chicagoheader

Destination Guide

Chicago

Get swept up in the windy city full of culture, fun and food.

Destination Guide Chicago

When In Chicago You Must

Know Before You Go

It is absolutely sacrilegious to ask for ketchup on a Chicago-style hot dog.

103f9f919481-Chicagodog

Talk Like A Local

Know the slang of the city

Merch

/mərCH/ verb.
To offer proof.
I saw Dave at the movies with another woman and I have the photos to merch it.

Neighborhoods to explore

Chicago's neighborhoods are each like a character of their own. Get to know all of the best places to explore.

1. Bronzeville

Known as the “Black Metropolis” in the early 20th century, this historic neighborhood is central to Chicago’s storied Blues & Jazz scenes and served as home to some of that period’s greatest African-American actors, actresses, poets, and musicians.

2. Pilsen

This colorful, vibrant, multicultural neighborhood is home to some of the city’s best street art, drenched in the Latinx history of the majority of its residents.

3. Logan Square

This thriving, artsy community is the city’s central hub for everything local, lined with dive bars serving local craft beers, music venues & galleries showcasing local artists, and local restaurants.

4. River North

Party central! You’ll find some of the hottest nightclubs and swankest restaurants the city has to offer in this bustling neighborhood.

W Chicago - Lakeshore
644 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL, 60611
wchicago-lakeshore.com
W Chicago - City Center
172 W Adams Street
Chicago, IL 60603
wchicagocitycenter.com

Ultimate Access to Chicago

Seasons change but we’ve got you covered on the hottest spots in the city.

fefa29194669-VirgilAbloh_20190607_0092-1

Virgil Abloh: "FIGURES OF SPEECH" at MCA Chicago

220 E. Chicago Ave.

MCA Chicago’s latest exhibition explores designer Virgil Abloh's career, including his time as creative director for Kanye West, his popular streetwear company Off-White and the various high-profile collaborations he's had a hand in, along with his recently landed role as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton.

64e994ee9969-3EF900EA_13FA_4FA2_BE95_91D266EBCDED-1

DeJuan Evans / Insider

Don’t skip the exhibit’s exclusive, pop-up gift shop, “Church & State.”

Violet Hour

Violet Hour

1520 N. Damen Ave.

It may be hard to locate the doorway, covered by the wall of random and frequently rotating graffiti art, of this hidden retreat, but the cocktails are worth the hunt.

64e994ee9969-3EF900EA_13FA_4FA2_BE95_91D266EBCDED-1

DeJuan Evans / Insider

Always obey the “House Rules.”

The Mousetrap (Off Color Brewing)

The Mousetrap (Off Color Brewing)

1460 N. Kingsbury St.

Off Color Brewing’s flagship taproom, aptly named after the little critter on their logo, not only offers a bar stocked with the brand’s current, full line of craft beers in production for beer lovers, they also host educational tours and tastings in their adjacent brewhouse and serve wine & spirits as well.

64e994ee9969-3EF900EA_13FA_4FA2_BE95_91D266EBCDED-1

DeJuan Evans / Insider

Go for my personal fav, “The One Percent.”

Boneyard

Boneyard

1102 N. Ashland Ave.

One of Chicago’s up-and-coming streetwear consignment hubs specializing in vintage goods, rare fashion pieces, and highly sought after sneakers.

64e994ee9969-3EF900EA_13FA_4FA2_BE95_91D266EBCDED-1

DeJuan Evans / Insider

Be sure to bring cash (and a rabbit’s foot) for your chance to win at their key master machine, loaded with exclusive kicks.

Either / Or

Left Coast Food + Juice

DETOX

Left Coast Food + Juice

717 N Wells St

From their amazing açai bowl to their assortment of delicious smoothies, this spot will provide you with the fuel to push through that 9am meeting or rough morning-after.

Prysm Nightclub

RETOX

Prysm Nightclub

1543 N Kingsbury

Gather the gang and party the night away to the sounds of some of the world's most notable DJ's, at one of Chicago's hottest nightclubs.

Spotted in Chicago

Artpentry

Artpentry

1827 South Halsted St

Artpentry is an independent wood shop and gallery space selling The Gentleman’s Boombox, an object d’art that will remix the way you play music.

Millenium Park

Millenium Park

201 E. Randolph St

Located next to the Art Institute of Chicago, this 25-acre, art-filled park is a Chicago must-see.

Ikram

IKRAM

15 East Huron St

This celebrated boutique has couture pieces and cult brands rare to even more renowned shopping destinations like New York and L.A.

Peter Field

Peter Field

330 S. Wells St

Take a look around at the fine tailored menswear or delve into the leather accessories and bowties.

Brooklyn Boulders

Brooklyn Boulders

100 South Morgan St

Get out of your comfort zone with a whopping 23,000 square feet of climbing terrain located just minutes away in the West Loop.

Current Chicago

CURRENT

W Chicago – Lakeshore

A fresh, modern take on seasonal Italian cuisine showcasing simple and soulful dishes alongside hand-crafted Italian cocktails, a boutique wine list, wines on tap, and an array of local microbrews.

Reggies Live

Reggies Live

2105 South State St

One part rock club, one part restaurant and another part old school record store.

The Mid

The Mid

306 N Halsted St

Headliners such A-Track, The Magician, Tiesto and more won’t pass through Chicago without a stop at The Mid.