Around The Globe in Chicago

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Explore the world in these Chicago neighborhoods.

We’ve selected four of our favorite neighborhoods to indulge in culture, food, and more from around the world. 

Chinatown – Eastern Asia 

As soon as you set foot in Chicago’s historic century-old Chinatown neighborhood, you’re transported to eastern Asia. Wander around the streets lined with traditional souvenir shops, colorful architecture, and of course, lots of restaurants. 

EXPLORE 

The Chinese American Museum of Chicago is the perfect place to start your discovery.

Located just north of the main Wentworth Avenue District, the Chinatown Square Mall has plenty of restaurants, café,s and shops. Try to spot your sign among the 12 Chinese zodiac statues.  

Are you looking for a more relaxing place with some of the best skyline views in Chicago? Take a stroll in Ping Tom Memorial Park, a former abandoned rail yard transformed into a magnificent waterfront park. 

EAT & DRINK 

Fans of dim sum should definitely try Ming Hing or the traditional dim sum brunch at Phoenix Restaurant.

If you’re looking for traditional dishes, Lao Sze Chuan is the place to be. Their Peking duck is some of the best in the country. 

For families with kids, we recommend the conveyor belt sushi experience at Rotary Sushi. 

Into baked goods? Make sure to get traditional mooncakes or baked pork buns at Chiu Quon, Chinatown’s oldest bakery.  

Thirsty? Check out Oriental Tea where the boba teas and smoothies are as tempting as they come.  

SHOP 

The ART Gallery represents international artists with the mixed flair of contemporary, traditional, and experimental styles. 

And of course, no trip to Chinatown is complete without a visit to a traditional Chinese herbal store. There are many options—just pick one, walk in, and stock up on ginseng and other medicinal herbs. 

HUMBOLDT PARK – PUERTO RICO 

Giant monumental Puerto Rican flags serve as gateways to this Humboldt Park neighborhood. They mark the boundaries of the Paseo Boricua, the cultural heart of the Puerto Rican community in Chicago. 

EXPLORE 

The Paseo Boricua is a stretch of Division Street lined with vibrant coffee shops, stunning street art, casual Puerto Rican cafés, and much more. If you want to explore the area from a local perspective, book a tour with the Paseo Boricua Tour Company.

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(Paseo Boricua Tour Company Facebook Page) 

The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture celebrates Puerto Rico’s rich arts tradition with three galleries, performance spaces, art classrooms, and more. 

La Casita de Don Pedro is a living public art project celebrating the Puerto Rican nationalist leader after whom it is named. It includes a public gallery, garden, and a performance space.

EAT & DRINK 

Both La Bruquena and Papa’s Cache Sabroso are perfect spots to dig into a jibarito, a plantain-based dish that was actually invented in Humboldt Park. 

Puerto Rico has a great coffee and pastry tradition, so you’ll have no problem finding a new favorite coffeeshop in this neighborhood. Like Cafe Colao, for example, which also specializes in Puerto Rican sandwiches. 

SHOP

An old laundromat was transformed into a rotating marketplace of local artisans by the Puerto Rican Cultural Center. The purpose of the Mercado del Pueblo is to help small business owners launch their careers and to bring more people to Paseo Boricua.

Lincoln Square – GERMANY & THE OLD WORLD 

Old World heritage meets modern charm. The cobblestone stretch of Lincoln Avenue offers unique shops, bars, and restaurants. 

EXPLORE 

The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is a good place to start exploring. The DANK Haus’ mission is to preserve and promote German culture, heritage, and language through exhibits, events, and cultural & language classes. 

EAT/DRINK 

The DANK Haus is also the new home of the iconic Brauhaus restaurant that had to close its doors in 2017. 

SHOP 

Four skilled butchers with rich heritages in the craft serve up housemade sausages at Gene’s Sausage Shop. 
Since 1978, International Fashions by Ingrid has specialized in traditional women’s apparel imported from Europe and from around the world. This is the place to find your perfect outfit for a German beer fest.

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