
Wells Street, Chicago
Wells Street is the main drag of Chicago's charming Old Town, whose epicenter sits at the crossroads of Wells Street and North Avenue. On the southeast corner, extending gracefully from this juncture, lies a fine neighborhood of time-honored townhouses (late 1800s to early 1900s) lined along three streets: Dearborn, State, and Astor.
Wells Street boasts an array of dependable dining establishments and watering holes, but the ambiance here is decidedly more laid-back, with prices that won't send your wallet into a tailspin, unlike the posh locales of River North or the Magnificent Mile. If you're in the mood for brunch, NOOKIES is the undisputed champion, drawing a loyal crowd of locals who bask in the embrace of its exceedingly affable staff. The menu offers an array of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, and the portions are so generous that they provide takeout containers for your impending leftovers. When the sun graces Chicago with its presence, there's even a smattering of outdoor seating.
For those seeking an authentic Irish pub experience (because who wouldn't want one in Chicago?), the perfectly situated DECLAN'S is a must, purporting to be the official bar of the University of Notre Dame. Meanwhile, the OLD TOWN PUB offers not only reasonable prices but also surprisingly delightful fare and libations. Step inside, and you'll discover a subtle charm that permeates its interior.
Tip:
Mark your calendar for the second weekend in June when the Old Town Art Fair and the Wells Street Art Festival set the neighborhood ablaze with creativity. These events showcase the remarkable work of local artists, complete with a live music stage, food vendors, and children's theater, unfolding between North Avenue and Division Street, from 10 AM to 10 PM daily.
Wells Street boasts an array of dependable dining establishments and watering holes, but the ambiance here is decidedly more laid-back, with prices that won't send your wallet into a tailspin, unlike the posh locales of River North or the Magnificent Mile. If you're in the mood for brunch, NOOKIES is the undisputed champion, drawing a loyal crowd of locals who bask in the embrace of its exceedingly affable staff. The menu offers an array of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, and the portions are so generous that they provide takeout containers for your impending leftovers. When the sun graces Chicago with its presence, there's even a smattering of outdoor seating.
For those seeking an authentic Irish pub experience (because who wouldn't want one in Chicago?), the perfectly situated DECLAN'S is a must, purporting to be the official bar of the University of Notre Dame. Meanwhile, the OLD TOWN PUB offers not only reasonable prices but also surprisingly delightful fare and libations. Step inside, and you'll discover a subtle charm that permeates its interior.
Tip:
Mark your calendar for the second weekend in June when the Old Town Art Fair and the Wells Street Art Festival set the neighborhood ablaze with creativity. These events showcase the remarkable work of local artists, complete with a live music stage, food vendors, and children's theater, unfolding between North Avenue and Division Street, from 10 AM to 10 PM daily.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chicago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ϳԹ: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Wells Street on Map
Sight Name: Wells Street
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chicago, Illinois
Create Your Own Walk in Chicago
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chicago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Loop District Architecture Walking Tour
The Chicago Loop District—essentially the city’s historic downtown—has long been a stage for architectural innovation and an open-air museum of American architecture.
The construction boom started after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed much of the central business district, gave architects a blank canvas to rebuild the city from the ground up. What followed was a surge of... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
The construction boom started after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed much of the central business district, gave architects a blank canvas to rebuild the city from the ground up. What followed was a surge of... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Chicago Introduction Walking Tour
Chicago, perched on the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois, is a city steeped in history and urban vibrancy. Known by numerous nicknames such as the Windy City and the City of Big Shoulders, it boasts a skyline marked by towering structures. The area of today's Chicago, initially inhabited by Native American tribes, saw its first European-settled reference as "Chicagou" in 1679, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
University of Chicago Walking Tour
Founded in 1890, the University of Chicago is among the world’s most prestigious educational institutions. As of 2020, the University’s students, faculty and staff have included 100 Nobel laureates, giving it the fourth-most affiliated Nobel laureates of any university.
Set in the heart of Chicago’s famous eclectic neighborhood, Hyde Park, the campus is worth a visit as it offers a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Set in the heart of Chicago’s famous eclectic neighborhood, Hyde Park, the campus is worth a visit as it offers a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The Magnificent Mile Walking Tour
The stretch of Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Lake Shore Drive, otherwise known as the Magnificent Mile, is regarded as one of the world’s great avenues – or Chicago’s version of Fifth Avenue. Take this self-guided walk to explore its whole stretch and surrounding area, featuring a wide selection of amazing stores/malls, world-known museums, restaurants and spectacular... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Chicago Navy Pier Walking Tour
Additional to scenic views of the lake, the boats, and the city skyline, the Navy Pier offers a variety of attractions on the waterfront – for kids as well as adults – that draw nearly ten million people annually, making this Chicago's most visited spot. Yes, some may see it as a “tourist trap”, but it is worth the time and money to spend some time here, so take this self-guided walk... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Millennium and Grant Parks Walking Tour
If Chicago had a living room, it would be Grant Park — and if it had a shiny new media room, that would definitely be Millennium Park. These two sprawling green spaces hug the lakeshore like the city’s favorite blanket, offering locals and tourists alike a perfect blend of nature, art, and architecture with a side of skyline.
Let’s start with the elder of the two — Grant Park,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Let’s start with the elder of the two — Grant Park,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
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