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.

How to Visit Chicago on a Budget and Save at over 25 top attractions

Chicago Architecture Foundation's First Lady Cruise
There are so many things to do in Chicago, and you want to do it all, but it can get to be SO expensive. With the Go Chicago Card you pay one price and receive free admission to more than 25 Chicago...

Midwest US

La Traviata: Romance, Glamour, Heartbreak

Romance, glamour and heartbreak meet in Verdi's timeless masterpiece La traviata.

Lincoln Park
Lobby of Hotel Lincoln

Deal Alert: $99 and up for Chicago's 4-Star Hotel Lincoln through April

If you've been to downtown Chicago before or just want to get away from the Mag Mile crowds, Hotel Lincoln puts you steps from the Lincoln Park Zoo and plenty of neighborhood bars and restaurants. Plus: Guests who upgrade to a suite get $40 in free extras.

South Loop

Taco Tuesday Specials in Chicago

Indulge your taco cravings every week with these Chicago taco Tuesday specials.

Chicago
Corey Drake

Wine and Song with Corey Drake

Wine and song is an occasional series on Wine in Chicago featuring a local sommelier challenged to pair a great song with a great wine.

Strings Ramen's traditional Japanese Fukubukuro, a "Lucky Bag"

Strings Ramen Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary with Traditional Japanese Fukubukuro "Lucky Bags"

flagship Chinatown location celebrates five-years, since opening Chicago's v

Midwest US

Find Your Bliss at Spa at Dana

Winter has you feeling blah? Let the freshly remodeled spa at dana pamper you! Pink Himalayan salt stone massage, anyone?

Featured Events

Two Lane Gems, Vol 2: Bison are Giant and Other Observations from an American Road Trip
Two Lane Gems, Vol. 2 Reading and Book Signing
Three Embers
10 Marriott Dr, Lincolnshire , IL 60069
Get Directions
312-725-8852
How Much: 
Free - registration requested; VIP tickets include an autographed book

Author Theresa L. Goodrich presents "Two Lane Gems, Vol. 2: Bison are Giant and Other Observations from an American Road Trip"

 02/26/2019 - 7:00pm
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.

The Local Tourist Chicago

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

Adler Planetarium in Chicago, Illinois

Free Days at Adler Planetarium: Chicago's Gateway to the Stars

Learn all about one of Chicago's most famous landmarks, and find out when there are free days at Adler Planetarium for Illinois residents.

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.
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How to be a Local Tourist

The Local Tourist has a simple goal: we want you to experience the fascination of a tourist while feeling the comfort of the local, no matter where you are.