Welcome to Chicago Downtown
Chicago’s dynamic, urban city center
Chicago’s downtown is the Midwest’s metropolitan heart and features many offerings for residents and visitors. The neighborhood boasts the nation's best museums, parks, art, and architectural designs. The backdrop of tall buildings, skyscrapers, incredible bridges, and a unique urban vibe truly showcases this stunning Chicago enclave.
Its central location makes it easily accessible, offering easy commutes to anywhere in the city, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Downtown has an excellent transit system as well, ensuring that visitors and residents alike can maneuver through the bustling area for work or play. Chicago’s downtown is very multicultural and boasts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, honoring numerous cultures and heritages.
Downtown Chicago is located along Lake Michigan and is the perfect spot to live for those who love a vibrant, urban atmosphere and a community teeming with iconic landmarks, cultural hotspots, delightful restaurants, and an array of shops and boutiques.
Residential offerings in this neighborhood vary but are primarily brick walk-ups and luxury high-rises. Apartments and condominiums offer luxury amenities, plenty of square footage, and stunning views of the Chicago skyline.
What to Love
- Stunning views of Lake Michigan
- Easy access to anywhere in the city via public transportation
- A variety of shopping and dining options
Local Lifestyle
There’s so much to love about Chicago’s downtown area, from the gorgeous public parks with unique gardens and art to the exquisite light show at Buckingham Fountain — one of the largest fountains in America. Magnificent Mile is a famous district for locals and tourists, offering shopping, dining, and beautiful views.
Take a picnic at Millenium Park as the sun sets and enjoy the iconic Chicago skyline, grab dinner along the river, attend Lollapalooza with tourists, or appreciate the stunning and dynamic architecture of the city. Residents enjoy an incredible assortment of museums, such as the Art Institute of Chicago and its renowned collection, the Shedd Aquarium, the Navy Pier, and much more. No matter where you live or what you spend your time doing, you’ll fall in love with Chicago’s downtown.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Downtown Chicago features an assortment of shopping and dining along the Magnificent Mile. You’ll find trendy restaurants, cocktail bars, quaint cafes, and boutique shops.
Beatnik on the River celebrates spirit and artistic legacy with a fusion of French, Italian, and Moroccan cuisine. The innovative flavor combinations and fresh ingredients will make your tastebuds sing. Pair your entree with a handcrafted cocktail to create the perfect culinary experience.
Monteverde Restaurant and Pastifico is a refined spot that blends traditional Italian fare and multicultural influences. Monteverde’s dishes use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and handcrafted pasta and are sure to please. Francois Frankie offers classic French cuisine with a stunning interior design centered around a New Orleans-inspired carousel bar. Try the mussels and frites or lobster tail ratatouille for a unique treat.
The Gage is an inventive spot near Millenium Park with rustic, refined fare and exceptional service. Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe also features views of the park and draws in large crowds eager to taste their delicious pancakes and breakfast staples. Arrive early, as lines often wrap around the block.
Things to Do
Downtown Chicago provides residents with an ample amount of entertainment and recreational offerings. This neighborhood has it all, whether you’re in the mood to explore local history, appreciate unique art and statues, or attend live music shows.
Untitled by Picasso is an eye-catching sculpture that dominates the Loop’s Daley Plaza. Standing roughly 50 feet tall, this statue makes for an exciting centerpiece and lively conversation about what it represents. Before exploring the rest of the plaza, make sure to get a picture of this intricate piece of artwork.
The Willis Tower Skydeck, or Sears Tower, is one of the highest observation deck’s in the United States and stands at 1,353 feet. Step onto the glass-walled and floored ledge for an extra adrenaline boost and a unique view of the city skyline. Afterward, stop at the Historic Route 66 Sign, just off East Adams and South Michigan Avenue, for a quick photograph. One of the world's most well-known and iconic highways, immortalized across many mediums, begins and ends in the Loop.
Grant Park is a beautiful 319-acre natural space along Lake Michigan that offers wide, walkable boulevards, flower gardens, fountains, monuments, and a skate park. This park blends with three others inside its boundaries — Millennium, Maggie Daley, and Hutchinson Field. Many food and music festivals are held here annually, including Lollapalooza, a four-day music festival featuring a vast musical lineup and plenty of fun for everyone.
Schools
