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.

  • Holy Name CathedralCathedral
  • Saint James CathedralCathedral
  • Kitty's Cosmopolitan ClubLounge

Add your dates and get a personalized Near North Side, Chicago itinerary you can trust — every place checked for opening hours, closures, and booking needs on your days.

  • Free. No account.
  • Ready in about 30 seconds.
TripSapien checks London for Sep 13–20 and flags a closure, booking need, and limited opening day.
TripSapien flags closures, booking needs, and limited opening days — before you go.
Cheap flights from Going.com

30% off a Going membership after you build your plan.

Near North Side in Chicago

Top things to do in Near North Side

  • Holy Name Cathedral

    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

    Saint James Cathedral

    4.7 · 226
    Cathedral

    church in Chicago, Illinois

    Mon–Fri
    9 AM – 5 PM
    Sat
    9 AM – 2 PM
    Sun
    8 AM – 2 PM
  • Rolling Stones

    Rolling Stones

    4.6 · 898
    Record Store

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

  • Green City Market Lincoln Park

    Green City Market Lincoln Park

    4.7 · 410
    Market

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

Where to eat & drink in Near North Side

  • Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club

    Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club

    4.9 · 425
    Lounge

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

  • SPIN Chicago

    SPIN Chicago

    4.5 · 1.1k
    Lounge· $20–30

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

  • Gus' Sip & Dip

    Gus' Sip & Dip

    4.9 · 3.1k
    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

    Three Dots and a Dash

    4.6 · 8.7k
    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

    Wake N Bakery Chicago Downtown

    4.8 · 976
    Coffee Shop· $10–60

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

  • Yolk - Marina City

    Yolk - Marina City

    4.5 · 2.7k
    Breakfast· $20–30

    Cafe chain serving creative breakfast dishes & sandwiches in a cheery, contemporary atmosphere.

    Every day
    7 AM – 2:30 PM
  • Topolobampo

    Topolobampo

    Michelin
    Mexican· $$$$

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

  • Frontera Grill

    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

    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

    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
  • Old Town Ale House

    Old Town Ale House

    4.6 · 871
    Bar· $10–20

    Laid-back dive bar near Second City with a storied past, old-school jukebox & funky art.

  • Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago

    Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago

    4.7 · 17.8k
    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. 8Yolk - Marina City
  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 →