Whether you're visiting the Windy City for a couple of days or you've lived in Chicago your entire life, you don’t want to miss out on one of the city's most exciting neighborhoods—the Gold Coast! Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Gold Coast is one of the most affluent areas in the city, featuring gorgeous stately homes and legendary restaurants. If you're looking for the best things to do in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, you've come to the right place. Still not convinced? Here are a few reasons to head over to this iconic neighborhood and begin exploring today!
Source: Chicago Food & City Tours
You can't think about Chicago without dreaming of Lou Malnati's world-famous deep-dish pizza. With its buttery crust, layers of gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce on top, Lou Malnati's is considered one of the best bakers of this iconic dish.
Lou Malnati helped develop this cheesy delicacy in the 1940s before opening his own restaurant in the early 1970s. For more than 50 years, the recipe for the buttery crust has remained a family secret. Arrive hungry and expect to undo the top button on your jeans!
Pro Tip: You can experience Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza firsthand on our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour!
Source: Loyola Phoenix
Located right on the Magnificent Mile, the Old Chicago Water Tower is a stunning and historic Gold Coast sight. Constructed in 1869, it is famous for being one of the few public structures to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Today, it houses the City Gallery, which showcases the work of local artists. The adjacent Pumping Station is home to the Lookingglass Theatre Company, an ensemble-based theater that continues to produce world-class, transformative performances. Exploring this architectural marvel is one of the essential things to do in the Gold Coast neighborhood in Chicago.
Source: Omni Hotels
Bring your credit card and comfortable walking shoes for a day of the finest shopping in the world. Some of the first-class flagship stores along the Magnificent Mile include:
Chanel
Burberry
Louis Vuitton
Tiffany & Co.
American Girl Place
In addition to shopping, this area features some of the best Gold Coast hotels and historic architecture for you to discover.
There isn't a better way to get a feel for a neighborhood than stopping by its most popular restaurants. Our Iconic Foods of Chicago Food Tour acquaints you with the best signature dishes that Gold Coast, Streeterville, and River North have to offer over the course of three hours.
Don't worry about standing in long lines! This tour gives you VIP access to the greatest deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Italian beef in town. It’s the perfect way to combine sightseeing with a full meal’s worth of local flavors.
Get lost in a book and enjoy some quiet time at the Newberry Library. Historical and world-renowned, this independent research library has an extensive collection that researchers and academics have flocked to since 1887. The library is free to the public and sits inside a gorgeous Romanesque building. It's a must-see for history buffs exploring the neighborhood.
Source: Chicago Park District
If the weather is nice, grab some takeout from a nearby Gold Coast restaurant and enjoy an impromptu picnic in Washington Square Park. Known locally as "Bughouse Square," this park was founded in 1842 and features a lovely Victorian fountain. It provides a quiet, leafy respite from the bustling crowds on Michigan Avenue.
Source: Enjoy Illinois
900 North Michigan Shops offers upscale shopping under one roof, including Bloomingdale’s and Gucci. In case you need a break, you can visit Aster Hall on the fifth and sixth levels, a high-end food hall where you can grab everything from artisan burgers to small-batch coffee.
Step back in time to America's Gilded Age at the Richard H. Driehaus Museum. This museum is housed in the restored Samuel M. Nickerson Mansion, known as the "Marble Palace." You can take a tour to see the opulent furnishings and incredible stained glass by Louis Comfort Tiffany. It is easily one of the most beautiful things to do in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood.
Source: American Girl
If you’re traveling with a fan of American Girl dolls, this Gold Coast shop and cafe is a necessity. You can pick up a new friend or treat your child to an afternoon tea in the cafe where the dolls even get their own seat at the table!
Located where Rush Street, Bellevue Place, and State Street meet, this sub-neighborhood is famous for its lively nightlife and upscale people-watching. While it earned its nickname due to the wealthy gentlemen who frequent the area, it is now home to some of the city's most beloved dining institutions.
A Gold Coast legend has returned! The original location closed its doors in 2022, but the iconic Tavern on Rush has reopened just steps away inside the Thompson Chicago hotel. It remains a prime destination for upscale dining and seeing and being seen in the heart of the neighborhood.
Take a tour of one of the first homes designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright (working under Louis Sullivan). This 11-room Charnley-Persky House was a radical departure from the Victorian styles of the time. It now serves as the headquarters of the Society of Architectural Historians and offers public tours.
Source: The International Museum of Surgical Science
For a more unique stop, visit the International Museum of Surgical Science housed in a 1917 mansion. It showcases life-size statues of prominent physicians and a fascinating collection of historical surgical equipment. It’s one of the more off-the-beaten-path things to do in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood.
Source: Oak Street Beach Wikipedia
Cool down in the waters of Lake Michigan and rest your feet on the sand. Stretching along the shore, Oak Street Beach provides incredible views of the Chicago skyline. You can rent bikes or lawn chairs, or simply enjoy a drink at the beachside café during the summer months.
An upscale Vietnamese institution beloved for over 20 years, Le Colonial offers a 1920s-inspired Southeast Asian menu. Their all-season balcony is a perfect spot to watch the shoppers on Oak Street while you dine on signature dishes like Bo Lu Lac.
Source: Somerset
Located at the Viceroy Chicago, Somerset pays homage to American country club culture with swanky interiors and seasonal American cuisine. It’s a stylish spot for a classic cocktail and refined but approachable menu options.
Source: Gibson's
Gibson's has been a Chicago mainstay since 1989. Housed in the space once occupied by the famous Mr. Kelly’s nightclub, it remains a premier dining destination for celebrities and locals alike. If you want the quintessential Gold Coast steakhouse experience, this is it.
Source: The Magnificent Mile
The 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck remains the best place for panoramic views. For a thrill, try "TILT," which leans you out over the city from the 94th floor. It’s the perfect exclamation point to your Gold Coast adventure.
If you want to truly immerse yourself in the flavors of Chicago, check out our tour calendar to see available dates.
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