Chicago is the very best. The most important metropolis in Illinois is among the most enjoyable cities in america. It has a skyline that will flip most cities resentful and has vibrant metropolis life and tradition. Chicago can be located on the shores of Lake Michigan and even has waterfront and watersport actions on supply.
In fact, because the third most populated metropolis in america, it’s no marvel that the windy metropolis is stuffed with issues to do and locations to eat. The huge metropolis has numerous completely different neighborhoods with completely different qualities. This information will cowl the place to remain in Chicago and which areas it is best to select.
We’ll introduce you to every of Chicago’s finest areas. From the town’s trendiest neighborhoods to its most handy, let’s delve into the place to remain in Chicago.
In case you’re in a rush
Researching for last-minute lodging? You gained’t need to delay. In case you are in a rush, these are the very best Chicago accommodations.
The perfect areas in Chicago
When researching the place to remain in Chicago, the realm you decide must be your precedence. The town is so large that every neighborhood varies massively in its ambiance, sights, and traits. For instance, in the event you head to Wicker Park for nightlife, you’ll be sorely disillusioned. Or, in the event you keep in Streeterville to keep away from the crowds, you’ll be kicking your self on Saturday morning when the consumers seem.
Align your expectations and select a selected space earlier than deciding the place to remain in Chicago. You’ll have an expertise that’s extra tailor-made to you and have a a lot better journey.
We’ve damaged down the primary neighborhoods in Chicago beneath so you’ll be able to see their main qualities.
- Finest space for first-time guests: Downtown Chicago
- Finest space for procuring: Streeterville
- Finest space for luxurious: Gold Coast
- Finest space for nightlife: River North
- Finest space for dwell music: Wicker Park
- Finest space for a cool ambiance: West Loop
Now that you simply’ve bought a primary thought of the very best areas in Chicago let’s check out every space in depth.
1. Downtown Chicago aka South Loop
When you keep in downtown Chicago, you’ll rapidly perceive the hype. Downtown Chicago (aka South Loop) is the place to remain in Chicago if that is your first go to to Chicago, because it has an electrical city ambiance and nearly all of Chicago’s skyscrapers.
Downtown Chicago is entertaining and fast-paced. It’s ironic, although, as whereas every thing and everyone seems to be shifting 1,000,000 miles round you, you’ll be stopping and beginning to ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at sights and scenic cityscape views at each nook.
Finest Resorts in Downtown Chicago
Luxurious: Pendry Lodge
Pendry Lodge is internal metropolis class. The resort is ready in an industrial-looking excessive rise, proper on the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Place. It is among the finest accommodations to remain in Chicago if you would like luxurious amenities. Pendry Lodge has a health suite, enterprise heart, restaurant, and terrace. See charges, critiques and availability on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Mid-range: Lodge Blake
Lodge Blake is a boutique resort located between Grant and Millennium Park. Like Pendry Lodge, Lodge Blake has an old-money class. However the costs are barely decrease than these at Pendry Lodge, so excellent you probably have a mid-range finances in thoughts.
It has a incredible location and is only a ten-minute stroll from the Chicago Artwork Institute. Lodge Blake has a health heart, restaurant, 24-hour enterprise heart, and free wifi. Evaluate charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Reserving
Finances: HI Chicago Hostel
Discovering a finances place to remain in Chicago might be difficult, particularly downtown. HI Chicago Hostel is a wonderful choice if you may get an area – this hostel is at all times in demand. HI Chicago Hostel has a video games room, lounge, and 24-hour reception. You possibly can select a non-public or dorm room, too. Evaluate Charges and Availability on TripAdvisor / Reserving
VRBO: Trendy two-bedroom condo
This rental condo is a dreamy image of what it’s like to remain in Chicago. The property has spectacular metropolis views and is positioned in a central downtown high-rise. Guests can entry the constructing’s pool, health club, movie show, and rooftop terrace. Test it out on VRBO
Issues to do once you keep in Downtown Chicago
If you’d like a quiet area within the Chicago Downtown neighborhood, Grant Park isn’t too far-off. The 319-acre park separates the busy streets from Lake Michigan, and you may calm down and wander the park to admire views of the water and cityscape skyline. For taking photos, Millennium Park has the very best skyline view of Chicago Downtown.
