From Wikitravel

Chicago [1] is a major metropolis located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Cook County, Illinois, which is located in the northeastern part of Illinois. It's the third-largest city and metropolitan area in the United States, after New York and Los Angeles. An exciting city, Chicago is noted for its picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline.

Contents 1 Understand 1.1 Newspapers 1.2 Tourist Information 2 Get in 2.1 By plane 2.2 By Bus 2.3 By train 2.4 By car 3 Get around 3.1 By public transit 3.1.1 Transit services 3.1.2 Trolleys 3.2 By private car 3.3 By bicycle 4 See 4.1 City of Chicago 4.2 Suburbs 4.2.1 Cook County 4.2.1.1 Blue Island 4.2.1.2 Des Plaines 4.2.1.3 Evanston 4.2.1.4 Glencoe 4.2.1.5 Oak Park 4.2.1.6 Park Ridge 4.2.2 Lake County 4.2.2.1 Highland Park (Ravinia) 4.2.2.2 Long Grove 5 Do 5.1 Events 6 Buy 7 Eat 8 Drink 8.1 Bars 8.2 Music 9 Sleep 9.1 Budget 9.1.1 Hostels 9.1.2 Bed & Breakfast 9.1.3 Hotels 9.2 Mid Range 9.3 Splurge 10 Contact 10.1 Internet 11 Stay safe 12 Cope 13 Get out 14 Chicago Tours

Understand

Chicago is known as The Windy City. The nickname originated as a commentary on the city's raucous boosterism, most famously (although not originally) in an editorial in the New York Sun during the city's bid for the 1893 World's Fair, wherein the editor suggested that no one pay attention to the "nonsensical claims of that windy city. Its people could not hold a world's fair even if they won it." (Incidentally, Chicago won the bid, and the fair was by all accounts a grand success.) Nowadays, most people are unaware of this origin and presume the name refers to the severe winds that alternately blow off the prairie and Lake Michigan, which seems just as appropriate.

Chicago is also known as The Second City, which refers to its historical position as the United States' second largest city, after New York City, though it has long since been surpassed in population by Los Angeles. Another purported explanation for the name is that the first Chicago was destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and had to be entirely rebuilt upon itself, so Chicago today is the "second city" in the most literal meaning of the phrase. (However, no native of Chicago has ever heard this explanation, which may be apocryphal and needs attribution here.)

Finally, Chicago is sometimes known as The City That Works, which is a promotional campaign by the Mayor Richard M. Daley administration. It refers to the long labor tradition as well as the long hours worked by residents, as well as a stable, municipal government which provides numerous services to its inhabitants. Some detractors in Chicago and elsewhere suggest that it refers, with unintended irony, to perennial rumours of nepotism, graft, and corruption in city government.

The climate is temperate continental, and quite variable. July and August are hot and humid, with some days reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 100% humidity (though lakefront neighborhoods are breezy and cooler); late January and February may see subzero temperatures, with even lower windchill factors (the "no exposed skin" regimes). Snow is usually limited to a handful of heavy storms per season, with dustings in between. Shorter timescales also vary widely - temperatures may swing 30 degrees Fahrenheit within a week. May and September are mild and highly recommended, though the lake effect prolongs a pleasant Autumn through October, and sometimes into November.

The official City of Chicago web site is a good source of information about the city, whereas Learn Chicago has some coverage on its history.

Newspapers

• The Chicago Tribune [2] ("The Trib") is the Chicago area's biggest daily.
• The Chicago Sun-Times [3] is the other major daily.
• New City [4] is a free weekly alternative arts and entertainment magazine, distributed every Wednesday.
• The Chicago Defender [5] is Chicago's biggest African-American daily.
• The Chicago Reader [6] is a free weekly newspaper distributed beginning each Thursday. It includes extensive listings of local arts, music, and events.
• Chicago Magazine [7] is a monthly handy guide to events, dining, and shopping for the upcoming month.
• TimeOut Chicago [8] is a weekly "where to go, what to do" magazine. A sister publication to TimeOut found in Europe and New York.
• Redeye [9] is a free weekday newspaper produced by the Chicago Tribune, while Red Streak [10] is a similar variant of the Chicago Sun-Times. Both are designed to be shorter and appeal to younger readers, and are virtually interchangeable.
• The Daily Herald [11] is a large daily newspaper aimed primarily at the suburbs.

