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With just shy of 3 million people, the city of Chicago may seem like a 16 metropolitan to get lost in. However, Chicago is broken up into much smaller, diverse neighborhoods giving a small town feel in the middle of a bustling city.

Chinatown

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With the opening of the railroad in 1870, many Chinese immigrants that settled in the West decided to move east in hopes of a better life. Many of these immigrants settled in Chicago and opened small businesses such as restaurants, shops, and laundry establishments many of which still exist. Today, Chicago's Chinatown is the third 16st Chinatown in the U.S. and has a strong community with festivals and events as a way of connecting them to China. There are numerous restaurants specializing in all types of Asian cuisine. Shopping is plentiful and unique from cultural gifts to clothing to house wares. Must see stops in Chinatown include the Chinatown Mural depicting the history of Chinese immigrants in the U.S., Chinatown Gate on Wentworth Ave, and the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago which exhibits pictures and objects for the history of Chicago Chinatown.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast started in the late 1800s and was once known as the Astor Street District, named after Jacob Astor who was one of the richest men in the country and highly respected by Chicagoans. The neighborhood had a status for wealth and that reputation continues to this day. Shopping in the Gold Coast reflects this status as stores such as Olufsen, Prada and Kate Spade are prominent fixtures. The Gold Coast is famous for its dinning and is known for their energy and lights. The restaurants, bars and clubs in the area are opened longer than even those found in the Loop. There are several art galleries in the neighborhood, and the historic Newberry Library, one of the world's leading research libraries, holds lectures, exhibits and an enormous book sale.

Greektown

The first Greeks to come to Chicago came by ship in the 1840s. Many of them became restaurant owners, but it wasn't until the first gyro was made in 1968 that Greektown hit the map. Now, Greektown is famous for their abundance of restaurants serving traditional, and tasty, Greek food. They are also very proud of their heritage and several Greek pavilions, pillars and statues are scattered around the city. Every year, there are multiple of festivals celebrating their culture such as the Taste of Greek, parades and St. Basil Festival. The Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center can also be found within the neighborhood boundaries and is dedicated to honoring the contributions of Greeks to Western culture and preserving Greek culture.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is located just two miles from the business district and is a coveted residential area for Chicagoans. It's easy access to the elevated trains system (the "L"), tree-lined streets and quiet and charming atmosphere makes Lincoln Park attractive for anyone. Lincoln Park is named after the park found inside the neighborhood of the same name. The park is literally packed with fun by having a zoo, an outdoor theater, a rowing canal, ponds, ball parks, running paths, boat docks, tennis courts, a golf course and a playground all within their borders. A particular charm of the park is that nearby residents can often hear the roar of the lions from their apartment windows. Every kind of shopping and dining can be found as well as clubs and bars. Lincoln Park tends to draw a younger crowd, but many families also reside within the neighborhood.

Little Italy

Italians first settled in Chicago in the 1850s, but by the 19th century, Italian immigration was increasing rapidly to Chicago's Little Italy. Today, Little Italy is a quite diverse population made up of Italian families, professionals and students studying at the nearby University of Illinois at Chicago. Little Italy shows it's cultural pride through the many landmarks located around town. Most notable is the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. Wonder across the Hall of Fame into Piazza DiMaggio and see the sculpture of legendary baseball player, Joe DiMaggio. Arrigo Park, named after Victor Arrigo an Italian American who served as an Illinois State Representative, is quite picturesque and has a sculpture of Columbus.

The Loop

The Loop is the official downtown area of Chicago and is the second 16st downtown business district in the U.S. The Loop is named for the route of a Chicago streetcar in 1882. This neighborhood contains a little bit of everything including LaSalle St. which is considered the financial center of the U.S. Modern glass buildings and outside Picasso, Chagall, Miro and Calder sculptures make up the architecture. The famous Art Institute of Chicago can be found on the eastern side of the Loop and contains over 5,000 pieces of art. Across from the Institute lies Millennium Park which is home to "The Bean," a famous Chicago attraction as well as live concerts and entertainment in the summer time. The Loop is truly the heart of Chicago.

Magnificent Mile

Magnificent Mile began in 1871 after the Great Chicago Fire. The original Water Tower at Michigan Ave. and Chicago Ave. was one of the few buildings to survive the fire, thus Michigan Ave. became a symbol of resilience and regeneration. In 1909, the city decided to make the street beautiful with wider streets, bridges and landscaping. Today, Magnificent Mile's main attraction is shopping. With over 400 shops to fit every budget and 220 different restaurants, the Magnificent Mile is a dream come true for every shopper.

