CONTENTS FEATURES RESOURCES Chinatown National Museum of Mexican Art 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. 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 TOP TO BOTTOM: ADAM ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY; @TAQUILAGRAPHICS 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 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 16 choosechicago.com
Chicago Visitors Guide 2023: Page 16
