Chicago is located in the state of Illinois and it is the third largest city in the United States. It sits in Lake Michigan, one of the nation’s Great Lakes. Known for its architecture, the city boasts some impressive buildings, including the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) and the John Hancock Center. This large Midwest city offers plenty of attractions to explore, especially if you’re enjoying a romantic getaway. You and your partner can check out the Impressionist artwork at the Art Institute of Chicago. Take selfies in the reflection of “The Bean”, a public sculpture in Millennium Park. Or cuddle up on the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier. We’ve put together a list of our favourite romantic places in Chicago, so read on and check out the options.
1. Garden of the Phoenix
Our first option is perfect if it’s a beautiful sunny day. Garden of the Phoenix is a Japanese garden located in Jackson Park. The garden dates back to the 1893 World Fair, which took place in Jackson Park. Today, the garden features a koi pond, waterfall, and of course, plenty of trails to walk while holding your honey’s hand. This oasis is considered one of Chicago’s hidden gems, and it provides a calm environment to take in your surroundings. Why not bring a picnic lunch and make an afternoon of it?
Garden Of The Phoenix
Address: S Cornell Dr, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Website: Garden Of The Phoenix
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Chicago French Market
If you and your partner are foodies, this next option is perfect for you. The Chicago French Market is a European-inspired indoor food market featuring foods from not just Europe but all over the world. It opened in 2009 and it features more than 30 vendors who serve up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Grab an empanada from Lito’s Empanadas or a poké bowl from Aloha Poké. When it’s time for dessert, enjoy a sweet treat from The Dapper Doughnut. The market even has vegan vendors and vendors offering raw foods. You’ll also find plenty of happy hour specials and live music in the late afternoons (Rush Hour Concerts) on Wednesdays and Thursdays. It’s the perfect place to share a ton of food with the one you love.
Chicago French Market
Address: 131 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA
Website: Chicago French Market
Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 7am - 7:30pm; Saturday: 8:30am - 5:30pm; (closed on Sunday)
3. The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is an excellent spot to take a stroll on a nice day. Located in Lincoln Park, the lily pond originally dates back to 1889, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that it was revamped to what it looks like today. It was designed by Alfred Caldwell, and it is considered a top example of landscape architecture of the Prairie School; the same architectural group that Frank Lloyd Wright belonged to, which sought to feature and blend with the natural landscape of the Midwest. Take your honey’s hand and walk through the lush greenery. The pond is also near the Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservatory, so there’s plenty to explore in the area.
The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
Address: 125 W Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Website: The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
Opening hours: 7:30am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
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4. The Skydeck
This next option is great if you and your partner are adventure-seekers. To get to The Skydeck, you’ll travel to the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, one of Chicago’s most famous landmarks. Once you’ve made it up there, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views over Chicago. If the skies are clear, you can actually see four states from the viewing platform: Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. In 2009, The Ledge was added; glass boxes with transparent floors so you can see directly below you! The Willis Tower is the second tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and The Skydeck is the tallest observation deck in America. For an extra-romantic trip, we recommend going at night so that you can see the twinkling lights of the city.
The Skydeck
Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Website: The Skydeck
Opening hours: Sunday - Friday: 9am - 10pm; Saturday: 9am - 12am
Price: 25 USD
5. The Magnificent Mile
Do you and your sweetie like to shop til you drop? If so, you absolutely must spend some time on the Magnificent Mile. It’s Chicago’s main commercial area, filled with plenty of stores to peruse, a wide range of restaurants to eat at, and fancy hotels. You’ll find a handful of department stores, including Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. If you’ve got expensive tastes, you’re likely to want to stop by some of the high-end designer stores, like Jimmy Choo or Chanel. There’s also a wide range of less expensive stores, including H&M and Uniqlo, and a whopping three shopping centers. And of course, when your arms are tired from carrying your shopping bags, grab some lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area.
The Magnificent Mile
Address: Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
Website: The Magnificent Mile
6. The Darling
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
When you step inside The Darling, you’ll think you’re stepping into a flower shop. And while the hallway is lined with flowers, you’re actually stepping into a hip bar. Beyond its entryway, you’ll find fireplaces and furniture imported from England. This interesting space is made to feel like a manor home in Europe. So sit down on a giant share, and enjoy a meal and some drinks with your partner. Scarf down a cheese board while drinking one of their many cocktails. And they even feature live performances, from drag shows to magicians.
The Darling
Address: 905 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Website: The Darling
Opening hours: Tues - Fri: 4pm - 2am; Sat: 4pm - 3am; Sun: 4pm - 2am (closed on Mon)
7. Buckingham Fountain
Here we have another great option if the weather is nice. Buckingham Fountain is one of the world’s largest fountains, and it is located in Chicago’s Grant Park. Built in the 1920s, it was inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, and was made to represent Lake Michigan. The fountain is in operation during the warmer months, April to October, so if you’ll be in Chicago during that time, do be sure to stop by. The fountain regularly has water shows, and in the evening, you’ll find color-light shows. You and your partner can stroll around the fountain, enjoy a picnic in the lake, and then walk along Lake Michigan. What a perfect date!
Buckingham Fountain
Address: 301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Website: Buckingham Fountain
8. Geja's Cafe
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
For a truly intimate dining experience, head to Geja’s Cafe. It’s been around since the 1960s, and offers dark lighting and heavy curtains, creating quite the atmosphere. As far as food goes, it’s known for fondue, so you and your honey can spend the evening dipping meats and veggies in sauces and feeding one another. They’re also known for their excellent wine selection, and of course, they have tasty dessert fondue. While you enjoy your meal, you can listen to live music on guitar, including classical and flamenco. Geja’s Cafe makes all the lists for one of the most romantic spots in the US, so if you’re looking for something intimate, you know you can’t go wrong here.
Geja's Cafe
Address: 340 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Website: Geja’s Cafe
Opening hours: Mon - Thurs: 5pm - 10pm; Fri: 5pm - 11pm; Sat: 4pm - 11pm; Sun: 4pm - 9pm
9. Garfield Park Conservatory
Up next, we have the Garfield Park Conservatory, located of course in Garfield Park. It’s one of the nation’s bigger greenhouse conservatories, and it features plants from all corners of the world. Inside the glass structure, you’ll find tropical temperatures year round. Outside, you’ll find gardens, a lily pond, and play spaces for children. The conservatory also hosts a wide range of events, from yoga to beekeeping classes. It’s a great space to relax with your partner and enjoy the beauty of plants and flowers.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Address: 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624, USA
Website: Garfield Park Conservatory
Opening hours: Thurs - Tues: 9am - 5pm; Weds: 9am - 8pm
Price: Free
10. Sybaris
If you’ve been out and about enjoying the Windy City, and want some time to simply relax and rejuvenate, then our last option is perfect for you. Sybaris Pool Suites is located just north of Chicago in Northbrook, Illinois. These suites feature hot tubs or pools right in them, so you can enjoy some privacy and intimacy. They also offer a cozy fireplace and romantic lighting, helping to really set the mood. And each room is thematically decorated, so pick a room that makes you feel like you’re in a log cabin or one which feels like the tropics. It’s the perfect location for some alone time with your partner. So cozy up in the pool and relax.
Sybaris Pool Suites Northbrook - Adults Only
Address: 3350 Milwaukee Ave.
1.25 km (0.8 mi) from Techny Prairie Park and Fields
Fall in love with Chicago
There’s so much to do in the large city of Chicago, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of attractions that couples can enjoy together. Whether you want to take a calming walk through a park, enjoy a romantic meal, or head to the top of a skyscraper, you can find it all in Chicago. So start planning your romantic getaway today, and prepare to enjoy Chicago.
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