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Discover the Best of Downtown Chicago

The Gwen is a launchpad for all of Chicago’s most iconic sights and experiences, plus an abundance of hidden gems and lesser-known spots for those who like to explore like a local. A stay at The Gwen makes spontaneity possible, with the best of the city just steps away. Explore local attractions for every type of traveler and trip — from sports fanatics to art aficionados and beyond.

The Gwen Hotel

A Spirited Affair: A Private Pour Series

Experience A Spirited Affair—a refined series of spirits, wines, and curated bites.
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Tipsy Tea Party

Every Saturday is a celebration with live DJ tunes, tea towers, and endless teas.
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The Gwen Hotel

Her Story Told Through Art by Angela Costner

Experience Angela Costner’s "The Chapters We Don’t Speak About" art exhibit.
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Sip & Script

Enjoy a crafty night out with a modern calligraphy class for beginners.
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Girl Dinner

Girl Dinner is served—cocktails, charcuterie and sweets at Upstairs at The Gwen.
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Pre-Ordered Amenities

At The Gwen, it’s all about you with personalized à la carte amenities.
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Weekend Brunch

The best of breakfast made sleep-in friendly.
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Moët & Chandon

Indulge in a #MoëtMoment at The Gwen’s iconic champagne vending machine.
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The Magnificent Mile

Eats, boutiques, and architecture—the Mag Mile is both cosmopolitan and historic.
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The Shops at North Bridge

The Gwen offers enclosed access to The Shops at North Bridge — six chic blocks of upscale shopping and dining.
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Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

Step onto The Ledge of the third-largest building in the Western Hemisphere for 360-degree views.
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Millennium Park

Home to iconic landmarks like The Bean, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and Crown Fountain.
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Navy Pier

Pier Park features the quintessential Navy Pier Ferris Wheel and so much more.
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Lake Michigan

Unwind at lakeside beaches or cruise along the city’s 18.5-mile pathway, Lakefront Trail.
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Field Museum & Shedd Aquarium

Immersive, science-focused learning and exploration for the young and young at heart. Meet the animals of the world’s oceans, lakes, rivers, and reefs—all in the heart of Chicago.
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Chicago Theatre District

Experience the very best of Broadway in Chicago through five distinctive venues.
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Top Chicago Attractions

Sky-high attractions, two dozen beaches, a vibrant theatre district, and more.
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Art Institute of Chicago

Discover one of the country’s largest and world’s most respected museums.
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Chicago Sports

Five elite teams. Famous championship traditions. Fiercely loyal fanbases.
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Chicago Attractions

The Gwen is a launchpad for all of Chicagoʻs most iconic sights and experiences, plus an abundance of hidden gems and lesser-known spots for those who prefer to explore like a local. Start planning your visit by category using our interactive city map.

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adler-planeturium
Adler Planeturium
Interactive exhibits & high-tech sky shows entertain stargazers, lakefront views are a bonus.
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buckingham-fountain
Buckingham Fountain
Among the world’s largest, Grant Park’s 3-level rococo fountain (1927) offers light & water shows.
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chicago-riverwalk
Chicago Riverwalk
Riverside pedestrian path featuring city views & dining, plus bridges, fishing piers & boat docks.
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chicago-theater
Chicago Theater
French Baroque-style 3,600-seat auditorium showcasing national musical & comedy acts since 1921.
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john-hancock-center-observation
John Hancock Center - Observation
Skyscraper observation deck offering panoramic city views from 1,000 feet up, plus food & drink.
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lincoln-park-zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo
Small, free zoo with lions, primates, reptiles, a children's area & an interactive farm exhibit.
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navy-pier
Navy Pier
Former Navy training center draws crowds with carnival rides, restaurants, shops & fireworks.
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shedd-aquarium
Shedd Aquarium
State-of-the-art indoor aquarium, famous for its variety of habitats & views of Lake Michigan.
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solder-field
Soldier Field
Lakeside home to the Chicago Bears, this 1924 open-air stadium received a modern upgrade in 2003.
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the-art-institute-of-chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago
Renowned art museum holding nearly 300,000 works from all over the world, spanning many centuries.
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1256
The Bean
Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean”, is one of Chicago’s most popular sights. The monumental work of art anchors the city’s downtown park, reflecting the city’s famous skyline and the surrounding green space.
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the-field-museum
The Field Museum
State-of-the-art museum of science & invention, with the world's largest Tyrannosaurus Rex.
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united-center
United Center
The U.S.' largest arena hosts over 200 events annually, from Bulls & Hawks games to musical acts.
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brindille
Brindille
French fine dining & a lengthy wine list in a sophisticated, modern setting with Parisian touches.
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clark-street-river-north
Clark Street - River North
Casual pub serving an extensive beer list, including microbrews, in a wood & exposed-brick space.
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fulton-market-west-loop
Fulton Market - West Loop
The former warehouse district of Fulton Market is now a hip corporate and entertainment area known for creative global and modern American restaurants around West Fulton Market Street.
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starbucks
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Starbuck's Chicago Roastery opened in November 2019 on the city's Magnificent Mile were they continue to expand the boundaries their craft with the world's largest Starbucks.
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steak-48
Steak 48
Stylish spot for prime meats, American fare & a full bar in a vast space with many seating areas.
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private-affairs
Private Affairs
The deliberately understated Private Affairs space
tipsy-tea
Tipsy Tea Party
Experience this boozy twist on traditional high tea.
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upstairs-at-the-gwen
Upstairs at The Gwen
Swanky, seasonal spot for cocktails & New American sharing plates on a terrace with skyline views.
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900-north-michigan-shops
900 North Michigan Shops
7 levels of luxury retailers, fashion boutiques & restaurants along Magnificent Mile.
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apple-store
Apple Store
Apple retail store selling iPhones, iPads & more in sleekly designed spaces.
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burberry
Burberry
Venerable British brand founded in 1856 known for its trench coats, cashmere scarves & iconic check.
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nike-store
Nike Store
Chain retailer selling a range of Nike athletic footwear, apparel & accessories.
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shops-at-northbridge
Shops at Northbridge
A mix of stores (clothing, jewelry, cosmetics) shares space with a food court & popular restaurants.
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water-tower-place
Water Tower Place
Shopping destination with glass elevator & over 100 retail stores, spas & restaurants.
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