Chicago: Strategies: Lay of the Land: Neighborhoods to Know

Neighborhoods to Know

The Loop

Encircled by the L (elevated train), which runs around its perimeter, the Loop is the city’s downtown, encompassing the financial district and a variety of cultural offerings, including the Art Institute, the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park. Be sure to check out the amazing array of public sculpture by such artists as Picasso and Calder.

Magnificent Mile & Gold Coast

The Magnificent Mile, the eight blocks of North Michigan Avenue from East Oak Street south to the river, is home to Chicago’s finest hotels and shopping. It’s just south of the aptly named Gold Coast, a posh neighborhood that extends from Rush Street east to Lake Shore Drive.

Lincoln Park

The name refers not only to the massive park, crisscrossed with paths for walking and biking, that hugs the lakefront, but also to the residential neighborhood that borders it. At the center of the park is the Lincoln Park Zoo, a hit with kids.

Bucktown & Wicker Park

Located northwest of the Loop, this newly gentrified area has a number of chic boutiques. It’s a fifteen-minute cab ride from the Magnificent Mile.

River North

North of the river and west of the Magnificent Mile, this area is full of hot restaurants, like Topolobampo.