Chicago on the Cheap neighborhood guide: Gold Coast. The Gold Coast gets its name from the streets lined with expensive homes and high rise condos. Map. It’s also the home to Rush Street also known as the Viagra Triangle. The shenanigans of Rush Street run along Division Street around State Street and head south along Rush and along several adjacent side streets. In addition to 4AM bars, there’s also some interesting (window) shopping along Oak Street and Rush Street. Like other areas of the city there’s a healthy mix of drinking and dining options at all price points. Along it’s eastern border is the Lake.
Getting around the Gold Coast is easy. You can take the CTA, pedal a Divvy Bike, take taxi’s, Uber or walk.
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Free and cheap things to do:
Guide to Chicago Lakefront Trail North
10 fun things to do in Lincoln Park
Free days at Chicago History Museum
Free fireworks at Navy Pier Wednesdays
Free fireworks at Navy Pier Saturdays
Clark and Division Farmers Market Saturdays
The Newberry Library, 60 West Walton Street, (312) 943-9090, is a fascinating place, a private research library with some incredible collections, exhibits and lectures and workshops many of which are free.
Washington Square Park, 901 N Clark St, (312) 742-7895. A beautiful park across from the Newberry Library.
Charnley-Persky House Museum, 1365 N. Astor Street, 312-573-1365. Free tour on Wednesdays 12PM
International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N. Lake Shore Dr., 312.642.6502. Admission is free for all visitors every Tuesday, year round.
Shopping along Oak and Rush Streets:
Bravco and B-Too Beauty, 43 E Oak St, (312) 943-4305. An enormous selection of haircare and beauty products at lower than salon prices. Cash only.
Dining and drinking
Best Chicago Prix Fixe Lunch Deals
Hotels
Chicago on the Cheap Hotel Guide
Where to buy groceries in the Gold Coast:
Jewel-Osco, 1210 North Clark, (312) 944-6950. Full service grocery store.
Potash, 875 N State St, (312) 266-4200. Full service grocery store.
Treasure Island, 75 W. Elm, (312) 440.1144. Full service grocery store.
Whole Foods, 30 W. Huron, (312) 932.9600.
Walgreens, 1200 N Dearborn St, (312) 943-0973.
Areas adjacent to the Gold Coast:
Cheap Mall Eats North Michigan Avenue
Cheap Mall eats North Michigan Avenue
