The heart of Chicago beats in the neighborhoods and the Windy City is home to 77 community regions that are categorized into nine distinct districts. In one of those districts, the North Side, you’ll find the Lincoln Park area. There’s much to do, see, and eat in this area of the city and while you’re exploring the boutique shops, museums, and restaurants, you’ll need a place to rest your head. For charming apartment-like accommodations, located in a stunning landmark building from the late 1800’s, stay at the Neighborhood Hotel.
With nearby parking and contactless entry, you’ll feel like you’re living just like a local with a stay at the Neighborhood Hotel, especially as you view the streets, rooftops, or fire escapes from your windows. Each of the fourteen multi-hued rooms are designed with a nod to Chicago’s history, culture, sports, or art scene— choose between one, two, or three-bedroom accommodations. Thoughtful amenities include a fully stocked kitchen, a washer and dryer, curated art, and plenty of room to spread out for work or play.
In a world where savvy travelers want a local connection for recommendations on the best places to eat as well as advice on what to do while visiting, cherry-picking the best lodgings is the modus operandi. The Neighborhood Hotel acts like a pocket tour guide, offering suggestions along the way while in constant communication. Do you have questions on how to get food delivered in the middle of the night? Are you having trouble finding a parking spot? Do you need to know where all of the best vegetarian or vegan restaurants are? Do you need to know exactly what’s on a Chicago-style hot dog (hint: no ketchup allowed)? Help is a text message away.
Nearby, travelers will have easy access to a number of Chicago’s top things to do. Marvel at a pygmy hippopotamus, Japanese macaque, or meerkat at the zoo; wander around a greenhouse; learn about Chicago’s rich history; take photographs at Lake Michigan; try quintessential Chicago food; and spend time walking around the neighborhood, popping in and out of boutiques, coffee shops, and independent stores like Dave’s Records.
Lincoln Park Zoo
See nearly 200 different species, from the aardvark to the zebra, at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Free and open every day of the year, a visit here is a great way to get some exercise in while also entertaining the kids. Peruse the gift shop for souvenirs and talk with staff about the day’s events and activities that should be on your list.
Where to Eat: Dine at The Patio at Café Brauer, Park Place Café, Eadie Levy’s Landmark Café, or Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill.
Lincoln Park Conservatory
The Lincoln Park Conservatory, located within Chicago’s largest park—Lincoln Park, is where you can escape the wind and blustery temps while visiting a tropical nirvana full of ferns, palms, and orchids. You’ll find that you’ll strip off layers—coats, jackets, hats—while viewing thousands of plants. And, just like the zoo, admission is free.
Where to Eat: All along Clark Street, you’ll find dozens of choices for food. Near the Neighborhood Hotel, you’ll find The Wieners Circle, a city staple for Chicago-style hot dogs. Order it the “right” way, topped with yellow mustard, green relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, a pickle, spicy sport peppers, and a pinch of celery salt.
Chicago History Museum
Visit the Chicago History Museum on Clark Street to see a number of permanent and temporary exhibits like “City on Fire: Chicago 1871”, “Chicago: Crossroads of America”, “Abraham Lincoln”, “Facing Freedom in America”, and “The Great Chicago Adventure Film”.
Where to Eat: Order a sandwich or burger at North & Clark Café when you’ve built up an appetite.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
For 165 years, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has been welcoming tourists and locals through its doors to learn about the intersection of nature and science. Take part in one of the many events or programs at the museum and whittle away the day at this family-friendly flora and fauna escape.
Where to Eat: Green City Market, open outdoors May through November, is one of the best farmer’s markets in the city and a haven for local and sustainable famers and food producers. In the past, Green City Market operated during the winter months inside the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, but this year, home delivery and contact-free curb-side pick-up options are available. If you’re staying at the Neighborhood Hotel, you’ll have a fully stocked kitchen to cook a healthy meal.
North Avenue Beach
North Avenue Beach, an excellent example for why Chicago is called the Third Coast, is a popular year-round destination for residents and sightseers alike. If you fancy yourself a photographer, you’ll love snapping pics of the icy shoreline.
Where to Eat: Shore Club, open during the warmer months exclusively, offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Dine here and enjoy top views of Lake Michigan. During the winter months, grab a slice of classic deep-dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s, located nearby on Wrightwood Avenue.
