I finally visited Chicago! (at the end of May 2026).
Here are some comparisons between Watch Dogs and real-life Chicago.
Note: Names in this post are written as In-game Name (Real-life Name).
Forever Sculpture (Cloud Gate)
Aiden and Damien meet. Damien is holding a bottle of champagne, which he soon breaks.
Bram Steffan Pavilion (Jay Pritzker Pavilion)
During “Fox Hunt” mission in DLC, T-bone hacks through a terminal to find cr0w, who is sitting atop the structure.
Face Fountain (Crown Fountain)
This is where Aiden blackmails Bedbug.
Palin Correctional Center (Metropolitan Correction Center)
"Dressed in Peels" mission.
Although the game never gives this place a specific name, it was likely inspired by Michigan Avenue.
Aiden comes down these stairs during his first meeting with Clara. This staircase is the one closest to the Chicago Riverwalk.
(Fangirl moment: While taking these photos, I kept internally yelling, "Clara, where are you?!" 😂)
Again, in the game, the building is never given a name. I accidentally found it on Google Maps while trying to match the game map to real-life Chicago.
This building appears at the start of the "Hold On, Kiddo" mission, when Damien hijacks the city's TV feeds and broadcasts footage of himself inside Nicky's house.
Ambrose Theatre (Chicago Theatre)
In the game, Aiden comments that he used to catch movies here with Nicky, but now it's just a dance club.
This is also the location where Aiden finds Default. 🐀
The intersection closest to the theater entrance is where Aiden kills Joseph DeMarco during the E3 gameplay demo.
Chicago Commerce Building (Chicago Board of Trade)
The statues and courtyard look pretty similar to the in-game version. You probably drove through this courtyard a few times.
"A Wrench in the Works" mission. In the game, Aiden enters the lobby, which was probably inspired by the entrance to the Skydeck Chicago. He works with Clara to track down Helena Tucci.
In the game, there is a ctOS Control Center immediately south of the pier. In real life, however, that area is occupied by restaurants, hotels, and a Ferris wheel.
Harbor Lighthouse (Chicago Harbor Lighthouse)
In real life, the lighthouse is not located on an island. In fact, you can see it from the southern end of Navy Pier. If you want a closer look, you'll need to take a sightseeing cruise on the lake.
(Fangirl moment: I literally sat at Navy Pier watching the lighthouse for half an hour while replaying the cutscene in my head over and over again. It was fun. 😉)
Here you'll find some of Chicago's iconic buildings. The Wrigley Building, Marina City, and Tribune Tower.
May Stadium (Wrigley Field and Soldier Field)
This is where the game starts.
In the Star & Stripes novel, Aiden mentions that he blacked out Wrigley Field, so I assumed it would be the correct location. However, in the game, the exterior of May Stadium seems to be inspired by Soldier Field. Personally, I think it’s a mix of both stadiums.
Seaside Restaurant JD Trumbet’s (North Avenue Beach House)
"Role Model" mission.
It doesn’t look exactly the same, but judging by the location, it is probably based on North Avenue Beach.
The game was released several years before the building was renamed 875 North Michigan Avenue in 2018.
I rode the CTA a few times while traveling north and around the Loop. Honestly, it feels a lot like it does in the game. Loud, fast, and occasionally taking sharp turns that feel like a roller coaster lol.
The seat layout in the game seems to be a little different.
I took way too many photos, but Tumblr has an image limit, so here are some highlights and landmarks that also appear in Watch Dogs.
They aren't featured in any missions or cutscenes, but you've almost certainly driven past them while exploring the city. If you're into architecture, I'd definitely recommend taking a closer look!😊
Safford Memorial Fountain (based on Buckingham Fountain)
Chicago Arts and Sciences Center (based on the Chicago Cultural Center). You can take a photo of Tiffany Glass Dome for free.
City Hall (based on Chicago City Hall)
Carding Center (based on James R. Thompson Center)
Ocean Tower (based on Chicago Water Tower)
Misting water sculpture at Mary Bartelme Park. The five off-kilter, stainless steel arches
Some random things I learned after actually went to Chicago
The in-game map is a lot smaller than the real city. There’s no Chinatown, no West Loop, and several other neighborhoods are missing as well.
The hotel and the train yard in “Not the Pizza Guy” don’t exist in real life.
Relish on Chicago dog is so green.
The police barriers are blue, just like they are in the game.
💡Some extra tips if you plan to visit
Take a sightseeing boat tour twice! Do a river-only tour or a river-and-Lake Michigan tour during the day, then go again at sunset. The nighttime skyline is absolutely divine.
Plan roughly what and where you want to eat. 🍕🌭🥪
Check out local events and exhibitions. You might get lucky and find a free event to attend.
Lastly, Chicago is a great city, but you'll probably enjoy it even more if you're a Watch Dogs fan!
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