Where our big city brides at?! Chicago may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of bachelorette parties, but the Windy City is a favorite destination of ours for celebrating a final fling. Whether you've visited Chicago or not, planning a bachelorette party in the big city can be an overwhelming task.
That's why we sat down with bachelorette party planners Anna and Jade from Girl About Town to get their expert tips on what makes Chicago a fantastic party destination, their top itinerary picks, and more. Bookmark this post and be sure to take notes - you're not going to want to miss these pointers, ladies! Let the Q&A begin...
S&H: In your opinion, what makes Chicago a great destination for a bachelorette party?
GAT: Chicago truly offers something for everyone in your bridal party with its mouth watering eats, trendy rooftop bars, inspiring architecture, and waterfront locale with plenty of beach and boating opportunities. The Windy City has recently been voted the new upcoming hotspot Bachelorette destination!
S&H: What neighborhood is your favorite for a bachelorette group to stay?
GAT: Our favorites are West Loop, River North, and along the Magnificent Mile - right in the hustle and bustle of the city with tons of restaurants, bars, and local activities. If you want a more neighborhood feel, Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Wrigleyville are so fun as well!
S&H: Tell us your top three activities for a bach weekend in Chicago… and yes, you can only pick 3!
GAT: It’s so tough to only pick 3! For sure rent a Tiki Boat, BYOB and cruise around the Chicago river, take photos at The Bean and Millennium Park, and you can’t go wrong with dueling pianos at Howl at the Moon! If you visit in the summer months, a beach day is always a hit.
S&H: If you were celebrating your own bachelorette party in Chicago, what restaurants and bars would you pick to go to?
GAT: Homeslice Pizza + Patio, Happy Camper, 3 Dots and a Dash, Cindy’s Rooftop, City Winery, Summerhouse, The Hampton Social, The VIG, Joy District, Parlor Pizza, Aba for a nice dinner
S&H: Tell it to us straight. How much do girls really need to budget for a Chicago bach weekend?
GAT: Anywhere $400-$1,400
S&H: Give us some insider scoop - what’s something fun to do or check out that only a local would know about?
GAT: For Pizza - make a reservation to go to Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company for unbelievable “pot pie” style deep dish pizza, check out Homeslice Pizza + Patio for tasty drinks and fun atmosphere, or Gino’s East. To soak in the sun, rent a boat and go to The PlayPen, or hangout at North Avenue Beach. For the best rooftops, go to Cindy’s, or Roof on theWit. Chicago also has an insane sports scene! We have 2 baseball teams and both the Cubs and Sox stadiums are a blast for a group outing during the season.
S&H: What would you say is the #1 misconception about Chicago as a bachelorette destination?
GAT: That we do not have any outside activities. False! Although we have cold winters, there are so many outdoor activities for spring through fall. Our summers are beautiful and a perfect place to ride your bike along the lake, hang on the beach, go boating, dine on rooftops, and more! There is also so much indoor fun like bar crawls, shopping and more if you do decide to visit when it is a bit chilly!
S&H: Complete this sentence: Chicago is the perfect bachelorette party destination for brides who…
GAT: Like good food and hidden gems!
There you have it! Some top tips from the party planning experts at Girl About Town. Now that you have the inside scoop from the locals, be sure to also visit our Chicago Bachelorette Party Guide for more itinerary ideas and browse our party shop for cute and classy bachelorette party decor and accessories the bride will love.
Girl About Town is your go-to bachelorette and party concierge company! Their speciality is helping out-of-town groups find the perfect spot for the perfect spot for their travels, then making it feel just like home by filling the fridge for their arrival, planning itineraries, vacation rental decorating, brunch reservations, and all the details.