Begin the day by walking down The Magnificent Mile. This iconic shopping district is home to some of the city's best stores and beautiful architecture. Take a stroll hand in hand with your partner and enjoy the beautiful downtown views!
Visit the famous Millennium Park, which is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately known as "The Bean"). Take a romantic photo with the reflections of the city in the sculpture. Also, explore the beautiful Lurie Garden and take in the serene beauty of the park.
End your first day in Chicago by taking a stroll on the Chicago Riverwalk. Explore the various restaurants and bars along the river, or take a boat tour of the city! The views of the city's architecture from the river are just enchanting!
Start your day at the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest museums in the United States! The exhibits have an extensive collection of artworks from around the world, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Pollock. Take a leisure walk through the museum and appreciate the artwork!
Take a romantic stroll down Navy Pier, which is an amusement park situated on the waterfront of Lake Michigan. Experience some of the attractions like the 200-foot Ferris wheel or visit the famous Chicago Shakespeare Theater! You can also grab lunch at one of the many restaurants located on the pier as it offers beautiful views of the city.
Chicago has a comprehensive public transportation system. The Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) el train service is the most convenient way to go around the city with one-way tickets costing $2.50 per person per ride, or a Day Pass for $10. Taxi services and ride-sharing services are also available.
If you have extra time, a visit to the Willis Tower Skydeck is highly recommended for stunning panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, spend more time exploring the neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park, Logan Square, or Hyde Park. If you have limited time, consider prioritizing the attractions that interest you most and focus on those.
Chicago is served by two major airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). O'Hare is located approximately 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and is served by many airlines with international and domestic flights while Midway is approximately 12 miles southwest of downtown and generally has fewer options.