Off the beaten path · Chicago, United States

12 Hidden Gems in Chicago Most Visitors Miss

The quieter side of Chicago, chosen from what travelers actually rate highest once the crowds thin out.

Picked out of the 111 Chicago places we track, favoring high ratings over high foot traffic. 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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