Chicago, Illinois, is an amazing city to visit, offering a diverse selection of museums, tours, and restaurants. Enjoy a bird’s eye view from 360 Chicago or the Skydeck, spend an afternoon at the Art Institute of Chicago, explore the famous Millennium Park, listen to an orchestra performance, and go for a romantic walk in one of the beautiful parks.


Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park Conservatory

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The Garfield Park Conservatory, designed by William LeBaron Jenney, is often referred to as "landscape art under glass". It covers 4.5 acres and is one of the best things to do in Chicago. The Conservatory is home to a range of permanent plant exhibits with fascinating specimens from around the globe, including 200-year old cycads. The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the top romantic things to do in Chicago. Here you will also find a wealth of educational, community and family-friendly presentations, and workshops and events throughout the year, from seasonal flower shows to cooking and arts and crafts classes.

300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 312-746-5100

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The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile

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On par with Paris’ Champs Elysees and New York’s Fifth Avenue, Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is one of the greatest avenues in the world, and walking down its length is a quintessential Chicago experience. Running for 13 blocks along North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street in the north to the banks of the Chicago River in the south, the Magnificent Mile is home to an array of luxury hotels, world-class shopping, award-winning restaurants, lively entertainment and beautiful architecture. Extending a full square mile from North Michigan Avenue, the fashionable district presents locals and visitors alike with over 60 hotels, 275 restaurants, 460 stores, and a variety of unique attractions and entertainment. The Magnificent Mile is one of the top romantic places in Chicago. If you are wondering what to do in Chicago today, this is a great place to start exploring. From top retail brand names and fine dining establishments to ever-evolving exhibits and shows, theater, live music and museums, there is something for everyone along this famous strip.

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Chicago Architecture Foundation Tours

Chicago Architecture Foundation Tours

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World-renowned for its incredible architecture, Chicago has a plethora of iconic skyscrapers, beautiful hotels, and celebrated homes designed by the globally acclaimed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. For those who appreciate architecture or want to learn more, the Chicago Architecture Foundation runs a variety of docent-led tours to showcase these impressive works. Tours cover vast areas and major Chicago attractions, from downtown to various neighborhoods throughout the city.

Some of the most popular tours are the river cruise tours on the Chicago’s First Lady. Voted “Chicago’s Best Tour” by Chicago Reader, the River Cruise takes visitors on a journey through the architectural history of the city, from its humble beginnings as a small back-country outpost and subsequent growth into one of the world’s greatest modern cities. Tours last around 90 minutes and tour-goers get a good look at over 50 incredible buildings. If you want something a little different, you can go on one of the special cruises, including the “Capture Chicago Photography Cruise,” where you can get the perfect shot of some of Chicago’s most iconic buildings and the “Twilight River Cruise,” where you can sip cocktails against the backdrop of the city skyline in the soft twilight.

111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, Phone: 312-922-3432


360 Chicago

360 Chicago

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Formerly known as the John Hancock Observation Tower, 360 Chicago is one the city’s most popular attractions and one of the best places to visit in Chicago. Conveniently located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center along the famous Magnificent Mile 360 Chicago soars 1,000 feet above the city, boasting breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the city. The observation deck offers visitors an unparalleled state-of-the-art experience with TILT, a moving observatory that tilts out over the city for out-of-this-world vistas (temporarily closed for maintenance, so be sure to check the web site). Learn all about the history of the city’s nine culturally unique neighborhoods with an interactive display on the concourse level or relax at the Architect's Corner Café on the 94th floor and soak up the unbelievable views.

