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Chicago/Near North
Wikivoyage guide · 24 sections
▸Introduction349 chars
The Near North is the shop-and-awe center of Chicago. It's bounded by North Avenue to the north, the Chicago River to the west and south, and Lake Michigan to the east.
With a whirlwind rush of department stores, restaurants, and luxurious hotels, there's no better place to abuse your budget than the Near North and its celebrated Magnificent Mile.
▸Understand1,993 chars
The Near North includes the neighborhoods of River North, full of art galleries, commercial lofts, and some tourist restaurants, nightclubs and bars; Streeterville and the Gold Coast, with expensive living for rich folks and many of the city's most impressive hotels; and the most prestigious shopping district in Chicago, the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue, which includes one of Chicago's most beloved landmarks, the Water Tower.
This area has been a part of Chicago from the beginning, when Fort Dearborn was built on the other side of the river in 1803 (and burned to the ground nine years later, establishing an unfortunate civic trend). But since the early 1920s, when bridges were built to draw shoppers away from State Street in the Loop, there has been too much to sell, too much awe to inspire, and not a minute to spare. That's why the Near North can be such a delight at a tourist's pace. The locals are in a hurry, but if you're not, the serene image of the old Water Tower or the resolutely quiet riverwalk can take on the feel of a private discovery, even with all of these people around.
That's not to say you can't have fun getting caught up in the hustle and bustle, of course. The sheer amount of shopping on Michigan Avenue cannot be overstated. The world's most elite fashion designers are represented here, and the rest wish they were. River North has many of the city's busiest (if not best) clubs, with a dense row on Rush Street. In the Near North, you'll find a few significant members of the Chicago skyline, including the John Hancock Center and Lake Point Tower, which stands alone to the east at the end of a new, steel-and-glass future-scape in south Streeterville; it makes for an impressive view from Lake Shore Drive, and serves as an entryway to one of the city's most popular tourist spots, Navy Pier, a great place for entertaining children and catching the breeze from Lake Michigan with an evening stroll or a turn on the 150-foot tall Ferris Wheel.
▸By train275 chars
The CTA Red Line has stops near the entertainment in River North (Clark/Division) and the Magnificent Mile (Chicago, Grand).
The CTA Brown Line and Purple Line stop in the midst of the River North galleries (Chicago), and the Merchandise Mart has the next stop all to itself.
▸By bus993 chars
An intricate web of CTA bus lines serves the Near North, most converging upon the northern end of Michigan Avenue. Several express buses from other parts of the city serve Michigan Avenue, notably the 147 Outer Drive Express from the north side and 3 King Drive Express from the south side. Once you're here, though, you will find it better to cover the Magnificent Mile on foot.
22 Clark is useful for travelers coming from the Loop and the North Side to River North.
65 Grand travels down Grand Avenue, connecting with both the Red Line and the Blue Line further west.
66 Chicago travels down Chicago Ave from the lakefront to Michigan Avenue, through River North, and on to West Town.
124 Navy Pier serves Navy Pier directly from train hub Union Station and Millennium Park in the Loop.
125 Water Tower Express brings you to the Water Tower from the other Loop train hub, Ogilvie/Northwestern Station, and the Merchandise Mart.
157 Streeterville runs close to Navy Pier and on to the Loop.
▸By trolley110 chars
Free trolleys run from Navy Pier through the area seven days a week, year round, during the pier's open hours.
▸By car249 chars
Avoid driving to the Near North unless you have a very good reason for doing so. Streets are packed with taxis, confused tourists, desperate businessmen late for something or other, and even the occasional horse. Your knuckles don't need the strain.
▸See7,895 chars
Along the Magnificent Mile is a one day and night itinerary that connects the Near North with the Loop for shopping, food, skyscrapers, parks, and amazing views of Chicago from high and low.
1 The Arts Club of Chicago, 201 E Ontario St (Grand Red Line), ☏ +1-312-787-3997. M-F 11AM-6PM. Easy to miss, as it's on a side street without much in the way of signage (or advertising), but this gallery has a long history — it opened in 1916, and hosted Pablo Picasso's art show in the U.S. Visitors will find three public art shows each year, usually of exceptional quality. Note the Mies van der Rohe central staircase, which was transplanted from the club's previous Mies-designed location. Free.
