6 Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day in Chicago

It’s nearing Valentine’s Day in the city, which means you’ve probably been busy making plans for a romantic date night. Whether you want to celebrate the holiday of love out on the town or inside where it is warm, there are plenty of safe and fun things to do in Chicago. You never know—this Valentine’s Day could be your favorite one yet. Here are 6 of our date ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day in Chicago this year.

Visit The Art Institute of Chicago virtually

Even though The Art Institute of Chicago is closed, they are offering virtual tours to keep you connected with their collection of art. So, cozy up on Valentine’s Day with some of the best and most iconic pieces of art in the world. The Art Institute of Chicago offers a variety of virtual events, videos, and audio tours to listen to and watch, along with blogs and other digital publications to read. If you are an art-fanatic, then you won’t want to miss the opportunity to spend your Valentine’s Day exploring The Art Institute of Chicago’s impressive collection.

Try Stan’s Donuts’ rose colored hot chocolate

Nothing says ‘Valentine’s Day’ like sipping on Stan’s Donuts’ rose colored hot chocolate. While at Stan’s, you can also try some of their Valentine-themed donuts, such as their Red Velvet Donut or one of their pink frosted donuts. Along with the donuts and hot chocolates, you can also order from a selection of bagels, breakfast sandwiches, shakes, coffees, and cookies to fill you up.

Spend the night at a luxury hotel

Spend your Valentine’s Day at a luxury hotel in the city. You and your significant other can order room service and enjoy the hotel’s selection of drinks and delicious food. It can be especially exciting to stay at a hotel with fun features and amenities. Hotel EMC2 has hotel rooms that have both science and art fixtures, from artwork to whimsical touches like open-glass WetLabs. The hotel even has robots named Leo and Cleo who assist guests by bringing them things such as water bottles and towels. If you get hungry or want a beverage, Hotel EMC2 offers room service for drinks, brunch, lunch, and dinner. 

Eat dinner on a heated, outdoor patio

Since restaurants can’t currently host in-person dining, many have opened their outdoor patios. Fortunately, many restaurants have made their outdoor patios more enjoyable to diners in chilly weather and now offer heated and enclosed tables. Make sure to book your reservation ahead of Valentine’s Day, since restaurants with heated, outdoor patios may fill up quickly.

Buy a gift on the Magnificent Mile

If you’re a gift-giver, then you may wish to spend your Valentine’s Day shopping on Michigan Avenue, otherwise known as The Magnificent Mile. The Magnificent Mile boasts more than 460 retailers including popular brands, department stores, and designer labels, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect gift for your loved one. While you’re shopping, don’t forget to look for some of Chicago’s historic landmarks; there are over 50 located along The Magnificent Mile. 

Pick up Italian wine and pasta from Eataly

Eataly, a high-end Italian grocery store, can supply you with the perfect Italian wine and pasta dish for a romantic date night. Choose from Eataly’s curated selection of bottles of vini italiani, which includes elegant reds, crisp whites, and sparkling bollicine. Eataly is also currently offering aperitivo cocktail kits. Eataly’s chefs cook authentic Italian pasta dishes available for takeout inspired by the regional traditions of Italy and the air-dried, bronze-extruded pasta from Campania, Italy. From Ravioli ai Piselli made with spring peas to the iconic Lo Spaghetto al Pomodoro, each dish offers the comforts of classic Italian pasta traditions.

Planning your visit

Whether you choose to visit Chicago on Valentine’s Day or later in the future, you’ll have a unique and thrilling experience, not to mention all of the stunning landscapes that you’ll be able to see. After you’ve selected your travel dates, you’ll need to decide where you’ll stay on your trip. Consider booking a hotel located in the heart of the city, close to nearly everything. Next up, pack your bags with essentials like warm clothes and a face covering to keep you safe and healthy. Now you’re ready for your upcoming trip to Chicago filled with breathtaking adventures and spectacular sights. 

Need a place to stay when visiting Chicago? Book your reservation here.