Things To Do

Architecture boat tour Chicago

Everyone who visits Chicago has to do this at least once! Sam and Jen did this together on the summer program where they met, and it's one of their favorite activities in Chicago.

Lakefront Trail

Go for a nice walk along Lake Michigan! Sam and Jen walk or run the trail every day when it's nice out.

Riverwalk

Right outside the hotel blocks with lots of stops for bars, restaurants and cafés along the Chicago River.

Lincoln Park Zoo

The largest free zoo in America! Super fun to walk around. Lions, tigers and bears — oh my!

Chicago White Sox vs. Texas Rangers

Sadly, the Cubbies won't be in town during our wedding weekend, but Sam is a Sox fan anyway! And their stadium has better food, so...

The Second City

See a show at the world-famous comedy club where stars like Tina Fey, Steve Carrell, Amy Poehler, Bill Murray and Stephen Colbert got their start. Nearby restaurants: Topo Gigio, Small Cheval, Happy Camper Pizza, The Vig, Kayao

The Art Institute of Chicago

Jen and Sam aren't even huge art museum people, but have to admit this one is pretty great.

Field Museum

An epic museum! Go visit our friend Sue the T. rex, the largest Tyrannosaurus rex specimen discovered.

Millennium Park

See the Bean!

Navy Pier

Great views of the city, a ferris wheel, and fun restaurants.

Shedd Aquarium

Adler Planetarium

River North/Gold Coast

Our neighborhood for the last five years! Activities: Shopping on Magnificent Mile, Starbucks Reserve Roastery, 360 Chicago Observation Deck (Hancock Tower), Harry Potter Shop Restaurants: Portillo's, Gibsons Steakhouse, Hugo's Frog Bar, Gilt Bar, Chicago Chop House, Avli, Alpana, Robert's Pizza and Dough Company, Sushi-San, Ramen-San, Eataly, Lou Malnati's (deep dish)

West Loop

Hip, trendy area known for fine dining. Walk around: Fulton Market Restaurants: Aba, Duck Duck Goat, Green Street Smoked Meats, Alla Vita, Monteverde, Rosemary, Publican Quality Meats, The Loyalist, Athena, Time Out Market, Sushi Dokku

Lincoln Park/Lakeview

Great mix of neighborhood vibes and shops/restaurants — also, close to Lake Michigan! Walk around: Green City Farmers Market (Saturday from 8-1), Wrigleyville, Southport Ave, Armitage Ave, Boystown Restaurants: Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, DeNucci's, Penny's Noodle Shop, Southport Grocery and Cafe, Crisp, Athenian Room, Parson's Chicken & Fish, Pequod's (deep dish), The Wiener's Circle (Chicago dog), Ann Sather's, R.J. Grunts

Wicker Park/West Town

Jen's neighborhood when she first moved to Chicago! Hotspot for hipsters, great food and vintage shopping. Walk around: Division St & Milwaukee Ave in Wicker Park, The 606 (abandoned rail line that now is a lovely walking trail) Restaurants: Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill, Irazu Costa Rican, Mott St, Kasama, Elina's, Barco Mariscos, Le Bouchon

Chinatown

Chicago boasts a spectacular (and yummy) Chinatown! Restaurants: MingHin, Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings, MCCB

Evanston

What's more romantic than a trip to Northwestern University's campus, the place where Jen and Sam fell in love? Restaurants: Tapas Barcelona, Bat 17, Tomate, Todoroki

Pilsen

Authentic Mexican neighborhood with great restaurants, bakeries, shops and murals. Restaurants: Mariscos San Pedro, 5 Rabanitos, Pilsen Yards