Chicago
IL, USA · 13 events
Chicago Fan Travel Guide
The Windy City — home of the Cubs, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox. Wrigley Field is a baseball cathedral, and the West Loop restaurant row rivals NYC for culinary excellence. Deep-dish pizza, blues music, and championship-caliber sports fandom.
Chicago Fan Travel Blueprint
FanTravel tracks 13 events and 12 fan-favorite local spots in Chicago — here's how to turn them into a fan trip:
- What fans can already use: 12 fan weekend ideas that could turn into huge weekends and 12 fan-favorite hotels, restaurants, bars, and things to do.
- Main event anchor: Beyonce Chicago 2025 on June 13, 2025.
- Stay + eat core: Chicago Athletic Association Hotel with Alinea can frame your pre-event window.
- Night + recovery: Murphy's Bleachers plus Chicago Architecture River Cruise can round out day two.
Sample 48-Hour Fan Route
- Day 1 Arrival: Check in at Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, settle near the event zone, and open your first local meal block.
- Day 1 Peak: Center the night around Beyonce Chicago 2025 and then push into post-event fan energy at Murphy's Bleachers.
- Day 2 Closeout: Use daytime space for Chicago Architecture River Cruise, then finish with Alinea before departure.
Celebrity Sightings in Chicago
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Chicago · June 2025
Potential Massive Fan Weekends
City Weekend Hub →
Beyonce Chicago 2025
Riot Fest 2026 — 20th Anniversary
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
2026 WNBA All-Star Game
Lollapalooza 2026
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears
New York Jets at Chicago Bears
New England Patriots at Chicago Bears
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears
New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears
Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
Celebrity Hotspots in Chicago
All City Hotspots →
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Chicago Lakefront Trail
Hilton Chicago
The Peninsula Chicago
Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place
Le Méridien Essex Chicago
The Chicago Hotel Collection - Wrigleyville
The Robey
Big Star Wrigleyville
Big Star
Series Hubs in Chicago
All Series-City Hubs →
NFL · Chicago
Global Concert Tours · Chicago
Global Music Festivals · Chicago
WNBA Finals · Chicago
Series × Venue in Chicago
All Venue Hubs →
NFL · Soldier Field
Global Concert Tours · Douglass Park
Global Concert Tours · Wintrust Arena
Global Music Festivals · Grant Park
WNBA Finals · United Center
Venues in Chicago
Where to Stay in Chicago
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
1893 Venetian Gothic landmark with Cindy's rooftop bar overlooking Millennium Park. Barack Obama, Chance the Rapper, Bill Murray.
The Peninsula Chicago
Five-star luxury hotel on the Magnificent Mile with a world-class spa, rooftop terrace, and impeccable service. Walking distance to Wrigley Field, the Art Institute, and Michigan Avenue shopping. The hotel of choice for visiting celebrities, from Oprah's guests to NBA superstars.
The Robey
A stylish boutique hotel in a 1929 Art Deco tower at the six corners of Wicker Park, The Robey features a rooftop lounge with skyline views and design-forward rooms. Its trendy Wicker Park location puts fans near great nightlife and a quick ride to United Center or Wrigley.
Congress Plaza Hotel
A historic 1893 hotel directly across from Grant Park's main entrance near Buckingham Fountain — among the closest properties to the Lollapalooza gates, with many rooms looking out over the lake and the festival grounds.
Hilton Chicago
Opened in 1927 and once the largest hotel in the world, the Hilton Chicago faces Grant Park directly across Michigan Avenue — widely cited as the most convenient base for a Lollapalooza weekend. It houses the Kitty O'Sheas Irish pub.
Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place
South Loop hotel near McCormick Place offering easy transit access to Rate Field for White Sox games.
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place
Hotel near McCormick Place a short drive or Red Line ride from Rate Field, popular with visiting fans.
Hotel Versey
Historic boutique hotel in Lakeview, within walking distance of Wrigley Field.
