adminAre you looking for romantic things to do in Chicago?
Well, if you do, you have just stopped at the right place for we can surely help you with that.
Whether it’s a stroll by the lake or a romantic dinner-for-two, the Windy City is chock full of lovely places to take your partner on a fun date night. Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, or to celebrate an important birthday or anniversary, there are many romantic places and things to do in Chicago for couples.
Sometimes, just a few hours away together are all that’s required to reignite a romance, and to remind yourselves why you fell in love in the first place.
10 Romantic Things To Do In Chicago
Without further adieu, here’s our list of best romantic things to do in Chicago.
1. Have a romantic horse carriage ride with your partner
Sure, it might be a cliche and old-fashioned, but there’s nothing like a carriage ride to make your feel like Prince Charming and Cinderella out on the town.
Chicago Horse & Carriage offers a full menu of rides including the Loop, the Gold Coast, Michigan Avenue, State Street and more from a 1/2 hour to 2 hour rides ranging from $40 on up.
During the holidays, top off the evening with a hot chocolate at Ghirardelli, located right next to the carriage drop off.
Location: Michigan Avenue and Pearson
2. Signature Room
Fancy a romantic dinner in a room with a view? Look no further than The Signature Room at the John Hancock soaring 95 floors above Chicago. You’ll both swoon at the fabulous 360-degree vistas, and wait until you take a look at the menu!
Pricey and unforgettable, the Signature Room also hosts rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and, of course, weddings.
Out only on a casual date? Head upstairs to the The Signature Lounge, for an expertly mixed cocktail offered up with the same spectacular view, but far easier on the wallet than the Signature Room restaurant.
Regardless of the price though, this is one of the the fun things to do in Chicago for couples.
Location: 875 North Michigan Avenue, Between Chestnut Street and Delaware Avenue
3. Shedd Aquarium
Enjoy being kids again at the world’s largest indoor aquarium were you and your sweetie can enjoy the antics off sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and beluga whales.
Also don’t miss the 90,000-gallon, floor-to-ceiling Caribbean Reef exhibit in the Shedd’s Central Rotunda.
Before you go, stop by the gift shop for a plush toy sea lion to take home as a souvenir of a fun and memorable visit.
Location: 1200 South Lake Shore Drive
4. A romantic river walk
Take your partner for a leisurely stroll around the walkway that winds under the Michigan and Wabash bridges, providing an uninterrupted route along the river starting from Lake Shore Drive.
Take in the unique views of the river as well as the city’s architectural wonders, and to top off a summer’s evening, stop by Cyrano’s Cafe and Wine Bar on the Riverwalk at Columbus for a romantic dinner.
The best thing? It’s free but an underrated romantic thing to do with your partner in Chicago.
Location: The south bank of the Chicago River, from Lake Shore Drive to Franklin Street.
5. Bring your date in Navy Pier Ferris Wheel
With so much to do and see here, it’s hard to imagine a better place for a fun day out or an evening on the town. Begin with an awesome ride on the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel for spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago Skyline.
Then, stroll over to the Smith Museum to be dazzled at the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to stained glass. As evening falls, head off into the sunset on (what else?) a Navy Pier dinner cruise.
Location: Pier Park, 600 E. Grand Ave.
6. Take a trip to Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago
From lions and tigers and bears - to aardvarks, exotic birds, and reptiles - the Lincoln Park Zoo is one big entertainment for kids of all ages.
Follow your safari adventure with a concert at the ‘Jammin’ at the Zoo’ summer series, or trek over to The Patio at Café Brauer where you can rest your heels in the shadow of some of Chicago’s tallest skyscrapers.
Location: 2001 North Clark Street
7. Spend a romantic night at the Museum of Science
The Museum of Science and Industry will feel like Christmas morning when you visit ‘Chicago’s attic’. Jam-packed with wonders including a full sized submarine, a miniature fairy castle with 2,000 furnishings, a model railroad, the world’s largest pinball machine, and lots more to entertain your inner child. It may sound unromantic to some, but for nerds at heart, this is surely one of Chicago’s best places for a date.
Location: 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
8. Explore the arts and culture scene in Chicago
Show your love your more cultured side with tour of the city’s top art museums, including the Chicago Cultural Center (free admission), the Museum of Contemporary Art (free Tuesdays); and The Art Institute of Chicago (free Thursday evenings).
Only steps away from Millennium Park, the Art Institute provides the worldwide art tour with an impressive collection of Old Masters, Impressionist, American, Eastern, ancient, and modern and contemporary art. End the evening with a romantic dinner at one of four world-class restaurants on site.
Location: 111 South Michigan Avenue
9. Watch the Buckingham Fountain together
One of Chicago’s top landmarks, the beautifully romantic Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park was inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles.
The fountain operates from April to October, and it best seen at sunset as 20-minute dancing water shows are accompanied by music, and beautifully lit with the help of computerized color spotlights.
During the winter the fountain is decorated with festive lights and remains a beacon for holiday merry makers.
Location: Grant Park
10. Ice skate together Wrigley
The perfect date night during the holidays in Chicago, the ice skating rink hugging cozily against Wrigley Field provides lots of opportunities for giggling and hand holding as you glide along the ice to holiday tunes. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Chicago for couples.
Location: Addison and Clark
