Ultimate Guide to Chicago for Business Travelers

Chicago, Illinois, is a bustling popular for tourists and business visitors alike. No matter what you're looking to enjoy here, be it a gentle stroll in nature, or an upscale dining experience, there's a great range of things to see and do in Chicago!

No matter what you want your trip to look like, here are some of the city's best hotels, restaurants, and activities for you to enjoy.

Best Hotels in Chicago

Chicago's hotel scene is just as refined and luxe as the city itsself, offering a diverse range of great accommodations for every type of traveler. Whether you're looking for luxurious on-site facilities such as pools and spas, a unique boutique charm, or one that's simply a convenient place to stay when away on business, you're sure to find the perfect hotel for your stay in Chicago.

From sleek downtown spots catering to business and leisure travelers alike, to upscale stylish retreats with stunning views from their rooftop bars and terraces that capture Chicago's unique vibe, every visitor will be able to find the perfect place to stay in this fabulous city.

The Royal Sonesta, River North, Chicago

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, and situated in the River North neighborhood, The Royal Sonesta is situated less than a 1-minute walk from the CTA Red Line, making it super easy to get around the city from here. This hotel is also less than 1 mile from both Navy Pier and Millennium Park.

This 4-star, eco-friendly boutique hotel offers great amenities such as an indoor pool and sundeck, as well as a modern 24-hour fitness center and on-site business center. Guests can enjoy free tea and coffee every morning, and if you're looking to grab a quick breakfast before you head out for the day, or are simply looking for a local spot for dinner, there's a great restaurant just next door that serves regional cuisine, as well as brunch on weekends.

Rooms at this hotel feature stunning designs and décor inspired by the Chicago World’s Fair, gorgeous city views, and each boasts a 37-inch flat-screen TV with in-room fitness channels. 

Virgin Hotels Chicago, Chicago Loop, Chicago

Located just mere steps away from Chicago's iconic Michigan Avenue, where you can enjoy a huge range of shopping and dining, is this luxurious, modern boutique hotel.

The perfect stay for both business and pleasure, this expansive hotel boasts a great range of amenities including 3 restaurants, a library, and huge meeting and social spaces. There is also a gorgeous nightclub and rooftop bar, both of which boast stunning, panoramic views of Chicago's iconic city skyline. The Commons Club is the perfectly flexible spot - whether you're looking for somewhere to lounge, read a book, or co-work - it even has a stunning bar and modern chef's kitchen that seamlessly takes this area from day to night! If you're looking for somewhere to truly relax though, the hotel library and Trophy Room make great spots to unwind.

Guests can dine at the fabulous Miss Ricky's restaurant, where they serve up fancy Italian dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as brunch on the weekends. It's a classy restaurant that even offers al fresco dining! If you're looking for something a little more casual though, there is also a premium coffee bar at this hotel, where you can indulge in Colombian coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and flaky pastries.

Each room at Virgin Hotels Chicago is designed with both focus and relaxation in mind, making it a great place to stay for a business trip. Every room at this hotel offers a comfortable, ergonomic bed, and a 42-inch flat-screen LG Smart TV, and this bedroom section is separated from a large dressing room area, where you can find a spacious closet and a well-lit makeup desk.

Chicago Athletic Association, Chicago Loop, Chicago

Chicago Athletic Association Hyatt Hotel is located in a gorgeous building in downtown Chicago, just steps from many Chicago landmarks, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

This hotel boasts a beautiful rooftop bar overlooking Millennium Park, a social games room, a rand ballroom with 19th century stained glass windows, a modern fitness center, a business center, an indoor boccie ball court, and even bicycle rental for those looking to explore the city without the need for a rental car. Guests can enjoy room service, dine at the on-site shake shack if they're looking for a quick bite to eat, or indulge in seasonal cuisine and cocktails on the open-air terrace at Cindy's.

