Things to Do in Pilsen Chicago: A City Guide for Tourists

Pilsen is a vibrant and bustling city located in the South Side of Chicago. It’s a neighborhood known for its Mexican American culture, and it’s full of shops, restaurants, galleries, and art. This guide is designed to help you get the most out of your trip to Pilsen, whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a Pilsen veteran.

Introduction to Pilsen

Pilsen is a historic neighborhood in Chicago’s Lower West Side. It was once home to a large population of Czech immigrants and today it’s a thriving center of Mexican American culture. It’s the heart of the city’s Mexican-American community, with many local businesses and a vibrant art scene.

The neighborhood is named after the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic, as many of its original inhabitants were Czech immigrants. The area was originally settled in the late 19th century by waves of European immigrants, including Irish, German, Austrian, Polish, and Bohemian (Czech) immigrants. By the 1920s, it was a predominantly Czech and German neighborhood.

Today, Pilsen is one of the city’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods. It’s home to a mix of Mexican-American and other Latin American residents, as well as artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs of all backgrounds. With its vibrant art scene and growing restaurant selection, Pilsen is quickly becoming one of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods.

What to See and Do in Pilsen

Pilsen is full of interesting sights and attractions that are sure to make your trip to the city unforgettable. Here are some of the top things to see and do in this vibrant neighborhood.

Explore Local Art Galleries

Pilsen is known for its vibrant art scene and is home to several galleries showcasing the work of local artists. The National Museum of Mexican Art is one of the largest Mexican art museums in the United States. It has an impressive collection of over 7,000 pieces of Mexican art from ancient times to the present day. The museum also hosts exhibitions on topics ranging from ancient Mesoamerican art to contemporary Mexican culture.

The Zhou B Art Center is another popular art destination in Pilsen. It’s an artist-run gallery that offers exhibitions, performances, and classes for all ages. The center showcases a wide range of contemporary art from local and international artists.

Visit Daley Plaza

Daley Plaza is one of Chicago’s most iconic public spaces. It’s located in the heart of the city and is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The plaza features a 50-foot stainless steel sculpture by Picasso, as well as two fountains and other works of public art. It is also home to the iconic “Bean” sculpture by Anish Kapoor. On summer evenings, you can enjoy free music performances at the plaza.

Stroll Along 18th Street

18th Street is one of Pilsen’s main thoroughfares and the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. The street is lined with colorful murals, small shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. You can find everything from traditional Mexican food to modern fusion cuisine. Shopping options range from vintage clothing stores to independent boutiques. This street is also home to Pilsen’s annual street festival every summer.

Take a Brewery Tour

Pilsen has several craft breweries worth exploring. Lo Rez Brewing has a cozy taproom with an outdoor patio and serves a variety of house-brewed beers, including IPAs and sours. Marz Community Brewing offers an ever-changing selection of creative brews, as well as tours of their brewery where you can learn about their brewing process and sample their beers.

Explore Local Parks

Pilsen has several parks that are worth visiting during your stay in the city. Douglas Park is one of the largest parks in Chicago and features a large lake, athletic fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more. Pilsen Park is another popular spot with lush green spaces, walking paths, basketball courts, and playgrounds for kids.

Popular Tours Related to Pilsen

Historic Pilsen Food Tour

The Historic Pilsen Food Tour is the perfect way to explore this vibrant neighborhood. This three-hour walking tour takes you on a delicious journey through Pilsen’s historic restaurants, bars, and food shops. Along the way, you will learn about the history and culture of the area from local guides. Sample some of Pilsen’s best dishes such as tacos al pastor and chicharrón en salsa verde while soaking up the atmosphere of this unique neighborhood. You can book this tour here.

Pilsen Mural Tour

The Pilsen Mural Tour takes you on a two-hour tour through this colorful neighborhood to explore its vibrant street art scene. You will learn about local artists as you walk through the streets admiring beautiful murals that tell stories about the people who live here. This tour is great for families or those looking for an inspiring outdoor experience. You can book this tour here.

Self-Guided Street Art Tour

This self-guided tour provides an easy and affordable way to explore Pilsen’s street art scene on your own time. You will receive a map with suggested routes that will take you past some of the most impressive murals in the city. This tour offers unique insights into local culture and allows you to observe Pilsen through your own eyes. You can book this tour here.

Conclusion

Pilsen is a vibrant neighborhood with a rich history and culture that makes it one of Chicago’s most interesting places to visit. Whether you’re looking for art galleries, craft breweries, parks, or street art tours, this guide will help you make the most out of your trip to Pilsen Chicago. With its wide selection of attractions, tours, restaurants and shops, this vibrant neighborhood has something for everyone.