The Local Tourist is your Chicago local guide, helping you find things to do, restaurants and nightlife, events, and places to stay.
WHAT TO DO IN CHICAGO
It’s almost easier to tell you what you can’t do in Chicago than what you can. Check our guide to what to do in Chicago and start planning how you’re going to see it all.
COME FROM AWAY Will Inspire Us All
COME FROM AWAY tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the…
Explore Chicago’s Past at Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum showcases the city’s complicated history and is itself a piece…
Seven Luxurious Places to Watch the Chicago Air and Water Show
If you’re going to watch the 2019 Chicago Air and Water Show you don’t have…
Seven Luxurious Places to Watch the Chicago Air and Water ShowRead More
True West Revival
Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents its first ever revival of the play that launched the company…
Taking Back Sunday at House of Vans
I found myself at the House of Vans in Chicago for the first time…
Encore Events Announced by Chicago Gourmet
The annual Chicago Gourmet festival held in Millennium Park is always the toast of…
Ms. Blakk for President: Not All Heroes Wear Capes
I cried helplessly in silence… Inside the theatre decked out in pink and glitter…
VOLTA: A Journey of Self-discovery
Cirque du Soleil has brought VOLTA to Chicago! The troupe’s 41st original production since 1984,…
A Night at the Drive In Movie Theater: Chicago’s Outdoor Movie Theater
Heading to the drive in movie theater is the stuff of which summer memories are…
A Night at the Drive In Movie Theater: Chicago’s Outdoor Movie TheaterRead More
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN CHICAGO
If you’re hungry or thirsty, you won’t be for long in Chicago! This is an incredible foodie town, with gourmet groceries, an epic beer and spirits scene, world class restaurants, and the best bartenders around.
No Average Joe at Joe’s Imports
Not your average Joe, Joe’s Imports shines in Fulton Market. Come for the wine.…
Road Trip to Pennyville Station
I will be honest. Rarely do I travel outside of Chicago city limits to…
Dinner-and-a-Movie, All Grown Up
What happens to dinner-and-a-movie when it grows up? I think that the answer to…
Now Open: BMO Club Rooftop at Ravinia Festival
Ravinia Festival, Chicagoland’s favorite summer alfresco music venue, has expanded its dining offerings this…
Le Sud launches a new happy hour
Oui, oui! Le Sud, the charming French-Mediterranean restaurant located in Roscoe Village, now offers…
A Tasty Combo: Oscar Lee’s Barbecue and Milwalky Taco
Two of my favorite types of food are barbecue and Mexican cuisine. Put some…
A Tasty Combo: Oscar Lee’s Barbecue and Milwalky TacoRead More
Six ways to Blaum Bros Distillery in Galena and What to Drink on the Way
Galena is a magical town. It has historic Bed and Breakfasts, historic churches, historic…
Six ways to Blaum Bros Distillery in Galena and What to Drink on the WayRead More
Easy Livin' at The Delta
“There are great people here.” I beg your pardon? “People here. The staff, the…
CHICAGO EVENTS
Whether you’re looking for live music, art fairs, festivals, family-friendly events, theater, tours, farmers markets, or any other fun event you can think of, you’ll never be bored when you’ve got so many options!
IN-DEPTH GUIDES TO CHICAGO
Go beyond the basics with our in-depth guides to Chicago attractions and things to do.
TRAVEL THE U.S.A.
Get outta town! Check out our companion site for travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories.