OLD TOWN
Originally home to Chicago's large German immigrant population in the late 1800's and early 1900's, and later the heart of the hippie community during the 1960's and 70's, Chicago's Old Town neighborhood is now a fashionable residential area with a vibrant commercial and nightlife district centered along Wells Street.
On Wells Street, from Division Street to just north of North Avenue, you'll find numerous restaurants, shops, bars, the famed Second City comedy troop, the Red Orchid Theatre and Zanie's comedy club. The dining options in this area are superb, ranging from good pub fare and pizza to French, Italian, European, Contemporary American and Mexican. This is a great area to explore, day or night.
For a fun, informative walking tour of Old Town, including its historic residential district, be sure to take our FREE self-guided walking tour. All of our self-guided tours are located in the "Tours" section of eVisitorGuide, or simply tap the button below to get started.
On Wells Street, from Division Street to just north of North Avenue, you'll find numerous restaurants, shops, bars, the famed Second City comedy troop, the Red Orchid Theatre and Zanie's comedy club. The dining options in this area are superb, ranging from good pub fare and pizza to French, Italian, European, Contemporary American and Mexican. This is a great area to explore, day or night.
For a fun, informative walking tour of Old Town, including its historic residential district, be sure to take our FREE self-guided walking tour. All of our self-guided tours are located in the "Tours" section of eVisitorGuide, or simply tap the button below to get started.
There's much to see and do in Old Town. Below are some of our favorites.
Getting to Old Town
The Old Town area can be reached by taking the CTA Red Line north from the downtown Loop area, getting off at the Clark/Division stop. After exiting the subway, walk west two blocks to Wells Street, then north on Wells. Alternatively, take the CTA's elevated Brown or Purple lines to Sedgwick. From the Sedgwick stop, walk east on North Avenue to Wells Street. Given the proximity to the downtown area, a taxi or ride share is also a great alternative.
The Old Town area can be reached by taking the CTA Red Line north from the downtown Loop area, getting off at the Clark/Division stop. After exiting the subway, walk west two blocks to Wells Street, then north on Wells. Alternatively, take the CTA's elevated Brown or Purple lines to Sedgwick. From the Sedgwick stop, walk east on North Avenue to Wells Street. Given the proximity to the downtown area, a taxi or ride share is also a great alternative.