Another year, another Basel. Let’s get into all the events, gallery showings, parties, and more for the most wonderful time of the year. This blog will be updated as more events are listed as even until the week of Basel/Art Week, new things are announced. Bookmark this blog! 

What Is Art Basel? 

Art Basel is an international art fair that showcases artwork of different mediums from paintings to sculpture from artists all over the globe. Art Basel started in 1970 and is annually hosted in cities like Hong Kong, Paris, and of course Miami Beach. Basel’s Miami Beach showcase is every December and usually takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center. 

What Is Miami Art Week? 

Every December Miami Art Week coincides with Basel weekend. Similar to the main weekend affair, Art Week is an entire week of art fairs, gallery showings, expositions, fashion shows, parties, and more all over the city. No matter what part of the city, there’s bound to be some kind of event happening. Art Week’s hot spot is in Miami’s art district Wynwood where many highlighted events, parties, and exhibits will take place. 

What Are the Dates?

For the 2025 year, Art Basel will be from Friday December 6th to Sunday December 8th. Art Week is from Monday December 1st to Sunday December 8th. 

What‘s Going On?

Art Galleries & Exhibits 

Nov

Dec 1 (Monday)

The Official Miami Art Week Kickoff Party + VIP Invitation-only Vernissage | The Bitmore Hotel - Coral Gables

Coffee at the Warehouse (through Dec 6) | The Margulies Collection at the Warrhous - Wynwood

Dec 2 (Tuesday)

Art Miami (through Dec 7) | The Art Miami Pavilion at One Herald Plaza - Downtown 

CONTEXT Art Miami (through Dec 7) | One Herald Plaza - Downtown 

Design Miami (through Dec 7) | Convention Center Drive & 19th Street - Miami Beach 

REVOLT Art Fair (through Dec 6) | Ice Palace Studios - Overtown 

Dec 3 (Wednesday)

Art Basel Miami Beach (through Dec 7) | Miami Beach Convention Center - Miami Beach 

Aqua Art Miami (through Dec 7) | Aqua Hotel - Miami Beach 

Red Dot Miami (through Dec 7) | Mana Wynwood - Wynwood

UNTITLED Art (through Dec 7) | Ocean Drive & 12th Street - Miami Beach 

Spectrum Miami | Mana Wynwood - Wynwood

HER Art Basel | Coral Gables Women’s Club - Coral Gables

CHROMA 2025 - Vital Impulses in Contemporary Art | Lucid Design District - Design District 

A World of Artistry (through Dec 10) | InterContinental Miami, an IHG Hotel - Downtown

Dec 4 (Thursday)

Pinta Miami (through Dec 7) | The Hangar in Coconut Grove - Coconut Grove

An Evening with Photographer Carlos Muñoz | HistoryMiami Museum - Downtown

The Open Invitational - Curator Walkthrough and Breakfast | Melin Building - Design District 

Dec 5 (Friday)

NADJEA Art Basel Miami Kick-Off Party - Art Deco Fashion Show | The Gates Hotel - South Beach 

Dec 6 (Saturday)

Public Art Reveal - Art in Public Spaces | Osvaldo N. Soto Miami-Dade Justice Center - Downtown 

Dec 7 (Sunday)

Events & Parties

Nov

Dec 1 (Monday)

VIP Art Week Happy Hour by ArtsBiz Miami & Studio Artera | InterContinental Miami, an IHG Hotel - Downtown

Dec 2 (Tuesday)

Dec 3 (Wednesday)

Dec 4 (Thursday)

Baker’s Brunch: Open Studios and Cafecito | Bakehouse Art Complex - Wynwood 

Dec 5 (Friday)

NYLON House (tba) 

Art Basel Fashion Show by The Musa Showroom | Wynwood 

Art Basel Week at Hilton (through Dec 7) | Hilton Aventura Miami - Aventura 

9th Annual Basel B.A.E.: Black Art Experience | The Urban - Overtown

Dec 6 (Saturday)

Art in Bloom: Art Basel Holiday Garden Party (through Dec 7) | Galería Adelmo - Brickell

Dec 7 (Sunday)

Art Basel Weekend Painting Class | Art Classes Miami - Wynwood

First Timer Tips 

Do your research. I’m diligently researching and vetting events that I post on this guide and you should do the same especially if you’re coming by yourself and/or you don’t know anyone from Miami or South Florida. I’ve already spotted a couple of shady events. It’s Miami, so the scammers, finessers, card crackers, and crumb snatchers will be outside all week and weekend. 

