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Chicago Like a Local blog

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

Latest blog posts

Architecture & history, Blog, Special events

How to celebrate Women’s History Month in Chicago

The city of Chicago has been shaped by a long line of bold, pioneering women, and Women’s History Month is the perfect time to reflect…

Published on March 2, 2021 by Choose Chicago

Blog, Dining, Nightlife, Tours & attractions

24 hours in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood

Uptown has long been known as a vibrant shopping, nightlife, and entertainment destination on Chicago’s north side. The area first started to boom in 1915…

Published on March 2, 2021 by Courtney Sprewer

Blog, Dining

25+ neighborhood favorites to try during Chicago Restaurant Week

You haven’t gotten a real taste of Chicago’s diverse restaurant scene until you’ve explored the city’s neighborhoods. That’s where you’ll find an incredible array of…

Published on March 1, 2021 by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Dining, Nightlife

24 hours in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood

Logan Square is a one-of-a-kind neighborhood that you can really only find in Chicago. This long-time Latino community has seen an influx of new residents…

Published on February 18, 2021 by Kelsey O'Connor

Blog, Dining, Special events

Where to celebrate Paczki Day and Mardi Gras in Chicago

The upcoming Mardi Gras festivities may be smaller in scale than year’s past, but there are still plenty of opportunities to celebrate. The holiday kicks…

Published on February 9, 2021 by Allana Mortell

Dining, Sports & recreation

Where to order Super Bowl specials and watch the game in Chicago

Get ready – the big game day is almost here! Although we won’t be cheering our Chicago Bears, there is no mistaking the energy of…

Published on February 1, 2021 by Megy Karydes

Architecture & history

How to celebrate Black History Month in Chicago

Black History Month brings an annual spotlight to Black achievements, creativity, and history that too often get overlooked. With all the turmoil of 2020 and…

Published on January 31, 2021 by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Blog, Dining

Chicago restaurants open for indoor dining

As Chicago continues to responsibly reopen, restaurants across the city have expanded their patio season to offer outdoor dining all winter long. And now, restaurants…

Published on January 26, 2021 by Kelsey O'Connor

Arts, culture & entertainment

Get your tickets now for this immersive Van Gogh exhibit

Step inside the works of one of the world’s most famous painters at the U.S. premiere of this one-of-a-kind art experience. The Immersive Van Gogh…

Published on January 19, 2021 by Kelsey O'Connor

Theater & dance

Get ready for Chicago Theatre Week 2022

Save the date for 10 days of discounted tickets to some of Chicago’s hottest shows. Chicago Theatre Week, presented by the League of Chicago Theatres…

Published on January 9, 2021 by Choose Chicago

Blog, Special events

Gift guide: The best Chicago experience gifts

We might be missing out on some of our favorite holiday activities this year, but gifting isn’t one of them. And what better way to…

Published on December 8, 2020 by Choose Chicago

Blog, Family, Hotels, Special events

Deck the halls! 9 holiday hotels in Chicago

Chicago’s hotels go above and beyond when it comes to decking the halls every holiday season, making for a magical winter getaway. From festive decor…

Published on December 7, 2020 by Amy Bizzarri

Blog, Shopping and fashion

A guide to holiday shopping in Chicago’s neighborhoods

Supporting the small businesses that make Chicago a one-of-a-kind city is more important than ever this year. And holiday season is the opportunities to make…

Published on November 24, 2020 by Hayley Grgurich

Architecture & history, Blog, Sponsored

Explore Balkrishna Doshi: Architecture for the People at Wrightwood 659

A retrospective of the work of renowned Indian architect and urban planner Balkrishna Doshi makes its North American debut in the exhibit Balkrishna Doshi: Architecture…

Blog, Dining

Where to get cheap eats from Chicago’s top chefs

Where can you enjoy food from a nationally renowned chef for less than $10? Or dig into a slice of pizza designed by a Michelin…

Published on October 14, 2020 by Kelsey O'Connor

Blog, Sponsored, Sports & recreation

Chicago Fire Football Club comes home

On Oct. 8, 2019, Chicago Fire Football Club Owner and Chairman Joe Mansueto stood on the pristine Soldier Field grass, ready to address a collection…

Blog, Special events

Preview: 5 films to catch during Chicago International Film Festival 2020

For cinephiles, the pandemic has been both a blessing and a curse. The endless hours at home have offered up plenty of time to catch…

Published on October 6, 2020 by Margaret Poe

Special events, Tours & attractions

20+ things to do in Chicago this October

October is upon us, which means it’s time to break out the cozy scarf and boots to enjoy some of the city’s finest fall festivities.…

Published on October 2, 2020 by Allana Mortell

Blog, Dining, Tours & attractions

24 hours in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood

Chicago’s Little Village (or “La Villita” as the locals call it) is a wonderful neighborhood to spend the day enjoying incredible culture, art, and authentic…

Published on October 1, 2020 by Hayley Grgurich