My favorite part of any trip? The itinerary. I treat travel like a well-produced show. Call time is 8 a.m., and there isn’t a single unscripted moment. Even my “free time” has a calendar invite. Pair that ‘skill’ with years spent exploring every neighborhood in Chicago, and I feel like I’ve earned the title. Consider me your neighborhood guide.

I spent the month of February exploring stories of Black History for my podcast and one of my friends that listened to the episodes asked if I would be willing to share some things to do in Bronzeville. This is the day I planned for her. Before I send you anywhere, let me tell you a little bit about Bronzeville.

Chicago is one of the main cities that Black families from the south moved to during the great migration. It became a hub for some of the most incredible stories. We were made for it.

The railroad system paired with the Pullman Porters and the Chicago Defender was just the perfect recipe. Chicago became the Black Mecca. The hub for all of that was Bronzeville. Only a few buildings remain in the area that are part of the original Black Metropolis, but even so, the neighborhood is vibrant and full of things to see.

10:00 am – Fuel up at Peach’s

Our first stop of the day has to be Peach’s Restaurant. A staple in Bronzeville, Peach’s is known for many delicious menu items including their peach flavored coffee. One of my favorite things about Peach’s is that it’s located on a historic strip of Bronzeville. Right across the street from the Harold Washington Cultural Center and surrounded by the Boulevards, this is a great starting point. My go-to order here is Breakfast Bowl.

11:00 am – People watch at the South Side Sanctuary

This is the perfect space to sit down and take in your surroundings. The South Side Sanctuary is a community space that encourages people from the neighborhood to gather and get to know each other. Check the events calendar for everything from Farmers Markets, live music, workout classes, and young entrepreneurs programs!

With the Harold Washington Cultural Center to your right, head north towards 45th street. There’s no more beautiful walk in the spring than along MLK drive. We’re so lucky to live in a city that was designed around green spaces. The Boulevards are part of Chicago’s Emerald Necklace and this is the perfect place to experience that. As you make your way to the next stop, look around the homes. Most belonged to significant figures in US history. To your left, on the corner of 45th street is the Marx Brothers Home where they lived from 1912 to 1920.

12:30 – Lunch on the Go

Grab a quick lunch to go from any of the spots below. One thing Bronzeville will always have is great food!

Cleo’s is the spot for incredible soul food. The Crabbie Cat, creole-fried catfish topped with crab signature remoulade sauce, makes for an elite lake-side lunch.

Gorée Cuisine offers great Senegalese dishes, just over the official border of Kenwood and Bronzeville. Our go off the menu here is the Yasa Chicken Lunch.

Lunch by the beach is one of my favorite Chicago rituals. The skyline views from the South Side are hard to beat. Find a spot in the sand and enjoy your lunch, whether it’s warm enough for a dip or just time to watch the water for a bit.

2:00 pm – Bronzeville Walk of Fame

There are a number of Walks of Fame around the city and this one is worth a visit. Between 25th and 35th street, you’ll see 92 bronze plaques honoring significant Black Americans who have contributed to the history of the neighborhood.

2:30 pm – Monument to the Great Migration

We’ve made it to the other end of Bronzeville. We’re at the northernmost tip. Here is the monument to the Great Migration. This is such a special piece by Alison Saar. It stands facing north, and if you don’t look closely you might miss that it’s made to look like the man is covered in shoe soles.

4:00 pm – Time for Happy Hour

Let’s head back down to Bronzeville Winery for a moment to relax. Grab some wine, a cocktail, or a mocktail and enjoy the beautiful interiors.

5:00 pm – Let’s shop for books

We’re heading just a block outside of Bronzeville for one of my favorite activities; book shopping. Call & Response Books is one of the few Black-woman owned bookstores in the city. Well worth the detour. When you get there, ask them about their name; the story won’t disappoint!

6:00 pm – Dinner!

Yassa African Restaurant is one of the most popular spots in Bronzeville and for good reason. When you’re there, you can’t avoid the owner stopping by your table to say hello and offer you a sample of their famous juices (my favorite is the honeydew and pineapple). Don’t skip the Fataya.