94, 875 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 312-654-5019


Andersonville

Andersonville

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Visiting Andersonville feels like being transported to another century. This charming Chicago neighborhood with strong Swedish roots is deliberately free of large chain stores. Strolling along the historic 1-mile-long commercial street reveals quaint boutiques, museums, cafes, galleries, and restaurants. Andersonville’s architecture has a strong Swedish heritage, which has earned it the title of a National Historic District. Andersonville is famous for its vintage shops, the Swedish American Museum, Women & Children First Bookstore, and some of Chicago’s best breweries. Check out the Alley Cat Comics bookstore, the very Swedish historic Simon’s Tavern, the Coffee Studio, which serves probably the best coffee in Chicago, and the Neo-Futurarium theatre.


The Skydeck

The Skydeck

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The Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of the former Sears Tower and gives visitors heart-stopping views of four states. Glass-encased observation boxes provide uninterrupted 360-degree views while the Ledge, a glass balcony that extends 4.3 feet out from the Sky Deck, gives brave visitors unrivaled views quite literally over the city. Discover the history of the city and the Sky Deck by browsing the museum-quality exhibits and take in the theater presentation called “Reaching For The Sky” en route to the 103rd floor. Relax over a Chicago-style pizza and refreshing beverages at Willis Tower on the 99th floor once you are done.

Willis Tower, 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 877-759-3325


Chicago French Market

Chicago French Market

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Whether you are a visitor to Chicago or a local foodie, Chicago French Market is one of the best spots for sampling the city’s culinary delights. Lively, always crowded, and full of delicious aromas, Chicago French Market has more than 30 vendors who offer a huge range of fresh and prepared food. There are stalls with ingredients for cooking at home as well as a few more relaxed dine-in places and easy grab-and-go stalls. The market is open all day, every day, and whatever you are in the mood for, you will most likely find: Meatball subs, Belgian fries, lobster rolls, ceviche, empanadas, mac ‘n cheese, French macarons, chocolate truffles, and much more. All these culinary delights are accompanied by live music, happy hour specials, and monthly special events.

131 North Clinton (Between Washington and Randolph), Chicago, IL 60661, Phone: 312-575-0306


Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium

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The Shedd Aquarium is home to some of the world’s most amazing underwater animals and offers visitors the unique opportunity to see sea creatures from all corners of the earth under one roof. Highlights of any visit to the aquarium include seeing the colorful Caribbean Reef, visiting the incredible 400,000 gallon Wild Reef shark habitat and coming eye to eye with a massive beluga whale. You can get even closer to the underwater world when you join one of the aquarium’s amazing 4-D experiences. If you only have a limited amount of time to spend you can join a 75 minute guided tour of all the highlights.

Shedd Aquarium, 12 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, 312 939 2438


Taxim

Taxim

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Step into the heart of Greece with an unforgettable evening at Taxim. Serving a menu of regional Greek cuisine and wine from Grecian islands, mountains and villages, Taxim takes you on an amazing culinary journey. Owner David Schneider has put together a menu inspired by the Aegean-style cooking he learned from his Greek mother with mezes of piperies, small plates of rivithia - pureed chickpea paste, roasted peppers, stuffed eggplant, and zucchini. Entrées include crispy roast chicken with Greek oregano, duck gyros, and wood-grilled lamb chops. An impressive 30-bottle wine list offers unique Greek varietals from quality producers like Skouras and Sigalas instead of the usual retsina and roditis, and friendly, efficient staff are ready to serve you in style.

1558 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 773-252-1558


Millennium Park

Millennium Park

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Built to celebrate the Millennium, Millennium Park is a vast public park located in the Loop region of Chicago. The park, which is open to the public year-round, features a wide variety of public art, activities, and entertainment, ranging from architecture and landscape design, sculptures and artworks, exhibitions, concerts, and family activities. Connected to parts of Grant Park by the Nicols Bridgeway and the BP Pedestrian Bridge, the park sits atop Millennium Station, and is easily accessible to visitors. Millenium Park also has landscape attractions such as the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the Crown Fountain, Cloud Gate, and the five-acre urban sanctuary of Lurie Garden. In the summer, the park becomes the beating heart of the city, with a range of diverting things to see and do. There are film showings and series, live music concerts, and even summer workouts to keep you in shape. If you are looking for fun places in Chicago, Millennium Park is a great spot. More ideas: Weekend Getaways from Chicago


Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

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Founded in 1891, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is one of the “Big Five” – the top five orchestras in the United States. In fact, it is quite frequently hailed as one of the greatest orchestras in the world. Playing from its home at Symphony Center in downtown Chicago, the orchestra performs over 100 concerts a year and features a variety of local and international conductors and musicians. The group also plays at the annual Ravinia Festival every year on Chicago’s North Shore, which serves as their venue for the season. Currently playing under the leadership of musical director Riccardo Muti, the orchestra has seen many famous conductors make their debuts at Ravinia, including Seiji Ozawa, James Levine, and Christoph Eschenbach.

220 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 312-294-3000

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Chicago's First Lady Cruises

Chicago's First Lady Cruises

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Chicago's First Lady Cruisesvessels are distinguished, with luxurious appointments that bring to mind the elegance of early 20th century luxury yachts. Spacious outdoor decks are made for dancing under the stars. Luxurious, climate-controlled interiors have large picture windows, opulent décor, and elegant bathrooms, the perfect setting for a great party.

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises book only one group per boat, so the vessel is exclusively yours for one night. Whether you want to cruise on the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, or both, you can be sure your party will be a night that everyone will remember. More Day Trips from Chicago

112 E Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, Phone: 847-358-1330


Piccolo Sogno, Chicago, Illinois

Piccolo Sogno, Chicago, Illinois

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Cozy and inviting, Piccolo Sogno (meaning “little dream”) is a softly lit restaurnt with deep blue walls and crisp white linen tablecloths. The menu is seasonal and features fresh, rustic Italian cuisine accompanied by an outstanding all-Italian wine list. Owned by partners Tony Priolo and Ciro Longobardo, whose dream was to bring a slice of Italy to Chicagoans, Priolo’s menu features well-loved classics such as hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas, and garden fresh salads. Naturally, they also serve homemade pastas and have a selection of Mediterranean-based meat and fish dishes. The wine list boasts more than 400 carefully chosen vintages, which can be enjoyed by the bottle or the glass, and professional staff members are on hand to recommend the perfect wine to pair with your meal. More ideas: Romantic Getaways in Illinois

464 N Halsted St, Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 312-421-0077


Koval Distillery

Koval Distillery

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Koval Distillery was Chicago's first craft distillery since Prohibition at its opening in 2008 by Sonat and Robert Birnecker. Today, the certified organic and kosher distillery is known for its award-winning brandies, whiskeys, and liqueurs, which are produced onsite at its Andersonville location in Chicago's Northside district. It is named for the Eastern European term meaning "blacksmith," which can also mean "black sheep" in Yiddish, a reference to the company's unusual grain-to-bottle distilling practices. All whiskeys are produced single barrel-style, including its rye, bourbon, wheat, oat, and millet varieties. Other award-winning liquors include the company's rye vodka, apple and pear brandies, and unusually-flavored liqueurs highlighting flavor profiles such as rose hip, jasmine, and chrysanthemum honey. Tours of the distillery are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, and by special appointment for large groups.

4241 North Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, Phone: 312-878-7988


Navy Pier

Navy Pier

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The Navy Pier (or People’s Pier) is a must-see attraction during your romantic getaway to Chicago. This is where locals and visitors come to enjoy open-air entertainment, restaurants, dining, cultural attraction and much more. You can spend an evening at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, soak up some outstanding views at the East End Plaza, take a relaxing walk or watch a free concert or other event at Polk Park or join a romantic dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. If you like your experiences to be a bit more thrilling you can opt for a short high-speed speedboat trip. Navy Pier has something for each and every couple to enjoy. More ideas: Beaches in Illinois

Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, 312 595 7437

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The Chicago Theatre

The Chicago Theatre

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Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Chicago Theatre is an iconic city landmark which was known as the Wonder Theatre of the World when it first opened in 1921. The French Baroque theatre is elegant and sumptuous beyond your expectations and will totally take your breath away – the grand lobby alone is 5 stories high and was modeled after the Royal Chapel of Versailles. As with many similar buildings of its era, the Chicago Theater inevitably fell into disrepair in the late 1980’s, but was saved from the wrecker’s ball and fully renovated in 1986. Attending a show at this grand old dame is a wonderful option for a romantic night out in Chicago.

