Boystown

Chicago


What the Castro is to San Francisco, Boystown is to the Windy City. The mecca of queer Chicago (especially for men), the streets of Boystown are full of rainbow flags and packed with bars, shops and restaurants catering to residents of the gay neighborhood.

Halsted St is the main vein. Rainbow-colored pylons rise up along the road marking the district. Look closely and you'll see each pillar has placards on it telling the stories of different LGBTQ history makers or events. They span about a half-mile stretch between Melrose and Grace Sts and are known collectively as the Legacy Walk.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Chicago attractions

1. Center on Halsted

0.41 MILES

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2. Wrigley Field

0.48 MILES

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3. Gallagher Way

0.54 MILES

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4. Alta Vista Terrace

0.73 MILES

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5. Wrightwood 659

0.98 MILES

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6. Graceland Cemetery

1.06 MILES

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7. Hutchinson Street District

1.12 MILES

Homes here were built in the early 1900s and represent some of the best examples of Prairie School architecture in Chicago. Many residences – including…

8. Biograph Theater

1.15 MILES

In 1934 the ‘lady in red’ betrayed notorious bank robber John Dillinger (aka Public Enemy Number One) at this theater, which used to show movies. FBI…