Best Things to Do in Chicago from The Experts

Dining

AL FRESCO BLISS: Outdoor Dining in Chicago

Acanto Located on Michigan Ave. across from Millennium Park, Acanto offers a perfect spot for outdoor dining. Known for its incredible pasta, pizzas and Italian classics, Acanto is also iconic for its award-winning wine bar. Bandit This phenomenal farm-to-table restaurant has more to offer than their delectable dishes. One of the West Loop’s best kept… Read more »

Blog

The Best Ways To Enjoy The Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is a vibrant and exciting destination for tourists and locals alike. Over the years, the Riverwalk has transformed from being ignored to being a bustling hub of activity. It offers a unique experience with distinct “rooms” between every two bridges, which provide visitors with a plethora of activities. From dining and boating to… Read more »

Culture

Celebrate Pride Month in Chicago!

June 1st marks the start of Pride Month in Chicago! Show off your pride for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community this year by attending some vibrant events or shopping and eating at LGBTQ+ owned businesses. EVENTS Pride Night at Shedd Aquarium Kick off Pride Month right at Shedd Aquarium. On June 1st, 6-10pm, enjoy incredible DJs, delicious… Read more »

Shopping

7 Favorite Spots for Souvenir Hunting

A memorable trip is never complete without collecting some souvenirs! All across the city you can find gift shops and speciality stores for the perfect item to commemorate your trip. Here are seven locations to pick the right souvenir for you and those back home. Art Institute of Chicago The quintessential place to find quality… Read more »

Things To Do

Chicago’s FREE Museums

Explore the immersive art, artifacts and cultures of Chicago…for free! Experience Chicago’s award-winning museums, without spending a dime. Check out our ever-growing list of Chicago free museum days in 2023, plus some of our museums that are free all year long. Adler Planetarium Upcoming free museum days for Illinois residents at the Adler Planetarium: Every… Read more »

Joyce Fong

Chef Concierge, Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Spring is the time that Chicago emerges from its winter slumber. Though we had a mild winter, outdoor activities and spring gardens showcases everything that is possible.

Others to Try:

The Bloomingdale Trail at The 606 was once an abandoned rail line has been transformed into a walking, jogging, biking outlet for all. Take the time to explore the neighborhoods at various access points or schedule a tour.
Located in the southeast corner of Millennium Park, Lurie Garden is a 'secret garden' created to be a place of rest and renewal. Experience the flora that makes up the Lurie Garden.
Don't let a little rain keep you from exploring. Visit the historic Garfield Park or Lincoln Park Conservatory for their Spring Flower Show. Make your Free Advance Reservations to experience the tranquility of lush exotic plants from around the world along with outdoor gardens.

Sharyne Tu

Concierge, Macy's

Upcoming film festivals: European Union at the Siskel Film Center (March), Asian Pop-Up Cinema at various theatres (March), Center for Asian American Media film festival (May), Chicago Palestine Film Festival (April), and future festivals Chicago International Film Festival (October), Black Harvest Film Festival, etc.

Others to Try:

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This could include many topics including Asian museums, activities, spotlighting Asian business (Japanese, Korean, Cambodian, Thai, Filipino, etc) that have been featured or under the radar like Khmai restaurant, Konbini & Kanpai, Heritage Museum of Asian Art and more. Barbara’s Bookstore has been featuring AAPI books during Heritage Month for the last couple of years.
Walking tours, paid and free, throughout the city. e.g. Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago Greeter, TV and Movie walking tour, Gangster tour, etc.
Spring flowers in April (hopefully) and Easter

Philippe Gills

Chef Concierge, Langham

Chicago House Music Festival Saturday June 24^th, 2023 – legendary DJ’s Psycho – B and Roy Davis Jr headline a ridiculous lineup of talent celebrating a true Chicago grown genre!

Others to Try:

“Where the Light Corrupts Your Face” showcases three brilliant interdisciplinary artists: Andres L. Hernandez, Tonika Lewis Johnson and Roland Knowlden who use art to examine how socio-economic and geographic oppressions impact the way we see (or don’t see) our environments. Beautifully presented in a historic space – Southside Community Art Center.
Chicago City Model Experience at Chicago Architecture Center. Still amazing with more than 4’000 buildings and even more interactive elements. See Chicago in a whole new way!
Love dining and drinking at: Bambola – This adventurous new venue features Michelin-starred Executive Chef Marcos Campos and Executive Pastry Chef Shannah Primianoan, for an adventurous global menu based in part on the Silk Road route utilized by Eastern and Western cultures. Great flavors and textures abound, but really sets it apart is a ‘worldly’ wine program from Michelin Guide 2022 Sommelier Award Winner Colin Hofer, an equally creative cocktail program, and a surprising TEA program that must be experienced! A beautifully eye-popping interior paired with great music makes for a truly energetic experience!