The best attractions in Little Italy

This recreational park, originally Vernon Park, was donated to the city of Chicago in 1857. Situated near the University of Illinois campus, the greenspace is home to handsome landscaping, a gorgeous fountain and views of the city skyline from the south.

This street market dates all the way back to 1900, when immigrant families would sell goods out of pushcarts. Today, the market has been moved and reestablished, though it remains an international experience of bargain hunting—and incredible Mexican food.

Check out ephemera from sports heroes, including boxer Rocky Marciano and baseball’s Tommy Lasorda. Marciano’s first heavyweight championship belt is one among dozens of sports artifacts on display.

Built in 1892 by French Canadian architect Gregoire Vigeant, this Roman Catholic Church is one of the few French landmarks remaining in Chicago and was added to the National Register Historic Places in 1979.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii is the second Italian church built in the area and was completed in 1923. It was built in Roman revival style and has an interior replete with stained glass, murals and high arches among the pews.

The lucky kids who go to the University of Illinois at Chicago have this massive concert hall (well, basketball arena) in their backyard. Concerts are few and far between these days, but the bookings are big. Recently, Bon Iver, Death Cab for Cutie and Arcade Fire have passed through.

One of the few helicopter ports in Chicago city limits, this service offers sightseeing tours as well as charter rides, if you can fork over enough cash, that is. The helipad is privately owned and located conveniently near the Illinois Medical District.