Tourist Information

Chicago's visitor information centers offer maps, brochures and other information for tourists.

• Chicago Water Works Visitor Information Center, 163 E. Pearson Avenue - Open daily from 7:30AM-7PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
• Chicago Cultural Center Visitor Information Center - 77 E. Randolph Street - M-Th 10AM-7PM, F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-5PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Get in

By plane

Chicago is served by two main airports.

• O'Hare International Airport (ORD), is 17 miles northwest of downtown. Serviced by international and domestic airlines. The CTA Blue Line train runs 24 hours to downtown Chicago taking around 45 minutes, which can be faster than a taxi during rush hour.

• Midway International Airport (MDW) is 11 miles southwest of downtown. Recently modernized, and serviced by domestic and discount airlines. The CTA Orange Line train runs to downtown Chicago in around 30 minutes. As Midway is more compact, less crowded, closer to downtown, and usually cheaper, it is often recommended for domestic travelers that have an option. Midway has a nondescript meditation room/chapel accessible from within the terminal area.

There are plenty of taxis from both airports to downtown Chicago, but they are quite expensive, especially during rush hours. To/from O'Hare a taxi can cost upwards of $40, while Midways runs more in the $25-$30 range. The CTA trains provide direct service to both airports and are cheap. They are a strongly recommended alternative.

CTA trains (referred to by locals as the "El" or "L", and almost never as the "Subway") cost $2, and at certain stations you can transfer to other train lines at no extra cost. Keep the card you purchase as you can add more money and reuse it for future trips.

Before you travel, find out the name of the train stop closest to your destination, and the color of the train line on which it is located. The CTA Trains are divided into Red, Green, Brown, Blue, Purple, Yellow, Orange and Pink Lines. The Blue Line serves O'Hare International Airport, and the Orange Line serves Midway Airport. Online route planning [12] provides an easy, convenient, and inexpensive way to travel around the city. There are maps showing the connections between train lines located on each train car, located above the door.

Many large hotels have shuttle vans to one or both airports, particularly the O'Hare-area hotels. Inquire before you leave.

By Bus

Chicago is also served by local bus transportation. By using bus and train, nearly all areas within the city are serviced.

The main Greyhound [13] terminal, which has interstate bus service, is at 630 West Harrison Street. There is also one at 95th/Dan Ryan red line station. Detroit is approximately six hours from Chicago.

Megabus [14], a bus service very popular in the United Kingdom, recently established a branch in Chicago. The company is known for providing fares as low as $1 as long as the customer books well in advance. The bus station in Chicago is located adjacent to Union Station on the east side of South Canal Street, between Jackson Boulevard and Adams Street. At present, buses run from Chicago to eight other major midwestern cities.

By train

Chicago's Union Station is the hub of Amtrak's [15] midwestern routes, making it one of the most convenient U.S. cities to visit by train. Amtrak continues to have a superior service quaility and match prices with Greyhound Bus, thus making it the better choice for travel to Chicago.

By car

I-55 will take you directly from St. Louis into downtown Chicago. I-90/94 comes in from Indiana to the east. If you are travelling from the southeast, save yourself the frustration from the worst traffic congestion in the midwest and take I-74 West from Indianapolis (not I-65 that takes you up to I-80 and I-90/94), heading west into central Illinois. As you pass through Urbana-Champaign I-74 intersects with I-57, and from there Chicago is a mere two-hour drive northward. I-90 comes in from Madison, WI to the west. I-94 comes in from Milwaukee, WI to the north. I-80 will get you to the city from Iowa which neighbors Illinois to the west.

