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River North

Chicago

The lively district just north of the river, packed with restaurants, bars, galleries and hotels between the Loop and the Magnificent Mile.

Best for Nightlife · First visit

Transport
4/5
Sights
3/5
Value
3/5
Quiet
2/5
Food
5/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$260/night · 10 min to the Loop

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River North on the map

Why stay here

  • Chicago's densest restaurant and bar scene
  • Walk to the Loop and the Mag Mile
  • Red and Brown Line stations

Who should stay here

  • Nightlife lovers
  • Food lovers
  • Couples and friends

Not ideal if…

  • You want quiet nights
  • You're on a tight budget
  • You want a neighbourhood feel

What it's like

River North has more restaurants and bars than almost anywhere in Chicago, from deep-dish pizza institutions to steakhouses and rooftop lounges. Its old warehouses hold art galleries, and its riverfront has the corncob towers of Marina City and the Wrigley Building on the edge of the Magnificent Mile.

It's a great all-round base, walkable to the Loop, the Mag Mile and the Riverwalk. It's busy and loud at weekends, especially around Hubbard Street's clubs, and hotel prices are high.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Hubbard Street

    Bars and clubs.

  • Kinzie Street

    Restaurants and hotels near the river.

  • Wells Street

    Galleries and restaurants.

Getting around

Nearest stations
Red Line at Grand, Brown and Purple lines at Merchandise Mart and Chicago, and buses along State and Clark streets.
To the Loop
About 10 minutes
From O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
About 50 minutes: CTA Blue Line to the Loop, then a short walk or Red Line ride.

Nearby attractions

  • Chicago Riverwalk

    Steps away across the river.

  • Marina City and the riverfront

    Classic views of the river and its bridges.

  • River North Gallery District

    Art galleries around Superior Street.

Where to eat and drink

  • Deep-dish pizza

    Several of the city's famous pizzerias started here.

  • Hubbard Street

    Bars and nightclubs until late.

  • Rooftop bars

    Hotel rooftops with river views.

Where to stay in River North

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

The Langham Chicago

Why we like it: Top-rated luxury hotel in a Mies van der Rohe tower on the river.

Typical luxury rate in River North: ~$600/night

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Best value

Kinzie Hotel

Why we like it: Friendly boutique hotel steps from the river.

Typical mid-range rate in River North: ~$260/night

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Best value

ACME Hotel Chicago

Why we like it: Quirky, good-value hotel near the Mag Mile.

Typical budget rate in River North: ~$150/night

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Hotels in River NorthMid-range from ~$260/night

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