- Millennium Park & “The Bean”: Visit the iconic Cloud Gate (The Bean) sculpture. In spring 2026, the park is a hub for free art and music events at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
- Architecture River Cruise: Consistently rated the #1 tour in the U.S., these 90-minute cruises depart from the Chicago Riverwalk and offer the best views of the city’s skyscraper history.
- Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower): Step onto “The Ledge,” a glass balcony on the 103rd floor, for a thrilling 360-degree view spanning four states.
- Museum Campus: Home to the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum (featuring the most complete T. rex, Sue), and the Adler Planetarium.
- Art Institute of Chicago: Explore one of the world’s finest art museums, currently featuring the exhibit Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color (through June 1, 2026).
- The Magnificent Mile Tulips: Walk along Michigan Avenue to see thousands of blooming tulips—a quintessential spring photo op.
- Chicago Flower Shows: Visit the Garfield Park Conservatory for the “Showers of Flowers” show or the Lincoln Park Conservatory for “Jewels of Spring” (both through May 10, 2026).
- Major Openings: The long-awaited Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park and the Hand & The Eye magic venue are both slated for grand openings in spring 2026.
- Baseball Home Openers: Catch the Chicago Cubs home opener at historic Wrigley Field on March 26, 2026.
- Deep-Dish Pizza: A local staple. Try legendary spots like Lou Malnati’s, Pizzeria Uno, or Giordano’s.
- Tavern-Style Pizza: For the thin-crust “local’s choice,” visit the buzzy new Pizz’amici in West Town (reservations recommended weeks in advance).
- Iconic Sandwiches: Don’t miss a Chicago-style hot dog (no ketchup!) or an Italian Beef sandwich from Johnnie’s Beef or Al’s #1.
- New Hotspots (March 2026):
- Bar Tutto: Celebrity chef Joe Flamm’s new all-day Italian cafe in the West Loop.
- Gingie: A high-profile new opening in River North featuring DIY handrolls and upscale sharing plates
Swissotel Chicago
4.3 / 5
Viceroy Chicago
4.7 / 5Viceroy Chicago, located in the exclusive Gold Coast neighborhood, marks Viceroy's first destination in the Windy City. Located at the site of the 1920s-era Cedar Hotel, among historic mansions and just steps to the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan, Viceroy Chicago offers a locally-inspired luxury experience with 180 guestrooms and suites.
Hilton Chicago
3.9 / 5Welcome to the Hilton Chicago, Chicago's best address for business or leisure, where a $50 million rejuvenation provides you an environment where Classic meets Cool. The Hilton Chicago is located in the South Loop district of downtown Chicago, within walking distance of State Street and Magnificent Mile shopping, Financial District, Millennium Park, The Field Museum, Buckingham Fountain, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Soldier Field. Overlooking Grant Park, Lake Michigan and Museum Campus, Hilton Chicago is in walking distance of Soldier Field's games and concerts, and near Pilsen neighborhood's bar and restaurant scene. Hop on the 'L' to Chinatown or simply absorb the arts featured in Wabash Arts Corridor. Enjoy a soulful evening at Buddy Guy's Legends. The Hilton Chicago is also convenient to noted learning institutions such as University of Chicago, Columbia College, Roosevelt University and DePaul University.
Hyatt Regency Chicago
4.1 / 5Discover the difference between a hotel and a Hyatt when you stay at our incomparable downtown hotel. Set within the epicenter of the city, our AAA Four Diamond Hyatt Regency Chicago is conveniently located in the heart of the downtown Chicago, connected to the Illinois Center and within minutes of the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, Millennium Park & Maggie Daley Park.
Pendry Chicago
4.6 / 5Steeped in history, anchored in style. Set within the iconic 1929 Art Deco Carbide & Carbon Building in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood, Pendry Chicago is a modern-day luxury hotel that pays homage to both the past and the present with contemporary, comfortable interiors, signature culinary and cocktail concepts, and inspired gathering spaces throughout that embody the spirit of Chicago.
The Langham, Chicago
4.8 / 5An icon in the city, offering majestic views of the skyline, Chicago River, and Lake Michigan, The Langham, Chicago's 316 luxurious guestrooms occupy the first 13 floors of a 52-story building designed by renowned architect Mies van der Rohe. A perfect blend of convenience and stylish comfort, The Langham, Chicago masters the luxury hotel experience with understated elegance. The airy, chic rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows and walnut vanities, plus soaking tubs and private bars. They also feature flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Suites feature separate living rooms with pull-out sofas, along with water views. Room service is offered. Bespoke amenities include Travelle, offering Seasonal American fare, Pavilion-home to The Langham Afternoon Tea, Meeting and Event Space, and Chuan Spa & Health Club-practicing traditional Chinese medicine.
The Peninsula Chicago
4.7 / 5The Peninsula Chicago is the five-star hotel that brought traditional Asian service to a city already renowned for the warmth of its hospitality. The hotel has become an integral part of Chicago life and is considered the top choice for everything from accommodation to celebrations and corporate events. For this, the hotel credits its strong links to both the local community and international heritage. The Peninsula Chicago has proudly received a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating each year since its opening.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
4.7 / 5A Michigan Avenue, downtown Chicago, hotel with Parisian-style. We are located in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, near Rush Street, one block from Magnificent Mile. Choose rooms with fireplaces or private terraces and city views. Enjoy personalized service from our concierge. Indulge in our Forbes-rated spa, lap pool, and diverse dining and drinking choices. We offer luxury experiences, on-site dining, room service, complimentary Wi-Fi and EV charging.
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
4.8 / 5A vibrant hub of culture, style and energy, our newly transformed Hotel is iconic luxury boldly reimagined to capture the essence of Chicago through inspired food, drink, art and music. Experience unrivaled lake and skyline views at the heart of Magnificent Mile and North Michigan Avenue's best shopping and attractions.
Loews Chicago Hotel
4.7 / 5Following an exciting refresh to its guest rooms, meeting and public spaces, which introduced a bright, modern aesthetic, Loews Chicago Hotel offers an environment that is both welcoming and sleek. As part of ongoing enhancements, the indoor lap pool will be closed through June 30, 2026. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the hotel boasts 400 guestrooms, including 25 luxury suites, with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. Perfectly situated along the Chicago River and near top attractions such as Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile, it provides both convenience and style. Renowned for its impeccable service, the hotel ensures each guest’s stay is both comfortable and memorable. Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor heated lap pool (temporarily closed through June 30, 2026), For Five Coffee Roasters, an expansive lobby restaurant and bar, as well as the seasonal rooftop venue, Streeterville Social.