Art Basel and Art Week is happening all over the city and there are events large and small happening in every neighborhood. Miami is so much more than Brickell and Miami Beach. Sure, those are the hot spots, a lot of fun, and the TikTok and IG aesthetic favored locations, but there’s much more to discover. Do not be afraid to explore places you wouldn’t usually go to because I promise you you’ll have the time of your life. Also, be sure to check out local spots from restaurants to art showcases. Miami has such an underrated food scene that can rival the big names like Chicago, New York, and New Orleans. For the full 4-1-1 on maneuvering around Miami, go check out my Ultimate Miami Travel Guide here. There I share and go beyond typical tourist spots and expand on restaurants, events, hot spots and more. 

Travel

See my travel guide to get in depth info on how to explore Miami.

Weather

December is such a perfect time to visit Miami for Basel. Hurricane season just ended, the weather isn’t overwhelmingly hot like in the summer, and obviously it’s not cold. The average temperature is 77 degrees high and 69 degrees low. It’s still South Florida, so keep that in mind. 

Where to Stay:

As I’m typing this blog, it’s September so you should start booking now. Like, right now. After you’re done reading this, go book something. Hotels, Airbnbs, and more get booked very quick. Events are happening all over the city and even in the surrounding areas, but your best bet is to stay in areas like Downtown, Wynwood, Brickell, or Miami Beach.

I would also recommend getting a city map to pin point where events you’re going to are located for a visual. 

Hotels:

Brickell

Aloft Miami - Brickell (3-star)

Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami (3-star)

Downtown 

citizenM Miami Worldcenter Hotel (4-star) 

Doubletree by Hilton Grand Hotel, Biscayne Bay (3-star) 

Hilton Miami Downtown (4-star) 

InterContinental Miami Hotel (4-star)

Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay (4-star) 

Miami Beach 

Freehand Miami Beach (3-star)

Hotel Belleza (3-star) 

Riviera Suites South Beach (4-star) 

SLS South Beach (4-star) 

Wynwood 

AC Hotel Miami Wynwood (4-star) 

Arlo Wynwood (4-star) 

Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Wynwood Design District (3-star) 

Other 

Dunns Josephine Hotel - Overtown 

Miami River Inn - Little Havana (2-star)

Selina Miami River - Little Havana

How To Get Around

Traffic in Miami is already a hot mess, here are ways to get around the already congested and growing city. Miami is begging for people to use the public transportation because of that and I highly recommend utilizing that as a way to get around the primary hot spots like Wynwood, Downtown, Brickell, and Miami Beach. Please keep in mind unlike in cities like New York and Chicago, Miami’s transportation system has limits whether it’s time or location. Keep that in mind when you’re calculating eta and I would also recommend using it during the day. 

Parking is extremely hard to find during Art Week. I promise you you’ll be driving around in circles looking for a spot and if /when you do find one, it might be far away from the venue you’re going to. So because of that, you should definitely wear comfortable shoes (comfortable and stylish, we’re here to serve looks too!) 

Your best bet will be to use Lyft, Uber, and other ride sharing alternatives, and yes costs will be through the roof. 

If you’re coming from Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, or other parts of Florida, using the Brightline train is a great option as well. 

I’ve had my eye on The Ordinary for a while now and finally decided to purchase a few items since they had free shipping and I needed some vitamin c anyway. 

Bedsides the Vitamin C, which came in a pure powder form, I also got Absorbyl Glycoside Solution 12% and Squalene Cleanser. Here’s the 4-1-1 on each item:

100% L-Abscoebic Acid Powder: Aka vitamin c that comes with a mini scooper. Vitamin C is great for brightening skin, removing dark spots, and evening skin tone. 

Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%: This is to be mixed with the vitamin c powder. While this has a vitamin c derivative, this is a water based serum that also helps brighten skin and targets uneven skin tone, antioxidant support, and signs of aging as stated in the description.

Squalene Cleanser: This cleanser removes makeup but also helps with hydration. 

I use the L-Absorbic Acid Powder mixed with the Absorbyl Glucoside Solution during the day. A little bit goes a long way, so there’s no need for overdoing it. So far, I’ve had a small breakout on my cheek, probably due to my skin being introduced to something new (I noticed something similar upon using a new retinol). There’s a slight tinging sensation from the powder. So far, I have no issues and I’ve yet to use the Squalene Cleanser. 

I’ll share an update on how I like the products after consistent use. 

Update: The vitamin c and glycoside is doing my skin so well! Skin looks brighter. I haven’t used it long enough to see the fading scaring but I’ll keep an update on that too. As for the squalene cleanser, it’s cool. I’ve used it a few times in double cleansing. It leaves no breakouts, no drying. Just something extra. 

I remember back in the late 2010s when the debate and meme stating that buying a passport over Jordan sneakers was the better move popped up on social media. I knew then that the growing travel culture was on a first class ticket straight to hell. Since then, travel culture for many Millennials and Gen Z has been consumed by clout, social status, and a desperation for exclusivity, attention, and validation. Because many individuals in the two generations are not purchasing and owning homes, marrying, or even having children as older generations traditionally have done, experiences such as travel have taken place of those milestones. Not only has trips from everywhere to the Amalfi Coast to Tokyo replaced wedding rings and baby carriages for many, but it has also become the new status symbol. 

When I went on my first international trip, it was a girl’s trip. After months of excitement, planning, and preparation, the trip was soured by an ex-associate who made it her personal duty to compete with me non-stop during my stay. This girl’s trip gone bad wasn’t a sole experience that only I had faced, but it was an entire phenomenon where women in their 20’s and 30’s have fallen out with friends and associates while away vacationing. Enter in the “Miami Ruins Friendships” theory. Since the dawn of the 2020’s, there has been a plethora of social media discussions and story time videos about how the sunny South Florida city is destroying friendships. Some people have even went as far to utilize spiritual reasonings on why as soon as the girls step foot into Miami International Airport, it goes down like Yung Joc. 

The problem is, this phenomenon isn’t just happening in Miami. As in my experience, this happened way down in the Caribbean and I never saw it coming. The problem isn’t Miami, the problem (one of many) is that travel has become the new social currency and that kind of currency always comes with competition, pettiness, and territory marking. For the young lady I vacationed with, traveling was her thing. She enjoyed being the most well traveled out of our former trio and I was a newbie to the world of jet setting. I was stepping into her territory and she wanted me to know my place and not outshine her. 

That’s the common theme I notice when discussions about negative social aspects concerning travel comes up. Ego. People brag about no longer going to places like Turks and Caicos because it’s no longer “exclusive” or complain about the no Benjamin’s bringing friends who had the nerve to come to Cancun with $100 and a dream (more like a nightmare). Speaking of the lack of sufficient funds on trips, it amazed me how people can boldly leave their city with so little coins and then it dawned on me that many of these people don’t want to miss out and are embarrassed to admit to their friends that they can no longer afford to attend the trip. They want to keep up and avoid looking like the “broke friend”. 

Many people have packed their egos in their luggage and that’s why everything from fist fights to friendship fallouts occur on or after trips. Since the 2010’s influencer culture and social media has introduced traveling as branding, luxury, and status to the masses. Reality TV shows always incorporate at least one group trip the cast attends and absolutely cuts up. Traveling has also become way more accessible and easier for the average person to afford which is helpful. When someone would have hired a travel agent to book a Paris trip in 2004, in the current era a flight to France is only a few clicks away via apps like Expedia, and there are plenty of buy now-pay later sites for traveling on a budget. So what’s the big idea with all of the clout chasing? 