Hotel Zachary
Boutique Marriott-affiliated hotel at Gallagher Way directly across Clark Street from Wrigley Field.
Le Méridien Essex Chicago
A South Loop hotel with rooms overlooking Grant Park, Lake Michigan and Buckingham Fountain — an easy walk from the Lollapalooza gates. It houses the Grant Park Bistro.
The Chicago Hotel Collection - Wrigleyville
Lakeview hotel about a five-minute walk from Wrigley Field.
The Polo Inn Bridgeport U.S.A.
Bed and breakfast in the heart of Bridgeport, within walking distance of Rate Field, with free parking.
Where to Eat in Chicago
Alinea
Grant Achatz's three-Michelin-starred temple of molecular gastronomy in Lincoln Park. Multi-course tasting menus that defy convention — edible balloons, tableside dessert paintings, and dishes that challenge every sense. One of the most important restaurants in America.
Au Cheval
The legendary West Loop diner serving what many call America's best cheeseburger. The double cheeseburger with dijonnaise, a fried egg, and thick-cut bacon is worth the wait. Kanye West, Chance the Rapper, and visiting NBA players are regulars.
Big Star
Paul Kahan's beloved Wicker Park taco bar and honky tonk is the perfect post-game equalizer — equally excellent whether the Cubs won or lost. Award-winning al pastor tacos, a tight selection of whiskey and Mexican beer, and live country music in the courtyard make Big Star a reliable destination for athletes-turned-regulars and fans alike. The outdoor patio during Chicago summers is one of the city's great casual gathering spots after any sporting event.
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
A Gold Coast power-dining institution since 1989, Gibsons serves massive steaks and strong cocktails to Chicago's sports elite, celebrities, and dealmakers. Michael Jordan, Ditka, and visiting team owners are regulars at this see-and-be-seen steakhouse that defines Chicago's big-city swagger.
Girl & The Goat
Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard's flagship restaurant in Chicago's West Loop. Known for bold, globally-inspired dishes featuring goat, pork, and seasonal vegetables. Sabrina Carpenter dined here after her Chicago pop-up. The buzzy, lively atmosphere and sharable plates make it perfect for groups after a game or concert.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
The gold standard of Chicago deep dish since 1971, Lou Malnati's buttery crust pizza is an essential game-day tradition. With locations across the city including near Wrigley Field and the United Center, it's the first stop for out-of-town fans experiencing authentic Chicago pizza.
Maple & Ash
Gold Coast see-and-be-seen steakhouse. Dwyane Wade, Common, Patrick Kane. Tableside whole-fish presentations.
Portillo's
No Chicago sports trip is complete without a Portillo's Italian beef sandwich dipped and with hot giardiniera. Since 1963, this Chicago institution has been the go-to for hot dogs, beef sandwiches, and chocolate cake, fueling Bears, Cubs, and Bulls fans on game days across the city.
Portillo's Hot Dogs
The legendary Chicago-style hot dog stand serving dragged-through-the-garden dogs, Italian beef, and chocolate cake shakes since 1963 — no ketchup allowed.
The Gage
Overlooking Millennium Park directly across from the Art Institute, The Gage is the sophisticated gastropub where Chicago sports and culture fans come together before events at Grant Park, Soldier Field, or the United Center. The Scottish-inspired menu with excellent craft beer selection and a whiskey wall that would embarrass most dedicated whiskey bars draws a crowd that includes visiting athletes, music industry figures, and the city's sporting elite. The pre-game booth scene here is unmistakably Chicago.
The Signature Room at the 95th
Iconic restaurant on the 95th floor of 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly John Hancock Center) with panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Upscale American cuisine with a view that can't be beat — a go-to for celebs visiting the Windy City.
Acanto
An Italian restaurant directly across from Millennium Park with housemade pastas and stone-oven pizzas — named in FOX 32's near-Lollapalooza dining guide for its location steps from the festival.
Big Star Wrigleyville
Popular taco restaurant and bar on Clark Street near the ballpark with an extensive bourbon program.
Han 202
Bridgeport BYOB restaurant serving Chinese cuisine with a French twist on a multi-course prix fixe menu.
Hattie B's Hot Chicken
Nashville-style hot chicken restaurant at Gallagher Way, adjacent to Wrigley Field.
Phil's Pizza
Longtime Bridgeport pizzeria known for its tavern-style thin-crust pizza.
Smoke Daddy Wrigleyville
Barbecue restaurant inside Hotel Zachary serving smoked ribs, brisket and pulled pork steps from Wrigley.
Zaytune Mediterranean Grill
Casual Bridgeport spot serving shawarma and falafel wraps on homemade flatbread.
Best Bars in Chicago
Murphy's Bleachers
The original Wrigleyville sports bar, Murphy's Bleachers sits directly across from Wrigley Field's bleacher entrance and has been the Cubs fan gathering spot since 1930. On game days, the outdoor patio overflows with fans in blue, making it ground zero for Chicago baseball culture.
Murphy's Bleachers Wrigleyville
Murphy's Bleachers across from Wrigley Field's bleacher entrance is the most storied sports bar in Wrigleyville, a summer institution where Cubs fans have been warming up before games and lamenting losses after for generations. The rooftop offers a partial view of the Wrigley outfield, and the massive outdoor patio is a sea of Cubbie blue on game days. Murphy's is to Cubs fans what the Shark Tank is to hockey — a place with a physical and emotional identity inseparable from the team.
The Barrelhouse Flat
A two-story cocktail destination in Lincoln Park, The Barrelhouse Flat features a lively beer and punch bar downstairs and an intimate craft cocktail lounge upstairs. Its Victorian-era aesthetic and inventive drinks make it a top post-game spot for fans heading back from the United Center.
The Violet Hour
James Beard Award-winning unmarked cocktail lounge in Wicker Park. No sign, no standing, no cell phones. Vince Vaughn, John Cusack, Chance the Rapper.
Three Dots and a Dash
Hidden underground tiki bar in River North accessible through an alley. Award-winning tropical cocktails served in elaborate vessels, with bamboo décor and a fun party atmosphere. One of the best tiki bars in America and a favorite after-game spot for Bulls and Blackhawks fans.
Cindy's Rooftop
A glass-atrium rooftop bar on the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association, with sweeping views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan — patrons can even glimpse Lollapalooza from the terrace. A festivalgoer go-to.
Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern
Multi-level sports bar at Gallagher Way next to Wrigley Field with outdoor terraces and ballpark views.
Cork & Kerry at the Park
Irish sports pub right by Rate Field with 20 rotating taps and an outdoor beer garden, a Bridgeport staple.
Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar
Bridgeport institution combining an old liquor store with a lively community bar and deep drink list.
Shinnick's Pub
No-frills old-school Irish tavern in Bridgeport, a few blocks from Rate Field with strong beer specials.
The Barn Hockey Bar
Hockey-themed bar 2 blocks from United Center, opened 2023 in the former Ogden space. 50 TVs, hockey memorabilia, air hockey, half a Zamboni in the wall. Named for Chicago Stadium ('The Barn').
The Cubby Bear
Iconic sports bar and live-music venue at Addison and Clark, directly across from Wrigley Field.
Fan Attractions in Chicago
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Cruise the Chicago River past 50+ iconic buildings as expert docents narrate the story of the city that invented the skyscraper — consistently rated Chicago's #1 tour.
Chicago Lakefront Trail
Chicago's 18-mile Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan is one of the world's great urban outdoor experiences, giving sports travelers a spectacular morning run or bike ride with views of the downtown skyline that serve as the ultimate pregame warm-up. The trail passes within sight of Soldier Field and Guaranteed Rate Field, and the Navy Pier section is among the most photographed urban running routes in America. Athletic sports fans who run the lakefront before a Chicago game bond with the city in a way that no stadium tour can provide.
