Things To Do
in Rosemont
Rosemont, Illinois is a compact, business-and-entertainment oriented suburb just west of Chicago and adjacent to O'Hare International Airport. It’s known for convention and entertainment venues like the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Allstate Arena, Rivers Casino and the Fashion Outlets of Chicago. The village serves as a convenient hub for travelers and convention-goers, with a concentration of hotels, restaurants and event spaces within a short walking distance.
Though small, Rosemont functions as a lively gateway to Chicago’s attractions and the wider Cook County suburbs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café before venturing to nearby parks. Explore the expansive architectural beauty of the airport, which offers intriguing art installations and exhibits. Capture captivating photographs and familiarize yourself with the atmosphere that welcomes millions of travelers each year.
Visit the Rosemont Theatre for an afternoon matinee or attend a special event if available. Ample shopping can also be done at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, where you can find luxury brands at discounted prices. Don’t forget to grab lunch at one of the vibrant eateries in the outlet.
In the evening, head to a live performance or concert at the Rosemont Theatre, experiencing the local art and music scene. Dine at a nearby restaurant offering various cuisines, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. As night falls, consider a stroll around the Rosemont Park, which often hosts events or is beautifully lit for evening walks.
Start with a visit to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, where you can often find unique art shows or local craft fairs. Immerse yourself in the culture by participating in any workshops or community sessions that may be happening. Grab a local pastry and coffee at a favorite neighborhood spot to fuel your morning.
Head over to the Rosemont Village Hall to learn more about the local government and community efforts. Visit the nearby Parkway Bank Park Theatre for a tour or check their schedule for upcoming films. Enjoy lunch at a nearby diner, famous for its hearty American comfort food.
In the evening, make your way to the park for a family-friendly outdoor movie night that showcases family favorites. Combine the experience with a picnic dinner from a local delicatessen. Complete the night by visiting a local ice cream shop for a sweet treat under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-20 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚇Public transit one-way fare (CTA / Pace) | $2.50 |
| 🚕Taxi / Rideshare short trip | $15-35 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Extremely convenient location next to O'Hare International Airport
- Concentrated cluster of hotels, restaurants, entertainment and convention venues
- Good base for short trips into Chicago while avoiding downtown accommodation costs
- Well-served by public transit (CTA Blue Line) and major highways
- Can be busy and noisy during large conventions and events
- Limited authentic neighborhood charm compared with Chicago neighborhoods
- Some attractions and dining options require a short trip into Chicago for more variety
- Traffic near the airport and on interstates can be congested at peak times
Places to Visit in Rosemont
Visit one of these nice places.
A landscaped entertainment district with public art, piazza-style spaces and event lighting—good for evening shots and capturing local life.
Striking architecture and nighttime neon provide atmospheric urban photography opportunities; interior shots need permission in some areas.
Modern retail architecture, glass facades and crowds that show the energy of the village; good for candid street and architectural photography.
Iconic signage, arena façades and event crowds make for dynamic photos, especially during concerts or sports events.
Close-by forest preserve with trails, boardwalks and water views—excellent for nature and seasonal landscape photography.
Food in Rosemont
Rosemont Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty, cheese-and-sauce-forward pie available at many nearby pizzerias and casual restaurants; head into Chicago or to local chains for classic deep-dish experiences.
Must-Try!
Thin-sliced roast beef served on an Italian roll, often with giardiniera; available at classic sandwich shops and local delis around the suburb and in Chicago.
An all-beef hot dog with mustard, onion, relish, tomato, pickle, sport peppers and celery salt—no ketchup—found in local stands and nearby Chicago vendors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The outlet mall has a variety of fast-casual kiosks and sit-down restaurants—good for quick bites and people-watching during shopping breaks.
Short transit ride into Chicago opens options like food halls and public markets where you can sample diverse street food, ethnic eats and local vendors (ideal if you have extra time).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals tend to be friendly and courteous—small talk, holding doors, and saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ are appreciated.
Stand in line for services and respect personal space; cutting in line or aggressive behavior is frowned upon.
If attending conventions, be punctual, exchange business cards professionally and follow up after meetings; business dress can range from business casual to formal depending on the event.
Safety
Tipping in Rosemont
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in the U.S.: restaurants typically expect 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for sit-down service, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for hotel porters/valet, and 10–15% for taxi or rideshare if service is good. Always check bills for automatic gratuities for larger parties.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay) is common. Carrying some cash is useful for small vendors, tips, or places that charge a fee for cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Temperatures moderate and parks bloom—expect variable weather with occasional chilly days early in the season; good time for outdoor photography and lighter crowds at venues.
Warm to hot and often humid afternoons, with busy event and convention schedules; ideal for outdoor patios and nightlife, but bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
Crisp temperatures and attractive fall foliage in nearby forest preserves make this a pleasant time to visit; conventions taper off and hotel rates can be favorable outside peak event dates.
Cold and snowy conditions are common—dress in layers and prepare for icy sidewalks; holiday lighting and indoor entertainment (shows, casino) make it lively despite shorter days.
Rosemont at Night
Hiking in Rosemont
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular forest preserve with miles of trails, boardwalks over wetlands, lakes for paddling and abundant birdlife—ideal for hiking, trail running and nature photography.
Numerous preserves across the suburbs offer trails, picnic areas and seasonal programs; good for day hikes and exploring Midwestern woodlands.
A lengthy paved trail along Lake Michigan providing scenic walking and cycling opportunities with skyline and lake views—accessible by Blue Line into Chicago.
Airports
How to reach Rosemont by plane.
Located adjacent to Rosemont (minutes away), ORD is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. with extensive domestic and international flights; easy access by car, taxi, rideshare and the CTA Blue Line.
Smaller than O'Hare and located southwest of downtown Chicago; a longer trip from Rosemont (30–60 minutes depending on traffic) but an alternative for some domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large percentage of daily visitors are business travelers, convention attendees and tourists using Rosemont as a hub or stopover near O'Hare.
Year-round residents include suburban families and long-term workers in the hospitality and service industries who support the village’s commerce.
Given the concentration of hotels, restaurants and venues, many residents and nearby workers are employed in hospitality, retail and transportation sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice hockey is popular in the Chicago region (NHL’s Blackhawks) and local rinks and youth programs are common in the suburbs.
The NFL’s Chicago Bears draw regional attention; local high school and youth football are active in suburban communities.
Basketball is widely played and followed (NBA’s Chicago Bulls) with many local indoor facilities and leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rosemont.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most mainstream restaurants and chains offer vegetarian options (salads, pastas, vegetable-forward mains). For more variety, travel into Chicago where plant-based and vegetarian restaurants are abundant.
Vegan options are available but can be limited in smaller suburban restaurants—check menus online or call ahead; nearby Chicago neighborhoods have dedicated vegan eateries.
Many restaurants provide gluten-free menus or substitutes for pasta and breads; be explicit about cross-contamination if you have celiac disease and consider larger restaurants or chains that are familiar with such requests.