Nearby Neighborhoods
River North
Bounded by the river, Chicago’s River North neighborhood is one of the city’s oldest historical neighborhoods. Rebuilt after the Chicago Fire of 1871, River North was home to much of the city’s first wave of industrialization and was once an infamous “red light” district. Now, the city draws from its widely varied past and houses an eclectic and colorful neighborhood that features downtown’s highest concentration of restaurant and entertainment venues.
State Street Shopping
For more than a century, savvy shoppers have hit Chicago’s State Street for some of the city’s best names in fashion. Don’t miss the second largest department store in the world, Macy’s, with its gorgeous 5th floor Tiffany Ceiling, the largest unbroken example of Tiffany Favrile glass in the world, made up of more than 1.6 million pieces, or the three-tiered fountain in the atrium.
Cross the street and visit downtown’s popular Block 37, a popular yet eccentric mix of local and name-brand stores, plus favorites like Magnolia Bakery. Keep going and you’ll find Jeweler’s Row, the largest jewelry district in the Midwest.
West Loop
The West Loop is one of the most happening neighborhoods in Chicago. It’s home to some of the city’s best restaurants (including the best burger in town), amazing shops and a bar scene that’s hard to beat. It’s also incredibly easy to get to—the Blue, Pink and Green lines all run through it, and one of several buses can get you there in a jiff. There’s no doubt the West Loop is far and away the best Loop.
Museum Campus
Don’t miss this 57-acre park alongside Lake Michigan. Museum Campus encompasses five of Chicago’s most famous attractions: America’s first planetarium, Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, McCormick Place, the city’s largest convention center, and the Field Museum of Natural History.
Theater District
Second only to New York, Chicago boasts a robust theater district that is home to some of the best plays and shows in the country. Browse a wide variety of historic and new theaters, including the famed Second City, a world-famous comedy troupe that once saw members like Tina Fey and John Belushi.
Magnificent Mile
Located on North Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and the Chicago River, the Magnificent Mile features some of the nation’s best shopping and restaurants. As you visit luxury shops like Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, and Van Cleef & Arpels, look up – you’ll spot some of the country’s tallest buildings right here in a single strip, as well as the famed Chicago Tribune building.