Rooms at this hotel are beautifully elegant, and feature luxurious athletic style decor alongside modern amenities such as 42 inch flat-screen cable TVs, a work desk, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, Rush & Division, Chicago

One of the northernmost hotels in Chicago city on this list, Sofitel Chicago is located just two blocks away from the famous shopping, dining, and entertainment hub of Magnificent Mile. It's also within a short drive of Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Millennium Park, making it a great choice if you plan on renting a car.

This luxury hotel is housed in a breathtaking 32-floor prism glass building and boasts stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. It is home to a great range of facilities, including over 10,000 square feet of meeting space, a ballroom, and a fitness center. There is also Le Bar, a gorgeous cocktail bar that provides iconic city views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, and Café des Architectes, a fabulous on-site restaurant serving up locally sourced French-inspired cuisine with an outdoor terrace and a full bar.

Rooms at this hotel boast stunning French art de viver furnishings and décor, and great amenities including a mini-bar and free Wi-Fi.  

SOPHY, Hyde Park, Chicago

SOPHY at Hyde Park brings art, science, literature, and music together to create a sophisticated yet eclectic atmosphere that perfectly fits in with the culture hub that is Hyde park. It is located less than a mile away from both The University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry, and within a 15-minute drive of Millennium Park.

This hotel features a library with a collection of contemporary literature, a double-sided fireplace and cozy lounge-style seating in the hotel lobby, as well as beautiful community-inspired artwork hung from the walls. There is also a fantastic on-site restaurant offers an array of culinary classics.

Every room at SOPHY Hyde Park features hardwood flooring, and plush lounge seating. Some rooms also include a separate living room and dining area, with a fully-stocked mini-bar and snack drawer.

Best Restaurants in Chicago

The dining scene in Chicago is an excellent mix, yet everywhere seems to have a great vibe! With innovative dishes and both regional and international cuisine at a variety of upscale and casual establishments all across the city, visitors can indulge in a great range of dishes at a huge selection of restaurants.

Whether you're looking to indulge in some upmarket cuisine with your colleagues, or hoping to try something truly tasty while you're on the go, there's the perfect restaurant for everyone in Chicago.

Jeong, Noble Square, Chicago

If you're looking to indulge in some upscale Asian food for a business dinner or special occasion, why not visit Chicago's fanciest Korean restaurant, Jeong? This upscale establishment was created by talented chef Dave Park and his partner Jennifer Tran, who previously ran a popular food court stall, Hanbun, in the suburbs.

Jeong utilizes modern methods of preparation to elevate traditional flavors. We recommend splashing out on the tasting menu in order to sample some of the restaurant's most gorgeous and inventive plates, including salmon tartare topped with doenjang yuzu, crisp rice pearls, and dollops of crème fraiche.

Brasero, West Chicago Avenue, Chicago

Created by Chef John Manion, this exceptional Brazillian restaurant perfectly blends South American culinary traditions with Midwestern sensibility, and follows a similar concept to his other restaurant El Che Steakhouse & Bar, with a focus on live-fire cooking.

Be sure to sample some of the most mouth-watering fire-cooked dishes on offer at this restaurant, such as juicy wagyu picanha, slow-grilled young chicken, and charcoal-kissed seafood, as well as great options from the rest of the menu such as tuna ceviche, and grilled quail.

Johnnie's Beef, Elmwood Park, Chicago

Should you be the type of traveler who is always on the go, or if you're looking to grab something quick, easy, and delicious in-between meetings or on your journey to the airport, head on down to this legendary old-school Italian beef and ice stand in Elmwood Park.

A fan favourite amongst locals, Johnnie's often sees queues, but the food here is well worth the wait. We recommend trying the beef - dipped, and with hot peppers! It pairs very well with the lemon Italian ice, which is the perfect way to cool your mouth down afterwards!

John's Food and Wine, Sheffield Neighbors, Chicago

If you're looking for an upscale no-frills restaurant that simply provides good food, good wine, and a good time, then John's Food and Wine is the place for you. This modern American bistro provides a convenient, scaled-down service and this is easy to notice as soon as you step through the doors.