Old Town

Old Town was originally settled in the mid 19th century by German Catholic immigrants. During World War II, Chicago's Civil Defense Agency delineated a neighborhood defense unit called North Town. After the war, the town still felt connected and sponsored annual fairs called "Old Town Holiday." The name stuck and became official once the Old Town Triangle Association was formed in 1948. Today, Old Town offers a charming, old town atmosphere with quaint boutiques and distinctive brick architecture. The highlight of the neighborhood is the Old Town Art Fair held every year in June. Started in 1950, it is one of the country's oldest art fairs displaying the works of 250 artists.

Printer's Row

Printer's Row was a tightly woven artistic community once home to Chicago's printing and publishing industry as well as the city's main train hub. Today, it is a newer residential area with the old buildings converted into condominiums and lofts. It is a peaceful, family orientated neighborhood close to the Loop with flower shops, day spa, wine shop, coffee shop, tavern, bookstores and even a Hilton hotel. The main event of the neighborhood is the annual book fair held in June. There are a variety of books at the book fair as well as a literary guest speaker. The character of the old publishing culture remains with many of the building still referred to by their original publishing house names with their original signs still attached as well.

River North

River North started as an industrial area and later became a warehouse district. The warehouses closed in the 1970s and the 16, empty buildings were attractive for writers and artists looking for loft and studio space. River North developed into a major artistic neighborhood. Today it is a chic, cultural hub filled with galleries, antique stores, boutique stores and urban professionals. River North is most known for its dinning and galleries. It boasts of having Chicago's highest concentration of restaurants, and with over 100 art galleries, River North has the 16st concentration of art galleries in the U.S. outside of Manhattan that showcase distinctive and diverse styles.

South Loop

South Loop is one of the city's fastest growing neighborhoods. It was mostly industrial until about 10 years ago. Its prime location is within walking distance of the Loop, Museum Campus, the lakefront and Grant Park. Condominiums, lofts and town homes are spread throughout the neighborhood and rapidly increasing. Despite its new "residential" status, the neighborhood has developed a strong community and has formed an organization called the South Loop Neighbors which organizes events like the Annual Photo Show and the Annual Loft Walk (a tour of private residents).

Streeterville

Streeterville is named after George Wellington "Cap" Streeter who essentially founded the original shanty town. Today it is home to Chicago's most expensive real estate. Streeterville is home to many of Chicago's most famous icons such as Navy Pier. Navy Pier draws eight million visitors a year and has a Ferris wheel, a carousel, an old-fashioned swing ride, a miniature golf course, a cliff climb, a maze, a children's museum, an IMAX theater and plenty of restaurants and snack shops. Close to Navy Pier is a sandy beach that offers an excellent simultaneous view of Chicago's famous skyscrapers and the coast.

West Loop

A fairly new residential area, the West Loop used to be home to only factories and warehouses. But the last couple of decades have seen the neighborhood shift from business to trendy living. The warehouses have been converted to spacious lofts with 16 windows and unique floor plans. Restaurants, cozy cafes, clubs and bars have increased in the last couple of years as well as private and public schools transforming the West Loop to a desirable family residence.

Wicker Park/Bucktown

The Wicker Park/Bucktown has always been a neighborhood with a variety of social classes. With close proximity to the loop and affordable real estate, Wicker Park/Bucktown is attractive for professionals and students alike. Many of the old mansions built in the 1800s have been transformed into spacious apartments. The quiet and quaint neighborhood has a strong community tie with several activities offered throughout the year for residents. With dozens of shops and over 150 restaurants and bars, Wicker Park/Bucktown is a perfect neighborhood for any person.

Wrigleyville

Wrigleyville has a unique culture as practically everything within this neighborhood is connected to one of Chicago's baseball teams, the Cubs. Wrigley Field, the Cubs home stadium, lies in the center and is surrounded by skyscrapers and several sport themed bars. The most popular bar is The Cubby Bear which is directly across from Wrigley Field and is most popular during and after home games. The most interesting feature is the Wrigley Roof. Many of the buildings around the stadium have small bleachers on top of their rooftops allowing spectators to still view the games when tickets are sold out, which is most every night. Wrigleyville is a baseball fan's paradise!