Skip to main content
Near North Side in Chicago

Things to Do in Near North Side, Chicago

The Near North Side features the upscale Gold Coast and the shopping along the Magnificent Mile, with attractions like Navy Pier and numerous residential skyscrapers. It's a densely populated area known for its affluence and proximity to Lake Michigan.

The Near North Side features the upscale Gold Coast and the shopping along the Magnificent Mile, with attractions like Navy Pier and numerous residential skyscrapers. It's a densely populated area known for its affluence and proximity to Lake Michigan.

  • Holy Name CathedralHoly Name CathedralCathedral
  • Saint James CathedralSaint James CathedralCathedral
  • Kitty's Cosmopolitan ClubKitty's Cosmopolitan ClubLounge
Plan Near North SideFree and No sign-up

By TripSapien · Updated September 3, 2026

Top things to do in Near North Side

  • Holy Name Cathedral in Near North Side, Chicago

    Holy Name Cathedral

    4.8 · 2.2k
    Cathedral

    An 1800s Catholic church with a vaulted ceiling & colorful stained glass, offering guided tours.

    Mon–Fri
    6:30 AM – 5 PM
    Sat
    7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
    Sun
    6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Saint James Cathedral in Near North Side, Chicago

    Saint James Cathedral

    4.7 · 229
    Cathedral

    church in Chicago, Illinois

    Mon–Fri
    9 AM – 5 PM
    Sat
    9 AM – 2 PM
    Sun
    8 AM – 2 PM
  • Rolling Stones in Near North Side, Chicago

    Rolling Stones

    4.6 · 903
    Record Store

    Colorful music emporium featuring CDs, DVDs & video games, plus listening stations & special orders.

  • Green City Market Lincoln Park in Near North Side, Chicago

    Green City Market Lincoln Park

    4.7 · 411
    Market

    Local farm produce, baked goods, dairy, meats & pantry items (Wednesday & Saturday, May-October).

    Mon–Tue
    Closed
    Wed
    7 AM – 1 PM
    Thu–Fri
    Closed
    Sat
    7 AM – 1 PM
    Sun
    Closed

Where to eat & drink in Near North Side

  • Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club in Near North Side, Chicago

    Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club

    4.9 · 598
    Lounge

    A refined cocktail lounge in River North devoted to classic cocktails, modern technique, and impeccable service.

  • SPIN Chicago in Near North Side, Chicago

    SPIN Chicago

    4.5 · 1.1k
    Lounge· $20–30

    Energetic, sprawling hangout featuring lots of Ping-Pong tables, plus global food, cocktails & DJs.

    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Thu
    4 PM – 10 PM
    Fri
    4 PM – 12 AM
    Sat
    2 PM – 12 AM
    Sun
    Closed
  • Gus' Sip & Dip in Near North Side, Chicago

    Gus' Sip & Dip

    4.9 · 3.2k
    Pub· $20–70

    A classic tavern in the heart of River North that welcomes walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Mon–Thu
    4 PM – 12 AM
    Fri
    12 PM – 1 AM
    Sat
    12 PM – 1 AM
    Sun
    4 PM – 12 AM
  • Three Dots and a Dash in Near North Side, Chicago

    Three Dots and a Dash

    4.6 · 9.0k
    Cocktail Bar· $20–70

    Classic tropical cocktails, rums & house daiquiris in a retro Polynesian-style setting.

    Mon–Wed
    4 PM – 12 AM
    Thu–Fri
    4 PM – 1 AM
    Sat
    2 PM – 1 AM
    Sun
    4 PM – 12 AM
  • Wake N Bakery Chicago Downtown in Near North Side, Chicago

    Wake N Bakery Chicago Downtown

    4.8 · 981
    Coffee Shop· $10–60

    A cannabis coffee shop serving THC-infused coffee, edibles, gummies, baked goods, and pre-rolls.

    Mon–Thu
    8 AM – 10 PM
    Fri
    8 AM – 12 AM
    Sat
    8 AM – 12 AM
    Sun
    8 AM – 10 PM
  • Headquarters Beercade in Near North Side, Chicago

    Headquarters Beercade

    4.5 · 4.1k
    Bar· $20–30

    Funky arcade bar with loads of throwback video games plus craft beers, cocktails & upscale pub fare.

    Mon–Fri
    4 PM – 1 AM
    Sat
    4 PM – 2 AM
    Sun
    4 PM – 1 AM
  • Topolobampo in Near North Side, Chicago

    Topolobampo

    Michelin
    Mexican· $$$$

    This jewel in Rick Bayless' crown welcomes a rush of diners for original Mexican food with an upscale twist.

    Website
  • Frontera Grill in Near North Side, Chicago

    Frontera Grill

    4.4 · 3.4k
    Mexican· $30–70

    This linchpin in Rick Bayless’ empire is decidedly unique in its homage to regional Mexican cuisine and displays a cult-like devotion to local product.

    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Thu
    11:30 AM – 2 PM, 4:30 PM – 9 PM
    Fri
    11:30 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 10 PM
    Sat
    10:30 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 10 PM
    Sun
    10:30 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
  • Tzuco in Near North Side, Chicago

    Tzuco

    4.6 · 2.8k
    Mexican· $50–100

    Chef Carlos Gaytán plays host to non-stop crowds at Tzuco. Inside this gorgeous space—awash in homey earth tones and decorated with ceramics imported directly from Mexico—the energy is palpable and seating ample.

    Mon–Thu
    4 PM – 10 PM
    Fri
    4 PM – 11 PM
    Sat
    10 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 11 PM
    Sun
    10 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
  • Rossi's in Near North Side, Chicago

    Rossi's

    4.6 · 1.3k
    Bar· $10–20

    This no-frills, stalwart bottle shop & liquor store features an unpretentious on-site bar.

    Mon–Fri
    9 AM – 2 AM
    Sat
    9 AM – 2 AM
    Sun
    11 AM – 2 AM
  • Benchmark Chicago - Old Town, Chicago in Near North Side, Chicago

    Benchmark Chicago - Old Town, Chicago

    4.5 · 1.8k
    Bar· $20–60

    Lively sports bar with a wide range of bar food from salads to steaks, plus a patio & roof-deck.

    Mon–Fri
    5 PM – 2 AM
    Sat
    11 AM – 3 AM
    Sun
    11 AM – 2 AM
  • Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago in Near North Side, Chicago

    Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago

    4.7 · 18.4k
    Soul Food· $100+

    Global comfort fare like fried chicken & waffles, plus cocktails, served in a flashy lounge setting.

    Mon–Thu
    4 PM – 10 PM
    Fri
    11 AM – 12 AM
    Sat
    11 AM – 12 AM
    Sun
    11 AM – 11 PM

Planning time in Near North Side?

Add your dates and we'll check every place for closures, limited hours, and booking needs before you go.

Near North Side map

Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.

Map of Near North Side with pinned top attractions (1 through 10)
  1. 1Holy Name Cathedral
  2. 2Saint James Cathedral
  3. 3Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club
  4. 4SPIN Chicago
  5. 5Gus' Sip & Dip
  6. 6Three Dots and a Dash
  7. 7Wake N Bakery Chicago Downtown
  8. 8Headquarters Beercade
  9. 9Rolling Stones
  10. 10Topolobampo

Other areas in Chicago

Ready to plan Near North Side?

Turn these Near North Side picks into a day-by-day Chicago plan, with every place checked for closures and booking needs on your dates.

All things to do in ChicagoAll Chicago neighborhoods →Browse all destinations →Multi-city itineraries →