8 Best Areas to Stay in Chicago Without a Car – Walk & Take the L Everywhere

The best areas to stay in Chicago without a car are brimming with charm, public transport, and easy-to-navigate streets. Whether you’re strolling through a quirky neighborhood or hopping on the nearest metro, these locations make exploring the Windy City a breeze.

We’ve handpicked eight spots that make car-free travel seamless and stress-free, thanks to stellar walkability and close proximity to must-see attractions.

Methodology

We based our selection on walkability scores, nearby public transportation options (specifically metro stops), and proximity to points of interest. The higher the walkability score, the easier it is to wander without wheels.

Additionally, we considered the availability of shops, restaurants, and other attractions that give each area a unique flavor. These factors combine to make each neighborhood a standout choice for visitors who prefer to navigate the city without a car.

The 8 Best Places to Stay in Chicago Without a Car

8. River North

Minutes from Downtown Chicago: 5 minutes
Walk Score: (97 out of 100)
Location: Check on Google Maps

River North comes alive with energy from its galleries, restaurants, and buzzing nightlife. Its streets throb with art studios crammed between sleek cocktail lounges and rooftop bars where you’ll catch views of the Chicago skyline soaring like a dreamscape.

CTA’s Grand Red Line Station is your gateway to anywhere. A spin, a skip, and you’re downtown. River North’s eclectic art scene and a short walk to the Magnificent Mile make it ideal for travelers without a car.

7. The Loop

Minutes from Downtown Chicago: 0 minutes
Walk Score: (98 out of 100)
Location: Check on Google Maps

In The Loop, you’re at the beating heart of the city where skyscrapers compete for attention with historic landmarks. Here, trains rumble above on the “L” and museums stand as titans, daring you to explore.

The Loop offers access to everything, with no less than six CTA stations converging like threads in a tapestry (but not quite!). Public art, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute of Chicago keep your senses on high alert.

6. Lincoln Park

Minutes from Downtown Chicago: 15 minutes
Walk Score: (90 out of 100)
Location: Check on Google Maps

Named after the sprawling park that swallows it whole, Lincoln Park is part green oasis, part urban jungle. Walk the paths under towering trees, or go wild in the Lincoln Park Zoo—where the admission fee is zero dollars.

The Brown Line CTA hugs the area, making it as easy to zip into downtown as it is to lounge on the park’s lawns. Restaurants, boutiques, and a lakefront trail make it a top pick for the best area to stay in Chicago without a car, especially for those looking to mix nature with the city life.

5. Old Town

Minutes from Downtown Chicago: 10 minutes
Walk Score: (95 out of 100)
Location: Check on Google Maps

Old Town’s cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture transport you back in time. But don’t be fooled—this neighborhood knows how to keep pace with the modern world. It’s brimming with comedy clubs, eclectic eateries, and tiny shops filled with odd treasures.

The Sedgwick Brown Line station gives you swift access to other parts of the city. And when you’re done, simply walk to the beach, as Old Town is only a whisper away from North Avenue Beach.

4. Wicker Park

Minutes from Downtown Chicago: 20 minutes
Walk Score: (94 out of 100)
Location: Check on Google Maps

Wicker Park is quirky, cool, and full of surprises. One minute you’re sipping locally roasted coffee, the next you’re browsing vintage records in a store that’s both mysterious and alluring.

Hop on the Blue Line and be downtown before you can say “art house cinema.” Wicker Park’s charm lies in its blend of artsy weirdness and well-placed metro stops.

3. West Loop

Minutes from Downtown Chicago: 5 minutes
Walk Score: (91 out of 100)
Location: Check on Google Maps

The West Loop is where industrial grit meets culinary heaven. With its warehouse-turned-eateries and sleek lofts, this area redefines Chicago’s foodie culture. You could lose days just tasting your way through Restaurant Row.

It’s not far from the CTA Green Line, offering an express route to other neighborhoods. Public transport connects here like veins feeding life into the concrete jungle.

2. Streeterville

Minutes from Downtown Chicago: 5 minutes
Walk Score: (92 out of 100)
Location: Check on Google Maps

Streeterville lies in the shadow of the Magnificent Mile, where high-end retail mingles with spectacular views of Lake Michigan. The Navy Pier lights up at night, offering everything from the Chicago Shakespeare Theater to skyline cruises.

CTA buses weave in and out, making this a transit hub for the car-free traveler. And if you’ve got the time, stroll to the lakefront, where Streeterville’s charm comes alive in the shimmering water, making it the best place to stay in Chicago without a car for those who want to be near the heart of downtown Chicago but still wanna to stay a bit outside of it all.

1. Lakeview

Minutes from Downtown Chicago: 15 minutes
Walk Score: (91 out of 100)
Location: Check on Google Maps

Lakeview takes the crown as the best area to stay in Chicago without a car. With its lakefront paths, theaters, and eclectic dining, Lakeview feels like a world within a world. Boystown adds a vibrant layer, celebrating LGBTQ+ culture with color and flair.

Of course, Wrigley Field is located right in the heart of Lakeview, as well.

The Red, Brown, and Purple Lines will all take you wherever you need to go, but who needs to leave Lakeview when there’s so much packed into this neighborhood?

Ultimately, Lakeview is the best area to stay in Chicago without a car as it offers a city within the city that you might not even need to leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get by without a car in Chicago?

Yes! Chicago has an excellent public transportation system, and many neighborhoods have high walkability scores, making it easy to explore without a car.

What’s the best area for first-time visitors?

The Loop is ideal for first-timers due to its central location, proximity to attractions, and easy access to public transportation.

Which area is the most budget-friendly?

Wicker Park offers a more affordable alternative to central neighborhoods while still being well-connected by the Blue Line.