The Complete Chicago Bachelorette Party Guide

Also known as The Windy City, Chicago is a popular bachelorette party destination. It offers all the excitement of a big city with Midwestern charm, giving you plenty of activities to choose from for your Chicago bachelorette party. It's situated right on scenic Lake Michigan, which means you can even hit the beach (weather permitting, of course). Because of its wide variety of activities, you and your crew will have plenty to do (and plenty to Instagram too). Ready to get planning? We've rounded up the top Chicago bachelorette party ideas, so you can organize the best bach bash ever.

Chicago Bachelorette Party Planning in this Article:

• Chicago Bachelorette Party Ideas
• Chicago Bachelorette Party Activities & Itinerary
• Places to Stay in Chicago for a Bachelorette Party
• Chicago Bachelorette Party Nightlife
• Expert Chicago Travel Tips

Chicago Bachelorette Party Ideas

There are so many different things to do in Chicago, which means there's something that will make everyone happy. Check out the food scene, jump on a boat, bar hop around the city, take in the art scene or enjoy a sports competition. Whatever you choose will be a blast.

For the Water Lovers

Since Chicago is located on Lake Michigan, there are two different beaches your crew can enjoy: North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach. Both are filled with ample sandy space, volleyball courts and nearby snack shacks. If you're searching for a more private activity, take to the Chicago river. Book seats on the famous architecture tour or rent your own electric boat. Looking for a boating party scene? Drive your boat over to Playpen, a breakwall-protected area on Lake Michigan that boasts impressive views of the surrounding skyline.

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For the Foodies

Deep dish pizza, hot dogs and Italian beef are just some of the foods Chicago is known for. Grab a slice, pick up some famous popcorn, buy a dozen old-fashioned doughnuts or try out some world-class barbecue. Plan a tour and check out all the amazing restaurants and food stands in the city with your crew for an unforgettable, food-filled weekend.

For the Bar Hoppers

Chicago is a major city, with a party scene that's equally as major. There are a variety of bars scattered throughout the city (all of which are easily accessible by the L, the above-ground train system). Choose from game-themed bars (think: darts, ping pong, arcade games and more), bars with live music (country, blues and alternative just to name a few), sports bars (grab a pitcher of margaritas or a beer tower) or rooftop bars. Looking for something more interactive? Consider a brewery tour, a trolley bar crawl or craft cocktail spots.

For the Art Enthusiasts

If your crew (or guest of honor) is on the artsy side, there's plenty to check out in the Windy City. Take a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest museums in the United States. There's also the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago or the WNDR museum if you're looking for a modern aesthetic. Beyond museums, Chicago offers a wealth of different arts. Enjoy the Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, or The House of Blues. If you're looking for outdoor activities, consider taking a mural tour of Chicago. It's a fun way to see the city's art scene and score the perfect Insta.

For the Sports Fans

Whether your friend loves football, baseball, basketball, hockey or soccer, there's a sporting event in Chicago she'll absolutely love. Book tickets and rally your crew for a game. Don't forget to pick up matching apparel to commemorate the experience.

Chicago Bachelorette Party Activities & Itinerary

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With all of the activities available, how do you decide what to do for your Chicago bachelorette party? We've narrowed all the options into a fun-filled three-day itinerary for the ultimate Chicago bachelorette party.

Day 1

Morning: Check into your hotel or rental space and fuel up with breakfast at Batter and Berries. This Lincoln Park hotspot tends to be busy, so expect a wait. Pick up some beverages for your crew (the restaurant is BYOB) to pass the time and enjoy dishes like the French toast flight (complete with strawberry, blueberry, lemon and caramel french toast) or the cluck-n-gaufre, a sweet potato waffle stuffed and topped with fried chicken and hot sauce. From there, hop on the train up to Wrigleyville.

Afternoon: Spend the day enjoying Wrigleyville, aka the location of Wrigley Field (home to the famed Chicago Cubs). If it's baseball season, get your crew tickets to see the team play and enjoy an afternoon in the sun. If the team isn't playing, enjoy the local sporty scene by bar hopping (check out Old Crow Smokehouse, Big Star and Sluggers) and picking up a famous Chicago-style hot dog.

