Marriage

A Romantic Guide to Chicago

Chicago may be known as the windy city, but it’s also a city full of great options to ignite your curiosity and tantalize your senses, which makes it perfect for a romantic getaway. We recently visited Chicago and got a chance to explore what makes this city so special! Here are our top romantic hotspots that are sure to leave you both feeling the love.

Where to Stay: 

There are no shortage of great hotels in Chicago, but if you’re looking for a chic and modern hotel in the center of it all, then the LondonHouse, a luxury hotel in Chicago that is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is the place for you. The best part about this hotel is that it’s literally steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, overlooking a spectacular view of the city, and within walking distance to many other famous sites and landmarks. If you’re looking for even more amazing views of the city, they also have a rooftop deck that’s open in the warm weather months. 

For the Art Lovers: 

One of the must-see places to visit is in Chicago is the Museum of Contemporary Art, which features exhibitions for local, national and international artists, performances and educational programs all year round. The MCA is one of the largest collections of contemporary works in the nation, which is perfect for endless discovery on a romantic night out. You also don’t need to leave the museum to grab a bite. You can continue your evening with an art-inspired meal at the in-house restaurant, Marisol, helmed by Lula Cafe chef Jason Hammel. 

Getting Around and Sightseeing: 

BIGBUS Chicago is the best way to get around the city and see some of the iconic sites at the same time. The BIGBUS Chicago sightseeing bus tours take you on an extensive route, showcasing the best the city has to offer. Enjoy exploring this dynamic city with the freedom to hop-on and hop-off as many times as you wish to visit attractions like the Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, The Field Museum and so much more! And if you’re looking for VIP access to the hottest attractions, we recommend getting a Chicago CityPASS, which allows you to skip ticket lines and enjoy the city’s famous landmarks with ease.

For the Discerning Shoppers: 

The Shops at North Bridge is an upscale, four-level shopping center on the famed Magnificent Mile in the Chicago. This mall is anchored by a flagship Nordstrom and more than 50 world-class stores including Laudi Vidni, which features fully customizable beautiful leather handbags and other leather goods. Best of all you can create your very own designer bag, purse, tote, iPad case, and clutch right in the store. At Laudi Vidni, the options are endless and you’ll truly walk away with a unique piece that you can’t get anywhere else!

For the Foodie: 

When visiting a new city, it’s important to get a taste of the local cuisine. Chicago is known for some of the best cuisines in the country, with countless restaurant and dining options. If you’re looking for a way to indulge in the best of what Chicago has to offer, we recommend taking a food tour with Chicago Food Planet Tours. In three hours or less, you can taste the diverse food and drinks of Chicago with a curated tour led by a neighborhood food expert. 

An Artsy Date Night Experience:

Traveling is all about trying new things and getting out of your comfort zone. A date night at Ignite Glass Studios, a state-of-the-art glassblowing studio, event space, and gallery, is the perfect opportunity to get creative with your partner. Couples get the opportunity to work alongside one of Ignite’s artists to collaborate in creating a single glass heart of their own design. Each glassblowing experience lasts about 30 minutes and you have the option to pick up your piece later in the week or have it shipped to your home. 

Learn a New Recipe:

There is nothing more romantic than cooking for your partner, especially when there is an instructor present to make sure it’s perfect! The Chopping Block, Chicago’s largest recreational cooking school and gourmet retail store, offers guests a large slate of demonstration and hands-on cooking classes, as well as wine and cocktail classes, private cooking parties and date night events. Grab your honey and take a “Date Night,” class at the Chopping Block, which offers many classes that feature traditional Chicago favorites that you can learn to make and add to your arsenal of recipes at home. 

For Dessert Lovers: 

No dining experience is complete without a sweet treat to finish off your meal. The Chocolate Bar at The Peninsula Chicago i
s a dessert lovers paradise! Executive Pastry Chef Dimitri Fayard is the brains behind the “Chocolate at The Pen,” Chicago’s premier chocolate bar in The Lobby at The Peninsula Chicago.” Chocolate at The Pen” takes place Friday and Saturday evenings and promises sweet satisfaction for those looking for a little indulgence after dinner. In addition to having a large selection of elegant chocolate desserts and petite chocolate delicacies, you can also order chocolate-infused cocktails, coffee, cappuccino or espresso. “Chocolate at The Pen,” is the perfect way to end a fabulous date night in Chicago and if you’re lucky you’ll get to enjoy live music too!

Chicago has everything you’ll need for an unforgettable, romantic getaway. If you’re thinking of planning a trip to the windy city, be sure to visit www.ChooseChicago.com for more information on how to enjoy this amazing city!