Greek immigrants first arrived in the city in the mid-19th century and quickly carved their niche in Chicago’s landscape. They brought the tastes and traditions of their old home to their new one, introducing the United States to gyros and saganaki in the 1960s. While most of Greektown’s original residents have since moved away, their impact can still be felt:

Greek restaurants and houses of worship line the neighborhood’s streets, and every year, it plays host to the Taste of Greece festival and Greek Independence Day parade. The district even has its own “Passport Challenge,” incentivizing visitors to collect stamps from area restaurants and shops that can be exchanged for a goodie-filled tote. All that sits just over a mile away from the Hotel Chicago. Happy exploring!