The 500 hidden secrets of Chicago

The 500 Hidden Secrets of Chicago reveals 500 off-the-beaten-track places and interesting details for anyone who’s keen to explore Chicago’s best-kept secrets, such as 5 places for a late-night bite, 5 ways to enjoy the Chicago River, 5 hotels that feel like an escape, 5 bars hidden in plain sight… and much more.

The 500 Hidden Secrets is a series of essential city guides. Every guide is written by a savvy local, contains only independent advice, is based on thorough research and the author’s personal opinions and is frequently updated and reissued.

Lauren Viera has called Chicago home for more than 20 years. As a writer for many local publications such as

Time Out Chicago and the Chicago Tribune, she digs deep into the city’s culture. Photographer Giovanni Simeone enjoyed using his camera to document Chicago’s liveliness, calling it ‘a great and challenging playground for photographers’.