Chicago, Illionis is not just about downtown and tourist attractions. The city has a lot more to offer and has unique neighborhoods and hotspots, ready to be explored. So if you want to experience something different, then venturing out of downtown should be on top of your to-do list. Let’s check out some of the vibrant and distinct neighborhoods of Chicago.
Andersonville is a colorful and diverse neighborhood, known for its Swedish heritage and LGBTQ+ friendly community. This northside area is a neighborhood with unique shops, delicious brunch spots, and vintage stores. A must-visit location when you’re in Chicago.
Wicker Park is considered to be one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Chicago. Filled with street art, craft cocktail bars, and stylish boutiques, this area is a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a hip vibe and lively nightlife.
For a stunning view of the city, head to The 606 Trail, an elevated trail that connects several Chicago neighborhoods. It’s an ideal spot for runners, bikers, and walkers. You can admire lush parks, enjoy street art, and take pleasure in the city’s views.
Located in the heart of Wicker Park, Big Star is a popular Mexican restaurant that serves tacos and margaritas. With a festive atmosphere and outdoor patio seating, it’s a great spot to have lunch or dinner with friends.
The Violet Hour is a chic cocktail bar known for its creative drinks and elegant atmosphere. It has a speakeasy vibe and a secret entrance, which makes it a must-visit spot for cocktail enthusiasts.
If you’re looking to explore the city’s creative scene, Logan Square is the perfect spot to visit. Located on the northwest side of the city, this hip neighborhood is filled with street art, music venues, and craft breweries.
Pilsen is a vibrant and colorful neighborhood located in the heart of the city’s Mexican community. This area has a rich art scene, murals, and galleries with delicious Mexican cuisine. A must-visit for art lovers and foodies alike.
Located in Pilsen, The National Museum of Mexican Art is the largest accredited Latino art museum in the country. With a collection of over 10,000 pieces, it’s a must-visit museum for anyone interested in Mexican art and history.
La Vaca Margarita Bar is a colorful margarita bar located in the heart of Pilsen. It is known for its unique and flavorful margaritas, which makes it the perfect spot to grab a drink with friends.
In conclusion, Chicago has a lot of neighborhoods and hotspots, each with its charm and essence. Venture beyond the downtown area, and you’ll discover unique and vibrant neighborhoods that are waiting to be explored.
Andersonville
Andersonville is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood located on the north side of Chicago. This unique area is known for its Swedish heritage and LGBTQ+ friendly community, making it a colorful and welcoming place to visit. The neighborhood is home to a variety of unique shops, including vintage stores, bookshops, and specialty boutiques, making it the perfect spot for those looking for one-of-a-kind finds.
In addition to its shopping scene, Andersonville is also a food lover’s paradise, with numerous restaurants and brunch spots to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for classic American fare or international cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this neighborhood.
One must-visit spot in Andersonville is the Swedish American Museum, which highlights the Swedish heritage of the area. The museum features exhibits on Swedish art, culture, and history, and hosts events throughout the year.
Overall, Andersonville is a neighborhood with a lot of character and charm. Its unique shops, delicious restaurants, and welcoming community make it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Chicago beyond downtown.
Wicker Park
When it comes to trendy neighborhoods, Wicker Park is definitely on the top of the list. Located on the northwest side of the city, this area is filled with street art, craft cocktail bars, and stylish boutiques. One of the must-visit spots in Wicker Park is The 606 Trail, an elevated trail that offers stunning views of the city and nearby parks.
For those looking for delicious food and drinks, there are plenty of options in Wicker Park. Big Star is a popular Mexican restaurant that serves up tasty tacos and margaritas, while The Violet Hour is a chic cocktail bar known for its creative drinks and elegant atmosphere. If you’re looking for a lively nightlife, Wicker Park won’t disappoint, with numerous craft breweries and trendy bars.
Overall, Wicker Park is perfect for those looking for a hip vibe and a fun night out. It’s a great place to explore during the day, with plenty of unique shops and street art to discover.
The 606 Trail
The 606 Trail is a 2.7-mile long elevated trail that runs through several Chicago neighborhoods, including Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Logan Square. The trail, which was previously an abandoned railway line, has been transformed into a popular recreational area for runners, bikers, and walkers.
Not only does The 606 Trail offer stunning views of the city, but it also features several parks and unique street art. The trail’s access points are dotted with colorful murals and installations, making it a must-visit attraction for art lovers.
- If you’re looking to get active in Chicago, The 606 Trail is the perfect destination for a scenic run or bike ride.
- Make sure to stop and appreciate the stunning views of the city skyline along the way.
- Take a break at one of the trail’s many parks and enjoy a picnic with friends or family.
- Don’t forget to snap a photo with some of the trail’s unique street art for a memorable Chicago experience.
