Off the beaten path · Chicago, United States

12 Hidden Gems in Chicago Most Visitors Miss

Skip one big-name queue and trade it for one of these. Every pick is backed by real reviews.

Chosen from 111 tracked places in Chicago: highly rated, rarely crowded. Updated monthly.

  1. Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute

    MarketFree entry

    The Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute, located in the heart of Chinatown Square, is more than a market, it's a cultural hub.

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  2. Victory Gardens Theater

    Entertainment

    Victory Gardens Theater is a beloved performing arts venue in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, known for its commitment to producing new plays and diverse voices.

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  3. TimeLine Theatre

    Entertainment

    TimeLine Theatre is a respected Chicago theater company located in the Lakeview neighborhood on the North Side.

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  4. Iwan Reis Cigars & Tobacco

    MarketFree entry

    Iwan Reis Cigars & Tobacco is a hidden gem for cigar enthusiasts, located on the second floor at 19 S Wabash Avenue in downtown Chicago's Loop.

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  5. Court Theater

    Entertainment

    Court Theater is a professional theater company based in the South Side of Chicago, specifically on the campus of the University of Chicago.

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  6. Chicago Bike Adventures

    Landmark

    Chicago Bike Adventures offers an active and eco-friendly way to explore the Windy City.

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  7. Mindworks: The Science Of Thinking

    Museum

    Mindworks: The Science Of Thinking is a hands-on museum located in Chicago's Loop neighborhood, dedicated to the fascinating world of cognitive science.

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  8. Public House Chicago

    SightFree entry

    Public House Chicago is a popular gastropub located on North State Street in the heart of River North, one of Chicago's most dynamic neighborhoods.

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  9. Windy City Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures

    Landmark

    Windy City Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures offers an immersive evening walking tour through Chicago's West Loop, a neighborhood known for its historic buildings and eerie past.

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  10. Old Town School of Folk Music

    Entertainment

    The Old Town School of Folk Music is a beloved institution in Chicago's Far North Side, located on Lincoln Avenue in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.

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  11. Pilsen

    NeighborhoodFree entry

    Pilsen is one of Chicago's most culturally rich neighborhoods, located in the Lower West Side.

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  12. Carbide and Carbon Building

    LandmarkFree entry

    The Carbide and Carbon Building is a historic Art Deco skyscraper located at 230 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago's Loop.

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