Chicago is one of the most romantic places for couples! From the first date to the first anniversary celebrations, Chicago is the ultimate city for embracing love. So, if you are a couple, looking to spend some cozy moments of love, then here is a list of things to do in Chicago for couples. From date ideas at the Art Institute of Chicago to checking out wildlife at The Lincoln Park Zoo, you will have a plethora of options on your plate!
This post elaborates on the specific places that you can visit, the specialties that these places offer, and the fun activities you cannot miss out on! Let us explore the specifics –
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Most romantic things to do in Chicago for couples
Let us share with you some of the most amorous activities that you can indulge in when in Chicago –
1. Opt for the Big Bus Chicago Tour
The first of the ‘couple things’ that you want to explore in Chicago is – the Big Bus Tour. As you ride this roof-open, double-decker bus with your partner beside you – get a chance to check out Chicago’s brightest lights and be ready to be dazzled by the looks of – the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Grant Park, and more!
Unlike others, this bus tour stops at most of the sights and offers a chance to visit a host of destinations.
Time to visit –
It operates from Monday through Sunday from 10:00 – 17:00 hours.
Some changes are made concerning seasons. Supposedly, the last tour during summers is from 16:00-18:00 hours, while during winters, it extends from 17:00-19:00 hours.
2. Walk hand in hand through the Chicago Botanic Garden
Another of the activities that you can add to your things to do in Chicago for couples catalog is – visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden. The perfect spot for a romantic walk, this offers you a variety of flora to set your #couplegoals picture against!
For the unfamiliar, this also offers a look into Midwestern plants traditionally pruned in the Japanese manner. That’s not all! If visiting in the summer, assuredly pick a time to check out the Summer Photo Tour, which showcases the rose gardens and meadows that Chicago weather has to offer!
Time to visit –
In regular times, this is open from 8:00 – 19:00 hours. However, within 11:00 – 15:00 hours, it is lunchtime. The garden is closed on all public holidays, and one needs to secure a ticket beforehand.
3. Don’t miss the Broadway recital at the Chicago Theatre
Wondering what to do on a spare evening in Chicago? Catch yourself a Broadway recital! Designed in a French Baroque style, this plays host to a range of shows and recitals from afternoon well into the night. A ‘must visit’ destination on your things to do in Chicago for couples list, its stunning architecture and enriched history is worth touring.
For those couples who share a deep interest in history, take a tour of this theatre and revel in the glories of the mesmerizing artists who are celebrated here!
Time to visit –
For the record, the screening at Chicago Broadway runs for 2 hours 30 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Though it is open during business hours, you need to reserve a seat before checking out any show at the theatre.
4. A romantic outing by the Lake Michigan
The area around Lake Michigan is a couple’s paradise! From offering a getaway weekend with your partner to offering special cruises and fine-dining experiences, a trip to this lake has to be fitted into your things to do in Chicago for couples itinerary.
Kickstart your day by watching the sunrise against the Chicago skyline, or pop up the romantic proposal against the orange-red setting sun backdrop. Take the Michigan River Cruise and breathe into the views of Sears Towers, John Hancock Center, and the Trump Tower.
Time to visit –
If you are generally visiting then you can pick any time of the day, to make a trip to the lake. However, the cruises are open from 18:00-22:00 hours on weekdays and 11:00 – 18:00 hours on weekends. For further assistance connect with the concerned authorities before booking.
5. Experience foodgasm at Randolph Street
Chicagoans know how to keep their taste buds happy! If you are a couple who enjoy their food and are looking to click a #foodgasm#couplegoals selfie, then checking out offerings at Randolph Street in the West Loop neighborhood must be on your picks for things to do in Chicago for couples!
Located in Downtown Chicago, this area offers a sneak peek into some of Chicago’s most noted breweries, dive bars, and famed eateries. Initially known as the meatpacking district of Chicago, this alley now offers you the celebrated food tour. Take your partner for a perfect Chicagoan traditional food tour.
Time to visit –
Normally restaurants open up at around 10:00 hours and stay open up to 23:00 hours. Some outlets (especially bars) remain open way into the midnight.
6. Spa treatment at Aire Ancient Baths
What’s a ‘couple trip’ to Chicago if you don’t get yourself a spa treat at the Aire Ancient Baths? Prepared per the ancient Roman, Turkish, and Greek bathhouses, this spa experience is one of a kind! With thermal pools, couples massage, wine baths, and steam rooms, this is a bathing experience you will cherish for a lifetime! Book massages like – Love Connection or Escape Together to partake in some of the unique bathing experiences.
Once you are done with the spa experience, hold your partner’s hands and enjoy maki rolls at the nearby Japanese outlet.
