Although Rome may be the City of Love, Chicago is a close second, and romance is in the air. While figuring out how I was going to spend Valentine’s Day this year, I realzied there are so many activities for coupes in Chicago. From intimate fine dining experiences to skating in Millennium Park. Wouldn’t you LOVE to know the fun things going on in Chicago on Valentine’s Day? Well, I have 17 Romantic Valentines Day ideas in mind. Whether you are planning a relaxed evening indoors or an evening out, fall in love all over again in the heart of the city. Here are a few ideas to get you in the mood to start planning your romantic Valentine’s Day in Chicago.
1.) Dining in the Dark
Have you heard that you eat with your eyes first? Well, in this experience, you won’t. If you want a unique tasting experience, try Dining in the Dark. Dining n the Dark is an exciting experience focusing entirely on taste, touch, and smell for their restaurant reviews. You will be blindfolded, and the dining room is pitch black. Phycologists believe eating blindfolded can heighten the other senses, such as taste and smell, and enhance the tasting experience. With its unusual and intimate atmosphere, Dining in the Dark is a one-of-a-kind experience for couples celebrating Valentine’s Day in Chicago.
2.) Catch a show at Second City
Seeing a show at Second City in Chicago can be a fun and entertaining way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Second City shows are hilarious and interactive for a lighthearted and fun Valentine’s Day. If you like comedy and improv, catch a show a Second City. Second city has entertained audiences since 1959. Famous actors like Steve Carell and Tina Fey are Second City alumni. If you love comedy shows or want a fun way to spend Valentine’s Day and lighten the mood, consider seeing a performance at Second City. It will leave you and your loved one laughing all night long.
3.) Ice Skate in Millennium Park
Skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park is back for its 20th anniversary. Although ice skating in Millennium Park is typically a Christmas activity I recommend, it is open to the public until March 6th. Admission is free, but online tickets are needed. (weather permitting).
4.) Grab a heart-shaped pizza from Lou Malnati‘s
Lou Malnati’s is one of Chicago’s most famous pizzerias, primarily because of their iconic Chicago-style deep dish pizza. This year on Valentine’s Day, Lou Malnati’s serves heart-shaped deep-dish pizza. With a heart shape deep dish slice of pizza and cozy ambiance, Lou Malnati’s is a great place to take a Valentine’s Day date.
Enjoying a delicious pizza from Lou Malnati’s in Chicago on Valentine’s Day is a delightful way to celebrate. If you want a casual and relaxed way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, consider purchasing a frozen heart-shaped deep-dish pizza to-go and enjoy it over a movie at home. This way, you can enjoy the taste and romance of Lou’s and the comfort of your own home.
5.) Sweet treat at Ambrosia
Ambrosia is a European bakery in Barrington, Illinois. It is also the same bakery that made the cake for my grandparent’s 60th wedding anniversary. What could be more romantic than that? Share a slice of cake at Ambrosia or choose from their handmade macaroons and croissants.
6.) Coffee date at Conscious Cup
The coffee date has been a staple in relationships for a long time. Sipping on a vanilla latte while having intimate conversations is the perfect way to get to know someone or spend quality time with your partner. My boyfriend and I have gone out on many coffee date to Conscious Cup. While there are five locations we love the Barrington location. If you weather is nice, you can take your coffee to go and walk around the downtown area of Barrington.
Conscious Cup has been my favorite coffee shop in the area for as long as I have known about it. They are a specialty coffee shop that prides itself in ethically sourced beans, sustainability, and artisanal brewing techniques. Its welcoming atmosphere, delicious coffee, and light bites make it the perfect spot for a low-key yet romantic date on Valentine’s Day. So, if you’re looking for a casual way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Northwest Suburbs, consider a coffee date at Conscious Cup.
7.) Barrington Flower Shop – Flowers & Jewelry
If you are looking for a gift for your sweetheart, the Barrington Flower Shop has a great variety of floral arrangements. The owner Fran is kind and helpful, and you are in great hands when you talk with her. Her daughter Morgan, who I share a name with, is a talented Jewelry artist. She has several handcrafted earrings, necklaces, and rings available at the Barrington Flower Shop.
8.) Fine dining experience
Chicago is known for its upscale dining experiences. Chicago is ranked as the second-best city to live in the world, primarily because of the variety of restaurants and dining experiences. I recommend many romantic restaurants, such as Gibsons, Ocean Prime, The Hampton Social, and more.
