Chicago Like a Local blog

Unique perspectives on the city from the people who live here.

Architecture & history, Tours & attractions

Chicago Architecture Center

The Chicago Architecture Center offers an engaging overview of the city’s long history of groundbreaking architecture, from Frank Lloyd Wright to Daniel Burnham to Jeanne…

Articles, Museums & art

Free museums in Chicago

There are boundless opportunities to learn and explore at free museums in Chicago, from awe-inspiring art galleries to fascinating science exhibits to interactive hands-on experiences.…

Great American Dog Show is a family event celebrating our furry friends

The Great American Dog Show is a fun, family experience celebrating our beloved furry friends. Dog lovers will want to trot over to McCormick Place…

Free & cheap, Parks & outdoors

Your guide to the Chicago Riverwalk

Located on the south bank of the Chicago River, the award-winning, pedestrian-friendly Chicago Riverwalk stretches 1.25 miles from Lake Michigan to Lake Street. Along the…

Laudi Vidni crafts custom leather bags

Tired of searching for the perfect leather bag? You’ll find it at Chicago’s women-owned Laudi Vidni. You can customize top-quality bags and accessories for both…

Published on June 28, 2023 by Tyler Moser

Music, Nightlife

Your guide to Chicago house music

Chicago boasts a rich musical history and is famous for many sonic innovations including gospel music, drill, Chicago-style blues — and house music. Thanks to…

Published on June 23, 2023 by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Food & drink

Unmissable Chicago dessert destinations

The best way to end a great meal in Chicago? One of our famous desserts. We’ve rounded up some of the city’s most-loved treats, from…

Architecture & history, Itineraries

Your guide to Chicago’s iconic architecture

Chicago’s stunning cityscape has been shaped by some of the biggest names in architecture — Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Jeanne…

Food & drink

Chicago rooftop bars and restaurants

These Chicago rooftop bars and restaurants boast beautiful views, refreshing cocktails, and (of course) delicious menus that cover a diverse range of cuisines and cultures.…

Food & drink

Chicago barbecue hotspots

Sweet, smoky, spicy. Wet, dry, sauce on the side. Traditional, globally influenced, or Chicago style. This city does barbecue in all the ways you can…