Chicago

Chicago’s Chinatown is one of the largest in the USA and is home to dozens of traditional restaurants, grocery stores and shops.

The neighbourhood consists of the two areas of Wentworth Avenue and the two-level Chinatown Square. Imposing bronze gates frame the square making it hard to miss. There's also Ping Tom Memorial Park, a 12 acre oasis along the south branch of the Chicago River.

Known as one of the hubs of Mexican American culture in Chicago, Pilsen is a vibrant neighbourhood featuring innovative and classic Mexican restaurants, a number of galleries and unique shopping experiences.

It's also home to the highly regarded National Museum of Mexican Art.

This neighbourhood acts as a living monument to African American culture. It's been home to a number of famous people including legendary singer Louis Armstrong, civil rights activist Ida B. Wells and Pulitzer Prize recipient Gwendolyn Brooks.

Throughout the area are significant pieces of public art and architecture including The Victory Monument, The Monument to the Great Northern Migration and the IIT Campus.

Home of the esteemed University of Chicago, the popular Museum of Science and Industry and the DuSable Museum of African American History, Hyde Park is rich in culture, architecture and history. The past mixes with the present as students, scholars, and visitors mingle at local attractions like Robie House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, or the Hyde Park Art Centre, a powerful force in the city’s art scene for more than seven decades.

The party never seems to stop in this lively neighbourhood which gets its name from its main attraction of Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs.

The stretch of Clark Street through Wrigleyville is packed with sports bars and restaurants. From the aptly named Cubby Bear to the arcade game filled Sluggers, there’s no shortage of options for groups eager to grab a bite or watch a game.

This area has transformed in recent years to become the place for culinary stars to set up shop, including Stephanie Izard (Girl and the Goat, and Little Goat), Graham Elliot (GEB) and Paul Kahan (avec, Blackbird, and Publican).

Just to the south is a string of Greek restaurants known as Greektown, serving as the centre of Greek culture for more than a century. The National Hellenic Museum and Cultural Centre joins the classic bakeries, energetic tavernas and reputable restaurants serving fresh tzatziki, flaming saganaki and gyros among other traditional eats. 

Chicago’s Italian roots show prominently in Little Italy. Taylor Street houses most of the eateries like The Rosebud, Pompei and Francesca’s on Taylor.

Alongside the restaurants are a smattering of wine bars, Roman Catholic churches and cultural institutions like the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and the Jane Addams Hull House Museum.

Arrigo Park features a statue of Christopher Columbus, while Piazza DiMaggio is inspired by a traditional Italian piazza and features a statue of the Yankee Clipper (Joe DiMaggio) himself.

Characterised by the historical boulevards and large-scale greystone homes, Logan Square is a dynamic neighbourhood just west of Wicker Park/ Bucktown.

The area is a major link in Chicago’s Historical Boulevard System and at the centre of Logan Boulevard is the Illinois Centennial Monument.

The trendy neighbourhood has welcomed many great restaurants such as Lula Café and Fat Rice, as well as craft beer maker Revolution Brewing.

Lincoln Square is a historically German area with many ethnic businesses such as the Chicago Brauhaus, Merz Apothecary and the Huettenbar. Giddings Plaza is a popular place for local events and festivals.

Ravenswood, an entity of Lincoln Square, features a number of great shops and eateries along Montrose Avenue including Fountainhead, a neighbourhood hot spot for craft beer and quality food.

Lillstreet Art Centre is the largest visual arts centre in Chicago and can also be found here.