Romantic Activities and Attractions in Chicago

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

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.

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

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

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 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

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

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