After quickly perusing the concise menu, guests place their order on entry at the host stand before being seated. Thankfully, the menu is short, featuring a selection of seasonal dishes, such as mafalde with Manila clams and smoked butter, cherry-glazed ribeye with garlic scapes, and mouthwatering beef tartare with smoked onion aioli.

Tanta, River North, Chicago

Tanta is a standout restaurant, serving up fabulous Peruvian cuisine both in the restaurant and on the stunning rooftop terrace during the summer months. The South American menu offers all the favourites, with ceviches and tiraditos aplenty, alongside things such as Nikkei bites, which are a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors.

Many visitors recommend either the pollo a la brasa, or the chaufa aeropuerto - fried rice studded with char siu pork and vegetables.

Best Activities in Chicago

Chicago offers an excellent and diverse range of activities, from enjoying some of the country's best up-and-coming comedy acts, to exploring the natural beauty of the world famous Lake Michigan.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the city's laid-back and beautiful culture through scenic nature attractions, intriguing art galleries, and some of the most fun activities you can find in Chicago.

The Second City, Old Town Triangle, Chicago

If you're looking for something to do for evening entertainment while in Chigago, why not visit The Second City? This Old Town comedy club was once the stage of legends such as Tina Fey, Bill Murray, and even Chris Farley, and to this day, Second City continues to nurture some of America's best comedic acts.

With three stages and four intimate studio theaters, there's plenty to see here. If you like sketches, we recommend The Mainstage show - it features the season's top act and long-form improv sketch, and is an absoloute hit on most nights. The e.t.c theater is almost equally as popular, showcasing rising talent, and the Up Comedy Club, for those who like stand-up comedy.

Tickets for all three of these tend to sell out, so be sure to book in advance and arrive early to ensure you get a good seat.

Garfield Park Conservatory, East Garfield Park, Chicago

If you're looking for something beautiful yet relaxing to enjoy during your time in Chicago, be sure to step inside the humid glass domes of the Garfield Park observatory, where the thousands of colorful plants provide clean-air and unmatched beauty.

This conservatory boasts a great selection of flora and fauna across a variety of different landscapes, countries, and environments. Spread across twelve acres of land, there's a beautiful abundance of plants in bloom all year round, from the springtime flower show and all its bright colors, to permanent indoor exhibits and special holiday displays, be sure to add this to your Chicago itinerary if you're a nature lover!

Chicago Lakefront Trail, New Eastside, Chicago

A gorgeous 18-mile trail hugs the coast of the famous, yet beautiful, Lake Michigan, where visitors can enjoy a huge range of activities all along the shore. With gorgeous, sandy beaches, and spacious, sprawling parks, to stunning spots with gorgeous views of the Chicago skyline, this path along the lakefront is one of the most loved spots in the whole city by tourists and locals alike.

The Lakefront Trail is a hit with both runners and cyclists, so it's a great place to burn off some steam. If you're not in the mood to be too active though, it's still an incredibly enjoyable place to be, thanks to the many great spots to sit and relax in while you enjoy a picnic, coffee, or simply a spot of people watching. If you're lucky, you may also get to see some of the gorgeous art installations that often pop up here!

Intuit, Chicago

Intuit:The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, is amongst the few museums in the world completely dedicated to outsider art, making it an impressive tribute to self-taught creators of various kinds of media.

Step inside the unassuming exterior, and discover a small, yet vibrant collection of paintings, sculptures, and assorted unconventional artworks. A cross between whimsical and industrial, there's plenty to discover at this wonderful museum, with exhibits spread out spaciously for visitors to walk around at their own leisure.

Urban Kayaks, Lake Michigan, Chicago

If you're looking for something adventurous and active to enjoy during your time in Chicago, then why not hop in a kayak? With Urban Kayaking, you can enjoy tours sailing down the river, or cruise the lakefront with your tour guide, circling Museum Campus (featuring the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium and Soldier Field).

If you're looking for a truly unique experience, why not enjoy a night tour along the river, where you can enjoy views of the glowing Merchandise Mart, covered in dancing, digital art displays, which are projected onto the building.