If arriving downtown from Indiana, from the south on I-57 to the Dan Ryan Expressway, or from the north, Lake Shore Drive provides a scenic introduction in both directions, day or night. The shore and skyline are not to be missed. If arriving on the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) from the southwest, or on the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) from the west, the skyline may also be visible from certain clear spots, but without the shore view.

Get around

Navigating Chicago is easy. Block numbers are consistent across the whole city. Chicago is divided east-west by State Street and north-south by Madison Street. Standard blocks, of 100 addresses each, are 1/8th of a mile long. Each street is assigned a number based on the address system, with major thoroughfares at each mile (multiples of 800, such as Western Ave at 2400 W) and secondary arteries at the half-mile marks (e.g. Montrose Ave at 4400 N). Since in general a mile is equivalent to a street number difference of 800, addresses can be used to estimate distances; the only exceptions are the distance between Madison St (0 N/S) to Roosevelt Rd (1200 S), and between Roosevelt Rd and Cermak Rd (2200 S); the distance between each is one mile.

A handful of streets follow diagonal or meandering paths and radiate away from city center, including Clark St, Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee Ave, and Ogden Ave. Locals giving directions will refer to turns involving these streets as "hard" or "soft"; e.g. at an intersection with two possible streets to turn left on, a "hard left" will be the one of greater degree of turn.

By public transit

Transit services

Public transit consists of Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains and buses, Metra commuter trains for the suburbs and Pace suburban buses. They are all overseen by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). You can plan your trips online at the RTA trip planner or get trip-planning assistance and information by calling 836-7000 in any local area code between 5AM-1PM. Many visitors find the only public transit services they need to use are the CTA services, mostly the trains.

Most CTA rail tracks are elevated above ground level and the CTA train system is known as the 'El' (short for elevated) or the 'L' (short for El!). The Red and Blue lines go underground in the downtown area and might be referred to as a "subway" there, but in general the whole system is known as the 'El', so avoid calling it the subway. All the El lines radiate from downtown. The circle of downtown train tracks is called the "Loop" (which has become another name for the oldest section of downtown).

The El runs fairly late, though different lines run to different times, and some lines don't run their full length late at night. The Red and Blue lines run 24 hours a day. Single travelers should be advised that they may not feel safe late at night on the El.

The CTA services use fare cards called transit cards which you can keep topping up with money and reusing. Transit cards are sold and charged up from vending machines at El stations. The fare for the El and buses is $2 ($1.75 with a pre-paid "Chicago Card", which cannot be purchased at most stations). At certain El stations you can transfer to other train lines at no extra cost, as once you're inside the turnstiles, you can get on and off trains without paying again. Once you have exited the turnstiles, the first time you re-enter a turnstile or board a bus within two hours of starting the first trip, it costs $0.25 and the third transfer is free. The system automatically knows you are using the card for a transfer within the 2-hour period. Because of this memory function, each traveller will need their own transit card. Also, be aware that as of January 1, 2006, the CTA will no longer be selling cash fare transfers. As a result, it would be wise to add enough cash to your fare card at the vending machine upon arriving in Chicago, so that you will not be forced to pay full price for each additional bus and train ride within a two hour period, as buses do not sell fare cards (or buy a 7-day CityPass, which provides unlimited rides for a full 7-days after purchase and is sold at a flat rate, see below).

There are also visitor passes for unlimited travel. These are very convenient and very affordable: Ride everywhere on CTA and Pace for 1-Day (24 hours) for $5; 2-Days for $9; 3-Days for $12; 5-Days for $18 and 7-Days for $20.