Time to visit –
This stays open from 8:00 – 22:00 hours throughout the week.
7. Explore The Lincoln Park Zoo
If you and your partner are a sucker for the wild, then visiting Lincoln Park Zoo, built back in 1868, is one of the most interesting things to do in Chicago for couples. One of the oldest and last of the range of free admission zoos, hold your bae’s hand and walk through the abode of over 200 animal species.
Winding through this zoo will take time, so in between, stop for the summer wine-tasting sessions that are held here. Also, if in the mood – then you can most definitely squeeze out a picnic spot within this space. Don’t miss out on the sunset by the forest!!
Time to visit –
You can make a trip here between 10:00 – 17:00 hours throughout the week.
8. Spend an evening at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
For lovers of music and art, an orchestra with your loved one by your side is just the ideal way to amp up your romance. That is precisely what this Chicago Symphony orchestra offers! With a record of performing 100 concerts annually, this orchestra is not just Beethoven but also includes live recitals of famed film tracks – from Harry Potter to Star Wars!
Make sure to reserve your tickets beforehand.
Time to visit –
To catch a show at the orchestra, you need to book the tickets beforehand. The symphony is open from 10:00 – 16:00 hours through Tuesday to Friday. It is closed from Saturday to Monday.
9. Ride on the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier
What’s a ‘couple moment’ if you don’t check out the Chicago skyline holding your partner close from the Navy Pier? The Pier offers you a chance to enjoy dinner cruises, opt for romantic sight-seeings, ride the iconic Centennial Wheel, and watch fireworks (pick out Saturday or Wednesday evenings for this)!
For that perfect amorous and ‘richy-rich’ experience, be sure to visit this space by Lake Michigan.
Time to visit –
From Sunday to Thursday, it remains open from 11:00 – 21:00 hours, while on Friday and Saturday, it stays open from 11:00 – 22:00 hours.
10. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
The last of the things to do in Chicago for couples is visiting the institute-cum-gallery in Chicago. One of the finest and oldest art galleries noted globally, this institute boasts over 30,000 collections! Whether you are a connoisseur or not, you must take advantage of viewing classics like – American Gothic (Grant Wood), and Self Portrait (Vincent Van Gogh), to the priceless Claude Monet collection!
Apart from hosting some of the unique styles and statement pieces from around the world, this also allows you to take a look into the ‘process behind the art’ from an artistic viewpoint. Whether it is exploring multiple artistic techniques, or garnering knowledge from multiple departments – it has it all decked up for you!
Time to visit –
Unlike the other places, this has variable timings. For the record, it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from Friday to Sunday, it remains open from 11:00-17:00 hours. On Mondays, it stays open from 11:00 – 17:00 hours, while on Thursdays, it remains open from 11:00 – 20:00 hours.
Just in case you still have some ‘together time’ left, you can definitely take your partner and check out what – Garfield Park Conservatory, Jackson Park, Promontory Point, Maggie Daley Park, Lakefront tail, Chicago helicopter tours, and observatory decks have in store for you!
When is the correct time to visit Chicago?
Chicago is characteristically known for its unpredictable weather. The summers require you to deck up in something light, with a waterproof jacket. The bitter winters will ensure you pair yourself with gloves, hats, and warm coats.
Having said that, the best time to visit the city is between April and May, or between September and October. During this time, the weather is vibrant, and the city offers a variety of activities for you to enjoy.
What to remember before visiting Chicago?
You have prepared the chart for things to do in Chicago for couples, but it will all go to waste if you do not remember these points before visiting Chicago. Let us reveal the same to you –
- Plan out an itinerary of 3-5 days to enjoy the beauty of Chicago and savor its culinary delights.
- Get accustomed to the Public Transit System of Chicago. Buy yourself a Ventra card to make the process easier. There are multiple planning apps available to ease the process for you. An insight into the L trains or CTA buses will help.
- Since you will be visiting the places as a couple, it will be better if you pick out non-rush hours for the sightseeing.
- Apart from checking out the places mentioned, do make it a point to figure out the offerings of some of the local hotspots of the city.
- Do carry cash. Most of the smaller establishments and local outlets do not accept digital transactions.
If you remember these things while visiting Chicago, you will have a safe and exciting trip.
Parting thoughts
Assuming you have read this post well, you have gained clarity about the cutesy and romantic things to do in Chicago for couples. Touted in recent times as one of the most lovey-dovey places to visit for pairs in love, Chicago offers a range of possibilities that you can check out! Is it already time to celebrate the first year of your togetherness? Or is your anniversary approaching? Chicago is your destination!
If you enjoyed reading this post and want to know more about such destinations, keep an eye out for this website.