The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60604, 312 465 6225


Driehaus Museum

Driehaus Museum

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The Richard H. Driehaus Museum pays homage to the Gilded Age home of banker Samuel Mayo Nickerson and stands as one of the grandest residential buildings of 19th-century Chicago. Founded by Richard H. Driehaus in 2003, the house has been beautifully restored to its former glory and serves as an exquisite example of former architecture and design trends and techniques. Visitors to the museum are able to explore the past while meandering through the magnificent galleries and collections of elegant, historically accurate furnishings, décor, and artworks, including pieces from the Driehaus Collection of Fine and Decorative Arts by artists such as Louis Comfort Tiffany and the Herter Brothers. More ideas: Places to Visit in Illinois

40 E Erie St, Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 312-482-8933


The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

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Also known as the Lincoln Park Lily Pool, the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is a National Historic Landmark located on Fullerton Parkway in Lincoln Park. Designed by Alfred Caldwell in 1936, the pool is an outstanding example of Prairie School landscape architecture and is now open to the public for viewing. Managed by the Lincoln Park Conservancy, the pool has curving walkways, winding stepping stone limestone pathways, and circular benches where visitors can sit and admire the scenic vistas. A shelter influenced by the organic architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright looks is built out over the pool, and the Fullerton Gateway, a uniquely styled entrance to the property, is another excellent example of Prairie School landscape design. More ideas: Things to Do in Illinois

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Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center

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One of Chicago’s top attractions, the Chicago Cultural Center is not only a beautiful example of architecture and design, but it also hosts a wide variety of fantastic free events for the public throughout the year such as music, dance and theater events, art exhibitions, films, lectures, and family events. The magnificent Chicago landmark features two large and awe-inspiring stained-glass domes. The world’s largest stained glass Tiffany dome rests on the south side of the building. It is 38 feet in diameter and made from 30,000 pieces of glass. The north side on the other hand boasts a 40-foot-diameter dome with an intricate Renaissance pattern made of some 50,000 pieces of glass. Each year, the cultural venue hosts a wealth of artists from all over the world and invites them to present an array of artistic and cultural performances for the public to enjoy.

78 E Washington St, Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 312-744-6630


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The Art Institute of Chicago

One of the finest art museums in the world, The Art Institute of Chicago is a world-renowned encyclopedic art museum that houses more than 300,000 works of art. Located in Grant Park within Chicago’s Landmark Historic Michigan Boulevard District, the museum features works by world-famous artists. Here, you can see a variety of timeless artworks, including American Gothic by Grant Wood, Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte and Edward Hopper's Nighthawks.

The museum’s collection spans genres such as Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, Old Masters and American Art, European and American decorative arts, modern and contemporary art, Asian art, architecture, and graphic design, giving you a complete and diverse experience. The museum, which is the second largest in the United States next to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is also home to the Ryerson & Burnham Libraries.

111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 312-443-3600

Chicago Pizza Tours

Chicago Pizza Tours offers guided tours (on a bus called Dough Force One) of some of Chicago’s finest neighborhood pizzerias. The Original Chicago Pizza Tour gives visitors the chance to explore some of the city’s most popular producers of Chicago’s defining menu item one slice at a time. Tour-goers stop by a variety of culturally significant pizzerias and trattorias, delving into the innerworkings of the kitchens where the masterpieces are made, meeting the chefs behind the delectable creations, and discovering exactly which ingredients go into the making of the perfect pizza. Sample a variety of pizzas along the way, from stuffed crust to deep dish, from tavern-style to traditional Neapolitan. You can also take advantage of an evening party tour, which includes cocktails as well as a walking tour of the city’s best pizzerias.