Evening: Have dinner at Au Cheval, a famous upscale burger joint (psst: expect a wait). Put your name in early and check out Punch Bowl Social (a bar full of games and shareable drinks) in the meantime. Finish off the meal with scoops from Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. If you want to go out, consider getting craft cocktails at The Aviary (there's also a speakeasy bar down the stairs called The Office). Feel like clubbing? Check out DISCO or Tao (both located in River North) or PRYSM Nightclub (situated in Lincoln Park).

Day 2

Morning: Begin with brunch at Hampton Social in Streeterville. The lush greenery, string lights and neon "rosé all day" sign make for the perfect squad Insta. Don't miss their signature frosé or their hash browns (it's their own special recipe). Walk down the Magnificent Mile for some sightseeing and shopping.

Afternoon: Spend the day soaking up the sun. Rent an electric boat (it's cheaper than it sounds, BYOB and just like driving a golf cart) and cruise around the Chicago river. Head over to the Playpen, an enclave off of Oak Street Beach for boaters, for the ultimate party scene and photo opp. Walk over to Navy Pier and ride the iconic ferris wheel.

Evening: Get ready for your second night out on the town. Have sunset cocktails on the rooftop at Cindy's and then head to Bar Siena for dinner (don't forget to take a picture in front of their twinkly lights). Afterward, grab drinks at Three Dots and a Dash, a speakeasy Tiki bar in River North. Continue on to Joy District for late-night dancing.

Day 3

Morning: Sit down for brunch at the Restoration Hardware 3 Arts Cafe for your Chicago bachelorette party. There's always a wait, so grab a glass of bubbly from the back bar and browse their five floors of gorgeous interior design.

Afternoon: Take time to tour around the city. Head downtown towards the river and stroll along the riverwalk. Continue to Millennium Park, where you'll find the iconic bean (perfect for a group selfie, FYI). Keep exploring the park or pop into the Art Institute of Chicago to see out the extensive collection of artwork. Check out the fun restaurants in the area, like the Nutella Cafe, Garrett Popcorn, Broken English Taco Pub or Velvet Taco.

Evening: Catch an improv show at The Second City, the company where comedians like Tina Fey, Steve Carell and Amy Poehler got their start. Don't arrive hungry—grab some pizza at Happy Camper in Old Town before the show. The string lights and swinging benches make for the perfect 'gram. If you still have energy and are looking for a more club-like vibe, make your way to The VIG.

Chicago Bachelorette Scavenger Hunt

Looking to make your escapades even more fun? Turn your weekend itinerary into a Chicago scavenger hunt. Distribute a list of activities with points awarded for each completed task and ask participants to provide proof with pictures. Download an editable template to customize the list and include Chicago attractions and sights. Don't forget to give the winner a prize such as a Chicago souvenir or t-shirt.

Places to Stay in Chicago for a Bachelorette Party

Marriott Marquis Chicago

We've rounded up some great places to stay while you party in the Windy City.

Best Chicago Hotels for Bachelorette Parties

Marriott Marquis Chicago: A stunning high-rise in the South Loop neighborhood with modern, spacious rooms and views of Lake Michigan or the city's iconic skyline.

LondonHouse Chicago: A posh 1920s building right on the river offering a spa, a bar, a rooftop (which is a popular nightspot) and a restaurant with amazing water views.

The Drake: One of Chicago's most historic hotels located in Gold Coast offering sweeping lake views, a gym and three restaurants. Check out the stunning Palm Court for high tea and delicious snacks.

Ritz Carlton Chicago: Looking for luxury? This hotel has lake views, a brasserie, a rooftop bar and a day spa.

Pro tip: The Knot has partnered with Hotel Planner to help you secure the best group hotel rate and get free hotel advice from an expert travel planner.

Best Chicago Bachelorette Party Vacation Rentals

There are plenty of housing options for a Chicago bachelorette party, so check out the best vacation rental sites like Vrbo and Airbnb. Pro tip: If you're looking to supplement your vacation rental stay with some hotel amenities such as a swimming pool or a fitness facility, you can secure Chicago hotel day passes on ResortPass. Here are a few of our favorite vacation rentals for a Chicago bach party.

