48 Hours in Chicago

Day One

Morning

Enjoy the stunning views of the bustling Magnificent Mile at 676 Restaurant on the 4th floor of the Omni Chicago Hotel. The Lemon Ricotta pancakes are a must, as is the Brick Oven French Toast. They will melt in your mouth!

Or Less than a 5-minute walk from the Omni Chicago Hotel, you’ll find one of Chicago’s hottest breakfast spots, Sunny Side Up Brunch & Coffee Shoppe on Wabash and Superior. Guests of all ages will enjoy the indoor and outdoor seating (weather permitting!) at this charming old brown stone house on the corner. The skillets and hash garner the most praise.

Afternoon

If you’re into shopping, you will want to stroll the luxury fashion boutiques along Michigan Avenue. This world-famous shopping district, aptly dubbed The Magnificent Mile, features Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom, Burberry and dozens of other great shopping options.

If you’d rather continue moving through your afternoon, pop over to Millennium Park, where you can wander through this 24.5-acre sanctuary. Interestingly, the park sits atop a parking garage and the Millennium Station railway, making it the world's largest rooftop garden. If you do make it to Millennium Park, be sure you take a picture in front of the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as “The Bean”.

For lunch, enjoy Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza. Head to Giordano’s off Michigan Avenue and Superior. You’ll be sure to get a taste of the true Chicago pizza.

Evening

For an interesting menu, head to Le Colonial Restaurant for dinner. This French Vietnamese Restaurant has a cool yet sophisticated vibe. The food boasts the vivid flavors of the 1920’s French Colonial Southeast Asia. The lychee martini is a must! Following dinner stroll around the corner to Sprinkles Cupcakes located at Delaware and Rush Street for the best cupcake you will ever have. After hours you can even purchase your cupcake from their Cupcake ATM!

Top the night off with a drink back at your hotel at 676 Bar. Try “The Adrian” created by our bartender, Adrian who has been with the hotel for over 20 years. Enjoy this special cocktail of cherry infused bourbon and bitters. Wonderful!

Day Two

Morning

Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast at nearby Grand Lux Café. This stylish yet relaxed restaurant has something for everyone on their brunch menu. Kids will love the “Churro” French Toast with cinnamon-sugar, chocolate and dulce de leche caramel sauce. If you’re looking for something other than coffee to start your day, make sure to try the Sparkling Spanish Rose with prosecco, sangria, and fresh strawberries. From breakfast beignets to fried chicken & waffles, this spot has plenty of options for the most important meal of the day.

After you’re satiated, head to The Field Museum. Perfect for kids, this spot showcases 30 million objects and natural specimens for a scientific museum experience like no other. If the arts are more your scene, you might also get a ticket to the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest museums in the U.S. featuring the work of masters.

Afternoon

Today has to include a visit to Shedd Aquarium, where you can explore the greatest depths of the ocean—all while in Chicago. Whether you join a tour or go it alone, be sure to allocate a good two to three hours to see all the amazing marine species on display.

You might also want to check out an iconic part of the city’s skyline: Willis Tower, a 110-story behemoth with expansive views of the city. If you dare, you can even get right on the ledge in a glass encasement for some daredevil sightseeing.

For lunch, try Hugo’s Frog Bar. A wonderful Chicago staple located in the Gold Coast, famous for their Frog Legs, Crab cakes and Steaks.   

Evening

The vibrant West Loop has great dining and entertainment. In this area of former factories, markets and warehouses sits Girl & The Goat. This restaurant was created by West Loop local and executive chef Stephanie Izard, whom you might recognize as the first woman to win Bravo’s “Top Chef”. The wood oven roasted pig face (topped with a fried egg) is one of her most popular, and strange dishes. Then again, the goat liver mousse is not far behind.

Leña Brava is another option by yet another celebrity chef Rick Bayless, who is the host of the PBS show “Mexico: One Plate at a Time”. This restaurant serves steak and seafood with a unique, Southwestern flair, like wood fired whole grilled seabass.

After dinner, head back to your hotel and grab dessert at 676 Restaurant & Bar. The White Chocolate Panna Cotta will be beyond your dreams.

If you have more time...

Whether you like baseball or not, in-season or out, visit Wrigley Field, home of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Catching a game is ideal, going on a tour is memorable, but even visiting the grounds and neighborhood is a noteworthy experience. And if you are a sports fan, try to find time to head over to Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch for a burger and an Old Style.

The Signature Room (95th Floor) and The Signature Lounge (96th Floor) at the 100-story John Hancock Center are ideal for soaking in views of the entire city while you grab a bite or a drink. In fact, on a clear day you can see up to 80 miles across four states (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan).

Explore the flavors of the Mediterranean at Eataly, a high-quality Italian food market where you can shop, wine and dine. Taste everything from gelato to fresh meat and fish to pizza and pasta.

The Omni Chicago Hotel concierge team contributed to this article.