2 Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, 376 N Michigan Ave (Lake CTA), ☏ +1-312-977-0227. Mid-May to Oct: W-Su 10AM-5PM;. A small museum spread over the five floors of the southwest tower of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Visitors can see displays on the history of Chicago's famously abused river, and also check out the machinery used for raising the bridge. Tower tours are Fridays and Saturdays at 11AM and 2:30PM beginning in June, book online. The bridge lift times depends on tides, but is usually between 10AM and 1PM on W and Su. $5 - $10 donation recommended, tower tours $15. (updated Aug 2026)
3 The Driehaus Museum, 40 E Erie St (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-482-8933. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. Adorning the first floor are decorative arts from the collection of the museum's namesake, Richard H. Driehaus, with plenty of Tiffany stained glass. But it's the restored 1883 mansion itself that garners glowing reviews; inside are 17 different types of marble, hand-painted ceilings, carved exotic wood wainscoting and other marks of superior 19th-century craftsmanship. If you're interested in historic architecture and interior design, this is still a hidden gem without crowds. Adult $20, senior $15, student with ID $10, child 12 and under free, active military free. (updated Apr 2019)
4 360 Chicago (Hancock Observatory), John Hancock Center, 875 N Michigan Ave (Chicago Red Line), toll-free: +1-888-875-8439. 9AM-11PM. 360-degree view from the 94th floor. Not quite as high as the Sears Tower Skydeck, but with a better view, and from January to March, an ice-skating rink! For drinks, see the Signature Room below. $22 adults (12 and over), $15 children (3-11). (updated Apr 2019)
5 Loyola University Museum of Art (Chicago Red Line), 820 N Michigan Ave, ☏ +1-312-915-7600. W-Su 11AM-6PM, to 8PM Tu. Right next to the Water Tower, LUMA is best known for its exhibits on sacred art and architecture, but it occasionally veers into modern art as well, such as an installation of Andy Warhol's silver balloons. $6, free Tu.
▸Galleries1,497 chars
Centered between the Merchandise Mart and the Chicago Brown Line station, with a few galleries that stray closer to Old Town or Michigan Avenue, River North boasts the largest arts and design district in North America outside of Manhattan. Art galleries tend to be concentrated closer to Chicago Avenue, with more design galleries closer to the Merchandise Mart. The entire area is walkable and makes for fun browsing. Although everything on display is for sale, admission is almost always free, and visitors needn't fear gallery owners putting on the hard sell.
15 Andrew Bae Gallery, 300 W Superior (Chicago Brown Line), ☏ +1-312-335-8601. Tu-Sa 10AM-6PM. Specializes in contemporary Asian art, particularly Korean and Japanese.
Catherine Edelman Gallery, 300 W Superior St (Chicago Brown Line), ☏ +1-312-266-2350. Tu-Sa 10AM-5:30PM. Contemporary photography and mixed-media.
16 Melanee Cooper Gallery, 740 N Franklin St (Chicago Brown Line), ☏ +1-312-202-9305. Tu-Sa noon-4PM. Fascinating contemporary art, mostly abstract and representational.
Richard Gray Gallery, 875 N Michigan Ave, Suite 2503 (38th floor of Hancock Center - see above), ☏ +1-312-642-8877. M-F 10AM-5:30PM. Big and very big names from modern and contemporary American and European art, including Millennium Park sculptor Jaume Plensa.
17 Stephen Daiter Gallery, 311 W Superior St (Chicago Brown Line), ☏ +1-312-787-3350. W-Sa 11AM-5PM. Artistic and documentary photography from America and Europe. (updated Nov 2018)
▸Navy Pier3,221 chars
18 Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave (At the end of Illinois St), toll-free: +1-800-595-7437. Open 10AM daily; closes in summer Su-Th 10PM, F Sa midnight, fall/spring Su-Th 8PM, F Sa 10PM, winter M-Th 8PM, F Sa 10PM, Su 7PM. Built in 1916, Navy Pier has had many different uses over the years; in 1994, it became a tourist attraction, with more than 50 acres of restaurants, shops, and activities by Lake Michigan. It's an easy place to entertain children. Unless otherwise noted, all of the attractions are open during Navy Pier operating hours. Several buses reach Navy Pier, including #29 State, #65 Grand, #66 Chicago, and #124 Navy Pier Express from the two Metra stations in the Loop. Parking available $19-23 per day.
