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River North is the area north and east of the Chicago River and west of Michigan Avenue. Map. Over the last twenty years it has evolved from an artist loft and gallery district into a dining and nightlife mecca.  There's hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs at all price points. Getting around … [Read more...] about Chicago on the Cheap neighborhood guide: River North

The Loop is named after the elevated train that makes a loop through the center of the area.  The home of Grant Park and Millennium Park, the Art Institute, the Museum Campus and more there are enough free and cheap things to do here that you never have to venture out into other neighborhoods. It's … [Read more...] about Chicago on the Cheap neighborhood guide: the Loop

The main draw in the South Loop is the Museum Campus. Map. As you venture south and west into the Loop it can get a little deserted at night. The Museum Campus is comprised of the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium.  Admission to any of these can be very expensive.  There … [Read more...] about Chicago on the Cheap neighborhood guide: South Loop

Streeterville is the area east of Michigan Avenue and north of the Chicago River. Map  Teeming with restaurants, offering beach and river access and adjacent to Navy Pier it's become, over the last 20 years, a residential neighborhood crammed full of expensive high rise condos. Getting around … [Read more...] about Chicago on the Cheap neighborhood guide: Streeterville

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 … [Read more...] about Chicago on the Cheap neighborhood guide: Gold Coast

Old Town is an historic and mostly residential neighborhood of expensive single family homes, townhomes, and condos. The main strip of commercial restaurants and shopping is on Wells Street between Division and North Avenue.  Map. Getting around Old Town is easy.  You can take the CTA, pedal a … [Read more...] about Chicago on the Cheap neighborhood guide: Old Town

The West Loop/Near West side is an evolving area. Map.  The area was once exclusively the home to wholesale food businesses, meatpacking, warehouses and art galleries and still has an industrial feel.  While residential development is booming and prices per square foot rival the nearby developed … [Read more...] about Chicago on the Cheap neighborhood guide: West Loop