27 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 312-221-8502

Dusek's Board and Beer, Chicago, Illinois

Dusek's Board and Beer is a cozy and inviting restaurant that aims at bringing to life the idea of the original owner, John Dusek. He pictured a multipurpose community hall with a restaurant, bar, and performance venue. While the performance venue is not up and running at the moment, the restaurant and bar are good to go. They are decorated with refurbished wood–and–wrought iron tables, Edison bulbs, and a tin ceiling, a nod to the building’s 19th-century roots. The menu is adventurous and creative; crispy pig tails, foie gras and buttery Maine lobster are just a few of the surprising delights. The wine and beer list is just as good, with a range of non-local drafts and Czech brews on tap and beer-based cocktails.

1227 W 18th St, Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 312-526-3851

Romantic Things to Do Near Me: Meli Cafe Meli Cafe is somewhere between a diner and a favorite neighborhood eatery, cozy, friendly, and full of great food. It is known all over Chicago for its fabulous brunch with freshly squeezed juice, multigrain pancakes, house-made marmalade, and more healthy dishes than you would expect. Meli is Greek, but not very much so, just enough to feature dishes like kefte and saganaki. There is a typical breakfast and brunch menu, with the difference that the eggs are free-range, the maple syrup is organic, the challah bread, butter, and ketchup are made in-house, and everything is made fresh and of the best possible ingredients. Of their three locations, only Dearborn offers dinner; the others two locations only serve breakfast, lunch, and brunch.

500 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60605, Phone: 312-834-0500

Beatrix at Fulton Market Beatrix at Fulton Market, like its two other siblings in Chicago, is a contemporary, rustic-chic laidback eatery open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This popular neighborhood spot includes a restaurant, a coffee lounge, outdoor patio, and Beatrix Market, a quick, grab and go experience. Beatrix’s menu focuses on lean proteins, fresh produce, and the occasional guilty pleasure such as giant chocolate-chip cookies. The Coffee Bar features popular Chicago roasters Intelligentsia and Metric Coffee, daily specials, Bulletproof, and Nitro coffee. The cocktail menu is inspired by the Beatrix concept of “healthy meets delicious,” featuring classic cocktails, fresh-squeezed juice, seasonal fruits, and made-in-house ingredients. The wine collection includes lesser known domestic labels and a well-curated international selection.

834 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, Phone: 312-733-0370

Lookingglass Theatre Company

Founded in 1988, the Lookingglass Theatre Company is a visually oriented theater that specializes in cutting-edge theatrical works and contemporary literary adaptations. Started by a group of graduates from Northwestern University, the theater thrived and subsequently became one of the leading producers of original works. The company is renowned for its creation and presentation of ensemble-based theatrical techniques, and they were the recipients of the 2011 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. Notable world premieres by the theater include Mary Zimmerman’s award-winning Metamorphoses, David Schwimmer’s adaptation of Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, and David Catlin’s tribute to Lewis Carroll, Lookingglass Alice. The theater also runs a variety of community and education programs focused on transformation, innovation, and capturing the imaginations of audience members.

821 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 312-337-0665

Things to Do in Chicago: Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo was established in 1868, making this one of the nation’s oldest zoos. In a city dominated by sky-scrapers, the Lincoln Park Zoo offers residents and visitors a unique place to re-connect with nature. The zoo is not only filled with amazing animals but also with a bounty of beautiful trees, shrubs and flowers; taking a romantic walk around the zoo is a wonderful way of relaxing and appreciating the wonderful world we live in. There are more than 200 species of animals to admire and you will also learn about the wonderful work the zoo undertakes in supporting many wildlife initiatives all over the world.

Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614, 312 742 2000

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