Tropical Penthouse in Wicker Park / Vrbo

Aloha-Themed Tropical Penthouse (Wicker Park): With enough space to sleep up to 14 guests, this Chicago Vrbo is great for large bachelorette groups looking to celebrate in the city. It's within walking distance from plenty of trendy bars and restaurants, including Etta, Big Star, the Robey Rooftop and more. It averages around $600 per night, making it just $42 per night per person if you hit max capacity.

Downtown Giraffe Chandelier Loft (Downtown): This beautiful loft is stylish, bright and ideal for bachelorette groups of up to eight guests. Book well in advance as it's excellent for anyone looking for a budget-friendly stay. Just a few minutes away from the River Walk, Chicago nightlife and attractions like Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago, you'll be super close to the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city's downtown core.

Luxury House (Old Town): If you're looking for a luxurious Chicago VRBO to host your bachelorette getaway, then this five-bedroom, eight-bathroom home is the place for you. Located in the heart of Old Town, this space can sleep up to 12 guests for an average of $1,300 per night. It features a rooftop patio that is perfect for afternoon lounging or pre-party cocktails.

Stylish Four-Bedroom Mid-Century Home (Northwest Side): This ultra-stylish stay in the heart of Chicago's hip Avondale/Logan Square neighborhood will provide a great base for bachelorette parties of up to 15 guests. It boasts four bedrooms and three bathrooms, an open layout, a games room, a patio and a fire pit. It's a 20-minute drive to downtown, however, it's a great spot to decompress between exploring, dining and going out.

Chicago Bachelorette Party Nightlife

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The Windy City is walkable, filled with fantastic restaurants and bars where your group can enjoy a great meal and celebrate the brides send off into marriage. Here are some of our favorite places to eat and drink in Chicago.

Best Chicago Bachelorette Restaurants

BomboBar: There are a few BomboBars in Chicago near the West Loop,m and Old Town. Especially after a night out, grabbing one of their bombo bombs (their version of a donut) tastes amazing. You can squeeze a tube of extra filling like chocolate or salted caramel right into the donut to take it to the next level. Read Reviews

Deep Dish Pizza: When you're visiting Chicago, you have to try Chicago deep dish pizza. It's a must! Some of the heavy hitters are Lou Malnati's or Giordano's, although many locals will encourage you to try Pequod's Pizza, too.

Green Street Smoked Meats: For some tender, smoky barbecue in an industrial ambience, follow the smell of the smoker to Green Street Meats. You can get delicious pastrami, ribs, pork belly, pulled pork, turkey breast, brisket, and all the fixings and sides. Read Reviews

Best Chicago Bachelorette Party Bars

Happy Camper: Happy Camper is known for their brunch and cocktails. Their Bloody Mary has an entire slice of pizza on top, and they do other great morning cocktails consisting of strong cold brew and topped with a donut. Drinks aside, the food is excellent, as well, and the environment is fun and full of energy. The bar has hanging tires swings surrounding the bar and there is a talented DJ playing music from an Airstream van inside the building. It's a vibe. Read Reviews

The Bassment: The Bassment is a great place to go to dance and enjoy live music. They have an incredible cocktail menu, with really fun options like the bathtub. The bathtub cocktail comes with a teeny tiny rubber duck in a bathtub glass filled with lemon foam on top of the cocktail to make it actually look like a little bubble bath. Read Reviews

The Milk Room: The Milk Room is a stylish place with a small bar focusing on spirits that are rare and aged. The bar only seats 8, but they're really interactive, creating cocktails with their vintage spirits. Read Reviews

Expert Chicago Travel Tips

From New York to Chicago there are plenty of airlines that fly there. You can take Frontier, American Airlines, Delta, and more. There are plenty of options coming from LA, as well. You can take Spirit, United, American, Delta, and more. Chicago has public transportation that's easy to use and a tram system that goes in and out of the city. When visiting Chicago, avoid the winter if you can because temperatures get frigid. Try for the summer and the fall.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.