A Japanese temple, old German townhouses, and public chess tables offer a peaceful escape from the bustle of the North Side.

Once at the center of U.S. finance, the historic Trading Room was meticulously recreated piece by piece and rebuilt in the Art Institute.

This awkward aquarium sculpture is one of the strangest statues in Chicago.

One of Chicago's last seafood smokehouses perfects a dying breed of fishcraft.

Illegal drag racing two stories beneath Chicago’s streets.

Not to be confused with the iconic New York City skyscraper, this Chicago building is a vibrant hub for artists.

Once called the "Polish Gold Coast" it is an icon of the neighborhood that bears its same name.

This landmark of the Chicago silent film industry may not be in the picture business anymore but it still stands proudly.

Former bath house turns gastropub.

This urban drawbridge gained eternal pop culture fame when the Blues Brothers jumped it while it was raised.

Home to a protest movement, a bombing, and a dramatic change in labor history.

Where old school Polish Chicago and young hipster Chicago live side by side.

The iconic Chicago sculpture hides a beautiful and easily overlooked plaque on the backside.

The unluckiest U-boat in the entire German fleet is now on display in a Chicago museum.

A beloved Chicago music venue offering cold beer and lots of “Friendly."

Where Cusack's record store from the film "High Fidelity" was located.

This alley in downtown Chicago held the bodies of over 600 people after the fateful Iroquois Theatre fire.

Beloved bar home to musicians of all eras and reputations.

The twin towers in this Chicago fountain use 50 foot tall video screens to spit on people.

Former meatpacking facility turned vertical farm and sustainable business complex.

All of Chicago's wood-paved streets are long gone but two alleys remain.

This historic hotel invented the chocolate brownie.

This museum celebrating the almighty dollar lets visitors literally stand in the shadow of a million bucks.

Internationally known record store and purveyor of "dusties."