19 Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, toll-free: +1-888-893-7300. Hours vary; usually 10AM-8PM. 4,000 ft² (370 m2) of tunnels and mazes for adults & kids over 7 years old. $10.95 adults, $9.95 children.
1 Bike and Roll, toll-free: +1-888-245-3929. Summer 8AM-10PM, Spring/Fall 9AM-7PM, closed in winter. A wide variety of bikes, rollerblades, pedicabs and other wheeled vehicles are available for rent. Tours are also available. Rentals from $8/hr to $34/day.
2 Boat Cruises. Numerous boat cruises depart from the pedestrian-only "Dock Street," operated by several different companies. Some head inland on the Chicago River, and others stick to Lake Michigan. Double-decker tours also ply the boardwalk.
20 Chicago Children's Museum, 700 E Grand Ave, #127, ☏ +1-312-527-1000. 10AM-5PM; Th to 8PM. Hands-on exhibits for kids, including the popular Dinosaur Expedition. Admission $8, free Thursday after 5PM, free for children on the first Monday of every month.
21 Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E Grand Ave (Navy Pier), ☏ +1-312-595-5600. The CST offers high production values and somewhat bland production experiences; not bad, mind you, but not likely to leave you with much more than a pleasant, faintly-remembered evening. Still, if you're in the mood for Shakespeare, you'll find a professionally-mounted production of one of his major works here throughout the year. $54-70, $20 for age 35 and under. (updated Oct 2019)
Fireworks. Summer: W 9:30PM, Sa 10:15PM. You can watch the fireworks display from anywhere on the Pier. Booze and live music of varying quality are available at The Beer Garden (+1-312-595-5439, summer W-Sa to midnight, Su to 10PM).
22 Pier Park. Su-Th 10AM-8PM, F Sa 10AM-10PM. Includes the signature Ferris Wheel, a mini-golf course, remote-controlled boats, and more. Each attraction $5, Ferris Wheel $18. (updated Oct 2019)
▸Do2,488 chars
Horse-drawn carriages ply routes along the Magnificent Mile and through Streeterville, usually beginning around the Water Tower. (You might see police officers on horses as well.) While there are too many cars to establish the kind of atmosphere you might expect in, say, Central Park, you'll probably know whether the night calls for a carriage ride, and choose accordingly. Expect to pay about $35 for a half-hour tour. College students also roam the area with small yellow cabs attached to the backs of bicycles for a low-cost, low-point alternative.
Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E Chestnut St (Water Tower Place) (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-642-2000. Box office opens 10AM, 11AM Sundays. Part of the Broadway in Chicago crew, serving up major touring productions. Tickets $59.50-$69.50.
3 Lookingglass Theater, 821 N Michigan Ave (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-337-0665. Box office opens at 10AM on weekdays, 11AM weekends. Known for their inventive, acrobatic shows; their repertory production of "Lookingglass Alice" is a knock-out. It's worth peeking inside even if you don't plan to see a show, though, to check out the insides of the old Pumping Station; unlike the Water Tower, its more famous sibling across the street, there's some interesting old machinery to see. Tickets range from $20 on weekdays to $58 on weekends.
4 Oak Street Beach, between 500–1550 Lake Shore Dr. Open during the summer, from dawn to dusk. There is plenty of everybody doing everything at Oak Street Beach. Beyond swimming and sun-tanning, it's one of the city's most popular spots for beach volleyball, and there are concrete paths for cycling and skating. (Do not, however, plan to eat lunch at the overpriced restaurant on the beach.) To get here, cross under Lake Shore Drive through a pedestrian underpass. If the crowds are a bit much, walk a short way south to the smaller, lesser-known beach next to Milton Olive Park (named for a local Medal of Honor recipient).
