Evanston, IL

Travel Guide
Evanston which includes flowers
The university campus of this lakeside city contains many of its cultural treasures, while a canal meanders through the adjoining green parks.

Beyond the northern limits of Chicago on Lake Michigan, find the charming university town of Evanston. Locals pass their time on the lakeside promenade and around the museums and theaters of the city center. Soak up the atmosphere at one of the downtown pizza places or ice cream parlors.

For a window into the city’s youthful dynamic, embark on a guided tour of Northwestern University. Skirting the rim of Lake Michigan, its leafy campus is brimming with art galleries and neo-Gothic and modernist architecture.

Wander through the bucolic settings of the Northwestern University Lakefill and the Shakespeare Garden and visit the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art. Watch football at the university’s Ryan Field.

Stretching along the northern border of the campus is sandy Lighthouse Beach. Visit the 19th-century Grosse Point Lighthouse, which offers tours on summer weekends. Bring your kids to the playground in the heart of the adjacent Lawrence O. Lawson Park.

Tall masts rise from the diverse vessels in Wilmette Harbor, whose water twists through the city in the form of the North Shore Channel. Relax in some of the parks through which it passes, including Leahy Park, Chandler Park and William H. Twiggs Park.

Dawes Park and Centennial Park showcase Evanston’s verdant scenery along the lakeside area. Peruse the exhibits of the Evanston History Center in the southwestern corner of Dawes Park.

Venture inland to the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian. Paintings, sculptures and pottery made by indigenous groups line the walls.

The city sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan, 14 miles (22 kilometers) north of Chicago. Fly to O’Hare International Airport and arrange a hotel shuttle transfer. You can also get here from Chicago via bus, train or car. Rent a bike or take the metro to get around the city.

Evanston is filled with enchanting lakeside strolls, picnics in the park and youthful exuberance.

Where to stay in Evanston

Dreamy Coffee ☕️

Stop by the coffee shop at Evanston and ask for Barista Mike to pour this dream coffee for you.  

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South Evanston

Appreciated for its restaurants and shopping, you might consider exploring South Evanston. Check out the variety of things to see and do like FEW Spirits, and jump on the metro at Main Street Metro Station or South Boulevard Station to get around the city.

South Evanston
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North Evanston

The restaurants and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit North Evanston. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Ryan Field and Baha'i House of Worship are a few top sights nearby.

North Evanston
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥22,620 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
¥22,620
per night
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,950 reviews)
"Excellent stay for us. The room was clean and comfortable. The staff was exceptional. Very professional and friendly. Couldn't ask for a better experience. Thanks."

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2024

River Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥23,128 per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
¥23,128
per night
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (6,859 reviews)
"Friendly check in, gorgeous historic building. Room was great, bed and pillows comfortable, fresh. Charger ports on night stands. The water - lake view was absolutely worth the sunrise over Lake Michigan! Parked in. GRANT Parking South underground lot for about half the $62 parking next to the hotel, ..."

Reviewed on Jun 7, 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
4 out of 5
600 N State St, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥32,786 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
¥32,786
per night
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,368 reviews)
"Had a great stay. Would definitely come back"

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2024

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sonder Market Hall
Sonder Market Hall
3.5 out of 5
1436 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a nightclub, a fitness center, and concierge services. Popular attractions United Center and Willis Tower ...
8/10 Very Good! (65 reviews)
"It was perfect for my needs for the week! Great area, right across the street from a park! Within walking distance/delivery distance to several dining options! Walking distance to Rush (about 20 minutes) & had 2 bike stations within a 10 minute walk in 2 different directions! Downside was it was ..."

Reviewed on May 30, 2024

Sonder Market Hall
Bright Garden Studio
Bright Garden Studio
Evanston
Stay at this apartment in Evanston. Enjoy a garden, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Wrigley Field and Riviera Theatre are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
Student in town for Intensives
"I'm a seminary student, and I came into town for an intensive class. So, I was really only in the space in the evenings, but it was comfy. The location is amazing!!! The studio apartment was decently clean. The projector is VERY cool. There were a few details I could not find instructions for, like ..."

Reviewed on May 18, 2024

Bright Garden Studio
Sentral Michigan Avenue
Sentral Michigan Avenue
4 out of 5
808 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (428 reviews)
"Nice place very nice front desk"

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2024

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Evanston

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
184
" "5 - Excellent 63.44827586206897%
4 - Good
92
" "4 - Good 31.724137931034484%
3 - Okay
10
" "3 - Okay 3.4482758620689653%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 1.0344827586206897%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.3448275862068966%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 4, 2020

Best town. Hands down.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 1, 2020

Absolutely fell in live with the area. Will definitely being going back once it’s safe to travel. Wasn’t able to leave the hotel room due to the current health problem. I did however, see all kinds of places to visit and eat in future.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Feb 18, 2020

The hotel had no hot water to take a morning shower

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Dec 10, 2019

We attended a bridal shower Sunday and visited with family.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 3, 2019

Great location for those with business / family in the area. Nice quiet city after 4 days in the Loop in Chicago. I could live there as a retiree.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 2, 2019

It's an excellent town to visit in its own right. With Northwestern University right there, there's a lot of very interesting restaurants & shops.

Cities near Evanston