Aurora Travel Guide

  Kaden and Rhya on Grandpa's lap
by KiKitC
 
  • Kaden and Rhya on Grandpa's lap
      Kaden and Rhya on Grandpa's lap
    by KiKitC
  • Rob and Kaden
      Rob and Kaden
    by KiKitC
  • Front Entrance
      Front Entrance
    by riorich55
  • Interior
      Interior
    by riorich55
  • Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme
      Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme
    by riorich55
 

Explore Aurora

Things to Do  

Chicago West Suburb Bike Trails

Chicago West Suburb Bike Trails, Aurora

 aignguyen Says:  The Western Suburbs of Chicago actually have some very nice bicycle trails, among them are:- The Fox River Trail (beginner), see http://www.great-trails.com/foxriver.shtml- The Illinois Prairie Path (intermediate), see... 

George Grant Elmslie, Architect

George Grant Elmslie, Architect, Aurora

 pumpkinheart Says:  For admirers of the Prairie School, there are five nicely preserved examples of commercial buildings designed by George Grant Elmslie. The Old Second Bank Building is marvelous, both inside and out. There have been a couple of additions and renovations, but they have been... 

SciTech Hands- on Museum

SciTech Hands- on Museum, Aurora

 queensgirl Says:

Paramount Arts Centre

Paramount Arts Centre, Aurora

 BROOKS Says:  Comedy, music, opera, plays 

Downtown Walking Tour

Downtown Walking Tour, Aurora

 jrm01 Says:  Downtown Aurora, IL is a very old town, with many historical buildings dating back to the early 1900's, many building are still standing and functioning. 

Hotels  

Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-Aurora

 65 Opinions

Comfort Suites Aurora

 45 Opinions

Restaurants  

Blueberry Hill Pancake House: Great Spot for a Big Breakfast

Blueberry Hill Pancake House: Great Spot for a Big Breakfast, Aurora

 riorich55 Says:  We arrived at Blueberry Hill Pancake House, about a 12 mile ride from our house on a recent Saturday morning around 10:15 and even though we were at the tail end of the breakfast rush and before the lunch rush we still had to wait about 10 minutes to get seated. But while we... 

East China Inn: Consistently Great Chinese!

East China Inn: Consistently Great Chinese!, Aurora

 Dinanant Says:  Love it! I am very picky with my Chinese food - but this restaurant never disappoints!!! A vast menu that has something for everyone. My favorite is the mongolian chicken - sweet and spicy at the same time. I also recommend the chicken fried rice - real chicken instead of... 

Red Lobster: Red Lobster

Red Lobster: Red Lobster, Aurora

 BROOKS Says:  Newer location, waitstaff are generally very attentive except one unpleasant blond that works there (don't know her name and don't want to!). My friend Malik and Clarissa work there too. Delicious food, the dinner bisuits are to die for. Walt's Favorite Shrimp, $11.99 10... 

Walter Payton's Roundhouse: The oldest existing limestone roundhouse in the US

Walter Payton's Roundhouse: The oldest existing limestone roundhouse in the US, Aurora

 BROOKS Says:  International Award Winning Beer, along with American Regional Cuisine, a cusine that has been featured in top food magazines and culinary books are located next door to the Award Winning Comfort Suites Inn . Walter Payton's Roundhouse is an excellent stop on any... 

Paradise Inn Chinese...

Paradise Inn Chinese..., Aurora

 BROOKS Says:  Paradise Inn Chinese Restaurant Very quiet place, not noisy, clean, and personable staff. Sue is the wife and will be the one hosting you. Nevermind all of her questions, she's just overly curious. This restaurant has had numerous names in the 50 plus years it's been in this... 

Nikarry's: Great Family Restaurant

Nikarry's: Great Family Restaurant, Aurora

 KiKitC Says:  Under ConstructionHope you're hungry. Better be if you come here to Nikarry's! Every time we go ou to see the kids, we have breakfast here. The staff is sooooo freindly, they really make you feel at home. And the food is always great!The waitress knows Gordie's family pretty... 

Ciara's Place: Fabulous Soul Food (And More)

Ciara's Place: Fabulous Soul Food (And More), Aurora

 pumpkinheart Says:  The location is a narrow storefront right in the heart of downtown Aurora. It seems that the owner salvaged an excellent old building, turning it into great food downstairs and local music upstairs. The night we first stopped in, we were treated to an impromptu performance... 