There's an attendant at every El station. They can't provide change or deal with money, but they can help you figure out where you need to go, or guide you through using the machines. The attendants are usually very bored and are happy to have something to do, so don't hesitate to ask them questions. Also, upon arriving in Chicago, at your first "el" station, ask the attendant for a folding "system map", a large paper foldable map of every "El" route and all of its stops along with a map of every bus route in the city. It also includes a convenient chart listing every CTA bus route's hours of operation and frequency, on Weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays/holidays. This map will prove invaluable if you are planning a trip with the CTA as your sole means of transportation around the city.

The fare cards work on the buses as well as the El, but cards are not sold on the buses. Buses also accept cash, but don't provide change.

Buses run on almost all the major streets in Chicago, and seldom run less frequently than every 30 minutes. The "major" streets are every 400 (400, 800, 1200, etc) in the numbering system, or every 1/2 mile. So you can get nearly anywhere with one transfer.

The El may be a source of ambivalence for most Chicagoans, but is most certainly a unique attraction in and of itself for visitors. To some, the short trip around the elevated Loop circuit may be worth every penny of the $2 fare. There are no revenue-producing trains that remain solely on the Loop circuit (they all enter and exit the Loop at some point), but during summer months you can also take a free Loop tour train with a guide from the Chicago Architecture Foundation - see Do below.

Trolleys

Downtown there are also free "trolleys", used mostly by tourists. These are actually uncomfortable buses made to look like trolleys. They're a quick way to get around downtown. They use specially-marked bus stops, but they'll usually let you off wherever you want. They run every 20 to 30 minutes. Most run weekends only (Sa 10AM-6PM, Su noon-6PM) except during Jun-Aug when they also run M-F from 10AM-6PM. They also run weekdays at other holiday times. Navy Pier trolley now runs seven days year-round during hours in which the Pier is open. The official website has stops, times, and route maps.

If you travel by trolley, you might want an alternative for your return trip. The return trolleys may be full, late, not running at all, or you may just not want to get on them again (one trolley ride is enough for a lot of people). For alternatives you may want cab fare, a list of appropriate CTA routes and associated fares, or just walking directions.

By private car

Street parking is expensive and not readily available in the center of the city, and in lakefront neighborhoods on the north side. Parking restrictions are strictly enforced including ticketing and prompt towing, especially in downtown rush-hour and special event no parking zones. Parking garages in the loop can cost as much as $30 per day. So public transit and taxis are recommended. Driving is quite recommended for suburbs without El service, which generally also have readily available free parking.

By bicycle

Rent a bike from the North Avenue Beachhouse and pedal your way around the city. Chicago has many on-road bike lanes, park trails, and a scenic Lakefront Trail (trail map), which runs for 18 continuous miles along the city's beautiful shoreline. Bicycles can also be rented from several bike shops in the city. Chicago has a fine bicycle culture. Chicago's terrain is flat--a boon for easy-going cyclists!

Many streets have bike lanes on them and the city has installed signs specifically pointing out directions to major bike routes. Bicyclists have to follow the same "rules of the road" as autos; in some areas of the city, police officers will write citations for bicyclists in violation of traffic laws (especially disregarding stop signs and traffic lights). Bicyle riding is never allowed on sidewalks (except children under age 12) and this rule is strictly enforced in the higher density neighborhoods of the city (mostly areas near the lake) and is actually an arrestable (misdemeanor) offense. You must walk your bike on the sidewalk.

Convenienty, CTA buses are all equipped with bike racks which carry up to two bicycles, and CTA trains permit bicycles except during rush hour (roughly 7AM-9:30AM and 3:30PM-6:30PM Mondays-Fridays, excluding major legal Holidays on which the CTA is running on a Sunday schedule).

See

City of Chicago

Chicago is a city of vibrant neighborhoods. While the downtown has many great cultural institutions and tourist attractions, most Chicagoans live and play outside of the central business district. To truly understand Chicago, travelers must venture away from the Loop and Michigan Avenue and out into these neighborhoods. Take the Brown Line to Armitage to visit upscale boutiques and see residential streets lined with million-dollar homes in the historic Lincoln Park Neighborhood. Take the Red or Brown Line to Belmont to visit Lakeview, a neighborhood defined by its mix of alternative youth, gay & lesbian, sports and family cultures --the Belmont strip is a favorite hangout of Chicago youth, the North Halsted strip is the center of Chicago's GLBT culture, Clark Street from Belmont to Wrigley Field is "main street" for baseball fans on Chicago's north side, and Broadway south of Belmont is a laid back mix of all of the above. Take the Blue Line to Damen to visit Wicker Park, the center of Chicago's "in" scene and home to many chic restaurants, bars and boutiques.

A CityPass, [16] will get you into five attractions within nine days at a much reduced rate than paying for each attraction separately. The five attractions are: Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, Field Museum, Hancock Observatory, Museum of Science and Industry and Shedd Aquarium. $49.50 adult (save $42.62), $39 child (save $31.70). CityPass is highly recommended even if you only want to visit two or three of these locations. What is more, the CityPass allows you to cut to the front of lines and this convenience alone may be worth the price for some.

• Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, [17] - Daily 9:30AM-4:30PM except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and first Friday of the month 9:30AM-10PM. Admission and one show $16 adult. Additional shows $5. Features a permanent collection, many fixed and touring exhibits, seasonal and topical shows, and some demonstrations and workshops.

• Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., +1 312 443-3600 [18] - M W F 10:30AM-4:30PM, Th 10:30AM-8PM, Sa Su 10AM-5PM (Note: no longer open late on T). One of the premier museums in the US—-definitely not to be missed. Famous pieces include "American Gothic" by Grant Wood (yeah, the most famous stoic farm couple from Iowa). "NightHawks" by Edward Hopper, and Seurat's pointillist masterpiece "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte". But there are many other paintings—one of the best collections of Impressionists in the world, and early 20th-century pieces – and other art covering 5,000 years, including archaeological finds and medieval armor. Suggested donation: $12 ($7 children and seniors, free on T).

• Brookfield Zoo - Truly one of the best zoological parks in the US, located a few miles west of the city in the suburb of Brookfield. It may be reached via the Metra BNSF line from Union Station.

• Chicago Blues Museum, 3636 S. Iron Street, +1 773 828-8118 - Closed M. Phone to confirm hours.

• Chicago Board of Trade Visitor Center, [19] - Currently closed due to new security measures except for pre-arranged groups. The 1930 building is an Art Deco masterpiece and is currently undergoing a major restoration of its grand main lobby.

• Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street [20] - M-Th 10AM-7PM, F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-5PM, closed holidays. Built in 1897 as Chicago's first public library, the building now houses the city's Visitor Information Center, galleries, and exhibit halls. The ceiling of Preston Bradley Hall includes a 38-foot Tiffany glass dome. Worth a visit to see the beautiful interior. Free.

• Chicago Mercantile Exchange Visitors Center, Lobby level, 20 S. Wacker Drive [21] - M-F 8AM-4:30PM. The 4th Floor Visitor Gallery is currently closed but the lobby level visitors center has displays on the history and role of the exchange. Free.

• DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place, Washington Park (near the University of Chicago) [22] - M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. $3 adult, $1 child, free on Su.

• Field Museum, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, +1 312 922-9410 [23] - Daily 9AM-5PM. Chicago's natural history museum—-highlights include the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton in the world as well as a great, kids-friendly Egyptian exhibit. $10 ($5 children, $7 seniors and students, M T free seasonally).

• Garfield Park, History-filled Chicago park 4 mi (15 minutes) west of downtown. It's in a rough neighborhood, though you can take the El (Green Line) right to the Conservatory-Central Park Drive Station in the park. Looking at the city from the El gives you a picture of a different part of Chicago. On the trip out, you might also notice the gentrification spreading west from downtown—-there are startlingly rapid changes from gentrified to decayed neighborhoods.
  • Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Avenue [24] -M T W F 9AM-5PM, Th 9AM-8PM. Amazing botanical conservatory, one of the largest indoor gardens in the world. Free admission and parking.

