Gold Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A tree-lined urban street with historic brownstone buildings and black wrought iron fences.
A residential building with a stone facade, a metal staircase with potted plants, and a sidewalk with a stop sign.
A brick building with a flagpole displaying the American flag.
A building with a large arched entrance, decorative columns, and two lit wall sconces.
A garden with a potted plant of red and white flowers in the foreground, a well-manicured hedge, and a building entrance in the background.

Chicago has a Gold Coast, too, but it’s for shoppers, not surfers!

The Gold Coast part of Chicago is just north of the CBD and, true to its name, the neighbourhood is pretty swanky. You’ll love gazing at the mansion-lined streets and, if you’re a shop-a-holic, you’ll find your happy here. In addition to famous high-end retailers, there are upscale boutiques with clothes that you’ll likely not find back home. It’s not all fancy homes and shopping in the Gold Coast, though. There’s heaps of high-end restaurants and pubs all along Rush Street, so stick around after the shops close.


Stay near popular Gold Coast attractions

Activities


Our pick of the best Gold Coast Hotel Deals

The Chicago Hotel Collection Ambassador Gold Coast

The Chicago Hotel Collection Ambassador Gold Coast

4 out of 5
1301 N State Pkwy Chicago IL
The price is AU$330 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
AU$330
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
The Chicago Hotel Collection Ambassador Gold Coast
Thompson Chicago, by Hyatt

Thompson Chicago, by Hyatt

4.5 out of 5
21 East Bellevue Chicago IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$490 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$490
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,378 reviews)
"Hotel needs refresh, also lots of maintenance noise makers in super early am and late pm. Front desk not responsive to needs of guests."

Reviewed on 17 July 2026

Thompson Chicago, by Hyatt
Claridge House Chicago, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Claridge House Chicago, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
1244 N Dearborn Parkway Chicago IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$285 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$285
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
Claridge House Chicago, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Studio flat in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast

Studio flat in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast

Chicago IL
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Chicago. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Michigan ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
"Perfect location. Was in town for work and was able to walk to the archive, and afterwards walk to dinner or even the beach and relax. Will be sure to come back here next time I’m in Chicago."

Reviewed on 10 June 2026

Studio flat in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast
Historic and Unique Brownstone in Gold Coast - 3

Historic and Unique Brownstone in Gold Coast - 3

Chicago IL
Stay at this apartment in Chicago. Enjoy an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Michigan Avenue and Chicago Riverwalk are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (27 reviews)
"Fantastic stay! Location was fantastic, especially for first time visitors. We easily walked the millennium mile, checked out concrete beach and took the bus to the museums. The place was clean and easy to get inside!"

Reviewed on 1 July 2026

Historic and Unique Brownstone in Gold Coast - 3
Gilded Age Gold Coast Mansion with Parking, Deck, Fireplaces

Gilded Age Gold Coast Mansion with Parking, Deck, Fireplaces

Chicago IL
Stay at this holiday home in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Michigan Avenue and Chicago Riverwalk are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Had a great trip to Chicago! House was in a perfect location and everyone had their own bed which was great! Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 5 July 2026

Gilded Age Gold Coast Mansion with Parking, Deck, Fireplaces
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Gold Coast

Find the best Gold Coast areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Gold Coast
Learn more about Gold Coast

Downtown Chicago

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

Magnificent Mile

Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.

The Loop

Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan are a few top attractions in The Loop. Hop around the city on the metro at Washington Station or Lake Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

River North

Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

Lincoln Park

Known for its ample dining options and fantastic lake views, there's plenty to explore in Lincoln Park. You can visit top attractions like Lake Michigan and Lincoln Hall, and jump on the metro at Fullerton Station or Armitage Station to see more of the city.



Gold Coast Travel Guide

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