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$202 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
AU$202
8 Sept - 9 Sept
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 ...
8/10 Very good! (2,139 reviews)
"The room itself is was nice, besides finding 3 differnt strands of hair under the sheets. Makes me think what other things weren’t cleaned."

Reviewed on 2 Sept 2026

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$472 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$472
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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. ...
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$243 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$243
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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
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! (17 reviews)
"Great communication from the host. The house is in a great spot near the beach. It was a great weekend."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2026

Gilded Age Gold Coast Mansion with Parking, Deck, Fireplaces
Luxury Designer Penthouse|Private Deck|Gold Coast

Luxury Designer Penthouse|Private Deck|Gold Coast

Chicago IL
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Chicago. Enjoy laundry facilities, balconies and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Michigan Avenue and Chicago ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
"A couple things to note:The Good:Great locationAwesome rooftopQuiet buildingComfortable sitting areasOther things to know:Only one building key, which is annoying for a group that might split up during the day.VERY steep stairs. Makes loading in groceries or heavier items very hard. No elevator. ..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2026

Luxury Designer Penthouse|Private Deck|Gold Coast
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 ...
Studio flat in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast
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 Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

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.

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.

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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