• Grant Park - Park located between Lake Shore Drive and Columbus Drive - Home of the huge Buckingham fountain which runs 10AM-11PM and is accompanied by music and colored lights 8PM-11PM, May-Sep. Millennium Park is to the north and the Museum Campus to the south, so there is a large area you can wander.

• Hancock Observatory, John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan Avenue [25] - F 9AM-11PM. 360-degree view from the 94th floor. Rivals the Sears Tower Skydeck. $9.75 (plus amusement tax) adult, $6 (plus amusement tax) child, or for free you can visit the bar a floor below and order a (very expensive) drink or two, the view is almost as good and they have live jazz on the weekends.

• Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State Street and Congress Parkway [26] - M-Th 9AM-7PM, F S 9AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM. Chicago Public Library’s central library in a beautiful building. It holds exhibitions and has well-equipped free computer and Internet services which visitors can use on presentation of photo ID.

• Lincoln Park - 1.5 mi long park with nearly everything one could hope for. Take a free trolley when they're running or a CTA bus (routes 151 and 156 stop right at the zoo gate).

• Chicago Historical Society, Clark Street at North Avenue (south end of park) [27] - M-W noon-8PM, Th-Sa 9:30AM-4:30PM, Su noon-5PM. Urban history museum. Exhibits include The Pioneer, the first railroad locomotive to operate in Chicago; and the bed upon which Abraham Lincoln died. Suggested admission $5 adult, $1 child, free on Mondays. The museum is closed until fall 2006 for a major renovation. The Research Center and Museum Store remain open, but it is strongly recommended to call in advance of your visit to confirm hours.
  • Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive (Lake Shore Drive and Fullerton Parkway) [28] - Daily 9AM-6PM, winter 9AM-5PM, summer weekends 9AM-7PM. A great free urban zoo—-one of the few remaining. Includes a Great Ape house, and the Farm In The Zoo. Don't miss the penguins! Free.
  • Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2400 N. Stockton Drive (north end of zoo) - 9AM-5PM. Free.
  • Notebaert Nature Museum (Chicago Academy of Sciences), 2430 N. Cannon Drive [29] - M-F 9AM-4:30PM, Sa Su 10AM-5PM. Adult, $4 child, free on Th.

• McCormick Place, Convention complex, Lake Shore Drive south of Museum complex and Soldier Field - Home to multiple national events such as the Auto Show and the Tool Show.

• Millennium Park. Has modern sculptures in steel and glass. The Art Institute is immediately to the south and Grant Park to the southeast.

• Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Avenue, 312 280-2660 [30] - T 10AM-8PM, W-Su 10AM-5PM. Art of all types from around the world made since 1945. Be sure to check out what the current exhibit is—the museum can be rather boring when they are between exhibits. $10 ($6 student, free Tuesday after 5PM).

• Museum of Contemporary Photography, 600 S. Michigan Avenue, 312 663-5554 [31] - M-F 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-8PM, Sa 12-5PM. The Museum is free and open to the public. A stimulating and innovative forum for the collection, creation, and examination of contemporary imagemaking in its camera tradition and in its expanded vocabulary of digital processes.

• Museum of Holography - It'll only take you 20 minutes, but it's kind of interesting.

• Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive and East 57th Stret, Hyde Park (take CTA buses 2, 6, 10 or 28 or the Metra train), [32] - Summer and holidays M-Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM, Su 11AM-5:30PM, other seasons M-Sa 9:30AM-4PM, Su 11AM-4PM. Spend hours upon hours there looking at really cool stuff you never even knew you didn't know about. So much to do, so little time. You can return for free the following day if you take your ticket to "Will Call" on the way out on your first day. Great for kids, with many hands-on exhibits and the famous Coal Mine; adults will enjoy the display of the German U-boat 'U-505'. $9 adult, $5 child, extra for certain exhibits.