5 Bobby's Bike Hike, 540 N Lake Shore Drive (follow Ohio Street east, enter last building on south side through covered driveway), ☏ +1 312-245-9300. 9AM-5PM. Bobby's Bike Hike is Chicago's top-rated company for seasonal bike tours and year-round walking and food tours and bike rentals. Discover the true pulse of the city on urban adventures that are fun for all ages, interests, and fitness levels. Tours offered daily from March to November except Thanksgiving Day. Ticket prices vary. (updated Feb 2018)
▸Events & Festivals570 chars
Air & Water Show. Every August, the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds headline a five-hour show over Lake Michigan. "Show Central" is at North Avenue Beach, but the action may be viewed anywhere from Northerly Island to Montrose Point, inland through Lincoln Park, and offshore by boat. (If you go by water, take a big boat, as the heavy traffic makes for choppy, seasickness-inducing waves.) A dress rehearsal takes place on Friday, often with multiple run-throughs by the headlining act. You won't see 100% of the weekend show, but it's a great way to avoid the crowds.
▸Activities101 chars
6 iFLY Lincoln Park, 800 Scott St. Indoor skydiving facility with easy access from the downtown area.
▸Magnificent Mile3,906 chars
One of the most prestigious shopping streets in the world, this stretch of Michigan Avenue is home to massive department stores, wildly expensive boutiques, and larger-than-usual stores for national chains like The Gap, Banana Republic, and Crate & Barrel. Some retailers even have two or more branches here: one standing alone, and another in one of the malls. This isn't the place to look for discounts, though. Remember, you're not shopping here because it's cheap — you're shopping here because it's the Magnificent Mile.
1 900 N Michigan Ave (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-915-3916. M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-6PM. 70 specialty shops in the most stunning of the Michigan Avenue malls. Includes MaxMara, among the most expensive stores for women's apparel on a street that's known for expense.
2 Ann Taylor, 600 N Michigan Ave (Grand Red Line), ☏ +1-312-587-8301. M-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Money rushes out of wallets at this fashionable women's store, anchor of the 600 N Michigan shopping complex. If you like what you see, also check out the Ann Taylor Loft at 520 N Michigan, and another at Water Tower Place (see below).
3 Apple Store, 401 N Michigan Ave (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-981-4104. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM. For some, a welcome respite from all of the clothes; for others, just more expensive fashion. This Apple-sleek showroom carries the full line of the company's products and accessories, and is usually packed with on-lookers pawing at all of the pretty designs. Several workshops are held each day for the true believers. (updated Nov 2018)
4 Burberry, 633 N Michigan Ave (Grand Red Line), ☏ +1-312-266-7440. M-Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM. Fashion for men, women, and children from the English retail legend, famous for their made-to-order trench coats.
5 Cartier Inc., 630 N Michigan Ave (Grand Red Line), ☏ +1-312-787-2500. M-Sa 10AM-6PM. Boutique for the French jeweler and watchmaker.
6 It'Sugar Michigan Avenue, 717 N Michigan Ave (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1 312-673-8453. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 10AM-7PM. Franchise candy purveyor.
7 Ermenegildo Zegna, 645 N Michigan Ave (Grand Red Line), ☏ +1-312-587-9660. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM. All of the elements for an excessively fashionable man, from shoes to shirts to suits.
8 Neiman Marcus Showroom, 737 N Michigan Ave (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-642-5900. M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-5PM. Prada, Chanel, and other designer accessories in this distinctive Michigan Avenue store.
9 Nike, 669 N Michigan Ave (Grand Red Line), ☏ +1-312-642-6363. M-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 10AM-6PM. Not quite the hot-spot it was after it opened in 1993, when lines wrapped around the block to get in, but Niketown still exists somewhere between a store and a shrine to Nike products. Athletes from visiting sports teams can often be seen here paying homage (and cash).
▸Other shops1,119 chars
15 The Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza (Merchandise Mart Brown Line), ☏ +1-312-527-7990. Hours vary by store. The Mart strides the barrier between River North and the Loop, with a train station and a zip code all to itself, not to mention a Holiday Inn, several offices, a school, two radio stations, restaurants, and, of course, shopping. It also includes the Chicago Apparel Center. None of the stores are considered major destinations by themselves, but there are frequent trade shows, and many other reasons for business travelers to find themselves at the Mart.
