Near East Side Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Near East Side
Popular places to visit
Wrigley Field
A big piece of Chicago's soul, an ancient stadium that keeps alive the quirky, edgy madness of baseball.
Naval Base Great Lakes
After visiting Naval Base Great Lakes, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in North Chicago. Wander the lakeside in this family-friendly area.
Navy Pier
One of Chicago’s most popular attractions, especially on a hot day, with its fun fair, boats, circus and theatre.
McCormick Place
Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.
Michigan Avenue
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Soldier Field
Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.
Activities
Skydeck - Willis Tower Admission
Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
Our pick of the best Near East Side Hotel Deals
Swissotel - Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel
"Very old hotel but location is great for Grant Park and Soldier Field. Toilet was extremely low and many chipped tiles in bathroom. Wallpaper peeling in hallways. Service was very slow in restaurant. We left and didn’t eat onsite."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
The Chicago Hotel Collection - Magnificent Mile
"The front desk staff at night and during the day upon checkout were incredibly warm, welcoming and friendly. Our original hotel was oversold and the front desk staff at that “unnamed” hotel just a few blocks away were awful and rude. It was a welcoming experience to come to this hotel and be greeted ..."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Hotel Felix River North/Magnificent Mile
"Staff is excellent. Breakfast was below standards - muffins, fruit, juice, and a couple breakfast sandwiches the staff put in the microwave. I’d pass on the breakfast. Nice location. Rooms were okay - the bed in our room was full of cat scratches."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
River Hotel
"My stay at the River Hotel was excellent from start to finish. The location is unbeatable, making it easy to explore the surrounding area, and the views were a great bonus. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with everything I needed for a relaxing stay."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Near East Side
Streeterville
Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Streeterville. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.
Downtown Chicago
Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.
The Loop
Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan are a few top attractions in The Loop. Hop around the city on the metro at Washington Station or Lake Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.
Theatre District
While you're in Theatre District, take in top sights like Michigan Avenue or State Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).
Magnificent Mile
Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.
River North
Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.
