Evanston, IL

Travel Guide

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

#coffee #latte #latteArt #LifeAtExpedia

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
Cool local brewery with really neat decor and a nice seating area outside.

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 ¥19,214 per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
¥19,214
¥22,555 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
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! (9,473 reviews)
"Everything was great."

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

3.5 out of 5
198 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥16,514 per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
¥16,514
¥19,386 total
Nov 16 - Nov 17
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,133 reviews)
"Every think was wonderful except the heater wasn’t working and the toilet was loose."

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
Freehand Chicago

Freehand Chicago

4 out of 5
19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥10,014 per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
¥10,014
¥14,408 total
Nov 10 - Nov 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,494 reviews)
"Bathroom recently redone and was fabulous, but room was old and tattered. Bed was nice and comfy. Nice crisp sheets."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

Freehand 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.
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! (90 reviews)
Good!
"The location was very convenient, and the room was clean. The only challenge was controlling the room temperature, since there was only a fan without a timer or thermostat. On the positive side, the waitress at breakfast was super friendly and made the experience really pleasant."

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2025

The Gem Museum Suites
Charming 4-bedroom house with WiFi, AC in welcoming Evanston

Charming 4-bedroom house with WiFi, AC in welcoming Evanston

Evanston
Stay at this vacation home in Evanston. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Wrigley Field and Baha'i House of Worship are located nearby.
Charming 4-bedroom house with WiFi, AC in welcoming Evanston
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! (569 reviews)
"We enjoy the stay in this neighborhood. It’s close to beach, river, shopping and grocery. We use kitchen to heat up meal and boil water. I have 2 children and place is spacious. I will book this place again if come back."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Evanston

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
184
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
92
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Best town. Hands down.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

The hotel had no hot water to take a morning shower

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

We attended a bridal shower Sunday and visited with family.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

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