Girls Trip end of January

Question

Hello! We have a girls trip, 3 day weekend planed in Chicago the end of January.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

1) Is the Sable Hilton Hotel at Navy Pier too far to walk to bars/restaurants in the cold?

2) Looking for sushi, Vietnamese and Indian restaurants recommendations

3) Must see shows

4) Must see museums

5) Recommended Wine bars

6) Any bars with Live music?

7) any Must do winter activities in or near the city?

Answer

Sounds like you’ve got a fun girls' weekend ahead! Chicago is full of great things to see and do, even in the cold winter months. Here’s a breakdown of your questions to help you make the most of your trip:

1) Is the Sable Hilton Hotel at Navy Pier too far to walk to bars/restaurants in the cold? The Sable Hilton Hotel is located at Navy Pier, which is a bit on the edge of downtown Chicago, but not terribly far from some popular areas. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk to the River North area (which is full of bars and restaurants), and about 20-25 minutes to the Magnificent Mile. However, in January, the weather can be pretty cold and windy, so it may not be the most pleasant to walk. You can always use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, which is very convenient in the city and will get you to the best areas without having to deal with the cold for too long. Also, taxis and public transit options (like the CTA buses or the red line) are easy and relatively inexpensive.

2) Looking for sushi, Vietnamese, and Indian restaurant recommendations: Chicago has great dining options in all three of these categories:

Sushi: Try Sushi-san (River North) for fresh sushi with a trendy vibe. If you’re looking for something more upscale, check out Kyoto Sushi (Lincoln Park) for an elegant experience.
Vietnamese: Tank Noodle (Lincoln Park) is a popular spot for pho and other Vietnamese specialties. Saigon Sisters in the West Loop is also a great option for flavorful dishes in a cozy, modern setting.
Indian: Indian Garden (River North) offers a great variety of classic Indian dishes, or you can head to Vermilion (River North) for a more contemporary Indian dining experience with creative twists on traditional flavors.

3) Must-see shows: Chicago has a great theater scene, and in late January you can catch some amazing shows:

“Hamilton” – If it’s still showing, it’s a must-see for a fun and energetic evening.
The Second City – If you’re in the mood for comedy, check out The Second City in Old Town for some hilarious improv and sketch comedy.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra – For a more classical experience, check the schedule for performances at the Chicago Symphony Center.

4) Must-see museums: You’ll definitely want to hit up some of Chicago's top museums:

The Art Institute of Chicago – A world-class museum with works by Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and much more.
The Field Museum – Perfect for science and history lovers. Be sure to see Sue, the famous T. rex skeleton.
The Museum of Science and Industry – One of the largest science museums in the world, with tons of interactive exhibits.
Shedd Aquarium – A beautiful place to see marine life up close, including dolphins, penguins, and more.

5) Recommended wine bars: Chicago has some cozy wine bars perfect for a girls’ night out:

Bin 36 (River North) – A wine bar with a great selection and a relaxed atmosphere, plus small bites to pair with your wine.
City Winery (West Loop) – An upscale spot offering wine tastings, wine-based cocktails, and live music.
Red & White Wine Bar (Lincoln Park) – A cozy, intimate setting with a fantastic wine list and small plates.

6) Bars with live music: Chicago has a great live music scene, and you can catch performances in various genres:

Buddy Guy’s Legends (South Loop) – A Chicago institution for live blues music, and it’s a fun spot to enjoy some of the best local talent.
The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge (Uptown) – An iconic jazz bar with a vintage feel and great cocktails.
Kingston Mines (Lincoln Park) – Another great blues venue with a lively, fun atmosphere.

7) Must-do winter activities in or near the city: There are plenty of ways to enjoy Chicago in winter, even with the cold:

Ice skating at Millennium Park – The rink is open from mid-November to mid-March, and skating here is a quintessential Chicago winter experience.
Winter Walks – If you’re bundled up, you can take in the beautiful architecture of the city, especially along Michigan Avenue or the Chicago Riverwalk.
Visit the Christkindlmarket – This European-style Christmas market is still open through the first week of January, perfect for some last-minute holiday fun.
Chicago’s Sleigh Ride – The horse-drawn carriage rides around the city’s parks are a fun, wintery way to explore.

With these recommendations, you’ll have an unforgettable girls' trip in Chicago! Enjoy the city and stay warm!