9.) See an off-Broadway Show
If you love Broadway shows, you don’t have to go all the way to New York City to enjoy them. Off-Broadway shows in Chicago are a cultural and entertaining experience. Catch an off-Broadway show in downtown Chicago if you like musicals, dramas, or comedies in a live-action theatre. The talented actors and engaging stories will have you captivated. If you want to add a new cultural experience to your Valentine’s Day, consider seeing a Broadway show in Chicago.
10.) Have a staycation at some of the most romantic hotels in the city
If you want a way to get away without going very far, Chicago has many luxury hotels to create your perfect romantic staycation for Valentine’s Day. There are chic boutique hotels, elegant hotels, and hotels with some of the most stunning views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Treat yourself to an intimate and romantic evening by staying in a hotel in downtown Chicago for Valentine’s Day.
11.) See the Skyline on the Centennial Wheel
Take a ride on the Centennial Wheel on Navy Pier for a romantic Valentine’s Day. Couples share a kiss on the Centennial Wheel, overlooking some of the most breathtaking views of the city skyline and surrounding area. Whether you see the lights of the shining city at night or during the day, it is a romantic and memorable experience for Valentine’s Day. The Centennial Wheel should be on every Chicago couple’s bucket list.
12.) AIRE Ancient Baths
Consider trying the AIRE Ancient Baths if you want a relaxing way to spend Valentine’s Day. The ancient Roman, Greek, and Ottoman bathhouses inspire the baths. Soak in the warm, mineral-rich baths, relieve tension with a couple’s massage, and rejuvenate your skin in the sauna. Enjoy the many health benefits that AIRE Ancient Baths offer. The candlelight and moody lighting create the perfect romantic atmosphere for couples. Escape the city’s hustle and pamper yourself at the AIRE Ancient Baths for and intimate and relaxing Valentine’s Day.
13.) Take a cooking class
Suppose you are tired of going to restaurants for Valentine’s Day, spice things up with a cooking class. Cooking classes offer a unique opportunity for couples to bond over their love of food. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, there is a cooking class in Chicago for everyone. In these classes, you will learn new recipes for delicious food, how to properly season and prepare your food, and cooking techniques that you will use for years to come. This hands-on experience is fun for couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day and create something tasty together.
14.) Wine tasting
Trying something new is romantic and exciting, especially when it comes to wine. The perfect wine can set the mood for a romantic date night. Discover your wine palette at wine tasting in Chicago. If you are over the bar scene and are looking for a more sophisticated date night out there are many wine tasting spaces for your and your significant other to indulge in. Chicago has many wine bars and tasting rooms to try. You can learn about the flavor notes of the wine, the production process, and sample a selections of wines to try. Wine tasting in Chicago on Valentine’s Day is a romantic way to savor your love of wine with your partner. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or looking to try something new, wine tasting is a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the city.
15.) Horse Drawn Carriage
Taking a horse-drawn carriage ride on Valentine’s Day in Chicago can be a romantic and nostalgic experience. I remember one of my first experiences in downtown Chicago was when I was about eight years old. My family had a tea party and rode a carriage through the city. It was a magical experience. Couples can have their Cinderella moment, too, by taking a Horse Drawn Carriage ride. Cuddle under a blanket with your partner and enjoy the twinkling lights of the city and the architecture on Magnificent Mile. A cozy carriage ride is a magical way to spend Valentine’s Day with your significant other.
16.) Lincoln Park Zoo “Zoo Lights.”
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a hot spot for Valentine’s Day in Chicago. The zoo is lit up yearly with over 1.5 million lights and more than 50 light displays at the annual “Zoo Light” event. It is a dreamy and fun evening that couples enjoy every year. You can walk through the illuminated exhibits, listen to live music, and each from one of the many delicious food and beverage vendors at the event. The zoo truly transforms into a winter wonderland and will be an experience you and your partner won’t forget.
17.) Couple’s Massage
Life can be hectic. Unwinding by getting a couples massage is a great way to relax, enjoy intimate time with your partner, and improve your body’s circulation. Chicago is no stranger to luxury spas. There are top-rated spas that offer couples massages throughout the city. Whether you’re looking for a deep tissue massage, a Swedish massage, or just light treatment there are many Chicago spas to accommodate your needs. Many spas also offer additional amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs, allowing you to extend your relaxation and bonding experience. With its luxurious atmosphere and expert therapists, a couples massage in Chicago is the ultimate indulgence for you and your significant other on Valentine’s Day.
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