Architectural Artifacts, 1065 N Orleans St, ☏ +1-773-348-0622. 10AM-5PM daily. Chicago has built many of the world's greatest buildings, and Chicago has also destroyed many of the world's greatest buildings. This is where a lot of the pieces wind up — an enormous warehouse full of tiles, furnishings, and exterior ornament from classic skyscrapers and bungalows. (Find the interior courtyard for the biggest pieces.) The prices befit the awe the items inspire, but it's absolutely worth a browse whether or not you plan to buy anything.
▸Budget1,960 chars
This is expensive territory — if you're on a tight budget, you're likely to be stuck with fast food. Most of the department stores on Michigan Ave have food courts.
1 The Billy Goat, 430 N Michigan Ave, Lower Level (Grand Red Line), ☏ +1-312-222-1525. M-F 6AM-2AM, Sa 10AM-2AM, Su 11AM-2AM. The original location of the famous cheezborger joint. Due to its location under the Tribune Tower, this one has been a haunt for Chicago newspapermen for decades. The burgers are dry and little more than patty and cheese, but delicious nonetheless. $4-7.
2 Dao Thai, 230 E Ohio St (Grand Red Line), ☏ +1-312-337-0000. Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM. Thai food in a spacious, beautiful dining room with plenty of flavor and filling portions. The service can get a bit distracted, but the cooks are always focused. $7-9.
3 Mr. Beef, 666 N Orleans St (Chicago Brown Line), ☏ +1-312-337-8500. M-Th 8AM-5PM, F Sa 10:30AM-4AM. Should Mr. Beef ever decide to raise an army, city hall ought to be concerned; his Italian beef sandwiches have a fiercely loyal following among the River North lunch crowd, some of whom won't bother with anywhere else. It's closed for dinner, but open for the late-night weekend club scene.
4 Portillo's, 100 W Ontario Ave (Grand Red Line), ☏ +1-312-587-8910. 10AM-11PM. Polishes, Italian beef, burgers, and everything else you would expect at a hot dog place, plus one surprise—the chocolate cake milkshake (it's not on the menu, but order a "cake shake," and sweet tooths will have their day). This location, which includes a drive-thru, is decked out in a "Gangster" theme, which is known to produce delight in tourists and queasiness in locals.
Wow Bao, 835 N Michigan Ave (Water Tower Place - see Buy for details), ☏ +1-312-642-5888. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM. A good way to fill up on cheap delicious food on the Magnificent Mile, Wow Bao offers carryout steamed Chinese buns filled with all sorts of wonderful meaty goodness. $1-3.
▸Mid-range3,111 chars
5 Café Iberico, 739 N LaSalle St, ☏ +1-312-573-1510. Su-Th 11AM-midnight, F Sa 11AM-1:30AM. Spanish tapas place, usually crowded. Quite good food. $18-30.
6 Le Colonial, 57 E Oak St, ☏ +1-312-255-0088. Lunch: daily 11:30AM-3PM; dinner: M-F 5-11PM, Sa 5PM-midnight, Su 5-10PM. Excellent upmarket Vietnamese cuisine with a French Indochina theme. Reservations would be a good idea. $18-30.
7 Frontera Grill, 445 N Clark St (Merchandise Mart Brown Line), ☏ +1-312-661-1434. Lunch Tu-F 11:30AM-2:30PM, Sa 10:30AM-2:30PM; dinner Tu 5:20-10PM, W Th 5-10PM, F Sa 5-11PM. Renowned chef Rick Bayless presents authentic Mexican cuisine as most have never experienced it (outside of Mexico), with a particular emphasis on seafood. Frontera won the 2007 James Beard Award for Outstanding U.S. Restaurant. Also has Topolobampo, the dressier side of the house where reservations are necessary.
8 XOCO, 449 N Clark St, ☏ +1-312-334-3688. Tu-Th 8AM-9PM, F Sa 8AM-10PM. The newest outlet in the Bayless empire focuses on "street food" of Mexico, with highlights including the red chile chicken and the Xoco salad (pork carnitas, mixed greens, and avocado-lime dressing). Good soups are on later in the day. No reservations are taken — just line up and watch the chefs at work, as the kitchen is in full view. $10-14.