Traveling has transformed my whole world and changed my entire life, including the first international trip where I endured passive aggressive bullying and jealousy. I never looked at travel as a way to look down on others or pull rank, but upon traveling consistently post pandemic, I picked up on how people around me were reacting. Associates I had known for years and even random women on social media began to hover around me in awe, soft stalking, pocket watching, and attempting to mirror me because they felt they needed to impress me, keep up, attach themselves to me, and get my stamp of approval. While I’m sure where I was going accounted for the obsessive behavior, it was the most bizarre things I’ve ever seen and experienced in my life. 

People I thought I was cool with began to unfollow me as they took my vacation posts personal. That’s when it hit me. While traveling is about fun, exploration, and creating memories for me, many people see it as a social hierarchy and competition. Factor that in with materialism and social media and you have one hot mess. 

Because traveling is more accessible than ever, and it’s even more valued than settling down for many Millennials and Gen Zers, so many people feel the need to jump into the competition and measure themselves against their peers. Keeping up with the Jonses via new homes and cars has been replaced with status traveling. Your social worth is connected to where you’ve been and how many places you’ve been. 

Upon many of my travel adventures, I’ve seen how people projected their own insecurities or social media baddie fantasies onto me when I was just living my life like it’s golden. Like, why are you kissing my behind and auditioning to be my friend as if my travel is going to automatically rub off on you…It then made perfect sense as to why so many people travel and still remain ignorant of other cultures, places, and people. The constant turmoil of young women traveling with fake friends and users became even more clear. Travel has become an expensive performance for others. People can travel for whatever reason they choose, but I really wish I would pay a couple of bands for a vacation with the primary and only motivation impress others. That’s poppycock. 

Where does it leave us when resorts and timelines have been transformed into social battlegrounds? Connection dropped. When friendships and bonds should be solidified especially in an era where so many people are lonelier and friendless than ever, they become distant memories upon arriving home. People remain close minded and ignorant of the world around them after paying thousands to experience it. The unhappiness so many are facing is still present behind the smiles on Instagram travel dumps. Traveling will not make someone better, happier, or even more interesting if they’re not doing the internal work. If you feel the need to go into debt, skip out on priorities, or feel shame for being honest about an inability to afford a trip because you want to keep up with people, you need to be around better people. 

If you’re motivated to venture to places with beauty standards that don’t match your own to prove your attractiveness only to be disappointed from being turned away at clubs, change your tune. Traveling is amazing, but it’s not the end all be all of life itself. 

How To Get There 

Getting to the City of Big Shoulders depends on where you’re coming from. Chicago is the third largest city in the United States with a very major transportation system from two major airports to train systems. If you’re coming from the Midwest, driving, a train or bus ride can work. Coming from anywhere else? Plane is your best choice. 

Flying 

As mentioned, Chicago has two major airports. O’Hare International Airport is located in the northwest side of Chicago and Midway is located on the southwest side. O’Hare is a much larger airport and farthest from the center of the city. Midway is smaller and closer to the center of the city. Both airports are connected to the train system uniquely known as the “L”. 

O’Hare operates with the Blue Line and Midway operates with the Orange Line. The Blue Line operates 24 hours but the Orange Line operates roughly from 3am to 1am. You can find more info on getting around the city using the “L” in “How to Get Around”. Choosing between O’Hare and Midway is up to you and largely can depend on where you’re staying as well as what airline you pick. 

Train

Two major train systems to utilize in getting to Chicago is the Metra and the Amtrak. Downtown’s Union Station provides service for both. The Metra operates within the city and surrounding suburbs and goes out the state to Kenosha, Wisconsin. 

The Amtrak is nationally connected to Chicago with major cities like Seattle, New York, Washington D.C. and the latest stop Miami making it the farthest city. 

Bus 

Similarly to the Amtrak, the Greyhound also connects to Chicago via other major U.S. cities. Megabus is another option along with CharterUP which is utilized within the Midwest region primarily. 

