Welcome to Chicago

The Local Tourist is your Chicago local guide, where you can find things to do, restaurants and nightlife, events, and places to stay. Experience the fascination of a tourist; Feel the comfort of the local.

Oktoberfest Chicago: Celebrations Around the City

Oktoberfest in Chicago is kind of a big deal. If you had any doubt about the influence the city's German population has on our culture that goes out the window every fall. Of course, it could also be...

Punch Bowl Social Opens in the West Loop

Punch Bowl Social: Top Chef Food, Fun Cocktails and Games Come to West Loop

 

Illinois

Dreams of Gaucho Pants and Sizzling Steaks

This week Texas de Brazil turns 20, and we sampled the goods. Still delicious and fun after two decades! Now, that's something to celebrate!

The Nighttime Soap Opera is Back

The Nighttime Soap Opera is Back!

The Inheritance Musical returns to The Windy City, and the compelling drama serves up more, Love, Drugs & Southern Discomfort--than ever before!

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announces Year of Chicago Theatre

City of Chicago designates 2019 as the “Year of Chicago Theatre”

Chicago Theatre is brave.

Chicago Theatre is visceral.

Chicago Theatre is provocative.

Illinois

The Day We Rocked the Fork at Chicago Gourmet

11th annual Chicago Gourmet festival invited Chicagoans to partake in all things delicious yet again! Who wants to rock the fork?

A Lamb Chop Celebration Starring Shari Lewis’ daughters, Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop

Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop – A Show for All Ages

If you're looking for a smile on a Saturday afternoon, then head to Palos Hills on October 13 for "A Lamb Chop Celebration." Mallory Lewis, Shari Lewis' daughter, brings her mother's famed

Featured Events

Fun scavenger Hunt
Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure- Chicago
340 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60654
Get Directions
8056035620
How Much: 
From $9-$20 (only $39.20 for a team of 2-5 people) after Promo Code: LOCALTOURIST

Turn Chicago into a giant Gameboard with this fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Guided from any smart phone, teams solve clues, complete challenges while seeing the sights. A fun interactive adventure.
Around Chicago LIVE!
Around Chicago LIVE! ~ Networking at Katana Chicago
Katana
339 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60654
Get Directions - Save on nearby parking*
How Much: 
$30/advance; $40/door
Make Reservations

Around Chicago LIVE! at Katana Chicago

 10/22/2018 - 6:00pm
The Nighttime Soap Opera is Back
The Inheritance Concert-Love, Drugs & Southern Discomfort!
Pianoforte Studios
1335 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605
Get Directions
(312) 753-5522
How Much: 
$35.00 - $50.00

The Nighttime Soap Opera is Back! The Inheritance Musical returns to The Windy City, and the compelling drama serves up more, Love, Drugs & Southern Discomfort--than ever before!

 11/05/2018 - 7:00pm

The Local Tourist Guides

We've been sharing things to do in Chicago for 16 years, so we know a thing or two about the Windy City.

Things to do in Chicago

Things To Do in Chicago

There are so many things to do in Chicago, it's hard to know where to start. Click here for ideas on places to go in the Windy City.

The Local Tourist's Guide to Millennium Park

Millennium Park: The Local Tourist's Guide

Millennium Park is an impressive Chicago park that is a destination for both locals and tourists. It's the most popular attraction in the city, and with its great architecture, peaceful gardens, and year-round calendar of events it's easy to see why.

Carillon at Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden: The Local Tourist's Guide

The Chicago Botanic Garden is an oasis in the northern Chicago suburb of Glencoe. The 385-acre attraction features over 2.5 million plants that represent nearly 10,000 varieties.

Ultimate Guide to Navy Pier in Chicago

Navy Pier: The Local Tourist's Guide to Everything You Need to Know

There are so many things to do at Navy Pier. There's a reason it's one of Chicago's most popular attractions. Find out everything you need to know with this ultimate resource for Navy Pier.

Christkindlmarket Ornaments

Christkindlmarket Chicago: Everything You Need to Know (including Naperville and Milwaukee)

Christkindlmarket Chicago is an annual Christmas market modeled after the German markets in Nuremberg, Germany, that attracts more than one million visitors per year. Find out everything you need to know before you go to this holiday tradition.
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How to be a Local Tourist