The Fulton Market District is a vibrant hub in Chicago for shopping, dining, art, entertainment, and nightlife, leaving you with different activities to explore each time. Whether you want to find new date night ideas or attend seasonal family-friendly events, it’s among Chicago’s trending neighborhoods for many reasons.
From the best-recommended restaurants to popular live music venues, learn more about Fulton Market and its top destinations worth visiting.
What is the Fulton Market District?
Credit: Fulton Market District
Originally serving as a meat-packing warehouse and industrial marketplace in the 19th century, formerly known as Haymarket Square, Fulton Market District transformed into an innovative business intersection and is now a historic Chicago landmark.
You’ll find over 120 restaurants/retailers, 700+ hotels, and almost 4.5 million square feet of leasing office space—and they plan to expand these developments even further.
Fun Things to Do in Fulton Market: What To See, Eat, & Do in This Bustling Hub
Below are some of the best things to do in Fulton Market with directions via Chicago public transit.
Stroll Through the Many Shops & Designer Showrooms
Shopping in Fulton Market offers diverse retail options from apparel to beauty and local organic produce. Some popular stores include:
Uncommon James
Credit: Yelp
Founded by The Hills’ Kristin Cavallari, Uncommon James is a boutique jewelry shop offering necklaces, candles, lip balms, home decor, and more. Fulton Market was the first Chicago store location they opened.
The Morgan Metra station is a five-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line. Several bus stops are nearby, with the closest one being Halsted & Randolph/Washington, a three-minute walk away via Bus 8.
Publican Quality Meats
Credit: Publican Quality Meats
A butcher shop, artisan market, and café all in one, Publican Quality Meats is locally known for its premium food. They offer locally sourced and sustainably raised meats by family-owned farms across the Midwest.
In addition to meats, they have hand-curated selections of in-house dry-aged charcuterie, bread, sandwiches, soups, spice rubs, and many other pantry staples.
The Morgan Metra is a five-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line. The closest bus stop is Halsted & Fulton Market, only a minute walk away via Bus 8.
Designer Showrooms & Pop-Ups
Fulton Market has resident designer showrooms and pop-ups throughout the year. Some of the most popular ones include:
Arper
Credit: Arper
Arper is an Italian designer brand showroom specializing in outdoor residential and public communal furniture. Their products include lounge chairs, low tables, and decorative interior wall panels.
The Morgan Metra is a four-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line. The Halsted & Lake bus stop is a two-minute walk via Bus 8.
Luum
Credit: Luum
Explore commercial-grade fabrics, textiles, upholstery, and draperies at the Luum showroom. They launch seasonal collections with indoor and outdoor products available.
It’s located on the 7th floor of the 800 West Fulton Market building. The Morgan Metra is a six-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line. The Halsted & Fulton Market bus stop is a two-minute walk via Bus 8.
Universal Fibers
Credit: Universal Fibers
Attending the 2025 Fulton Market Design Days, Universal Fibers will have a pop-up showroom from June 9th to 11th. They offer sustainable, synthetic-dyed carpet fibers using recycled consumer materials, landfill diversion items, and plant-based fibers.
Shuttle coach buses and electric pedicabs will depart every 15 to 20 minutes for this event. Their stops include the Merchandise Mart Shop on 345 N Wells (East side) and the Fulton Market Welcome Center on Morgan & Fulton (NE Corner).
Eat at the Best Restaurants in Fulton Market District
From Michelin-starred restaurants to dining courts, there’s plenty of diverse food in Fulton Market to try. Some of the most popular places to eat include:
Time Out Market
Credit: Time Out Market Chicago
As a 50,000-square-foot dining hub, Time Out Market Chicago is a massive food court featuring over 15 eateries, three world-class bars, a rooftop terrace, communal seating, and wall video installation. From coastal Indian to Ethiopian and German-American cuisine, you can take your tastebuds on a world tour here.
The Morgan Metra is a three-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line. The nearest bus stop is Halsted & Fulton Market, a four-minute walk via Bus 8.
The Aviary
Credit: The Aviary
Being one of the only 13 Michelin-starred restaurants in the U.S., The Aviary is among the best food in Fulton Market. They have rotating food and cocktail-tasting menus with three multi-course culinary dining experiences every night. You’ll enjoy fine dining with small plates and specially curated cocktails by the executive chef and bar director.
The Morgan Metra takes you to the entrance via the Green or Pink Line. The closest bus stop is Madison & Aberdeen via Bus 20.
Rose Mary
Credit: Rose Mary
Have you ever tried Italian-Croatian fusion cuisine? Then we recommend eating at Rose Mary. It’s one of the top-rated Fulton Market restaurants, featuring seasonal menus that blend both cultures with flavor-packed dishes. It’s a refined yet rustic setting, serving dinner, drinks, and desserts. Popular menu items include veal breast risotto, duck with plum jus, and orange buttermilk sherbert.
The Morgan Metra is a three-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line. The nearest bus stop is Halsted & Lake, a six-minute walk via Bus 8.