Driving 

Despite the obvious popularity in plane travel in our modern age, once upon a time a system like Route 66 was a popular highway to get to and from Chicago leading all the way to the west coast’s Santa Monica, California. Chicago can be accessed through several major highways and interstates like I 290 (Eisenhower), I 90 (Kennedy Expressway), and I 94 (Dan Ryan). 

When to Visit 

The best time of year to visit Chicago is from late March to December. There are great things to do in Chicago during the entirety of the year, but keep in mind a major factor such as the weather, the brutal winters that is. Spring and summer bring about plenty of outdoor festivals, concerts and events. Autumn offers a magnificent gaze of pumpkin spiced leaves and fall festivities. Winter in December turns the city into a winter wonderland. 

Unless you’re about that winter life from January to March, I wouldn’t suggest that as the best time to visit. January brings extremely low temperatures and February is notorious for snowstorms. No matter what time you go, always be cognizant of the ever changing weather of the city of wind. 

Location: Best Areas to Stay & Visit 

Stay

Downtown - If you’re ready to hit the town and see the big city, downtown is a great area to stay in. Chicago’s downtown is so vast that there’s multiple areas within to choose from. Magnificent Mile is close to sights such as Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, Navy Pier, the John Hancock Tower, and of course luxury designer stores from Louis Vuitton to Chanel. River North is lush with nightlife and fine dining. The Loop is where you will discover the main Chicago landmarks like the Sears Tower (I’m a real Chicago girl, I call the Willis Tower the original name), the Chicago Theater, Millennium Park, and the famous Bean, and the Buckingham Fountain. 

West Loop - The West Loop borders downtown and is rich with nightlife and a foodie paradise. Formerly apart of the west side during the days of Jane Addams, the West Loop is where you’ll find historic neighborhoods like Little Italy and Greek Town. It’s also home the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). 

South Loop - The South Loop is still apart of downtown in my opinion. Well known spots like the Museum Campus include the Alder Planetarium, the Field Museum, and the Shedd Aquarium. The home of the Chicago Bears and a venue for large concerts, Soldier Field is there. Like the neighboring areas named above, the South Loop is also abundant in food, shopping, and day and night activities. 

River North - River North is just north of Chicago’s downtown Loop area, an overwhelming location of nightlife, dining, and stores. It includes the famous luxury shopping street Magnificent Mile and is close to the main Downtown Loop area. 

Streeterville - In the Near North Side region, Streeterville lies adjoining to River North. Filled with high rise condos, this location is another great spot to be as it’s close to downtown and has all of the fine dining and nightlife activities needed to revel in your trip. Streeterville also is where the famous Navy Pier is located as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art. 

O’Hare Airport & Midway Airport Areas - While the O’Hare Airport and Midway Airport areas aren’t lively like other neighborhoods im Chicago, staying in these areas will guarantee full access to Chicago’s L system as both are connected. O’Hare connects to the Blue Line, Midway to the Orange. 

Visit

Wicker Park - Wicker Park is where the hipsters roam. While it’s mainly a residential area, Wicker Park’s Milwaukee Avenue is overflowing with restaurants, shops, art galleries, and nightlife. 

Hyde Park - Like Wicker Park, Hyde Park is also a residential area and also home to the University of Chicago. Like Wicker’s Milwaukee Avenue, Hyde Park’s 53rd Street is bustling with stores, food spots, and so much to do after hours. 

Chinatown - Chinatown is Chicago’s historic neighborhood where Chinese immigrants came and settled in the 19th century. Located south of the South Loop, Chinatown is rich in culture and food with restaurants, shops, and colorful traditional Chinese architecture to explore. It’s right by the Cermak-Chinatown Red Line train stop. 

Pilsen - Once occupied by Eastern European immigrants, Pilsen is one of Chicago’s main Mexican neighborhoods. There you will find authentic cuisine from Mexico and a wide array of Mexican culture such as the National Museum of Mexican Art. In more recent times, Pilsen has grown into a community for artists as well so you’re sure to find plenty of art galleries, shows, and shops to visit. 

