Things to do in Chicago

February 17, 2026|11 min read

Chicago is a city defined by bold architecture, world-class culture and a food scene shaped by its neighborhoods. Here are some standout spots for dining, lodging and exploring to make your time in Chicago a one-of-a-kind experience.

What you’ll learn:

There are many things to do in Chicago, from scenic river cruises to visiting world-class museums.
Restaurants like HaiSous, Virtue and Gibsons Italia showcase the city’s mix of global flavors and hometown comfort.
Hotels such as The Langham, Pendry Chicago or The Peninsula Chicago double as architectural landmarks, each offering its own take on luxury and local character.
Eligible cardholders can earn elevated rewards when they use Capital One Travel to book their trip.

Where to eat in Chicago

Chicago is a food town with pioneer chefs who are making Chicago one of the best culinary destinations in the world. Whether you’re looking for eclectic global flavors, hearty Midwestern comfort food or lots and lots of meat—served everywhere from high-end steakhouses to down-home barbecue joints—you’re in the right place.

HaiSous

HaiSous is a culinary showcase for Vietnamese cuisine that offers family-style dining and multicourse menus spotlighting the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia. Located in a 136-year-old building, the restaurant showcases the chef’s personal take on Vietnamese food, with elevated authentic flavors and textures. Its signature dishes include a grilled meat platter, crispy whole fluke and caramelized fish sauce wings.

HaiSous: 1800 S. Carpenter St., Chicago, IL 60608; 312-702-1303

Two trains pass between tall buildings at Adams/Wabash station in Chicago.

Chicago’s elevated railway at Adams/Wabash station.

Gibsons Italia

Just across town, Gibsons Italia offers a very different but equally indulgent experience. Tradition meets theatrical flair at this riverfront destination that blends the refinement of an Italian trattoria with the legacy of a Chicago steakhouse. There are chef-driven takes on cacio e pepe or spicy rigatoni, roasted Mediterranean branzino, signature cuts of beef and tiramisu. And then there are showpiece dishes like the wagyu tartare, presented in a clear cloche pumped with smoke and lifted at the table.

Gibsons Italia: 233 N. Canal St., Chicago, IL 60606; 312-414-1100

Virtue

In Hyde Park, Virtue channels Southern hospitality and homespun elegance. Chef Erick Williams’ seasonally inspired menu includes refined takes on old favorites such as gizzards, green tomatoes, collards and smoked turkey, short rib, gumbo and blackened catfish. This hot spot gets rave reviews for its farm-to-table approach and exacting attention to service.

Virtue: 1462 E. 53rd St., Chicago, IL 60615; 773-947-8831

Bazaar Meat

Downtown, Bazaar Meat is a boundary-pushing steakhouse from esteemed chef José Andrés (a Capital One Dining culinary partner) that serves up hefty plates of vaca vieja, ohmi wagyu strip loin and other carnivorous indulgences from around the globe. If beef isn’t to your taste, you could try the pluma Iberico de Bellota pork, Amish half-roasted chicken or “meats from the sea” such as Spanish octopus or seared scallops.

Bazaar Meat: 120 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606; 312-820-6601

Lost Larson

For something sweet, Lost Larson offers a Scandinavian-inspired taste of artistry. The beloved brother-and-sister-owned bakery shows its commitment to freshly milled whole grains and seasonal ingredients in its limpa bread, lingonberry almond cake, chocolate spelt cookies and decadent cinnamon buns. Lost Larson offers both dine-in and carryout at its two locations in Andersonville and Wicker Park.

Lost Larson: 5318 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640; 773-944-0587 and 2140 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622; 773-770-9015

Where to explore in Chicago

There’s no single way to take in Chicago. You can glide down the river on an architecture cruise, sip tea with a skyline view or wander through galleries that rival the great museums of the world. Each experience captures a different side of the city’s character: bold, creative and endlessly inviting.

Wendella Tours & Cruises

Since 1935, Wendella Tours & Cruises has been showcasing the Windy City’s architectural crown jewels from a lazy drift down the Chicago River. Cruise guides offer a detailed century-plus history of the cityscape’s construction and evolution and how it ties into the modern history of the capital of the Midwest. Choose between a 45- and 90-minute tour or extend the adventure with a cruise that loops around Lake Michigan. Drinks and snacks are available on board.