• Navy Pier [33] - Summer, Su-Th 10AM-10PM, F-Sa 10AM-midnight, shorter hours other seasons. Home of the excellent Chicago Shakespeare Theater, a Children's Museum, an IMAX theater, a small stained glass museum, a wonderfully large Ferris wheel ($5 adult, $4 child) and shops. It is an easy place to entertain a child. Navy Pier has fireworks shows on summer nights every W at 9:30PM and Sa at 10:15PM.

• Sears Tower Skydeck, 233 S. Wacker Drive [34] - Avoid the worst of the crowds after 4PM. Higher than the Hancock Observatory. $9.95 (plus admissions tax) adult, $6.95 (plus admissions tax) child.

• Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lakeshore Drive, +1 312 939-2438 [35] - Located on the Museum Campus, the Shedd Aquarium is home to a large collection of marine life from throughout the world. The Pacific Northwest-themed Oceanarium features dolphins, whales and other animals from the region, as well as a panoramic view of Lake Michigan. The recently-opened Wild Reef exhibit offers floor-to-ceiling windows for an extraordinary view of a Philippine coral reef environment, complete with dozens of sharks. If you want to take pictures, bring an SLR camera with fast film or a good digital SLR so you don't need a flash. $23 adult, $16 child.

• Spertus Institute, 618 S. Michigan Avenue, [36] - Su-W 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-7PM. (Jan-Feb 10AM-5PM ),F 10AM-3PM. A museum dedicated to Judaica. $5 adult, $3 child; free on F.

• University of Chicago, Hyde Park [37] - One of the world's great universities, the University of Chicago's gothic campus exudes academic rigor and intellectual intensity. Its astonishing buildings makes it a must-see for architecture fans. Prospective students and parents and curious visitors alike are allowed to tour the campus.
  • David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S. Greenwood Avenue [38] - T W F 10AM-4PM, Th 10AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-5PM. Free.
  • Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th Street [39] - Part of the University of Chicago. T Th F Sa 10AM-6PM, W 10AM-8:30PM, Su noon-6PM. One of the best collections of ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern archaeology in the world. Free; suggested donation $5 adult, $2 child.

• Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven, 2120 S. Michigan Avenue (from downtown catch buses 3 or 4 on South Michigan Avenue) - M-Sa noon-2PM. Formerly the Chess Records studios where many Chicago blues and early rock 'n' roll recordings were made.

Suburbs

Cook County

Blue Island

Located on S. Western Ave in between 119th St and 135th St. Accessible by the Rock Island and Electrric Metra lines, visitors can do some antique shopping in its antique shops around Western & Vermont. Many hispanic businesses in the area also provide Mexican imports as well as a variety of Mexican food. Great pizza at Beggars Pizza (127th & Western) and great international fare at Blue Oasis Cafe (12947 Western Ave).

Des Plaines

• McDonald's #1 Store Museum, 400 N. Lee Street (17 miles northwest of downtown), (847) 297-5022 [40] - Open Memorial Day-Labor Day. This museum is a recreation of the first McDonald's restaurant. The original restaurant was demolished in 1984. You'll know you have seen it when you get to an old fashioned-looking McDonald's restaurant with a sign saying that they sell hamburgers for 15 cents. Free admission.

Evanston

Bordering Chicago to the north and accessible via several CTA Purple Line and Metra stations, Evanston has many identities: family-friendly suburb, gateway to the wealthy North Shore, college town, dining destination and cultural center. At the north end of the college campus is a working lighthouse, open to the public, with scenic views of the shore. Further north is the Baha'i temple in Wilmette, a cultural and architectural sight to see.

• Northwestern University, Tours are available from the Office of Undergraduate Admission at 1801 Hinman Avenue - One of the premier universities in the US, Northwestern maintains a parklike campus situated along the shore of Lake Michigan. In the 1960s, the university decided to expand the campus by filling in part of the lake with sand from the Indiana Dunes, creating an idyllic, tree-lined 84-acre area surrounding a lagoon. The campus also features an outdoor sculpture garden, indoor art galleries, multiple theaters, and an eclectic collection of architecture ranging from neo-Gothic to modernist.

