Welcome to Chicago

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

Where to find the best hot dogs in Chicago

Oh, Snap! Where to Find the Best Hot Dogs in Chicago

We asked, you answered. Where to find the best places for a hot dog in Chicago. We've got restaurants, hot dog stands, and a couple of surprise suggestions.
Restaurants and Nightlife
Events
Food and Drink Specials
Hotels & Lodging
Shopping & Services
Things To Do

The Local Tourist Guides

Carillon at Chicago Botanic Garden

The Local Tourist's Guide to Chicago Botanic Garden

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

The Local Tourist's Guide to Navy Pier

The Local Tourist's Guide to Navy Pier is the ultimate resource for one of Chicago's most popular attractions.

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

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

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.
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Boutique Hotels
Breweries
Farmers Markets
Independence Day
Outdoor Dining - Bars and Restaurants with Patios - Eat Outside
Outdoor Things To Do

Featured Events

Cirque du Soleil Luzia
Cirque du Soleil 'Luzia'
United Center
312.455.4500
1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612
Get Directions - Save on nearby parking*
How Much: 
$53 - $113
Get Discounted Tickets*

Discover LUZIA, where a waking dream transports you to an imaginary Mexico.
Tropical Wednesday at La Taberna Tapas
La Taberna Tapas
3126007771
1301 S Halsted Street , Chicago, IL 60607
Get Directions

Get ready to have a great time with each one of your friends and family every Wednesday at a beautiful place to dance! We offer a Salsa Class and then great music by the hottest Latin DJ's!
AlphaBeer: Craft Beer from A to Z
AlphaBeer XVI
A.J. Hudson's
312.725.8852
3801 N Ashland, Chicago, IL 60613
Get Directions
How Much: 
$50 per tickets; $250 table of 6 - Tables of 6 are sold out

AlphaBeer is the only event that teaches you about 26 beers - one for every letter of the alphabet!
Disney's ALADDIN
Disney's ALADDIN
Cadillac Palace Theatre
312-977-1700
151 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Get Directions
How Much: 
$62-$128; Get discounted tickets at $47-$128
Get Discounted Tickets*

Chicago's wish is granted! Disney's ALADDIN, the hit Broadway musical, is coming to the Cadillac Palace Theatre for a limited engagement beginning April 11.
The Art of Rap Tour
The Art of Rap Tour
The Chicago Theatre
312-462-6300
175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601
Get Directions
How Much: 
$103.93; Get discounted tickets at $88.50
Get Discounted Tickets*

Following in the footsteps of the critically acclaimed documentary produced by Ice-T, The Art of Rap Tour brings together some of hip hop's heavyweights for a concert experience unlike any other.
ALTSO's 6th Annual Rocktoberfest
City Winery
(312)733-WINE
1200 W Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Get Directions
How Much: 
200

#RockForALTSO

Today's Events

Family Fun Festival
10:00am to 2:00pm

#WokThisWay! Imperial Lamian Late Night Wok Up Window
10:00pm

Chicago Tap Theatre's Changes
7:30pm to 9:30pm

Horrible Fun-Based on Cards Against Humanity
10:30pm

Rockin’ in the Park 2017
7:00pm to 10:00pm

Austin Town Hall Farmers Market
2:00pm to 7:00pm

MAINSTAGE SHOW: 25th Annual Putnam Co Spelling Bee

7:00pm to 10:00pm

Millennium Park Greeter Tours
11:30am

Free Day at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for Illinois residents
9:00am

Odyssey Fireworks Dinner Cruises
6:30pm

Recent News & Views

KorFusion offers a unique taste of Seoul in Chicago

KorFusion is short for “Korean Fusion” and the restaurant melds traditional family recipes from Korea with American and other cultural flavors.

Where to find the best hot dogs in Chicago

Oh, Snap! Where to Find the Best Hot Dogs in Chicago

We asked, you answered. Where to find the best places for a hot dog in Chicago. We've got restaurants, hot dog stands, and a couple of surprise suggestions.

Talenti Gelato for free at Millennium Park - photo Talenti

La-La-Love Ice Cream? Free Gelato in Millennium Park for La La Land July 18

If you're planning on seeing La La Land in

Strings Ramen Miso Premium Ramen

More Than Just a Phase: Strings Ramen

A tasting tour of Chicago's best ramen shop, Strings Ramen. Items from both the Chinatown and the Lakeview locations were tasted and this multi-course dinner.

Bud & Burgers

Bud, Burgers and Benevolence

Four days. Four chefs. Four burgers. For you. Bud & Burgers hits Chicago's Loop July 18-20. Four local chefs make your lunch. Budweiser sets you up with a brewski. Cost: $5. All proceeds go to charity. Win-win.

Culinary Fight Club Hosts Steak Throwdown On Monday
Chicago Barrel Bus Craft Distillery Tour

Indulge in some of Chicago’s uniquely crafted spirits on this all-inclusive distillery tour.

65.00
Walking Tour of Lincoln Park in Chicago

Chicago's motto is Urbs in Horto: City in a Garden. On this tour, you'll see why. Stretching for 1,208 acres, Lincoln Park is the largest park in Chicago.

30.00
Stealing the Pink Panther Diamond - aka The Bank
  • Steal a sizable stash of diamonds from a local bank in this private Chicago escape room
  • Crack into the safe with your gang of thieves in order to get the jewels
179.85
Chicago Airport Private Arrival Transfer by Sedan

Enjoy convenient private transportation between Midway or O'Hare International Airport and your hotel in the comfort of a private sedan.

90.00
Chicago Airport Private Departure Transfer by Sedan

Enjoy convenient private transportation between your hotel and Midway or O'Hare International Airport in the comfort of a private sedan.

90.00
1960's Nightlife in the Gold Coast Tour

Your 2-hour tour will take you back in time to experience the Chicago of an earlier era.

59.00
Private Guided Tour by SUV for up to 4 guests - International Languages

Explore Chicago on a custom SUV tour with a private guide in your language.

750.00
Chicago Riverwalk Food Tour

The Chicago River cuts through downtown Chicago, veering skyward on either bank are the great edifices of American architecture, and at their feet some damn good food spots!

50.00
Pizza Tour of Chicago

Whether you're meeting friends, grabbing a slice on the go, or ordering in for a late night snack, pizza is one of the few things that will never let you down!

50.00
Chicago City Tour and Chicago River Cruise

Discover Chicago from both land and water on this scenic half-day tour.

60.00

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