The Chicago Neighborhood That's Giving New York's Art Scene A Run For Its Money

From the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park to the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago is a city that offers a diverse art scene with countless galleries, museums, and historic architecture. Known as the Windy City, Chicago boasts a myriad of unique things to see and do for first-time visitors, including the Magnificent Mile, Willis Tower, Wrigley Field, and the Chicago Riverwalk.

With over 77 community areas in Chicago, art and design come together to bring something unique and special to the table. There is the historic Old Town, the Loop with its high-rises, Hyde Park with its historic homes, and Lincoln Park, which is perfect for families. But if you're looking for an art gallery or an outdoor street art installation, there's one particular neighborhood that's giving New York's art scene a run for its money and is within proximity to restaurants, shops, museums, and the river.

River North is a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago located just north of the Loop and west of the Magnificent Mile. It's home to some of the best galleries, restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues in the city.

According to Nomadic Matt, the River North neighborhood has the "highest concentration of galleries outside of Manhattan," and if you love design and fun buildings, then a visit to the saddle-shaped House of Blues Chicago is a must. A few other must-see buildings include the twin corncob towers at Marina City and theMART, River North's most famous landmark. The iconic building is the largest of its kind and has been a centerpiece of Chicago's skyline for decades. The massive building also does trade and consumer shows, design events, and houses restaurants.

There are also many other nearby attractions, including the Chicago Riverwalk, the Wrigley Building, the Boyce Building, and the Museum of Broadcast Communications. River North is a great neighborhood to visit in Chicago to experience the city's energy and everything that it has to offer.

One of the highlights of the River North neighborhood in Chicago is that it offers unique things to do during the day, but once the sun goes down, it has a lively nightlife. For day dwellers, you can explore the art galleries and walk along the Chicago Riverwalk. For the more adventurous, you can rent a bike or a Segway to explore the city on two wheels.

During the night, you can start to enjoy the lights of the city starting at Art on theMART, which features projected artworks on the building. There are also plenty of restaurants to eat at and a multitude of nightclubs and bars with live music. For a good steakhouse, check out Bavette's Bar and Boeuf, Obélix for French cuisine that's perfect for a romantic date night, and Ciccio Mio for Italian cuisine and wine lovers. You can also check out the breweries and pubs in the area, or just take a walk and admire the lights of downtown. Whether you're looking for a fun day out or a night on the town, River North makes a great neighborhood for art lovers while providing something to do for everyone.