Only have 24 hours to spend in Chicago? Although you can’t do the entire city in one day, you can fit in many of the city’s biggest attractions when you stay at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park. The AAA Four-Diamond hotel is located within walking distance of several of Chicago’s must-sees. And it’s situated atop the Pedway, the city’s expansive underground walkway that’s a great indoor option for navigating downtown during the winter.
Start your day at Millennium Park, which is just around the corner from the Fairmont. Snap the ultimate Chicago selfie in front of the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture (aka “The Bean”), splash around in the interactive Crown Fountain, catch a free concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and wander through the blooming flowers of the beautiful Lurie Garden. Nearby is the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago, home to one of the largest collections of French Impressionist art outside of the Louvre. Have lunch in the museum’s chic Modern Wing at Terzo Piano, serving modern American fare by James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Mantuano.
In the afternoon, do some shopping on The Magnificent Mile. The famed stretch of North Michigan Avenue is home to upscale retail centers that include The Shops at North Bridge and Water Tower Place. And don’t miss nearby Oak Street, home to exclusive designer shops.
For dinner, try a slice or two of Chicago’s cheesy deep dish pizza at Giordano’s in the Loop. Then catch a hit play in the downtown Theatre District, where Broadway in Chicago presents an outstanding lineup of shows at various historic theaters. Also located downtown is the Goodman Theatre, known for thought-provoking productions written by some of the greatest playwrights of our time. Snag half-price, last-minute tickets for plays from Hot Tix.
End the night with a toast to your trip at the Fairmont’s Columbus Tap, a modern gastropub serving Chicago-focused beer flights and craft cocktails.
Stay at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
The Fairmont offers 687 guest rooms and suites, with some of the best views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline right from your room. For the ultimate in luxury, choose to stay at Fairmont Gold, the concierge floor that’s like a hotel within a hotel. You’ll have exclusive access to the 15th-floor Fairmont Gold Lounge, serving breakfast, afternoon refreshments, and early-evening hors d’oeuvres.
The dedicated Fairmont concierge staff is happy to share their favorite spots in the city and help guests create their own personalized itineraries. In fact, they’ll even make dinner reservations, arrange for transportation, and secure VIP tickets for attractions and plays. Check out the Fairmont’s concierge-created Chicago City Guides for ideas.
