Things To Do
in Naperville

Naperville, located in Illinois, is a charming suburb of Chicago known for its vibrant downtown area and scenic Riverwalk. The city features a mix of historic architecture and modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for visitors. With numerous parks, cultural attractions, and a strong community spirit, Naperville offers a welcoming atmosphere.

It's also recognized for its highly ranked schools and family-friendly environment.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Downtown Naperville
morning
:

Begin your day with breakfast at Egg Harbor Cafe, known for its delicious omelets and pancakes. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the Riverwalk and enjoy the scenic views.

afternoon
:

Visit the Naperville Riverwalk and stop by the Naperville Historic District to explore local shops and boutiques. Don't miss the DuPage Children's Museum for interactive exhibits.

evening
:

Dine at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria for authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza, then enjoy a walk along the Riverwalk as the sun sets.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Start with a hearty breakfast at the Blueberry Hill Breakfast Cafe, famous for its great coffee and fresh fruit. Afterward, head to the Morton Arboretum to explore its extensive gardens and trails.

afternoon
:

Visit the Naper Settlement, a living history museum showcasing Naperville's history with reenactments and historic buildings. Take time to explore the grounds.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at Café Zupas, a casual eatery offering soups, salads, and sandwiches, then catch a live performance at the Naperville Municipal Band if the season permits.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at a restaurant$15-25
Coffee$3-5
🍕Deep-dish pizza$25-35
🚕Taxi ride (5 miles)$15-20
🏨Hotel night$100-200

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Family-friendly atmosphere with excellent schools.
  • Beautiful parks and outdoor spaces.
  • Vibrant downtown with shops and dining options.
  • Traffic congestion during peak hours.
  • Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
  • Higher cost of living than some nearby suburbs.

Places to Visit in Naperville

Visit one of these nice places.

Naperville Riverwalk

A picturesque pathway lined with flowers, fountains, and bridges, perfect for scenic photos.

Naper Settlement

This outdoor museum offers historic buildings and beautiful landscapes, ideal for capturing the essence of Naperville's history.

Morton Arboretum

A stunning nature preserve with diverse plant collections, trails, and seasonal displays, providing beautiful backdrops for photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Naperville

Naperville offers a delightful culinary scene that showcases both local and international flavors. From casual eateries to upscale restaurants, there's something to please every palate. Don't miss the chance to sample local favorites and explore food markets.

Naperville Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza

A thick pizza with a buttery crust, layered with cheese, toppings, and a chunky tomato sauce.

Must-Try!

Italian Beef Sandwich

A savory sandwich made with thinly sliced roast beef, served on an Italian roll and often topped with giardiniera.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Naperville Farmers Market

Held on Saturdays, this market offers fresh produce, local artisan goods, and delicious prepared foods.

Climate Guide

Weather

Naperville experiences four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Spring and fall are mild, offering pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to mid-90s Fahrenheit (24-35°C).

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness

Residents value politeness and often greet strangers with a smile or nod.

Punctuality

Being on time is appreciated, especially for appointments and social gatherings.

Respect for Public Spaces

Keeping public areas clean and respecting shared spaces is important in the community.

Safety Guide

Safety

Naperville is considered a safe community with low crime rates. However, it is advisable to stay vigilant in crowded areas. Emergency services can be reached quickly, and it's wise to familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers.

Tipping in Naperville

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Standard tipping is 15-20% for service in restaurants and bars. It’s also common to tip taxi drivers and hotel staff.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, while cash is also useful for smaller purchases and local markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring brings blooming flowers and mild temperatures, making it great for outdoor activities and festivals.

Summer

Summer is warm and vibrant, with numerous outdoor events, but be prepared for occasional thunderstorms.

Fall

Fall offers stunning foliage and cooler temperatures, perfect for hiking and enjoying local pumpkin patches.

Winter

Winter can be cold and snowy, but it also features holiday events and winter sports opportunities.

Nightlife Guide

Naperville at Night

Naperville's nightlife is lively, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The downtown area offers numerous options for live music, cocktails, and late-night dining. Popular spots include the 311 Wine Bar and Empire Burgers & Brew, where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while mingling with locals.

Hiking in Naperville

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Offering scenic trails and a beautiful waterfall, this preserve is great for hiking and enjoying nature.

Starved Rock State Park

Located about an hour away, this park features stunning canyons and waterfalls, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.

Airports

How to reach Naperville by plane.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Located about 30 miles from Naperville, O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering numerous domestic and international flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Naperville is known for its walkable downtown area, with many attractions, restaurants, and shops within easy reach. Sidewalks are well-maintained, and the Riverwalk provides a beautiful pathway for pedestrians. However, some suburban areas may require a car for access to amenities.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Naperville is home to many families, attracted by its excellent schools and safe neighborhoods.

Young Professionals

A growing number of young professionals live in Naperville, drawn by job opportunities in nearby Chicago and the suburban lifestyle.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

High school and college football games are popular, with a strong community following and local teams competing at various levels.

Soccer

Soccer is widely played in Naperville, with youth leagues and adult teams actively participating in local and regional competitions.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Naperville can be congested, particularly during rush hour, as many commuters travel to and from Chicago. Public transportation options include Metra rail service, which connects Naperville to Chicago, as well as local bus services, though these may have limited routes and schedules.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Naperville.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options; be sure to inquire about meal modifications.

Gluten-Free Choices

Several eateries provide gluten-free menu items; check with staff for safe options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare access in Naperville is excellent, with several hospitals and clinics in the area, including Edward Hospital, which offers comprehensive medical services. Many local pharmacies and urgent care centers are also available, ensuring residents and visitors have access to necessary care.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide