Lay of the Land
Gold Coast: High-end boutiques border Magnificent Mile, the main artery of this upscale downtown neighborhood.
Lincoln Park: In the heart of the North Side, you’ll find a mix of professionals and university students; the area is known for its eponymous park.
Logan Square: Welcome to Chicago’s Brooklyn, where streets are lined with record stores and cafés run by young baristas.
River North: A decade-long renaissance has transformed this once-seedy enclave into a center for restaurants and nightlife.
West Loop: The fast-changing West Loop has great art galleries and culinary hot spots.
Wicker Park/Bucktown: Come here for the city’s cool creative scene: unique bookstores, thrift shops, and coffee roasters.
Getting Around
Taxis are easy to hail; otherwise, the El railway is efficient and expansive.