Attend Annual, Seasonal, & Pop-Up Fulton Market Events
You can always find Fulton Market events year-round, seasonally, and special pop-ups. The most popular events people attend include:
Fulton on Fridays
Credit: Star Events
A free weekly and new community event, Fulton on Fridays showcases live music performances from Chicago’s local house music scene, art installations, live painting, thrift vendors, and more.
It takes place between Halsted and Peoria, spanning across multiple blocks within Fulton Market. Public transit directions depend on where you enter from. We recommended traveling from the Morgan Metra via the Green or Pink Line or local bus stops.
Taste of Fulton Market
Credit: Randolph Fulton Market Association
The Taste of Fulton Market is a widely anticipated annual culinary event featuring over 15 of the best restaurants and bars in Chicago. Event tickets cost $99 and include open bar access, food/drink item samples across three floors of dining stations, live music performances, community dance lessons, and more onsite activities.
It takes place at 950 West Fulton St. The Morgan Metra is a two-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line. The nearest bus stop is Halsted & Fulton Market, a five-minute walk via Bus 8.
The Garden at Fulton Market
Credit: Fulton Market Social
Enjoy outdoor activities and special events year-round at The Garden at Fulton Market. It’s a massive backyard-like setting with a full bar, picnic tables, pickleball courts, a movie screen, and more. From streaming football games to nighttime films and fitness festivals, it’s a community gem with stunning views of the Chicago skyline.
It’s located at 170 N Green St in the heart of the Fulton Market District. The Morgan Metra is a four-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line. The Halsted & Lake bus stop is a two-minute walk via Bus 8.
Explore the Different Fulton Market Activities to Do
In addition to events, Fulton Market offers plenty of activities for all ages. Some of the most popular things to do in Fulton Market include:
Kavi Gupta Gallery
Credit: Kavi Gupta Gallery
Are you an art enthusiast? Add the Kavi Gupta Gallery to your list. It’s a contemporary art gallery with many featured artists and over a dozen museum-quality exhibits annually. From sculpture displays to monumental installations and vibrant paintings, it’s a beautiful place to visit and enjoy diverse artistic cultures.
The Morgan Metra is a seven-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line. The Halsted & Randolph/Washington bus stop is a three-minute walk via Bus 8.
Studio Three
Credit: Studio Three
Elevate your workout routine at the Studio Three Fulton Market location. It’s a luxury boutique fitness studio offering yoga, spin, and HIIT classes. They also offer amenities, including complimentary cycle shoes, community social spaces, hair care products, and an onsite retail store.
It’s located on the lobby level of the 333 N Green St building. The Morgan Metra is a seven-minute walk to the studio via the Green or Pink Line. The Halsted & Fulton Market bus stop is a two-minute walk via Bus 8.
Punch Bowl Social Chicago
Credit: Punch Bowl Social
Bring out your inner child in an adult arcade complex at Punch Bowl Social’s Chicago location. It’s a multi-level entertainment venue featuring arcade games, bowling, New American cocktails/cuisine, karaoke, and more.
The Morgan Metra is a six-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line. The Halsted & Fulton Market bus stop is a two-minute walk via Bus 8.
Enjoy the Fulton Market Nightlife
Take a night out on the town at the many unique Fulton Market bars and clubs, including:
Emporium
Credit: Emporium
One of the most popular bars in Fulton Market is Emporium. It’s also an arcade and event venue where you can enjoy drinks and games with your friends or colleagues. From Pac-Man to weekly trivia nights and over 60 whiskey options, it’s perfect for a group night outing.
The Morgan Metra is a five-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line. The Halsted & Fulton Market bus stop is a two-minute walk via Bus 8.
Puttery
Credit: Puttery Chicago
Enjoy immersive mini golf with a cocktail at Puttery’s Chicago location. It’s the perfect way to switch up date night with your loved one. There are digital scoreboards, different course themes like museums and illusions, and a full-service bar.
The Morgan Metra is a two-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line. The Halsted & Lake bus stop is a six-minute walk via Bus 8.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery
Credit: PR Newswire
Did you know there are only two Guinness breweries in the U.S.? And Fulton Market is home to one of them. The Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Chicago features a taproom, restaurant, and the first-ever Guinness bakery. They have an extensive tap list and menu items, like New Zealand IPAs, Guinness Global blondie coffee, and Guinness Foreign Extra Stout braised short ribs.
The Morgan Metra is a seven-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line. The Grand & Morgan bus stop is a six-minute walk via Bus 65.
Find Your Dream Apartment Near Fulton Market District
Want to live near the lively Fulton Market District? We can help you find the perfect apartment to rent.
At TLC Management Co., we own over 30 properties within the Chicagoland area and have the expertise to streamline your search based on your budget, needs, and lifestyle. Each property has unique features and convenient locations throughout the Windy City boroughs.
Our apartment amenities vary by location, featuring:
•High ceilings, curved glass block Art Deco windows, and French kitchen doors
•Open loft-style floorplans, walk-in closets, and in-unit washer/dryers
•Pet-friendly communities and flexible leasing options
Browse our Chicago apartment listings or contact us at info@chicagorentals.com for help today!
