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? about visiting Chicago
Hello Chicago Nesties! My DH and I will be heading to your city sometime over the summer. (Most likely August). I've never booked a vacation before, so I am a little apprehensive about it all. We'll be staying probably 3 nights, maybe more depending on when/where we stay. What hotel would you recommend? We don't want anything fancy, somewhere a little nicer than the Holiday Inn, but not the Trump Tower. We are going to fly in, as it will be cheaper than driving from Pittsburgh. So, would you suggest renting a car regardless, or wait until we choose a hotel? Would the Metra be sufficient? The only thing MH has requested we do is see a game at Wrigley Field and see the Sears Tower; is there anything else you suggest seeing? Anyplace you'd suggest we avoid? Any general advice/tips? I appreciate any suggestions...I've been to different cities before, but I've never done the booking/planning myself of anything overnight. Thanks!
Jim & Kristen ~ August 19, 2006
Re: ? about visiting Chicago
I wish I could help you with the hotel but I don't really know know much about them. I would go to hotels.com and put in the dates and see what you get. You'll want to stay in Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Mag Mile, Loop/DT area to be close to everything. You could look into www.vrbo.com and see if anyone has a condo for a reasonable that you could rent for a few nights.
Here is a calendar of events. Other things to do... check out the beach, walk/bike along the lake, take a boat tour, millenium park, eat outside, zoo, botanical gardens, go to a street fest, and so much more!
http://www.chicagotraveler.com/calendars/wc082008.htm
http://www.chicagotraveler.com/ general guide to the city
Personally... I would avoid Navy Pier.... to me it's really busy and boring unless you have a kid with you. If you stay in a location walking distance to the el, you won't need a car. I definately would not rent a car... it's annoying to drive here, parking is expensive at the hotel, and it's expensive/hard to find throughout a lot of the city.
Once you know your dates, I'd start looking into Cubs tickets. They can be hard to get and pricey. But you really can't beat the atmosphere and exerience!
Chicago is AMAZING in the summer time! Have a great vaca!
i always recommend people use Hotwire to book hotels... i find they consistently have good deals. and if its your first time here, i would think you'd want to stay on or near michigan ave/mag mile, streeterville, or around Wacker Drive. Those areas are within walking distance to everything, and also close to the Red line CTA train that can take you right to Wrigley for $2/person each way.
i also recommend the architectural river boat tours, run by the chicago architecture foundation. you can either buy tickets at Michigan and Wacker or you can buy ahead online at their website.
also... just a suggestion, i've been atop both the Hancock Tower and Sears Tower, and I think the views are best from the Hancock Observatory. The Sears is pretty much in the middle of the skyline, making it tough to get a good view of the city itself. The Hancock location is better if you want a good view of the skyline. Or, you can simply go for drinks at the Signature Lounge in the Hancock and get the views along with some yummy martinis. Not to mention, the area around the Sears tower is very quiet on the weekends, and not much is open, since its in the middle of the business area of downtown. just my 2 cents.
Because we're fancy like that.
Agree with PP about Hancock vs Sears Towers. Skip the restaurant at the Hancock and go for drinks instead - you can get better and cheaper food street level. Skip Navy Pier (unless you go for the fireworks on a Saturday night) unless you have a kid with you - there's NOTHING there except the ferris wheel. And don't get a car - like PP said it's expensive and parking is too much of a PITA. You can take the Blue Line L straight into the city from O'Hare, or the Orange Line from Midway, and of course cabs are abundant from both for around $35. Once you're in the city you'll have the L and plenty of busses to get around.
What kind of trips do you like to take? Do you like to stick to the main drag or get off the beaten path? If you get into the heart of some of the neighborhoods you'll find some great restaurants, bars, shops, etc that can't afford the Michigan Ave rent. Lincoln Park and Lakeview are nice, and Wicker Park is fun if you want something a little "edgier" (and your Starbucks too).
You can get Cubs tix outside of the game for a decent price, but if they keep playing the way they are the prices are sure to go up!
Jim & Kristen ~ August 19, 2006
The MEtra and the El will be just fine for all your traveling.
Navy Pier has some fun exhibits over the summer, and on a clear day it's awesome just to walk around and people watch.
I agree about the Hancock Observetory...you get a much better view of the city!
Also try the museum campus--the Field Museum, Adler PLanetarium, and Shedd Aquarium. They're fun, and you could spend the whole day at the Field Museum.
The architecture tours are fun. Depending on how active you are, there's a new one I want to try this summer where you spend a few hours kayaking up and down the Chicago River. It sounds so cool, and it's a different way of viewing the city.
Shopping (or window shopping) on Michigan Avenue can be fun, too. Lots of good people watching, and on a weekday you might find some real bargains.
If you can get tickets, go see Wicked or Jersey Boys. Both are fantastic musicals and it's a nice way to spend an evening.
Just to piggy back on what the others said, do not rent a car. You can get around the city by using the bus or the L. The L will literally take you everywhere you need to go. You should definitely check out some of the museums. If you know somebody in the city, they can rent museum passes from the library, which will get you in for free. One of the best theater shows in the city is Too Much Light Makes the Baby go Blind. Check them out here: http://www.neofuturists.org/. I believe that you can get theater tickets to a lot of the downtown Broadway shows for $25.00 on the day of the show, but don't quote me on that. Chicago is filled with amazing restaurants. If you want to go somewhere live, go to Carnival: http://www.carnivalechicago.com/. There are tons of cool neighborhoods here. You should definitely head downtown. If you're into unique boutique shopping, head to Wicker Park. You're going to want to spend some time browsing the shops on Division Street between Ashland and Western. Lincoln Park also has great boutique shopping on Lincoln Ave. Wriglyville is cool too and you'll be in that area if you're catching a cubs game. Whatever price the tickets are, I say it's worth it. I mean honestly, how many times do you think you'll be back to see a game at Wrigley Field? It's definitely an experience. While you're here, you have to try a Vienna style beef hotdog and Garret's popcorn. You won't regret it. Have fun, Chicago is beautiful in the summertime, so take lots of pictures. For more info on restaurants and things to do in Chicago, check out: http://www.yelp.com/chicago. The reviews are mostly written by locals. Good luck!