Big Star
If you find yourself in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, make sure to stop by Big Star. This popular Mexican restaurant serves up some of the tastiest tacos and margaritas in the city. The atmosphere is festive and lively, with outdoor patio seating perfect for a sunny day. Whether you’re grabbing lunch with coworkers or dinner with friends, Big Star is a great spot to enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine and soak up the vibrant energy of the neighborhood.
The Violet Hour
The Violet Hour is one of the most popular cocktail bars in Chicago. With its creative drinks, elegant atmosphere, and secret entrance, it’s a must-visit spot for cocktail enthusiasts. The bar has a speakeasy vibe that transports visitors back in time to the 1920s. The creative cocktail menu includes classic drinks with a unique twist, as well as original creations that are sure to impress.
The bar’s interior is dimly lit with a sophisticated ambiance, making it a great spot for a romantic night out or a fun evening with friends. The Violet Hour is also known for its live music performances on certain nights, adding to the lively and vibrant atmosphere.
If you’re planning a visit to The Violet Hour, be sure to dress to impress, as the dress code is strictly enforced. The bar is open late and can get crowded on weekends, so be sure to arrive early to secure a spot. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for a fun night out, The Violet Hour is a must-visit spot in Chicago.
Logan Square
Logan Square is a trendy neighborhood located on the northwest side of the city. This area is known for its eclectic mix of street art, music venues, and craft breweries. There’s always something new and exciting to discover in Logan Square, making it the perfect spot for those looking to explore Chicago’s creative scene.
One of the must-visit spots in Logan Square is the Logan Square Farmers Market, which takes place every Sunday from May to October. Here, visitors can enjoy fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and handmade crafts while listening to live music. The market is a great way to experience the local culture and support small businesses.
For those looking for some outdoor adventure, The 606 Trail is a popular spot for bikers, runners, and walkers. This elevated trail offers stunning views of the city and connects several neighborhoods, including Logan Square. Along the way, visitors can admire the beautiful street art and green spaces.
Logan Square is also home to several craft breweries, including Revolution Brewing and Hopewell Brewing Company. These breweries offer a fun and unique tasting experience for beer enthusiasts.
Overall, Logan Square is a vibrant and exciting neighborhood that offers something for everyone. With its mix of art, music, and food, it’s no wonder why it’s such a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Pilsen
Pilsen is a neighborhood located in the heart of Chicago’s Mexican community. It’s a vibrant and lively area with colorful street art and murals that depict Mexican culture and heritage. Pilsen is also known for its galleries and art studios, making it an art lover’s paradise. Visitors can explore various art exhibitions and admire the unique murals all around the neighborhood.
But Pilsen is not just a place for art enthusiasts. It’s also a foodie heaven with a variety of Mexican cuisine options. From street vendors selling tacos and elotes to family-owned restaurants serving up authentic dishes, there’s something for everyone. Pilsen also hosts a popular street festival, the Pilsen Food Truck Social, featuring a wide array of food trucks and live music.
If you’re interested in learning more about Mexican culture and history, The National Museum of Mexican Art is a must-visit. It’s the largest accredited Latino art museum in the country, and it features over 10,000 pieces of Mexican art and artifacts. The museum also hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Overall, Pilsen is a neighborhood worth exploring for its art, culture, and delicious food. It offers a glimpse into Mexican heritage and is a unique and lively part of Chicago.
The National Museum of Mexican Art
The National Museum of Mexican Art is a fascinating museum located in the heart of Pilsen, one of Chicago’s most vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhoods. The museum is the largest accredited Latino art museum in the United States and showcases an impressive collection of over 10,000 pieces of Mexican art and culture. Visitors to the museum can explore exhibits featuring a variety of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and ceramics.
One of the highlights of the museum is its permanent collection, which includes pieces from pre-Columbian times through the modern era. The collection spans a wide range of styles and genres, including folk art, religious art, and contemporary art. Visitors can also check out rotating exhibits that showcase the works of contemporary Mexican and Latino artists.
In addition to its impressive collection, the National Museum of Mexican Art also offers a variety of educational programs and events. Visitors can attend lectures, workshops, and performances that explore Mexican and Latino art and culture. The museum is also home to a gift shop that sells traditional and contemporary Mexican crafts, books, and artwork.
Overall, the National Museum of Mexican Art is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Mexican and Latino art and culture. With its extensive collection and wide range of programs and events, the museum offers a unique and immersive experience that is sure to delight and educate visitors of all ages.
La Vaca Margarita Bar
If you find yourself in Pilsen, be sure to stop by La Vaca Margarita Bar. This colorful margarita bar is a must-visit spot that offers a lively atmosphere and unique and flavorful margaritas. Their margarita menu is extensive, offering various flavors and even spicy options, so there’s something for everyone. The friendly bartenders are knowledgeable about the drinks they serve and are more than happy to help you choose the perfect drink to suit your taste. The décor of the bar is fun and funky, with mismatched chairs and colorful murals on the walls. The bar also offers small plates of Mexican inspired cuisine to pair with your drinks. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with friends or a casual drink after dinner, La Vaca Margarita Bar is definitely worth a visit.