Printers Row, IL

Chicago

Printer\'s Row showing a city, a skyscraper and street scenes
Printer\'s Row which includes a city and street scenes
Printer\'s Row showing heritage architecture and a city
Printer\'s Row featuring a garden
Printer\'s Row which includes heritage architecture and a skyscraper

Chicago’s historic printing and publishing neighborhood is a booklover’s paradise, home to numerous bookstores and the host of an annual literature festival.

Printers Row is a small residential neighborhood in central Chicago and a favorite among literature enthusiasts. It takes its name from the city’s printing and publishing industry, which occupied many of the area’s buildings in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Wander the streets of Printers Row to see landmark buildings and remnants of the printing era. Shop in hundreds of bookstalls and attend the Printers Row Lit Fest.

Stroll along South Dearborn Street, which was once the heart of Chicago’s printing and publishing activities. Buildings designed by leading Chicago architects and featuring original signage previously housed publishing companies. Some of the most notable are the Fisher Building and Monadnock Building. Many have now been turned into commercial and residential properties.

Admire the imposing Dearborn Station and its 12-story Romanesque clock tower. Now an office and retail center, it was once Chicago’s principal terminal for passenger trains. Relax in the tree-shaded confines of the adjacent Dearborn Park.

Browse the handful of bookstores that remain in the district. Rummage through the collections for everything from best-selling novels to children’s titles, travel guides and rare finds. Pause for a drink, light snack or dinner at the cafés, fast-food spots, pubs and restaurants. Catch a performance by recognized jazz musicians at the intimate Jazz Showcase.

Visit in June for the 2-day Printers Row Lit Fest. Listen to talks by authors, chefs, journalists and television personalities, among others. Previous speakers include Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Peruse the stands of over 200 booksellers spread along five blocks of Dearborn Street for antique, new and used books.

Printers Row is directly south of the Loop – Downtown district and easy to reach via public transportation. The closest L train station is Harrison. Walk 15 minutes east to Grant Park. This sprawling park has orderly gardens, public art installations and museums. It’s also the venue for major city festivals such as Taste of Chicago and Lollapalooza.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Printers Row Hotel Deals

The Wade

The Wade

4.5 out of 5
644 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
$151 nightly
The price is $177 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$177 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,211 reviews)
"The room and view were super nice. Even with not being on the waterfront side of the build we werent disappointed. Check in staff could be nicer but the bar staff was excellent. Nice and informative for travelers. The pier was i. Walking distance. Food and shopping all around and spotless insude ..."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

The Wade
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
$143 nightly
The price is $168 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$168 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (8,982 reviews)
"Experience what it must have felt like to attend the 1893 Worlds Fair"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

4 out of 5
600 N State St, Chicago, IL
$152 nightly
The price is $179 total per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
$179 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,736 reviews)
"Great location for a quick getaway"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
$198 nightly
The price is $229 total per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
$229 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,881 reviews)
"Beautiful unique hotel, friendly staff and quiet for people who need to rest!"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

3 out of 5
10 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
$143 nightly
The price is $168 total per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
$168 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,728 reviews)
"Stress"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Freehand Chicago

Freehand Chicago

4 out of 5
19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$108 nightly
The price is $127 total per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$127 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,236 reviews)
"I loved how nice the hotel staff was."

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Freehand Chicago
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Printers Row

South Loop featuring a skyscraper and a city

South Loop

4.5/5(607 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, panoramic lake views, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in South Loop. Top attractions like Soldier Field and Lake Michigan are major draws. Catch the metro at Roosevelt Station or Cermak-McCormick Place Station to see more of the city.

South Loop
Chicago showing rides

Theatre District

While you're in Theatre District, take in top sights like Michigan Avenue or State Street, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).

Theatre District
The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(9,481 area reviews)

Chicago's central business district boasts numerous global businesses, retail establishments, and theaters. Explore the Loop Retail Historic District, Chicago Landmark Historic Michigan Boulevard District, and visit iconic attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Loop
South Loop which includes night scenes and street scenes

Near South Side

Travelers choose Near South Side for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Cermak-McCormick Place Station or Roosevelt Station and check out top sights like Soldier Field.

Near South Side
Default Image

Near West Side

4.5/5(740 area reviews)

Live music, theaters, and shopping highlight some notable features of Near West Side. Make a stop by United Center or Credit Union 1 Arena while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Racine Station or Polk Station (Pink Line) to get around town.

Near West Side
Downtown Chicago showing a city

Downtown Chicago

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views, and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Chicago


Printers Row, IL

Choose one or more items to build your trip: