Chicago, on the shores of Lake Michigan, is in the heart of the Midwest. It is home to world championship sports teams, renowned architecture (the city is hailed as the birthplace of the modern building) and produces award-winning theatre. There’s lots to do: start by taking an architectural river cruise along the Chicago River to see the city’s phenomenal skyline, or go on a romantic moonlight kayak trip with your partner. Get started! You’ll be blown away by the glorious Windy City.
Fine Dining
Chicago has more five-diamond restaurants than any city in the U.S. Enjoy Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza at Pizzeria Uno, or have an interactive fondue dinner experience at Geja’s Café, the most romantic restaurant in the city. Get creative and learn how to cook a delicious meal at World Kitchen or The Chopping Block.
Broadway Lights
Go on a classic dinner-and-a-show date. There’s lots to choose from. Catch a Tony award-winning play at Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago’s famed theatre district or watch an ensemble performance at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. If you enjoy the classics check out the playbill at Chicago’s Shakespeare Theatre.
Nightlife
Put those wedding dance classes to good use at one of Chicago’s hot nightspots. Star-studded DJs and two dance floors make the ultra-modern Sound-Bar a great place to show off your moves. Innovative cocktails and a sleek ambience await you at Chi Bar. Travel back in time to the 1930s Chicago at the Redhead Piano Bar, where upbeat music and good drinks are guaranteed.
Must-sees
- Art Institute of Chicago: this world-famous art museum houses a stunning collection of Asian, African and American Indian artifacts, medieval suits of armor and contemporary paintings, drawings, and photographs.
- The Navy Pier: mini-golfing, shopping and music make the pier a lovely place for couples.
- Millennium Park: see Juame Plensa’s Crown Fountain or visit the Lurie Gardens.
- Lincoln Park Zoo: located in the lovely Lincoln Park neighbourhood.
- The Magnificent Mile: shop at Water Tower Place or walk along Michigan Avenue and hit up stylish designer boutiques.
- Sporting events: experience a baseball game at Wrigley Field or a basketball game at The United Centre.
What you need to know:
- Chicago has a humid continental climate with cold, windy, snowy winters, mild springs, hot, humid summers and crisp autumns.
- Rain is lowest in January and February and peaks in summer and the latter half of spring.
- Chicago is the home of Harpo Films and the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Check the website to apply for tickets to shows such as The Rosie Show.
- Chicago is the third largest city in the U.S. and its O’Hare International Airport is the second busiest airport in the world.
- It is affectionately referred to as Chi-town, Windy City, Second City, the City of Big Shoulders and has also been called the most American of large cities.
Written by Victoria Abraham
