE Bronzeville is a treasure trove of African American history and culture. See beautiful murals and notable public artworks, including the Monument to the Great Northern Migration and the Victory Monument. Drop in on an artist’s talk at Blanc Gallery, wander Gallery Guichard‘s Great Migration Sculpture Garden, and check out the South Side Community Art Center. Explore important architecture and historic homes, including the Robert W. Roloson Houses (the only row homes ever designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) and the former residences of civil rights activist Ida B. Wells, trumpeter Louis Armstrong, and crooner Nat King Cole. LITTLE VILLAGE A terracotta arch reading “Bienvenidos a Little Village” welcomes you to one of Chicago’s largest Mexican communities (known as La Villita by the locals). Shop and eat along the two-mile stretch of 26th Street that’s home to stores selling everything from colorful candies to Western wear, taquerias serving homemade tacos and chilaquiles, and bakeries brimming with authentic Mexican treats. Be sure to see the beautiful mosaics and murals at Manuel Perez Memorial Plaza. And stop by OPEN Center for the Arts to view works by emerging local artists. PILSEN Pilsen’s free National Museum of Mexican Art houses works celebrating Mexican culture and history. The museum also presents special dance, music, literature, and theatre events. Every second Friday, the Chicago Arts District hosts a gallery night with free receptions at studios and galleries along South Halsted Street. Pilsen is also known for its public art and colorful murals found throughout the neighborhood on train stops, schools, and businesses. You’ll find some of the best Mexican food in the city at the family-run restaurants that line 18th Street. BRIDGEPORT Set in the shadow of Guaranteed Rate Field, Bridgeport’s claim to fame has long been its resident Chicago White Sox baseball team, one of Major League Baseball’s oldest franchises. But in recent years, Bridgeport has built a burgeoning arts scene. Peek into the studios of working artists during 3rd Fridays at the Bridgeport Art Center. See contemporary works at the Zhou B Art Center, founded by the internationally acclaimed Zhou Brothers. Learn about the city’s rich maritime history at the Chicago Maritime Museum, filled with ship models and nautical artifacts. LAKEVIEW Lakeview is home to Northalsted, the first officially recognized LGBTQ+ neighborhood in the country. Follow the Legacy Walk along Halsted Street and learn about LGBTQ+ heroes and historic events. Lakeview is also home to legendary Wrigley Field, home base of the beloved Chicago Cubs. The area surrounding the stadium, dubbed Wrigleyville, is known for its lively bars and nightlife. Don’t miss the adjacent Gallagher Way, a lively outdoor space that hosts fun events like concerts and movie nights. Head to the nearby Southport Corridor for an afternoon of shopping in cute, locally owned boutiques. HUMBOLDT PARK A giant iron Puerto Rican flag marks the gateway to the Division Street cultural corridor of Humboldt Park, a vibrant Puerto Rican community. The neighborhood’s namesake Humboldt Park is home to a historic fieldhouse, boat house, lagoons, and gardens. The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture is housed in the park’s former stables. The nearby La Casita de Don Pedro presents music and dance performances. Walk around and discover colorful murals, diverse architecture, and the Puerto Rican Walk of Fame. Try an authentic dish like the jibarito (a plantain sandwich invented in Chicago) at one of the area’s traditional restaurants. The summertime Puerto Rican People’s Parade is the community’s biggest celebration. EDGEWATER This aptly named neighborhood is bordered by the blue waters of Lake Michigan to the east. Edgewater is a great spot for vintage shopping and sampling a number of global cuisines. See a play in the Edgewater Theatre District, boasting more than 20 storefront theatre groups that include the Raven Theatre and City Lit Theater. Near the waterfront, the Bryn Mawr Historic District is home to several Chicago landmarks from the 1920s and ‘30s. Kids love the playground at the lakeside Berger Park Cultural Center, which is housed in a former mansion. CHINATOWN Pass through the ornamental Chinatown Gate that marks the entrance to Wentworth Avenue, home of the neighborhood’s many colorful stores and restaurants. The Chinatown Square outdoor shopping mall also features outstanding Chinese eateries, along with a collection of bronze statues depicting the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Don’t miss the nearby Nine Dragon Wall, which was sculpted in China. Reflect under the pagoda-style pavilion at picturesque Ping Tom Memorial Park, set on the Chicago River. You can catch a Chicago Water Taxi here that will whisk you to and from downtown. OLD TOWN Wells Street is the main drag of Old Town, where you’ll find charming boutiques alongside bustling restaurants and bars. The neighborhood is home to The Second City, the world-famous improv club that has launched the careers of comedy superstars that include Bill Murray, Tina Fey, and Key & Peele. Catch a play at A Red Orchid Theatre, known for presenting modern productions, as well as lesser-known works. Explore the leafy residential blocks of the lovely Old Town Triangle Historic District and check out the revolving exhibits at the Old Town Art Center. LINCOLN SQUARE/RAVENSWOOD Old World meets new in Lincoln Square. Shop the main cobblestone stretch, where you’ll find an old-fashioned apothecary and a toy store that carries retro wooden games, along with charming cafes. Attend a concert at the acclaimed Old Town School of Folk Music and pick up an instrument at their well-stocked music store. Head to the nearby Ravenswood neighborhood and sample a locally made brew on Malt Row, home to some of the city’s best microbreweries, as well as Chicago’s first craft distillery, KOVAL. WICKER PARK/BUCKTOWN The intersection of Milwaukee, Damen, and North Avenues — known as Six Corners — is the hub of these two happening neighborhoods that are home to some of the city’s hippest shops, restaurants, and nightspots. Mingle with area artists during First Fridays at the Flat Iron in the landmark Flat Iron Arts Building. Take a walk or bike ride along The 606, an elevated trail that gives you a bird’s-eye view of both neighborhoods. Pop in for a hot fudge sundae at Margie’s Candies, which has been serving up scoops since 1921. CHICAGO GREETER TOURS See the city through the eyes of a local expert on a free Chicago Greeter tour. A Chicago volunteer will customize a two-to four-hour tour based on your interests, from architecture to neighborhood foodie spots. Tours are conducted in more than a dozen different languages, and must be arranged in advance. Looking for a tour last minute? Let InstaGreeter take you on a free, hour-long guided walk through downtown Chicago. InstaGreeter is offered Fridays through Mondays, and no advance registration is required. Find more information at chicagogreeter.com. Explore more neighborhoods at choosechicago.com/neighborhoods.
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