Chicagoland Suburbs

Oak Park - If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, by all means take a visit to the suburbs. Oak Park is just west of the city, bordering the west side. Oak Park is accessible via the Green Line from downtown. Downtown Oak Park’s Lake Street has numerous shops and restaurants to enjoy and there are even landmarks like the Frank Lloyd Wright home to peruse. 

Evanston - Evanston is north of the city and can be accessed via the Purple Line. This quaint burb is home to Northwestern University and filled with small businesses to support. 

Where to Stay 

Ah. Location, location. Where you will stay in Chicago widely depends on what you’re visiting for and what you’ll be doing. Keep in mind, Chocago is a very big city and traffic plays a factor in maneuvering around. I would highly suggest staying Downtown, the West Loop, South Loop, Lincoln Park, or in the Midway or O’Hare airport areas. 

Downtown 

Hyatt Regency Chicago 4-star 

theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel 4-star 

The Drake 4-star 

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile 3-star 

The Godfrey 4-star 

Trump International Hotel & Tower 5-star 

The Ritz Carlton, Chicago 5-star 

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel 4-star 

West Loop

Hyatt House Chicago/West Loop Fulton Market 3-star 

Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop, an IHG Hotel 4-star 

Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Medical District UIC 3-star 

Midway Airport Area

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/Midway 3-star 

Courtyard Chicago Midway Airport 3-star 

Hyatt Place Chicago/Midway Airport 3-star

DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport 3-star 

Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Midway Airport 2-star

O’Hare Airport Area

Comfort Suites Chicago O’Hare Airport 3-star

Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport 4-star 

Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago 4-star

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago O’Hare Airport Rosemont 4-star 

Hampton Inn Chicago O’Hare International Airport 3-star

Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel

Miscellaneous 

Hyatt Place Chicago South/University Medical Center 3-star - Hyde Park 

SOPHY Hyde Park 4-star - Hyde Park 

The Willows Hotel 3-star - Lincoln Park 

Villa D’Citta Bed & Breakfast 4-star - Lincoln Park

The Robey 4-star - Wicker Park

Where to Eat

Short answer: everywhere. Literally everywhere. Chicago’s food scene is one of the best in the nation and in the world. There’s food from all over the globe and there’s a wide array of unique dishes created in the city. Not only will you have to unbuckle your belt and prepare for your back to increase, but you will also have to add an extra day to your itinerary to try so many iconic spots. Many of these places are personally hand picked; my favorite spots to Chicago staples frequented in my childhood and upbringing. 

I’m separating this list into two parts: one part is for the legendary, must have Chicago restaurants where you can try dishes deep dish pizzas and another general list of great places to enjoy. 

The Icons 

Pizza

Giordano’s - multiple locations 

Lou Malnati’s - multiple locations 

Beggars - multiple locations 

Uno Pizzeria - Streeterville, Lakeview, O’Hare

Bacci Pizza - multiple locations 

Italian Beefs 

Al’s #1 Italian Beef - Little Italy, Fulton River District, Logan Square, Lakeview

Burgers, Hot Dogs & Polish Sausages 

The Original Maxwell Street - multiple locations 

Jim’s Original - UIC area, West Lakeview

Billy Goat Tavern - Downtown (original), multiple locations 

Portillo’s - River North, South Loop, Logan Square

Fatso’s Last Stand - Ukrainian Village, Sheffield Neighbors

Chicken with Mild Sauce 

Uncle Remus - multiple locations 

Harold’s Chicken - multiple locations 

Dessert

Margie’s Candies - Bucktown, West Ravenswood

Eli’s Cheesecake - Portage Park, O’Hare

Miscellaneous 

Garrett Popcorn - multiple locations 

The Berghoff - Downtown

Walnut Room - Downtown 

Mario’s Italian Lemonade - Little Italy

BBQ

Carson’s Ribs Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue Chicago - Streeterville 

Everything Else

Asian 

Blue Sake Sushi Grill - River North, Lincoln Park

Gangnam Market - River West

Sushi Taku - Logan Square, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park