On a heat day, the park’s twelfth Road Seashore is the very best place to sunbathe. And, on a wet day, Grant Park has the lakefront Museum Campus. The Museum Campus is a 57-acre space containing the Discipline Museum, Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium, which can hold you well-occupied indoors.
The principle sights within the city facet of Downtown Chicago are Skydeck Chicago and the Museum of Modern Artwork. There’s additionally McCormick Place Conference Heart which has numerous occasions. Nevertheless, South Loop can be among the best areas to remain in Chicago simply to discover the streets and absorb the ambiance.
Every part is inside strolling distance and quick access. In case you are solely visiting for a number of days or if you’re visiting for the primary time, Downtown is the place to remain in Chicago.
2. River North
In case you love artwork and nightlife, skip staying in South Loop and head throughout the Chicago River to the aptly named neighborhood of River North. Why you say? As a result of River North has among the finest golf equipment and bars in the entire of Chicago – which is spectacular contemplating the dimensions of the town. It additionally homes many artwork galleries, together with Chicago’s second Museum of Modern Artwork and the Metropolis Gallery within the Historic Water Tower.
Now, River North is a classy place to be in Chicago. The transformed warehouses, lofts, and pink brick buildings are an ode to the neighborhood’s artistic and hardworking aptitude – which now bubble below a extra indulgent floor.
Finest Resorts in Chicago – River North
Luxurious: The Peninsula Chicago
Peninsula Chicago is well some of the luxurious locations to remain in Chicago. Peninsula can be excellently positioned to discover River North and is simply throughout the highway from Chicago Water Tower.
The resort has a half Olympic-size pool, a scenic rooftop terrace, and an Asian-inspired spa. Actually, Peninsula Chicago feels extra like a tailor-made palace than a resort. You possibly can attend afternoon tea or a calming yoga session in your downtime. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Mid-range: Eurostars Magnificent Mile
Eurostars Magnificent Mile is a glossy mid-range resort choice in River North. You possibly can count on newly renovated, fashionable rooms with incredible floor-to-ceiling metropolis views. The resort amenities are equally spectacular, and visitors obtain entry to a health suite and enterprise heart.
Eurostars Magnificent Mile can be well-located, and visitors have quick access to Navy Pier, only a brief fifteen-minute stroll away. See charges, critiques and availability on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Finances: Discovered Lodge River North
Discovered Lodge may appear extra luxurious than finances from its design. However the property is among the most budget-friendly lodging choices in River North. Visitors can e-book dormitory rooms to avoid wasting additional money or deal with themselves to an evening in a non-public room. The hostel gives free wifi and a enterprise heart, and the inside design is warmly fashionable. Evaluate charges and skim critiques on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
VRBO: Studio with balcony and metropolis views
This studio has all the advantages of a luxurious resort suite. Visitors can take pleasure in personal metropolis views from their balcony and cook dinner up a storm of their fashionable kitchen. And in only a brief stroll, you might be stress-free in Millennium Park or within the elevator on the John Hancock Heart in your strategy to the 875 Statement Deck. This rental property is among the finest in Chicago. See it on VRBO
Issues to see in River North
River North covers the space from the Chicago River to Chicago Avenue and the Magnificent Mile. It’s close to the town heart and downtown neighborhoods but additionally has a robust sense of its personal identification. River North was as soon as an industrial space and has been slowly gentrified over the previous century.
Whenever you aren’t searching River North’s artwork galleries or sipping cocktails, it’s value strolling the Magnificent Mile. The Magnificent Mile is definitely referred to as North Michigan Avenue. However the avenue coined its identify as a result of many outstanding cultural sights and venues lining its sidewalks. You possibly can window store, drop into enjoyable sights like The Dr. Seuss Expertise or The Workplace Expertise, or e-book a desk at one of many positive eating eating places. Strolling the Magnificent Mile is a wonderful strategy to spend a day if you wish to be spontaneous however be assured quite a lot of leisure and hospitality choices.