9 Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop, 830 N Michigan Ave (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-337-9330. M-Th 10AM-10:30PM, F Sa 10AM-11:30PM, Su 10AM-10PM. Right behind the Water Tower; stop in for the soda fountain, the hot fudge sundae, and other chocolate treats.
10 Kendall College Dining Room, 900 N North Branch St (3rd floor), ☏ +1-312-752-2328. Lunch: M-F noon-1:30PM; dinner: Tu-F 6-8PM, Sa 6-8:30PM. Fine dining, fantastic skyline views, very reasonable prices, all prepared by student chefs. Goose Island is out of the way, but there is a free parking lot. Some of Chicago's top chefs learned their trade at Kendall College, so expect to be in for a treat. Open only seasonally, so check the website in advance of your visit. $20-30.
11 Lou Malnati's, 439 N Wells St (Merchandise Mart Brown Line), ☏ +1-312-828-9800. Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight. One of the deep dish pizza giants; pleasant hole-in-the-wall atmosphere a short walk from the Merchandise Mart.
12 Pizzeria UNO, 29 E Ohio St (Grand Red Line), ☏ +1-312-321-1000. M-F 11AM-1AM, Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-11PM. By some reckonings, the original deep dish pizza joint. The name has been diminished over the last few years by over-expansion, but this is the original location — they do it better here. Their Italian beef is excellent as well. See also DUE, around the corner at 619 N Wabash.
▸Splurge1,762 chars
14 Coco Pazzo, 300 W Hubbard St, ☏ +1-312-836-0900. Lunch M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner M-Th 5:30-10:30PM, F Sa 5:30-10:30PM, Su 5-10PM. Very tasty Italian cafe. Try the gnocchi, and save some room for the fruit desserts. $30+.
15 Fogo de Chão, 661 N LaSalle St, ☏ +1-312-932-9330. Lunch M-F 11AM-2PM; dinner M-Th 5-10PM, F 5-10:30PM, Sa 4:30-10:30PM, Su 4-9:30PM. Brazilian steakhouse with a twist: diners receive a disc to put in front of their plate, and if it's green, waiters will surround you with skewers of hot meats, unrelenting until you flip the disc over to red. prix fixe, lunch: $54, dinner: $70. (updated Aug 2026)
16 Gene & Georgetti, 500 N Franklin St, ☏ +1-312-527-3718. 11AM-midnight. This venerable Chicago steakhouse (over 60 years old) has played host to venerable Chicago steak eaters like Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball as well as contemporary big shots. It is a traditional Italian-American steakhouse and serves some of the best steak in a city that takes these things seriously.
17 Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse, 1028 N Rush St (Clark/Division Red Line), ☏ +1-312-266-8999. 11AM-midnight; bar 11AM-2AM. Look on the wall at the pictures of countless celebrities who have dined at Gibsons and you'll see why it's a must for those who want to stretch their wallets during a visit to Chicago. You may run into a celebrity yourself.
18 Rosebud's Steakhouse, 192 E Walton Pl (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-397-1000. M-Th 11:30AM-11PM, F 11:30AM-midnight, Sa 3PM-midnight, Su 3-10PM. A strong contender in the Best Burger in Chicago stakes, and not bad for steaks either. There's also Rosebud's on Rush, an older branch with more celebrity photos on the wall, but the Walton location is more of a favorite with the neighborhood. (updated Nov 2018)
▸Drink3,467 chars
Rush Street is probably the single best-known street for drinking and clubbing in Chicago. It's lined with late-night bars, both fashion-of-the-moment designer clubs and generic fake-Irish pubs. Rush Street branches off from State south of Elm and runs parallel to State from there, although the action is north of Chicago Avenue. There's also a similar densely-populated strip of late-night clubs on Division, between Clark and State. Be warned: the Rush Street bars are often referred to by locals as the "Viagra Triangle" for reasons that will become clear shortly after you arrive.
1 Andy's Jazz Club, 11 E Hubbard St, ☏ +1-312-642-6805. M-F 11:30AM-1:30AM, Sa 5PM-2AM, Su 5PM-1AM. A nice and slightly less pretentious jazz club featuring straight-ahead performances nightly. Admission: $15, Dinner: $15-25.
