What Will You Do in Chicago?

Top Chicago Highlights (Spoiler alert: Easy to reach when you stay at Magic Factory Lofts)

Popular with locals, visitor favorites

Magnificent Mile

Shopping, architecture, and river access

Navy Pier

Lakefront views, family attractions, and seasonal events

Milleneum Park Bean Cloudgate Chicago

Millennium Park

"The Bean” & Squirting Faces gardens, outdoor concerts, skating,

Chicago Riverwalk

Strolling, boat tours, patios, and skyline views

Lincoln Park Zoo

Everyone's favorite and always free - a classic Chicago stop (and a bonus if you're with kids)

River boat cruise

The architectural boat cruise is even a local favorite

The Art Institute of Chicago

One of the oldest and largest art museums in the world, featuring masterpieces like Grant Wood’s American Gothic and Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

Yes, we locals still call it Sears Tower, but whatever you call it the "Ledge" experience on the glass balcony 103 floors above the city is not for the faint of heart!

Some of our favorites - so easy to reach & hard to forget

Food & Drink Experiences

  • Deep dish (yes
 but we’ll point you to the best version 😉)
  • Italian beef, classic hot dogs, and Chicago-style sandwiches
  • Chef-driven dining in the West Loop
  • Neighborhood cocktail bars and breweries
  • Can’t decide?? Try one of our favorite foodie tours

Family-Friendly Ideas

  • Shedd Aquarium & Field Museum (easy day combo)
  • Lakefront paths, beaches (in season), and bike rentals
  • Museum Campus + skyline photo stops

For more local ideas, browse our Chicago blog.

Want help matching your plans to the best home base? Start with our Properties, check Our Location, or go straight to Book Now.

Old Town

Old Town offers a charming blend of historic cobblestone streets, Victorian-era architecture, vibrant dining options, and legendary comedy at The Second City, all just minutes from the lakefront.

River North

River North is a chic, bustling hub known for its massive concentration of art galleries, upscale dining, and trendsetting cocktail lounges, all set against striking architectural high-rises.

West Loop

West Loop is Chicago’s premier culinary destination, where historic industrial warehouses have transformed into the famed "Restaurant Row," packed with world-class eateries and trendy boutiques.

Wicker Park

Wicker Park is a trendy, creative hub famous for its indie boutiques, vintage record shops, vibrant street art, and an eclectic mix of artisan coffee houses and energetic music venues.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is a picturesque neighborhood defined by its vast lakeside park, free historic zoo, and charming tree-lined streets filled with historic row houses, acclaimed theaters, and casual dining spots.

Northalsted

Northalsted, still know as "Boystown" to us locals, is a vibrant, historic neighborhood celebrated as the country's first officially recognized LGBTQ+ district. It features a lively mix of bustling nightlife, diverse dining, and independent shops.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a vibrant, historic enclave entered through an iconic dragon gate, featuring bustling outdoor plazas, traditional tea shops, specialty markets, and an incredible array of authentic regional Chinese dining options.

Pilsen

Pilsen is a vibrant neighborhood rooted in Mexican-American culture, renowned for its incredible street murals, authentic taquerias, independent cafes, and the brilliant National Museum of Mexican Art.

Want help matching your plans to the best home base? Start with our Properties, check Our Location, or go straight to Book Now.

For more local ideas, check out some  random musings from 2 locals.

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