Nightlife  

The Zephyr Bar and Motel: Retro Bar has kick

The Zephyr Bar and Motel: Retro Bar has kick, Aurora

 Dev33 Says:  As your driving out along east Colfax I'm sure that you will see many different bars and lounges. Now I know that you probably want the best deal in the most peaceful atmosphere. I know how you feel. You want to stop by a place that is entertaining, but not to pricey. I've... 

Hollywood Casino Gambling Boat...

Hollywood Casino Gambling Boat..., Aurora

 BROOKS Says:  Hollywood Casino Gambling Boat on Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora. This is our 'main attraction' you might say. The only club we really had was right down the way from it called the Snuggery. I was just told it has closed as I'm writing this! I can't think of any other dance... 

Transportation  

Rent a car at O'Hare Airport ahead of time

Rent a car at O'Hare Airport ahead of time, Aurora

 BROOKS Says:  If you book in advance you can get really low rates for compact cars at O'Hare Airport. Public transport isn't really an option. Unless, you're coming on the Metra (BNSF) from Chicago or other suburbs. 

Burlington Northern from Chicago, IL (Union Sta)

Burlington Northern from Chicago, IL (Union Sta), Aurora

 ccy Says:  to Aurora Transportation Center. Can walk around from there to several dining and or drinking establishments. 

Warnings Or Dangers  

Not Entirely A Pristine Suburban Experience.

Not Entirely A Pristine Suburban Experience., Aurora

 pumpkinheart Says:  Aurora is a city divided into two parts: old and new. The new city is wealthy, suburban-type sprawl that surrounds the old city, which is characterized by densely packed neighborhoods in various states of decay. While not what I would call dangerous, there are gangs, drugs,... 

YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES BEWARE!

YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES BEWARE!, Aurora

 shanstique Says:  IT MAY SOUND CRAZY, BUT IT IS TRUE. MANY YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES HAVE BEEN MISTAKEN AS GANG MEMBERS, SHOT, AND KILLED. TAKE CAUTION IN ALL NEIGHBORHOODS AND IF YOU SEE SUSPICIOUS LOOKING YOUNG MALES STAY ON WATCH BUT DON'T DO ANYTHING THAT MAY CAUSE CONFUSION OR STIR... 

Tourist Traps  

In the shopping areas of the...

In the shopping areas of the..., Aurora

 BROOKS Says:  In the shopping areas of the West side of town you will sometimes find panhandlers. Just use common sense and watch your wallet or purse in the mall or in the supermarket. 

Favorites  

Fox River, Aurora

Fox River, Aurora, Aurora

 BROOKS Says:  For one thing, it can be affordable to live here. Yes, there still can be found 1 bedroom apartments in the high $500 USD/month. Gas is much cheaper than in Cook County which includes Chicago (currently $2.99 the other day but fluctuates every week). The cost of living is... 

The Place

Plan a Aurora vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Aurora locals

Experience Aurora
  •   26 Tips and Reviews
  •  43 Photos
  Share your Travels  
Map of Aurora
 

The People

49 Members Live Here
 
Advice from the Locals
 profile photo

 Aurora, Illinois - But just a tad too cold in winter 

49 members live in Aurora

 

Questions and Answers

rnj1 profile photo

Q:  What hotels are closest to the Paramount? And, what are the 2 or 3 restaurants (not chains or Ruth's Chris) you would say someone... 

Dabs profile photo

A: I eat in a lot of the suburbs but Aurora is not one of them. You might check some of the local online resources that concentrate on food and... 

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Top Aurora Writers

1

900 mile smiles

KiKitC profile photo

 Aurora is the home of Gordie's oldest son, and we drive to Aurora at least twice a year to see him and our wonderful grandchildren. Rhya is now 4 years old, and Kaden is two. Maybe I'm a bit... 

2

Aurora, Illinois "Home of the first street lamp"

BROOKS profile photo

 Aurora, Illinois my hometown, is an urban city located 35 miles west of downtown Chicago. Aurora is the 2nd largest city in Illinois besides Chicago and Naperville. Population is estimated at 185,000+... 

3

Kristara's new Aurora Page

Gypsystravels profile photo

 Slowly updating and posting new pics. Please come back soon. 

4

Nightlife

ccy profile photo

 Other then the Hollywood Casino, in downtown Aurora, you can have dinner and drinks at Walter Paytons Roundhouse, Tavern on the Fox, Bambina's. Several other drinking establishments are Aurora Cigar... 

5

Aurora, Illinois

aignguyen profile photo

 But just a tad too cold in winter 

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