2 Blue Chicago, 736 N Clark St (Chicago Brown Line), ☏ +1-312-642-6261. Su-F 8PM-2AM, Sa 8PM-3AM. Live blues most nights of the week, except for Sundays. Has a sister club by the same name just a couple blocks away at 536 N Clark (312 661-0100, no music on Mondays). Cover Su-Th $8, F Sa $10.
3 The Hangge-Uppe, 14 W Elm St, ☏ +1-312-337-0561. Open 7PM; Su-F to 4AM, Sa to 5AM. The best bar in the Rush/Division nexus. Drinks aren't over-priced, the decor is cool, and there are two floors for dancing, depending on whether you prefer retro or modern beats.
House of Blues, 329 N Dearborn St (Marina City - see See for details), ☏ +1-312-923-2000. Hours vary by event; Sunday morning gospel brunch starts at 10AM. Food, drinks, and music. Blues fans may find something good, but the roster of bands can stray from the classic old bluesman with a guitar to the worst of twentieth-century music (no genre excepted), so don't show up without checking the schedule first. Tickets can run as low as $10 and upwards of $55 for some national touring acts.
4 The Original Mother's, 26 W Division St, ☏ +1-312-642-7251. Su-F 8PM-4AM, Sa to 5AM. Hugely popular bar that trades on old rock-and-roll cred — Cream, The Velvet Underground played here long ago — to adorn a modern dance floor and pool tables.
5 Pippin's Tavern, 806 N Rush St (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-787-5435. Su-F to 4AM, Sa to 5AM. Fake Irish pub, notable mainly for being tucked away behind the Water Tower, right off the Magnificent Mile. The after-work crowd is generally laid back, and the lack of (excessively) loud music and sports TV makes this a decent choice for exhausted shoppers in need of a beer.
6 The Redhead Piano Bar, 16 W Ontario St, ☏ +1-312-640-1000. Sa 7PM-5AM, Su-F 7PM-4AM. Cocktails, live music, and a schmaltzy sort of elegance.
▸Sleep381 chars
Again, this is expensive territory — nearly every tourist stays here, and the rates reflect that. If price is a concern, remember that this area is well-served by public transportation from every direction, including places where you can sleep a bit cheaper. On the other hand, if part of the vision for your vacation involves a luxurious hotel, this is definitely the place to be.
▸Budget1,155 chars
1 Warwick Allerton - Chicago, 701 N Michigan Ave (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-440-1500. Classic Chicago building with modern interiors; generations have known it for the neon TIP TOP TAP at the top of the building, referring to the swanky club that operated up there in the 1950s. Rooms from $189 a night. (updated Oct 2016)
2 Best Western River North, 125 W Ohio St (Chicago Brown Line), toll-free: +1-800-704-6941. A little bit out of the way, but close to I-90/94 for easy travels by car; amenities include free parking and an indoor pool. Rooms from $159 per night.
3 Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, 216 E Ontario St (Grand Red Line), ☏ +1-312-787-3777. 185 rooms and suites. Rooms from $129.
4 Freehand Hotel and Hostel, 19 E Ohio St (Grand Red Line), ☏ +1-312-940-3699. A modern hotel and hostel in a building that used to be home to the seedy Tokyo Hotel. Beds in shared rooms from $45, private rooms from $200. (updated May 2015)
5 The Whitehall Hotel, 105 E Delaware Pl (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-944-6300. An independent, high-rise hotel in a quiet pocket down the street from the Hancock and Water Tower Place. Rooms from $169 a night.
▸Mid-range2,118 chars
6 Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile, 160 E Huron St (Grand Red Line), ☏ +1 312-706-0888. Formerly the Radisson. Rooms from $144 a night.
7 The Drake, 140 E Walton Pl (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-787-2200. It was swallowed into the Hilton chain some years ago, but the Drake is still the definition of old Chicago elegance. Founded in 1920, it's on the National Register of Historic Places, and probably has a longer list of celebrity guests than any hotel in the city, save possibly the Palmer House in the Loop. The most famous place to have traditional English afternoon tea in Chicago. Rooms from $255 a night.
8 Embassy Suites Chicago-Downtown Magnificent Mile (Grand Red Line), 600 N State St, ☏ +1-312-943-3800. Not right on Michigan Avenue, despite the name, but an easy walk. Rooms from $249 a night.
9 Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, 10 E Grand Ave (Grand Red Line), toll-free: +1-877-782-9444. Just off the Magnificent Mile, and adjacent to the River North dining & entertainment area. Rooms from $229 a night.
10 21c Museum Hotel Chicago, 55 E Ontario St (Grand Red Line), ☏ +1 312-660-6100. Formerly the James Hotel, a boutique hotel with a gym, restaurant, large TVs, mini-bar. Rooms from $160 a night.
11 Omni Chicago Hotel, 676 N Michigan Ave (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-944-6664. Among the amenities are an indoor swimming pool and two rooftop sundecks. Rooms from $229.
12 Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, 301 E North Water St (Grand Red Line), toll-free: +1-877-242-2558. Does enormous business for business meetings and conventions. Most rooms offer views over the Chicago River. The hotel has a steak house (Shula's) and a burger joint, as well as an indoor swimming pool. Rooms from $199 a night.
13 The Talbott Hotel, 20 E Delaware Pl (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-944-4970. 16-story boutique hotel down the block from the Hancock. Though built in 1927, they tout their eco-friendly updates. Crain's ranked it the city's best hotel for business travelers. Rooms from $209 a night.
14 W Chicago Lakeshore, 644 N Lake Shore Dr, ☏ +1-312-943-9200. $250.
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15 The Four Seasons, 120 E Delaware Pl (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-280-8800. Right across from the Hancock. Rooms from $470 a night.
16 InterContinental Chicago, 505 N Michigan Ave (Grand Red Line), ☏ +1-312-944-4100. It was built as an athletic club, and is flush with gorgeous 1920s design flourishes. The grand swimming pool on the 14th floor is simply astonishing — worth a look whether you've brought your trunks or not. (If you're not staying here, $15 can usually get you access to the sauna and pool.) Rooms from $349 a night.
17 Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel, 163 E Walton Pl (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-751-8100. Across from the Drake and right around the corner from Michigan Avenue, with Nix, a quiet, knockout-delicious cafe/restaurant on the first floor (at knockout-expensive prices). Rooms from $329.
18 The Park Hyatt, 800 N Michigan Ave (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-335-1234. A bona-fide member of the Chicago skyline, towering over the Water Tower and the Magnificent Mile. Guest rooms are sleek, stylish, and comfortable, and the hotel's NoMi restaurant is quite good. Rooms from $495 a night.
19 The Peninsula, 108 E Superior St (Grand Red Line), toll-free: +1-866-288-8889. Recognized by AAA with a Five-Diamond award. That combined with its high prices and the Mag Mile address mean top-notch service, bells & whistles, and impressive views. Those not sleeping here may want to stop by on a Friday or Saturday night for the all-you-can-eat high-end chocolate buffet (8PM-11:30PM, $26). Rooms from $525 a night.
20 The Ritz Carlton, 160 E Pearson St (Chicago Red Line), ☏ +1-312-266-1000. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. Atop the Water Tower Place shopping center. Rooms from $470 a night. (updated Mar 2026)
21 Waldorf Astoria Chicago, 11 East Walton, ☏ +1-312-646-1300. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Previously Elysian Hotel Chicago. A dedicated tower with residential located in the historic Gold Coast neighborhood. Managed by Hilton Worldwide. Hotel has a no-tipping policy. rooms from $690 a night. (updated Oct 2022)
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Near North Library, 310 W Division St (Clark/Division Red Line to 70 Division bus), ☏ +1-312-744-0991. M W noon-8PM, Tu Th 10AM-6PM, F Sa 9AM-5PM. Public internet access. It's between the Sedgwick and Chicago Brown Line stations, but a long walk from either. The area is safe during the day, but don't walk far by night.
The Apple Store (see Buy) is a de facto free internet cafe, with all of the floor models hooked up to wi-fi, and the salesmen-to-customer ratio virtually ensures nobody will bother you if you want to dash off a few emails home.
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Old Town is just north, and segues neatly into the Near North with smaller boutiques, smaller palatial mansions, and the city's landmark theaters Steppenwolf and Second City.
Wicker Park offers a parallel Magnificent Mile of hip, independent stores, bars and clubs. Lincoln Square is another exceptional shopping destination.
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WBP almanac
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