Near North Side Bordered on three sides by the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, the Near North Side is by far one of the liveliest, most culturally dense, and architecturally rich of all the city’s community areas. World-famous skyscrapers alongside Victorian-era buildings and stone mansions dot its several neighborhoods, all the while hosting innumerable entertainment venues, fine-dining establishments, bars, and shopping districts as well. Home to several historic districts, unique landmarks, and even diplomatic missions, the Near North Side is almost an entire world of its own where you can find just about anything you might need or want. In addition to all the attractions, the Near North Side also provides residents with many opportunities for academic and professional pursuits. Go for a leisurely stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, spend summer nights at Navy Pier, or have some quiet time in one of several libraries, galleries, or museums. You will have endless opportunities as a resident of the Near North Side. Things to Do The Magnificent Mile, Merchandise Mart, & Navy Pier Museums: The Museum of Contemporary Art, the Chicago Children’s Museum, & the Richard H. Driehaus Museum Theaters: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Lookingglass Theatre Company, & The Second City Entertainment: House of Blues, The Comedy Bar, & AMC River East 21 (annually hosts the Chicago International Film Festival) Shopping: After-Words Books, Classic Remix (home), LuLu’s on the Avenue (vintage), Trunk Club (men’s), Azeeza (women’s), & Ikram (high-end) Restaurants: Bohemian House (Czech), Farmhouse (Midwestern, 28+ drafts), Gene & Georgetti (old-school steakhouse), Naha (seasonal, regional, & sustainable), and GT Fish & Oyster Cheap Eats: Alliance Patisserie, Eataly, Big & Little’s, Quartino (Italian), Firecakes Donuts, Silver Spoon (Thai), & Slurping Turtle (Japanese) Bars: Streeterville Social Bar, The Broken Shaker, Bub City, The Drifter & Green Door Tavern, Rossi’s (dive bar), and Howells & Hood (110+ beers)