When you think of the great city of Chicago, deep-dish pizza, well-known architecture, and baseball might come to mind, but nestled within the bustling metropolis are some of the country’s best self-care spots. Whether you’re visiting Chicago on a business trip to watch the Bulls play, the city offers plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge. In a city that’s filled with plenty to do, here are the self-care spots that can leave you feeling refreshed and ready to discover more of the Windy City has to offer.

AIRE Ancient baths

Hands down the most relaxing experience in the city is the sprawling and fairly-new spa AIRE Ancient Baths, located in River West. Built from a restored warehouse, walking into AIRE feels as if you’ve been transported back in time to Ancient Roman baths lit by candlelight. The spa offers thermal baths, ranging from sweltering hot to cold enough for an awakening plunge. A large saltwater float pool allows enough privacy to carry on a quiet conversation or relax in total silence, depending on your mood. A serene atmosphere, this spa has thought of everything. From offering a dryer service for your swimsuit to offering luxurious robes to hair tools, the entire experience of AIRE—from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave—feels curated and immersive, making it a great spot to escape the chaos of the city for a couple hours.

Ruby Room’s healing spa and shop

Located in Chicago’s historic Wicker Park neighborhood, Ruby Room is a spa that goes beyond traditional massages or skin services. Although the spa does offer those, Ruby Room is more known for their less common offerings, including energy healings that can range from tarot readings to astral body energy healing. Unsure about these experiences? The spa’s alchemists can help you determine which healing is right for you. The spa’s shop also offers elixirs you can take home with you to continue the experience. Besides functioning as an energy healing spa, Ruby Room also offers nightly rentals in their relaxing and cozy AirBNB rooms. If energy healing isn’t your thing, don’t fret. The spa also offers traditional massages, facials, and waxing services.

Studio three

An essential part of self-care is taking care of your body physically. Studio Three, located in the River North neighborhood, offers a myriad of movement options, assuring that if you’re here to work on your fitness, you’ll never be bored. A hub that offers cycling, training, yoga, and meditation, this studio offers the best kind of self-care, an opportunity to sweat. If difficult workouts aren’t your favorite way to release endorphins, the studio also offers more relaxing options, including a candlelit yoga class with breathwork.

The Chicago Botanic Garden

Located just outside the city, the Chicago Botanic Garden offers a change to walk, explore, and feel the sun on your face. Spanning to nearly 400 acres, this sprawling garden features a scenic collection of gardens and relaxing outdoor spots, ideal for quiet walks or close conversations with friends. A peaceful place to meditate in silence, read a book, or digitally disconnect, the garden is an ideal space for sereneness located just outside the skyscrapers and bustling streets of an always-busy Chicago. Check the calendar on the website beforehand for a list of events, as the garden offers everything from yoga to tai-chi classes, depending on the time of year.

Lou Malnati's

For some, self-care looks less like a day at the spa receiving a healing massage but for others, self-care can look more like a wild night out at an iconic restaurant. For those who garner the most pleasure from delicious food, the famous pizza joint Lou Malnati's—known for their deep dish pizza—has got you covered. The restaurant, which is located all over the city, has been a city staple since the 1970s. Whether you spent your day alternating fitness classes, taking dips in Roman baths, or taking reflective walks around the living museum that is the botanic gardens, there’s no better spot to end your day than with great pizza in a can’t-get-more-Chicagoan spot.