Chicago Like a Local blog

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

Latest Posts

Explore Chicago’s newest arts district

The area around Chicago’s historic Water Tower is best known for its luxury shopping. And it lives up to the hype, with an incredible array…

Things to do in Chicago’s Wrigleyville

If you’re looking for a good time, look no further than Wrigleyville. You'll find lively sports bars, cool new restaurants, and (of course) the Chicago Cubs.

24 hours in Chicago’s Andersonville

Andersonville is dense with one-of-a-kind shopping, eccentric eateries, and historic architecture.

A food tour of Chicago’s Albany Park: 7 places to try

From freshly pressed tortillas to skewers of filet mignon, this northwest side enclave has it all.

7 spots to see Chicago history up close

You don’t have to visit a museum to experience Chicago history. There are details and stories of our city history hidden throughout Chicago – you…

5 unique hotel rooms in Chicago

Hotels in Chicago run the gamut from luxe to budget and everything in between. But if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, there…

Romance blooms at Chicago’s lovebird-led restaurants

There’s no better was to celebrate Valentine’s Day than an intimate dinner for two. And there’s really nothing more fitting than booking a favorite Chicago restaurant…

14 Chicago neighborhood bars where you can drink like a local

There are neighborhood bars in every corner of the Chicago, from basement dives to old-school taverns. The one thing they all have in common? They’re…

Explore Chicago’s hidden underground

There’s so much to see on the streets of Chicago. But most people never see what’s lurking just below the surface. The city hides layers…

Two of Chicago’s most historic hotels are also its most haunted. While guests at the Congress Plaza and The Drake enjoy luxury, comfort and meticulous attention to detail, they also revel in ghostly lore – particularly during Halloween season.

Architecture & history

8 haunted Chicago sights you probably didn’t know about

Chicago is heir to a bevy of spine-tingling ghost stories, from the Congress Hotel, reportedly one of the most haunted hotels in the country, to the site of the Valentine’s Day Massacre.