Wendella: 400 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-337-1446

The Chicago Riverwalk.

The Langham Afternoon Tea

For a taste of refined tradition, The Langham Afternoon Tea offers an elegant afternoon tea service every weekend in a stunning room with soaring floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Chicago River. The experience is inspired by British tea culture but infused with contemporary flair—expect a rotating seasonal menu of finger sandwiches and delicate desserts paired with carefully sourced loose-leaf teas.

The Langham: 330 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-923-9988

Art Institute of Chicago

One of the largest, oldest and most prestigious museums in the world, the Art Institute of Chicago is replete with fine works and cultural treasures from countless countries and historical eras. Founded in 1879 and still among the city’s most enduringly popular attractions, the downtown museum boasts an impressive collection of exhibits in both its main building, which dates from the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, and its Modern Wing. The museum is home to ancient works from Greece and Rome, well-curated collections of Asian and African works, medieval and Renaissance art, impressionist classics, homegrown Midwestern favorites (Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” to name one) and leading-edge modernist masterworks.

Art Institute of Chicago: 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

Where to stay in Chicago

When it comes to accommodating visitors, the city stands out for its elegance and sophistication. There are several beautiful, history-steeped hotels that offer incredible views of an architecturally unique skyline—not to mention indulgent guest experiences.

When you’re planning your perfect trip to Chicago, consider choosing one of the handpicked premium hotels, resorts or vacation rentals of the Premier Collection or Lifestyle Collection featured below. Booking through Capital One Travel gives eligible cardholders premium benefits with every visit, including an experience credit to use toward activities unique to each stay; room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout when available; and complimentary Wi-Fi. Plus, you’ll earn elevated rewards.

The Langham, Chicago

Not many hotels can claim a Mies van der Rohe-designed skyscraper as their home. In a city world-renowned for its soaring architectural treasures, The Langham stands out—not just for the building itself but for the breathtaking views it offers of its neighbors. With nearly 270 guest rooms and four dozen suites, the hotel has floor-to-ceiling windows that offer dramatic and sweeping sights of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and the bustling Magnificent Mile below.

Amenities include a spa specializing in traditional Chinese medicine, a toy-and-game-stocked Kids Suite and a rentable 12-seat cinema for private movie nights.

The Langham, Chicago: 330 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-923-9988. Book through Capital One Travel.

The Art Institute of Chicago on Michigan Avenue.

Pendry Chicago

Pendry Chicago is also part of Chicago’s impressive architectural history. The building is set within the iconic 1929 Art Deco Carbide & Carbon Building in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood and is said to be reminiscent of a champagne bottle. The hotel pays tribute to the sleek and glamorous design of the roaring twenties while maintaining a 21st-century elegance. The stylish design extends to Pendry Chicago’s on-site culinary spots, including Venteux restaurant, which specializes in new French cuisine, and Bar Pendry.

Pendry Chicago: 230 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601; 312-985-0942. Book through Capital One Travel.

The Peninsula Chicago

The Peninsula Chicago sets the standard for five-star hospitality. It’s been a recipient of Forbes Travel Guide’s five-star rating every year since its opening and was recently named the best hotel in Chicago and Illinois by U.S. News & World Report. The property blends timeless elegance with thoughtful, family-friendly service. Guests can dine on refined Chinese cuisine at Shanghai Terrace, unwind in the spa and wellness center with skyline views or enjoy kid-focused touches like in-room tents and scavenger hunts that make every stay memorable.

The Peninsula: 108 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-337-2888. Book through Capital One Travel.

Key takeaways: Chicago vacation

Equal parts sophistication and soul, Chicago invites travelers to explore its architecture, art and acclaimed dining scene. Each experience reveals another side of the city’s character.

If you’re planning a trip to Chicago, you might want to consider taking a travel rewards credit card:

Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights, vacation rentals and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture X card.
Earn unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture card.
Earn 2X miles on all other purchases, at home or away, with the Venture X and Venture cards.

Make travel more rewarding with Capital One

From booking to destination, you can elevate every part of your trip with Capital One:

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit. Venture X and Venture cardholders can receive up to a $120 credit for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® when they pay for the application fee with their card.
Flexible options for redeeming rewards. Redeem rewards for flights, hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities booked through Capital One Travel.
Travel protections. Cardholders may have access to travel insurance through their credit card. Benefits may include trip cancellation insurance and lost luggage insurance. You can review your guide to benefits for more information on which benefits come with your credit card.
Security features. You’ll also have access to security features like fraud alerts, card lock, $0 liability for unauthorized charges and virtual card numbers.

Footnotes

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Premier Collection
Hotels: Premier Collection hotel experience credit will be applied at checkout by hotel to qualifying charges up to $100 USD or the local currency equivalent. Qualifying charges vary by location, are subject to availability, and must be charged to your room during your eligible stay. Contact hotel directly to confirm qualifying experiences - advance reservations recommended for certain experiences.

In addition to the $100 experience credit, other benefits available to eligible cardholders for Premier Collection hotel bookings include: daily breakfast for two, complimentary Wi-Fi, and (when available) room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout. Benefits applied per room, per stay. Hotel terms and conditions apply; a minimum number of nights may be required by the hotel for booking.

Vacation rentals: Premier Collection vacation rental experience credit will be applied at time of booking the experience by the host provider to qualifying experience charges up to $100 USD or the local currency equivalent. Experiences must be booked with a Capital One credit card. Qualifying experience credit options vary by location and are subject to availability. Contact the host provider directly to confirm qualifying experiences - advance reservations recommended for certain experiences. For certain properties, the experience credit will be provided in the form of a gift card.

In addition to the $100 experience credit, other benefits available to eligible cardholders for Premier Collection vacation rental bookings include: complimentary Wi-Fi, and (when available) early check-in and late checkout. Benefits applied per stay. Back-to-back bookings of the same property within a 24-hour period will be considered one reservation and are not eligible for double benefits. Host provider terms and conditions apply; a minimum number of nights may be required by the host for booking.

Both Hotels and vacation rentals: Premier Collection booking must be made through Capital One Travel in the eligible cardholder’s name, with the cardholder as a member of party traveling, to qualify for benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with other offers unless specified. Participating properties and benefits are subject to change. Offer not intended for commercial use unless otherwise permitted. We may disqualify any cardholder from participation and benefits at our sole discretion. Additional terms apply; see travel.capitalone.com/terms-of-service for details.

Lifestyle Collection
Hotels: Lifestyle Collection hotel experience credit will be applied at checkout by hotel to qualifying charges up to $50 USD or the local currency equivalent. Qualifying charges vary by location, are subject to availability, and must be charged to your room during your eligible stay. Contact the hotel directly to confirm qualifying experiences - Advance reservations recommended for certain experiences.

In addition to the $50 experience credit, other benefits available to eligible cardholders for Lifestyle Collection hotel bookings include complimentary Wi-Fi, and (when available) room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout. Benefits applied per room, per stay. Hotel terms and conditions apply; a minimum number of nights may be required by the hotel for booking.

Vacation rentals: Lifestyle Collection vacation rental experience credit will be applied at time of booking the experience by the host provider to qualifying experience charges up to $50 USD or the local currency equivalent. Experiences must be booked with a Capital One credit card. Qualifying experience credit options vary by location and are subject to availability. Contact the host provider directly to confirm qualifying experiences - advance reservations recommended for certain experiences. For certain properties, the experience credit will be provided in the form of a gift card.

In addition to the $50 experience credit, other benefits available to eligible cardholders for Lifestyle Collection vacation rental bookings include: complimentary Wi-Fi, and (when available) early check-in and late checkout. Benefits applied per stay. Back-to-back bookings of the same property within a 24-hour period will be considered one reservation and are not eligible for double benefits. Host provider terms and conditions apply; a minimum number of nights may be required by the host for booking.

Both hotels and vacation rentals: Lifestyle Collection booking must be made through Capital One Travel in the eligible cardholder’s name, with the cardholder as a member of party traveling, to qualify for benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with other offers unless specified. Participating properties and benefits are subject to change. Offer not intended for commercial use unless otherwise permitted. We may disqualify any cardholder from participation and benefits at our sole discretion. Additional terms apply; see travel.capitalone.com/terms-of-service for details.

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