Tips for Multicultural Travelers

Chicago is a cosmopolitan city with a population that's about 36% African American, 30% white, and 26% Latino (Chicago has the second-largest Mexican population in the U.S. after Los Angeles). Visitors of all racial and ethnic groups shouldn't expect to encounter any discrimination, especially in the downtown area. We're used to welcoming tourists and businesspeople from around the world. That said, Chicago is still extremely divided residentially along racial lines. The South Side is overwhelmingly African American, the North Side is mostly white, and Latino residents tend to settle in neighborhoods such as Pilsen, just southwest of downtown.

Travelers can explore the city's rich black heritage with a specialized tour. Visitors with an interest in Latin-American art might want to stop by the vibrant National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen.