Evanston

Travel Guide

Grosse Point Lighthouse which includes a house and a lighthouse
Evanston featuring flowers
Northwestern University showing hiking or walking, a garden and general coastal views
Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art
Baha\'i House of Worship featuring flowers, heritage architecture and a fountain

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 theatres of the city centre. 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 Harbour, 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 Centre 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 kilometres) 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

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South Evanston

South Evanston is well-liked for its restaurants and shopping. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Lake Michigan and Dawes Park are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Main Street Metro Station or South Boulevard Station to get around.

South Evanston
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North Evanston

The restaurants and shopping are just a few things visitors like about North Evanston. Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Central Station (Purple Line) or Noyes Station to get around the larger area.

North Evanston
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Downtown Evanston

While you're in Downtown Evanston, take in top sights like Halim Time & Glass Museum and jump on the metro at Davis Metro Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Evanston
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is CA $165 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $165
CA $194 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (9,023 reviews)
"“Self park” to outsiders or people from out of country means something else. Please publish that you have NO parking available. Parking lots around the Hotel are not specifically designated for guests. Plus the high rate of daily cost will drain your vacation budget if it was not accounted for."

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
The Wade

The Wade

4.5 out of 5
644 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is CA $209 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
CA $209
CA $246 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,201 reviews)
"I asked for a microwave and they said they would bring it to the room and it was never delivered, other than that, the stay was very comfortable and convenient."

Reviewed on Aug. 18, 2025

The Wade
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 CA $223 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
CA $223
CA $262 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,718 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay at Embassy suites by Hilton at downtown Chicago. The housekeeping was great and the free breakfast buffet was a plus."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

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.
The Gem Museum Suites

The Gem Museum Suites

3.5 out of 5
1555 Oak Avenue, Evanston, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Evanston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Baha'i House of Worship ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
Would stay again, needs just a few improvements
"Wonderful property with comfortable bed and pillows, freshly made breakfast and friendly staff. 2 things which could be corrected. The rooms were clean but the carpeting in the hallways were very dirty and the flooring in the elevator was very dirty and missing tiles which detracted from the overall ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 8, 2025

The Gem Museum Suites
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! (884 reviews)
"great food spots all around and beautiful sites to see"

Reviewed on Aug. 18, 2025

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

4 out of 5
One Superior Place, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (474 reviews)
"It was a great property to stay at, definitely would book again!"

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
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.

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