Guaranteed Rate Field
Guaranteed Rate Field on Chicago's South Side is the gritty, passionate home of the White Sox and features one of baseball's most beloved quirks — the original exploding scoreboard that bursts with fireworks after every home run. South Side faithful are among baseball's most loyal fans and the rivalry with the Cubs gives every interleague series a city-wide electric charge. The stadium's unpretentious atmosphere is a refreshing contrast to Wrigley's tourist polish.
Michael Jordan Statue at United Center
Visit the iconic 12-foot bronze statue of Michael Jordan in his legendary mid-air pose outside the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. The statue, titled 'The Spirit,' was unveiled in 1994 and is one of the most photographed sports landmarks in America.
Soldier Field Tour
Soldier Field on the Chicago lakefront has hosted Bears games since 1924 and is one of the NFL's most historically significant venues, with its distinctive Roman colonnade and sweeping Lake Michigan views. Game-day tours and the surrounding Museum Campus make it a cultural destination as much as a sports venue. A Bears game at Soldier Field in October, with the lake wind howling, is one of the most primal NFL experiences available.
United Center
The United Center is the House That Michael Jordan Built, home to six NBA championship banners, three Stanley Cup championships, and a bronze Jordan statue outside the west entrance that draws pilgrims year-round. The arena's West Side location and dual-sport tenant history make it one of the most legend-drenched buildings in American sports. A Bulls playoff game here, with the Jordan statue lit up at night, is one of sports travel's most iconic experiences.
United Center Tour
The United Center is the largest arena in the United States and one of the world's most storied sports buildings, home to both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Bulls, where Michael Jordan's six championships were won. The Michael Jordan statue outside Gate 4 is one of the most photographed sports monuments in the world. Tours cover Jordan memorabilia, championship banners, and behind-the-scenes spaces fans rarely see.
Wrigley Field Rooftop Club Experience
The private rooftop clubs on Waveland and Sheffield Avenues that overlook Wrigley Field are one of baseball's most celebrated and contested traditions — unique venues where fans watch the game from outside the park over the ivy-covered outfield walls. These intimate spaces capture everything that makes Wrigleyville the greatest baseball neighborhood in America, combining neighborhood bars, unobstructed views, and an atmosphere dripping with Cubs mythology. Securing a rooftop spot for a big home game is a rite of passage for serious Cubs fans.
Wrigley Field Rooftops Experience
The privately owned rooftop buildings along Waveland and Sheffield Avenues — directly across from Wrigley Field — offer one of baseball's most unique spectator experiences, with grandstand views into the ballpark from above the outfield walls. Rooftop clubs include food, open bars, and the intimacy of watching a Cubs game from a building that's part of the Wrigleyville neighbourhood itself. It's a completely different — and perfectly Chicago — way to experience America's most beloved ballpark.
Wrigley Field Stadium Tour
Step inside the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, the second-oldest MLB ballpark (built 1914). Guided tours take fans through the dugout, press box, the iconic ivy-covered outfield wall, and the historic marquee. A must-visit pilgrimage for any baseball fan visiting Chicago.
Wrigleyville Bar Crawl
The Wrigleyville neighborhood is home to the most concentrated collection of legendary sports bars in America — Murphy's Bleachers, Sluggers, The Cubby Bear — all within a block of the ballpark. A pre- or postgame bar crawl through Wrigleyville is a rite of passage for every baseball fan visiting Chicago. The energy on a summer Cubs game day is unmatched in American sports culture.
Celebrity Guides for Chicago
Chicago Fan Media
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago
Popular celebrity dining spots in Chicago include Alinea, Au Cheval, Big Star. See our full guide for more recommendations.
Visit our Chicago city guide for a complete list of sports teams, venues, and upcoming events.
Top-rated fan bars in Chicago include Murphy's Bleachers, Murphy's Bleachers Wrigleyville, The Barrelhouse Flat.
Recommended fan stays in Chicago: Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, The Peninsula Chicago, The Robey. All within easy reach of major venues.
Use our Chicago fan weekend ideas to connect top events with local hotels, bars, restaurants, and attractions.