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A perfect day in Naperville: Where to eat, shop, and explore
Naperville is generally thought of as a Chicago suburb, but this vibrant city of more than 150,000 people is very much a thriving community in its own right. Like many of Chicagoland's unique neighborhoods, Naperville stands on its own.
Where to spend a day in Naperville
Known for its vibrant downtown, scenic Riverwalk, parks, and family-friendly attractions, Naperville offers plenty of ways to fill a day. Let our real estate agents be your guides to spending a day in this scenic city.
Sparrow Coffee – Naperville, IL
Address: 120 Water St., Suite 110, Naperville, IL 60540
You could start your day at any number of excellent Naperville coffee shops. Sparrow Coffee has built a following for carefully prepared coffee drinks and handcrafted pastries. Its flagship Naperville cafe sits along the Riverwalk and features an industrial-inspired interior with artisan-crafted wood tables. Sparrow has also earned repeated recognition in Naperville magazine's "Best of Naperville" awards.
Naperville Riverwalk – Naperville, IL
Address: 500 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540
No day in Naperville is complete without a stroll along the Naperville Riverwalk, a 1.75-mile network of brick paths that follows the West Branch of the DuPage River. Known as Naperville's "Crown Jewel," the Riverwalk includes covered bridges, pavilions, fountains, gardens, artwork, and recreational spaces. Things to do include:
- Rent a paddleboat, kayak, or paddleboard at the Paddleboat Quarry
- Visit the Rothermel Family Skate Facility at Centennial Park
- Explore the trails, playgrounds, fountains, and public art along the Riverwalk
- See and hear the 72 cast-bronze bells of the Millennium Carillon
Naper Settlement – Naperville, IL
Address: 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, IL 60540
Offering a window into Naperville's past, Naper Settlement is a 13-acre outdoor history museum in the heart of the city. Its 34 structures help tell the story of Naperville and the surrounding area through exhibits, educational programs, guided tours, and special events. Established in 1969, Naper Settlement gives visitors a closer look at local history through preserved and relocated buildings, artifacts, and interactive experiences.
Anderson's Bookshop – Naperville, IL
Address: 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540
Spend an afternoon in Naperville browsing Anderson's Bookshop, a longtime family-owned independent bookseller with roots dating to 1875. The shop offers a broad selection of reads, from classics to new releases, and regularly hosts author appearances, book signings, and other literary events. You'll also find gifts and other items to browse, and Anderson's is just steps from many other shops and boutiques in Downtown Naperville.
Allegory – Naperville, IL
Address: 224 S. Main St., Naperville, IL 60540
Naperville has no shortage of places to sit down for dinner, and Allegory offers a locally focused option in the heart of downtown. This chef-owned restaurant emphasizes seasonal ingredients and sources from local producers whenever possible. It's a relaxed place to wrap up a day in Naperville with dinner and drinks. Guests can expect:
- A seasonal, farm-to-table approach
- Ingredients sourced locally whenever possible
- Crafted cocktails and other drinks
- A cozy, casual atmosphere
Questions about exploring Naperville
What is Naperville best known for?
Naperville is particularly well known for its downtown, the Naperville Riverwalk, local parks, historic attractions, shops, and restaurants. The city combines suburban neighborhoods with a walkable central district that offers plenty to see and do.
How long is the Naperville Riverwalk?
The Naperville Riverwalk includes about 1.75 miles of brick paths along the West Branch of the DuPage River. Along the way, visitors can find bridges, fountains, artwork, recreational facilities, and other public spaces.
Is Downtown Naperville walkable?
Yes. Many downtown shops, restaurants, the Riverwalk, Anderson's Bookshop, and other attractions are within a relatively compact area, making it easy to combine several stops during one visit.
More to explore in Naperville
There's so much more to discover in Naperville, from museums and shops to parks, gardens, and recreational areas. Contact us today to learn more about life in Naperville and other unique suburban cities in Chicagoland.
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