General, River North is a enjoyable, trendy place to remain in Chicago. In case you are questioning the place to remain in Chicago for a socialite expertise, River North is your most suitable option. The neighborhood ticks the packing containers for meals, drink, and tradition. Plus, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover waterfront views because of its positioning alongside the Chicago River.
3. Streeterville
Streeterville is the place to remain in Chicago for procuring. Streeterville shares the Magnificent Mile with River North, and the key procuring avenue is the boundary between the 2 neighborhoods. Streeterville is strolling distance from Magnificent Mile and has every thing to suit your retail wants – from excessive avenue shops to luxurious procuring facilities and boutique retailers.
In case you are questioning the place to remain in Chicago with quick access to procuring, Streeterville is the place to decide on. Magnificent Mile is among the most well-known procuring areas in Chicago, so you might be in luck having it in your potential doorstep.
Finest Resorts in Chicago Streeterville
Luxurious: 4 Seasons Chicago
The 4 Seasons accommodations are persistently ranked amongst the very best hostels, and the 4 Seasons Chicago shouldn’t be one to interrupt this sample. Every room options marble loos, a visitor spa with a fifty-meter indoor pool, and an award-winning restaurant on-site. You possibly can select from a spread of suite and room choices, all of which can put luxurious into your keep in Chicago. E-book it on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Mid-range Loews Chicago Lodge
Loews Chicago Lodge is stylish. The resort’s newly renovated inside options an indoor pool, 24-hour health heart, and enterprise assembly rooms. Loews Chicago Lodge can be excellently positioned for metropolis and lake views. It’s only a brief stroll from Navy Pier and Ohio Road Seashore. Evaluate on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Finances: St. Clair Lodge / Freehand Lodge
Finances-friendly lodging simply isn’t in Streeterville’s vocabulary. The most cost effective choice is St. Clair Lodge, the place the rooms begin at round $300 per night time. The European-style resort is brilliantly positioned proper subsequent to Magnificent Mile and has lovely, spacious rooms. Evaluate on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Nevertheless, you could want to take a look at lodging in River North or in Downtown Chicago alongside the Chicago River as an alternative. These areas have extra finances choices and are inside strolling distance of Streeterville. See it on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
VRBO: Two-bedroom condo
This two-bedroom condo is the proper trendy vacation lodging to take pleasure in with mates. You’ve got lake and metropolis views from the condo after which entry to a rooftop terrace with 360-degree views over Chicago. The inside is well-furnished and offers a cushty however stylish place to remain in Chicago. See critiques on VRBO
Issues to do in Streeterville
Other than Magnificent Mile, one other huge draw of Streeterville is its waterfront. The whole east facet of the neighborhood is on the shores of Lake Michigan. Streeterville has Ohio Road Seashore within the south, which is related to Oak Road Seashore within the north by a reasonably lakeside footpath. There’s loads of quiet inexperienced area to sunbathe, jog, and picnic.
Navy Pier can be positioned alongside Streeterville’s Lake Michigan shores. As soon as a navy coaching heart, the pier is now a everlasting fairground with rides and Chicago’s funhouse maze. There’s additionally the Chicago Youngsters’s Museum and even Chicago Shakespeare Theater, a really perfect venue for some leisure.
In case you are undecided between River North and Streeterville, whether or not you would like to be simply inside strolling distance from the shores of Lake Michigan is the very best decider. Each River North and Streeterville have nice bars, retailers, and tradition, so Lake Michigan is the one important distinction.
4. Wicker Park
Wicker Park is among the furthest out of all these neighborhoods from the town heart. So why keep right here when visiting Chicago?
Briefly, Wicker Park has well-known dwell music venues which can be at all times filled with live shows and performances. The suburb is hipster and enjoyable – excellent if you’re touring to Chicago on a finances or to see a selected dwell music live performance. The most well-liked dwell music venues are Empty Bottle, Chop Store, and Subterranean. Nevertheless, upcoming musicians may also dip their toes in at one of many a number of recording studios across the neighborhood.
Finest Resorts in Wicker Park Chicago
Luxurious: The Robey
The Robey is elegant and historic, but hip on the similar time. The resort has undergone a cautious refurbishment. It has a contemporary really feel however has saved an genuine sense of character and authentic options. Visitors obtain entry to a pool, terrace, and health heart.
Chicago is a legendary sports activities city and sports activities followers will love the resort location, as you’ll be able to hop in a fast fifteen-minute taxi and arrive on the United Heart – the house of the Chicago Bulls. See it on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Mid-range: Hyatt Place Wicker Park
Hyatt Place Wicker Park is as luxurious as mid-range accommodations can get. It’s simply among the best accommodations in Chicago, and its amenities set it except for others in Wicker Park. You possibly can dine on the resort’s restaurant, work out within the health club, sip cocktails on the bar, or use the shared lounge. We suggest selecting a balcony room however, in the event you don’t, there’s a shared terrace as properly. Evaluate costs and skim critiques on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Finances: Ray’s Bucktown Mattress and Breakfast
Wicker Park is primarily residential, so there aren’t many resort choices within the neighborhood. Due to this, the closest budget-friendly choice is Ray’s Bucktown Mattress and Breakfast – a twenty-minute stroll from Wicker Park heart.
Ray’s is homely and pleasant. Visitors can entry good extras like a sauna, wifi, and complimentary toiletries. If you’d like a residential expertise throughout your keep in Chicago, Ray’s is among the finest accommodations within the metropolis. E-book it on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
VRBO: City rental
This rental can be positioned simply exterior of Wicker Park, however truthfully, it’s so value the additional journey. The property is a superbly transformed loft area and one of many trendiest trip leases you’ll be able to select from within the space.
Visitors obtain entry to a health club and storage – excellent free of charge off-road parking. Pets are additionally welcome, so you’ll be able to convey your canine or cat alongside to become involved within the enjoyable. See charges and availability on VRBO
Issues to do in Wicker Park
Due to its recording areas and the fixed flurry of dwell music, Wicker Park is a well-liked neighborhood amongst musicians, artists, and creatives. In case you fall into any of those classes, you’ll probably fall head over heels for Wicker Park as properly, and if not, we will promise you that you simply’ll be in good firm.
Foodies can rejoice as properly, and Wicker Park is fabulous for avenue meals and Michelin-starred eating places alike. Claudia and Le Bouchon are two of the very best Michelin eating places in Chicago. However, for avenue meals, head to Division Road. Right here you’ll discover venues like Firenze Italian Road Meals, which is value visiting for scrumptious pizza and sandwiches. You don’t have to remain within the metropolis heart to expertise Chicago’s world-class meals scene.
General, Wicker Park is the place to remain in Chicago if you wish to escape the CBD crowds. Certain, you’re a brief drive or bus experience from most sights. However this Chicago neighborhood has a neighborhood, residential really feel that West Loop, South Loop, and even River North lack. Wicker Park is lived in and unpretentious. Ensure you don’t develop roots too after staying in Chicago for a number of days.
5. Gold Coast
Any neighborhood with the phrase ‘gold’ in it immediately appears upscale. Chicago’s Gold Coast is not any completely different.
The Gold Coast has a well-manicured finger in most pots. Rush Road is the place to go for cocktail bars and golf equipment, Oak Road is the place for designer procuring, and Concrete Seashore is the place you’ll be able to sunbathe and take a dip in Lake Michigan.
Luxurious: Ambassador Chicago
Ambassador Chicago is a luxurious resort subsequent to the seaside – a phrase that ought to entice you instantly. The resort includes a movie show in its ‘Screening Room’ and a 24-hour health club. Visitors can take pleasure in fancy particulars and amenities all through the property. See it on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Mid-range: Claridge Home
Claridge Home is considered one of Chicago’s finest accommodations and a surprising place to remain on the Gold Coast. The placement is excellent, and you may be on the seaside in lower than a ten-minute stroll. The resort itself has considerate particulars all through, like rainfall showers in every room. And visitors obtain entry to a health club and spa. See it on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Finances: Freehand Lodge
Sadly, the Gold Coast doesn’t supply budget-friendly lodging. Till the hole out there is stuffed, you’ll be able to keep at Claridge Home or exterior of the Gold Coast on the Freehand Lodge.
Freehand has dormitory rooms if you wish to lower your expenses and has a score of over 9.0 on Reserving.com. You might be nonetheless inside straightforward attain of the Gold Coast however will save a number of {dollars}. It’s a nice finances place to remain in Chicago in the event you don’t thoughts staying exterior the Gold Coast. See it on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
VRBO: Luxurious condo with rooftop pool
This condo is typical of Gold Coast luxurious. The condo constructing includes a health club, examine area, and an out of doors pool surrounded by skyscrapers. The condo inside is minimalistic however arty – image a glossy bachelor pad. See extra of this and different residences on VRBO
Issues to do within the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast additionally has many museums and artwork galleries. The most well-liked museums are the Chicago Historical past Museum, the Worldwide Museum of Surgical Science, and the Charnley-Persky Home Museum.
For a barely much less mainstream expertise, you may as well stroll previous the Unique Playboy Mansion. There aren’t any excursions operating, so that you’ll be restricted to snapping photos from exterior its 4 partitions. Nevertheless, the mansion is a logo of the Gold Coast’s hedonistic, glamorous indulgence and simple addition to your itinerary if you find yourself staying close by.
The Gold Coast isn’t all lighthearted indulgence, although, and the story behind the neighborhood’s exponential progress is gloomy. The suburb grew after the Nice Chicago Hearth in 1871, when the hearth consumed and destroyed most of central Chicago. The town then suffered additional harm in a interval of looting and lawlessness. The Gold Coast was one of many first new neighborhoods to be fashioned. After a number of of Chicago’s wealthiest residents moved and rebuilt, it rapidly turned the unique place to be.
These days, the Gold Coast has a extra laidback form of luxurious. You’ll discover class in all places and enjoyable once you go in search of it. In fact, this Chicago neighborhood has among the finest luxurious accommodations. However there are some budget-friendly choices, too, in the event you look exhausting sufficient. Take a look at our prime suggestions beneath.
6. Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is a ravishing place to remain in Chicago. Is it on the Chicago Loop? No, Lincoln Park is way from central, and also you’ll have to drive or catch public transport into the town heart. However the qualities of this suburb positively justify the additional journey time.
Lincoln Park has among the finest Chicago accommodations, and if you wish to keep in Chicago on a finances, the variety of mid-range and finances accommodations is good news. Listed below are our prime suggestions.
Finest Resorts in Lincoln Park
Luxurious: Villa D’Citta
Villa D’ Citta has transported Europe to Chicago. Every part is traditional, conventional, and Italian-influenced. From wood four-poster beds to a solar deck and sizzling tub, Villa D’Citta is the epitome of luxurious. This property is among the finest accommodations in Chicago, not to mention Lincoln Park. See it on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Mid-range: The Neighborhood Lodge
The Neighborhood Lodge is a superb mid-range choice in Lincoln Park. The rooms are freshly adorned, with colourful function partitions and cozy furnishings. Whereas nonetheless new to Chicago’s resort scene, the resort has wonderful critiques thus far. Neighborhood is an effective likelihood to strive one thing up and coming. See extra critiques on TripAdvisor
Finances: Chicago Getaway Hostel
Finances vacationers, thanks on your persistence. This time, you might be in luck, as Chicago Getaway Hostel is among the finest budget-friendly choices in Chicago. With a 24-hour kitchen, lockers, and pool tables, Chicago Getaway Hostel is a happy-go-lucky hostel to choose when staying in Chicago. See it on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
VRBO: Loft condo
You don’t get rather more pure gentle than from a transformed storefront. This Lincoln Park condo is a shop-turned residence with floor-to-ceiling home windows for maximized pure lighting. Overlook the very best accommodations; this trip rental is a enjoyable place to remain in Chicago. Test it out on VRBO
Issues to do in Lincoln Park
The perfect half concerning the neighborhood is its 1,200-acre park, additionally referred to as Lincoln Park. The park has every thing – from Lincoln Park Zoo to its personal lifeguard-patrolled seaside, North Avenue Seashore. Lincoln Park Zoo is a great spot for a household time out, and North Avenue Seashore is the very best place for a swim or recreation of volleyball. On a wet day, Lincoln Park Conservatory is a godsend, and you may simply spend an hour or two exploring indoors.
