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.

The Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest free show of its kind in the USA. Check out this complete guide to find everything you need to know, including how to get there, where to stay, and where to watch. #Chicago #AirandWaterShow #Midwest #Free

Seven Luxurious Places to Watch the Chicago Air and Water Show

If you're going to watch the 2018 Chicago Air and Water Show this weekend you don't have to fight the crowds for blanket space. Instead make plans to elevate your experience with a buffet on the...

US Air Force Thunderbirds

Chicago Air & Water Show Specials to Help You Enjoy This Year's Show

Well, it's that time of year - large planes buzzing downtown as they prepare for the annual waterfront extravaganza.

Gold Coast
The Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest free show of its kind in the USA. Check out this complete guide to find everything you need to know, including how to get there, where to stay, and where to watch. #Chicago #AirandWaterShow #Midwest #Free

Seven Luxurious Places to Watch the Chicago Air and Water Show

If you're going to watch the 2018 Chicago Air and Water Show this weekend you don't have to fight the crowds for blanket space.

Adler Planetarium in downtown Chicago

Free Admission with Smithsonian's Museum Day Live!

Saturday, September 22, 2018, it's time to be a Local Tourist. Museum Day Live! returns with free admission at museums all over the country. Smithsonian magazine has partnered with Microsoft to bring you a day of education, learning, and fun, for free!

Photographer - Steven E. Gross

In Which Your Humble Reporter Experiences Gastroeuphoria at the Great Chefs Gala

Dear reader: gastroeuphoria is a dangerous food-induced syndrome and should only be attempted by professionals under the supervision of grown-ups.

Oak Brook

Perry’s Steakhouse is the place to go for "Pork Chop Friday"

Pork chops and applesauce. You get bonus points if you know the 70s pop culture reference – but another reason to utter those words would be a visit to Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Oakbrook.

Downtown
Mark Maruszak benny's chop house wine

The Benny's Chop House Wine Director Knows Wine

The wine cellar at Benny’s Chop House is immediately behind the bar. It's tall and narrow. Just wide enough for two people to pass each other if they’re really close friends.

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.

 08/17/2018 (All day)
Around Chicago LIVE! ~ Networking at The Signature Room at the 95th
Signature Room at the 95th
875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Get Directions - Save on nearby parking*
312.787.9596
How Much: 
$30/advance; $40/door
Make Reservations

Around Chicago LIVE! - join us on the 95th floor!

 08/23/2018 - 6:00pm
Private Night at Six Flags - OUT in the Park
Six Flags Great America
1 Great America Pkwy, Gurnee, IL 60031
Get Directions
847.249.1776
How Much: 
$43

Private Night at Six Flags to Celebrate Diversity

 09/08/2018 - 7:30pm

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.

The Local Tourist's Guide to the Chicago Air & Water Show

Chicago Air & Water Show: Everything You Need to Know

This is the most comprehensive, ultimate guide to the Chicago Air & Water Show available. Includes where to watch, who's performing, how to get there, and where to stay.

Chicago Skyline from Skydeck

How to Save Money in Chicago: Stretch Your Budget with These Tips

Here's an obvious statement: exploring Chicago can be expensive. But it doesn't have to be, and just because you're on a budget, doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the fun things to do.

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.
more
How to be a Local Tourist