Walking Chicago: 31 Tours of the Windy City's Classic Bars, Scandalous Sites, Historic Architecture, Dynamic Neighborhoods

by Ryan Ver Berkmoes

Walk the streets of Chicago and discover why the town that brought us Michael Jordan, Al Capone, and Oprah is anything but a “Second City.” Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods represent a true melting pot of America—from Little Italy to Greektown, Chinatown to New Chinatown, and La Villita to the Ukrainian Village. It’s also the most walkable city in the country, with flat streets laid out in a sensible grid and 21 miles of stunning lakeshore. The 31 walks described here include trivia about architecture, political gossip, and the city’s rich history, plus where to dine, get the best deep-dish pizza, visit world-class museums, have a drink, and shop.

Genres: Travel

264 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2008

About the author

Ryan Ver Berkmoes is an accomplished travel writer who has contributed to several Lonely Planet guides. His portfolio includes Lonely Planet Poland Travel Guide, Lonely Planet USA Travel Guide, Walking Chicago, Lonely Planet Sri Lanka Travel Guide and Lonely Planet Bali & Lombok Travel Guide.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit it: while traveling I like looking at architecture and I'm not above peering into windows (hey, if you don't want me to peek, get curtains!) When I was in Chicago this past July I got to do some of that, and then I took one of those bus tours of South Side, which I'd not really been to before. Unfortunately, the driver/guide spent most of his time telling us that the abandoned factory to our right/left was now condos going for some large dollar amount (something I could have guessed given the signage on the buildings) when he wasn't telling us minute details about the Obamas.

As we drove along, it was clear that there was information missing, so being a good librarian I went to the nearest bookstore to find a good guidebook. This was the book I chose and what a good choice it was. The author's serious discussion of the architecture and history is nicely mixed with a humorous tone (telling us to beware of little girls in front of the American Place store, for example) and belongs in the same family as such books as LondonWalks and ParisWalks.

[Todd Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods—from Little Italy to Greektown, Chinatown to New Chinatown, and La Villita to the Ukrainian Village—represent a true melting pot of America.

It is also a very walkable city with flat streets laid out in a sensible grid and 21 miles of stunning lakeshore.

The 31 walks described here include trivia about architecture, political gossip, and the city’s rich history, plus where to dine, get the best deep-dish pizza, visit world-class museums, have a drink, and shop.

Although this book is a bit dated, I enjoyed reading about the history of the city and its architecture. Before visiting restaurants or shops listed in the book, you should first make sure they are still open.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the suggested walks as well as the author's sometimes sarcastic writing style. However, since the copy I have was published in 2008, I'm afraid a lot of the information may be out-of-date. Even so, it's a good introduction to the various neighborhoods that make up the Windy City.

[Ayanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the walks in this book as a person who has lived in many of the neighborhoods described. I found some cid bit in each of the descriptions that I did not know or wanted to learn more about. Though dated now with bits about the "Olympic bid" and such, it is still a worthy read.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for walking around Chicago. I love many of the walks here, and have marked some for when coronavirus lockdown ends and I can finally travel to Chicago.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Chicago. Living there for a summer opened my eyes to what a city could be in all its beauty and terror. Despite having experienced incredible walkabouts during that summer, having a copy of this book would have bumped that experience up more than a few notches. Best of all, this walking guide actually takes you to parts of Chicago outside Northside and the Loop. OMG, you might enjoy Southside. Heh. I remember friends and acquaintances balking at my living in Southside near Hyde Park (HYDE PARK!?!). As if that neighborhood were the projects ... There was a Starbucks on the corner and Skip Gates was a regular at the time. How was THAT the hood?

Back to the book ... The walks chosen are fantastic. The hubby and I visited during winter and took a few rounds near Wrigley and Boystown. I've walked several of the other locations. Anyone looking for an experience outside the Loop will definitely appreciate this.