The streets themselves in Lincoln Park are protected and pleasant. But Lincoln Park can be well-suited to finances journey. You gained’t discover the hoity-toity attitudes and sky-high costs that generally curse neighborhoods like Gold Coast and the Chicago Loop. In case you are deciding the place to remain in Chicago as a household or finances traveler, we suggest contemplating Lincoln Park.
7. West Loop
Like so many different downtown neighborhoods, West Loop was an industrial zone first and a beloved cultural suburb later. Whereas the large industrial buildings are actually fashionably transformed to eateries, bars, unbiased retailers, and residential properties, West Loop nonetheless has character. The suburb is fashionable in a distinct segment, classic approach – excellent for these wanting a cool expertise of Chicago.
West Loop has a lot occurring on a regular basis. This Chicago neighborhood is already well-established and massively standard. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless rising and growing prefer it has one thing to show. One of many primary advantages of staying in West Loop is being so near Chicago metropolis heart and all of the downtown sights.
Finest Resorts within the West Loop
Luxurious: Nobu Lodge, Chicago
Nobu Lodge is a dreamy degree of luxurious. The darkish coloration scheme provides a relaxed, mysterious ambiance to the property. And what may very well be extra stress-free than eating with metropolis views on the rooftop after a swim in a dimly lit indoor pool? See it on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Mid-range: The Publishing Home Mattress and Breakfast
The Publishing Home is already a favourite, and also you’ll have to e-book forward to safe a spot on your keep in Chicago. The resort constructing is a conventional, industrial pink brick. Every room retains some authentic options for the character but has been superbly renovated for final consolation. The cherry on prime is the buffet breakfast, accessible for most leeway choices each morning. Evaluate costs and availability on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Finances: Lodge Chicago West Loop
Lodge Chicago West Loop is an easy lodging choice at one of many lowest costs within the space. Every room includes a microwave and low machine, which is nice for saving cash on consuming out. There’s additionally a 24-hour health club and reception. E-book it now on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
VRBO: West Loop One-Bed room Condo
This property is every thing you need in a trip rental. The condo comes with beautiful metropolis views, ample residing area, comfy furnishings, and using a health club and pool. {Couples} or solo vacationers will love this lodging selection, particularly contemplating its incredible location. Seek for this and extra condo leases on VRBO
Issues to do within the West Loop
Most individuals agree that one of the simplest ways to discover a brand new place is together with your style buds. Restaurant Row is a hospitality haven with sufficient eating places to pause even essentially the most decisive of diners of their tracks. In case you can, attempt to eat out most nights to strive all of the completely different meals. There are many avenue meals and low-cost choices for these on a finances. Don’t miss out on the deep-dish pizza at Bonci Pizzeria.
When you’ve explored the sights, it’s properly value venturing all the way down to New Maxwell Road Market, which borders West Loop and South Loop. The market whirs into full motion each Sunday, with meals, secondhand items, and dwell music performances. The market is understood for its tacos, so don’t go away with out sampling some.
Whether or not biting right into a deep-dish pizza or dancing alongside to music at Home of Vans, West Loop is a incredible place to remain in Chicago. We suggest West Loop for any guests to Chicago wanting a cool and thrilling metropolis expertise.
Going to remain in Chicago is at all times an journey. Whether or not you keep on the Chicago Loop, in North River, or in Wicker Park, you’ll have a incredible time. Chicago has among the finest eating places, nightlife, and cultural sights in america. Mix these qualities with a number of seaside and park days, and also you’ll rapidly fall in love with the town.
In fact, staying in among the best accommodations actually helps. We hope that you simply’ve discovered your excellent resort match. Take pleasure in experiencing Chicago’s legendary hospitality firsthand.
