Where to Stay in Chicago
Best WiFi, coworking spaces, and long-stay neighborhoods
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Chicago
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
River North
A vibrant district known for its art galleries, trendy restaurants, and energetic nightlife.
Our top picks in River North
Wicker Park/Bucktown
Bohemian and trendy, known for its independent boutiques, live music venues, and diverse dining scene.
Our top picks in Wicker Park/Bucktown
Lincoln Park
A charming, leafy residential area with a beautiful park, zoo, and a lively street life.
Our top picks in Lincoln Park
A cozy, unique bed and breakfast offering a personalized experience near the zoo.
Book NowA well-regarded hotel offering comfortable rooms and easy access to the park.
Book NowStylish hotel with a rooftop bar and modern amenities, located near the park.
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Neighbourhood Comparison for Digital Nomads
| Neighbourhood | Budget | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
#1Lincoln Park | Mid-range | A charming, leafy residential area with a beautiful park, zoo, and a lively street life. | familiescouples |
Wicker Park/Bucktown | Mid-range | Bohemian and trendy, known for its independent boutiques, live music venues, and diverse dining scene. | solo travelersnightlife |
The Loop | Luxury | The bustling heart of Chicago, packed with iconic architecture, theaters, and business. | first-timersculture |
River North | Luxury | A vibrant district known for its art galleries, trendy restaurants, and energetic nightlife. | nightlifefoodies |
Find co-working friendly hotels in Chicago
Hotels with fast WiFi and work spaces
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Tips for Digital Nomads in Chicago
Test WiFi Before Committing
Use Speedtest.net at your accommodation before booking a long stay. Cafes in Chicago vary widely in connection quality.
Try a Day Pass First
Most coworking spaces offer day passes. Test a few before committing to a monthly membership.
Cafe Etiquette
Buy something every 1 to 2 hours if working from a cafe. Lunch hours are usually not the best time to camp with a laptop.
Pack a Power Strip
Outlets can be scarce in cafes. A small travel power strip lets you share one socket between your laptop and phone.
Join a local experience in Chicago
Meet locals and explore the city
Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
Ranked by relevance for digital nomads visiting Chicago
Lincoln Park
Mid-rangeA charming, leafy residential area with a beautiful park, zoo, and a lively street life.
- +Beautiful green spaces and lakefront access
- +Excellent restaurants and bars
- +More relaxed atmosphere than downtown
- -Further from downtown attractions (requires public transport or longer walk)
- -Can be expensive
Wicker Park/Bucktown
Mid-rangeBohemian and trendy, known for its independent boutiques, live music venues, and diverse dining scene.
- +Great value for money
- +Unique shops and vibrant arts scene
- +Excellent public transport to downtown
- -Can be loud and busy, especially on weekends
- -Fewer traditional tourist attractions
The Loop
LuxuryThe bustling heart of Chicago, packed with iconic architecture, theaters, and business.
- +Central location
- +Easy access to major attractions
- +Excellent public transport links
- -Can feel corporate and quiet on weekends/evenings
- -Fewer local dining/bar options compared to other areas
River North
LuxuryA vibrant district known for its art galleries, trendy restaurants, and energetic nightlife.
- +Abundant dining and entertainment options
- +Upscale atmosphere
- +Close to shopping and attractions
- -Can be very crowded and noisy
- -Expensive
WiFi & Remote Work in Chicago
Quality
Good
Avg Speed
50-100 Mbps in cafes
Free WiFi
Many cafes (Starbucks, local coffee shops), public libraries, some CTA stations, Millennium Park.
Coworking
WeWork, Industrious, Novel Coworking. Daily passes typically range from $30-$50.
Daily Budget (Budget)
USD 150/day
Hidden Gems in Chicago
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Pequod's Pizza
Famous for its caramelized crust deep-dish pizza, Pequod's offers a unique and incredibly delicious take on a Chicago classic. It's a local favorite where you can experience authentic Chicago flavor.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Chicago
Settle in faster with tours that help you discover neighbourhoods, food spots, and local culture.
Chicago Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Get oriented fast in Chicago with a walking tour that shows you the layout, the best neighbourhoods, and the spots worth returning to on your own.
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Chicago Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Find your go-to lunch spots in Chicago. A food tour is the quickest way to discover affordable, delicious meals near your co-working space.
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Best of Chicago: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Tick off Chicago's headline sights in one efficient trip. Skip-the-line access means you spend less time queuing and more time exploring.
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Day Trip from Chicago: Scenic Excursion
Take a break from the laptop and explore outside Chicago for the day. Everything is organised so you just have to show up and enjoy.
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Chicago Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Cooking classes, craft workshops, and cultural experiences that make Chicago feel like more than just a temporary base. Perfect for weekends.
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2 areas to be cautious about
Read our full safety guide for Chicago
Digital Nomads in Chicago: FAQ
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