TAK Korean Bistro & Karaoke - South Loop

Soul Food 

MacArthur’s Restaurant - Austin

Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles - Bronzeville, Oak Park

Pearl’s Place - Bronzeville 

Norman’s Bistro - Oakland  

Luella’s Southern Kitchen - Lincoln Square 

Soul Vibez - River North 

Bronzeville Soul - Bronzeville 

Mexican 

Tecaclitlan Mexican Restaurant - Lincoln Park

Barcocina - West Town, Lakeview 

Luxury & Fine Dining 

The Gage - Downtown 

Carnivale - Fulton River District

Rosebud Steakhouse - Downtown

Ralph Lauren Chicago - Magnificent Mile 

American (Burgers, BBQ, etc)  

Small Cheval - Fulton Market, Wicker Park, Riverside

Weber Grill Restaurant - Streeterville 

Vegan & Vegetarian 

Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine - South Shore 

Kale My Name - Kimball 

The Chicago Diner - Logan Square, Lakeview 

PLANTA Queen - River North

Soul Veg City - Auburn Park

B’Gabs & Comfort Cafe - Hyde Park

Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat - River North, Hyde Park

The Black Vegan - Little Village

Italian 

Pompei - Little Italy 

Canal Street Eatery and Market - West Loop

Sweets 

Stan’s Donuts - multiple locations 

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop - Streeterville 

Sweet Bean - South Loop

Pacific 

Aloha Wagon - Little Village 

Markets 

Time Out Market - Fulton Market 

Chicago French Market - West Loop

Latin American 

Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant - Bucktown 

Brunch & Breakfast 

Batter & Berries - Lakeview 

Sweet Maple Cafe - Little Italy 

Stax Cafe - Little Italy, River West

Molly’s Cupcakes - multiple locations 

Cafes, Coffee, & Tea 

Afro Joe’s Coffee & Tea - Beverly 

Sip & Savor - multiple locations 

Ralph's Coffee - Magnificent Mile 

How to Get Around 

Public Transportation 

Chicago is the city for commuters, so much so that many people don’t have cars because of the transportation. The CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bus and train system includes routes all around the city and some even run for 24 hours, every day of the week. Public transportation is especially great and beneficial when maneuvering throughout the Downtown and Loop areas as there is either barely any place to park or parking is super expensive. 

Lyft & Uber 

Like most places, Lyft and Uber and the good ol’ reliables when traveling. And like most places, please be aware and remember prices can surge during events and festivals and in high volume areas like a River North. 

Things to Do

Chicago is the city for everyone to enjoy. No matter what age, interest, or reason, there is always something to get into in Chicago. 

Beaches 

Oak Street Beach

North Avenue Beach 

Montrose Beach

57th Street Beach 

Water Activities 

Next Wave Watersports

Festivals & Events

Chicago Blues Festival 

Chicago Restaurant Week

Black Yacht Weekend

Christkindlmarket

Do Division Street Fest

Chicago Jazz Festival

Wicker Park Fest

Chicago Fashion Week

Black Women’s Expo

Chicago Women’s Expo

Landmarks & History

Navy Pier

Chicago Theater

Willis Tower

John Hancock Tower 

Buckingham Fountain - Downtown

Millennium Park - Downtown

Chicago Cultural Center - Downtown 

Museums & Art

Lincoln Park Zoo - Lincoln Park

The DuSable Black History Museum & Education Center 

Chicago History Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Shedd Aquarium

Griffin Museum of Science & Industry

Field Museum

Chicago Children’s Museum

MCA Museum of Contemporary Art

Alder Planetarium

Museum of Ice Cream

National Museum of Mexican Art - Pilsen

Rooftop

VU Rooftop Bar

ROOF on theWit

CloudBar at 360 CHICAGO

Nightlife 

Andy’s Jazz Club

Theater

Goodman Theater

Cadillac Palace Theater

Chicago Theater

Lyric Opera of Chicago

The Auditorium Theater

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

TIP: You can find deals on Groupon for activities, Experiences on Airbnb, and be sure to check Eventbrite for festivals, concerts and other events. 

This travel guide will be regularly updated with more tips, places, and info!