Luxe + Leisure: Chicago Travel Guide
Chicago is a city of sophistication, blending historic charm with modern luxury. From designer shopping to private yacht charters, use this travel guide to discover Chicago at its most refined.
Whether indulging in a Michelin-starred meal, unwinding at a world-class spa, or exploring renowned cultural institutions, every experience is elevated. This guide curates the finest hotels, dining, wellness retreats, and exclusive experiences, ensuring a seamless, luxurious visit.
Where to Stay
The Peninsula
A Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond hotel known for its opulence and top-tier service. Highlights include spacious rooms with skyline views, an award-winning spa, and a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce. The Lobby offers an elegant afternoon tea experience.
The Langham
Housed in an iconic Mies van der Rohe building, The Langham blends modern elegance with impeccable service. Features include butler service, floor-to-ceiling riverfront views, and the acclaimed Chuan Spa. Travelle offers a sophisticated dining experience.
Waldorf Astoria
A Parisian-inspired retreat in the Gold Coast, perfect for those seeking privacy and understated luxury. Known for its residential-style suites, marble fireplaces, and exclusive Guerlain Spa. The Brasserie serves classic French cuisine in a chic setting.
Four Seasons
Located on Michigan Avenue with sweeping views of Lake Michigan. Recently redesigned with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. Features a world-class art collection and home to Adorn Bar & Restaurant, led by a Michelin-starred chef.
The Ritz-Carlton
A sophisticated lakeside retreat with stunning skyline views and impeccable service. Features include luxurious suites, a rooftop lounge, and a serene wellness floor with an indoor pool.
St. Regis
The newest ultra-luxury addition to the city, housed in Jeanne Gang’s striking architectural masterpiece. Home to the highly exclusive St. Regis Butler Service and a world-class spa.
Nobu Hotel
A fusion of Japanese minimalism and contemporary luxury. Features an exclusive rooftop lounge, a sleek spa, and a world-class Nobu restaurant for an unparalleled culinary experience.
Where to Dine
Alinea
One of the most celebrated fine dining establishments in the world, offering an avant-garde tasting menu. A Michelin three-star destination known for its artistic presentations and multi-sensory dining experience.
Ever
An exclusive two-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Curtis Duffy. Offers an exquisite tasting menu experience with modern, seasonal ingredients.
Oriole
A hidden gem with two Michelin stars, offering an intimate yet highly polished dining experience. The menu focuses on precision, elegance, and creativity in every course.
Elske
A Michelin-starred restaurant blending Scandinavian simplicity with refined, seasonal flavors. Known for its warm, candlelit ambiance and beautifully composed dishes.
Le Colonial
An intimate, transportive dining experience featuring upscale French-Vietnamese cuisine. Housed in a Gold Coast townhouse with an Old World charm reminiscent of 1920s Saigon.
Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf
A Parisian-inspired steakhouse known for its dimly lit, old-school glamour and perfectly executed dishes. The menu features premium cuts, fresh seafood, and indulgent sides.
Sepia
A Michelin-starred dining experience set in a beautifully restored 1890s print shop. Showcases globally inspired flavors with a contemporary touch.
RL Restaurant
Ralph Lauren’s elegant Gold Coast restaurant offering an intimate, club-like atmosphere. Serves classic American fare with a touch of old-world refinement.
RH Rooftop
A stylish dining destination located within the elegant RH Chicago gallery. Features a glass-enclosed rooftop garden with chandeliers and a curated seasonal menu.
Monteverde
A modern Italian restaurant by Chef Sarah Grueneberg, known for its impeccable handmade pastas. Features an open pasta-making station and an extensive wine selection.
Ciccio Mio
A cozy, dimly lit Italian supper club with a romantic ambiance and rich, indulgent dishes. Known for its handmade pastas, beautifully plated entrees, and vintage-inspired cocktails.
Torali
A sophisticated Italian steakhouse located in The Ritz-Carlton, featuring refined pastas, premium steaks, and a rooftop bar.
Proxi
A globally inspired dining experience blending Asian, Latin, and Mediterranean flavors in a chic, modern setting.
Rosemary
A Michelin-starred restaurant with a contemporary take on Balkan and Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Joe Flamm’s menu is inspired by his Italian and Croatian heritage, featuring wood-grilled meats and fresh seafood.
Where to Sip
Afternoon Tea at The Langham
An elegant affair featuring an exquisite selection of rare teas from around the world, served with an array of delicate pastries, scones, and finger sandwiches. A pianist adds to the refined ambiance.
The Aviary
From the team behind Alinea, The Aviary is one of Chicago’s most celebrated cocktail bars, offering inventive, avant-garde drinks served in an immersive environment.
The Violet Hour
A James Beard Award-winning cocktail lounge hidden behind an unmarked door in Wicker Park. Inside, you’ll find plush velvet seating, candlelit ambiance, and expertly crafted classic cocktails with a modern twist.
Pierrot Gourmet
A charming, European-inspired café attached to The Peninsula Hotel, known for its expertly brewed espresso, French pastries, and cozy ambiance.
Bar at Obelix
A refined wine and cocktail bar known for its exceptional selection of French wines and expertly crafted drinks.
Where to Unwind
The Spa at The Peninsula Chicago
Consistently ranked among the best spas in the country. Offers traditional Asian healing treatments, a stunning indoor pool with skyline views, and private relaxation lounges.
Chuan Spa at The Langham
Inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, Chuan Spa offers personalized wellness journeys. Features herbal-infused saunas, Himalayan salt therapy, and holistic treatments.
Guerlain Spa at Waldorf Astoria
The only Guerlain Spa in the Midwest, offering bespoke facials and body treatments. Set in a serene, Parisian-inspired atmosphere with a focus on anti-aging and luxury skincare.
The Spa at Four Seasons
Known for its results-driven facials, deep-tissue massages, and relaxation lounges with lake views. Offers exclusive Biologique Recherche treatments.
Bian Wellness
A private, members-only wellness club offering holistic health services, cutting-edge therapies, and luxury spa treatments. Invitation-only access provides an ultra-exclusive experience for those seeking total mind-body wellness.
Where to Indulge
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
One of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, offering impeccable acoustics and world-class performances.
The Joffrey Ballet
Chicago’s premier ballet company, showcasing elegant, technically superb performances from classics to modern works.
The Lyric Opera
Grand opera performances in a stunning Art Deco opera house. Private boxes and VIP experiences available.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
A must-visit for contemporary art lovers, featuring rotating exhibitions from globally renowned artists.
Private Yacht Charter
Experience Chicago’s stunning skyline from Lake Michigan, aboard a private yacht with chefs and sommeliers.
Oak Street Shop
Boutiques from Chanel, Hermès, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tom Ford, and Prada, with private shopping experiences.
Helicopter Tours
A breathtaking aerial view of Chicago’s skyline and architectural marvels, with champagne service.
Art Institute of Chicago
Opt for a private tour for exclusive access to one of the world’s greatest art collections, tailored to your artistic preferences.