Glencoe

• Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe (25 miles north of downtown) [41] - Daily 8AM-sunset, except Christmas Day (25 Dec). Amazingly beautiful, and completely diverse. The 385-acre park, research, and art facilities are open year-round for your visiting pleasure. Admission is 100% free. Only fee charged is for parking, $7 per vehicle.

Oak Park

Only about 10 miles west of downtown, Oak Park is easily accessible by the CTA Blue Line, Green Line or Metra Train. [42]

• Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, 951 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park.
• Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home
• Unity Temple, 875 Lake Street, Oak Park, A National Historic Landmark.
• Oak Park Festival Theatre, Austin Gardens, Forest Avenue & Lake Street, downtown Oak Park - The midwest's oldest outdoor theatre. Performances run Jun-Aug.

Park Ridge

• Park Ridge Music Concerts, a bunch of free Friday night concerts during the summer. Held in front of city hall. Always start at 8PM.

Lake County

Highland Park (Ravinia)

• Ravinia Music Festival - Usually just called "Ravinia". A summer-long festival featuring music of all types. The summer home of the Chicago Symphony. Other orchestras (like the Ravinia Festival Orchestra) play there as well as various pop and jazz performers. You can choose to sit in the pavilion (which costs a bit more), or bring a blanket and chairs and sit on the large lawn. Chairs are also available for rental at the park. It has a few places to buy food and drinks (including wine and beer), however, prices are a bit steep and food (and alcohol) may be brought into the park. Certain classical concerts are free for college students with a college ID. If you go, definitely buy some Ravinia ice cream (not the Dove stuff). If you sit in the Pavilion you get a special program. If you sit on the lawn, you'll have to go and find one of the green newspaper dispensers—-they hold the lawn programs. Ravinia often hosts family-friendly concerts but for more sophisticated shows, you should either leave the kids at the hotel or make sure that they will be well behaved. Very easy to get to via Metra North Line; Ravinia has its own stop, which only operates on days with performances. Costs about $5 each way from Ogilvie Transportation Center.

Long Grove

• Old Long Grove - When someone says they've been to Long Grove they are usually talking about this. Old Long Grove is a historical street with a whole bunch of moderately expensive, yet very interesting, stores and restaurants located in the northwest suburbs. Different festivals go on there during the year. Definitely visit the Long Grove confectionery as it's a great place to buy candy. It's best known for its chocolate-covered strawberries.

Do

• Architectural boat tour [43] [44] - From downtown piers. A full 90 minutes of floating edu-admiration.

• Bicycle city tour [45] - There are different thematic tours, stopping for information on the most interesting points. The tours are very safe, driving through streets, parks and the beach. All tours start and end near the Navy Pier.

• Loop tour train - Sa 11:35 AM, 12:15 PM, 12:55 PM, or 1:35 PM May-Sep. Free tour of the Loop on the El with a guide from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. You go around the Loop three times, taking 40 minutes. Highly recommended if you're at all interested in the El or Chicago architecture. Tickets at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street at Michigan Avenue. Departs nearby Randolph/Wabash station.

• The Old-Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue, 773 728-6000 or fax 773 728-6999 [46] - If you're interested in folk music from America or anywhere else in the world you should definitely plan to spend some time at the Old-Town School. There are classes ranging from beginners clawhammer banjo to advanced Flamenco dance. Even if you are just passing through town you should seriously consider stopping by to see a concert or just to check out the store which features a fabulous array of banjos, fiddles, guitars, and quite a few rare folk instruments from around the world, as well as recordings of just about every sort of folk music (and early jazz) you can imagine.

• Blue Man Group, [47] - Try to get tickets on the floor, instead of the balcony, and well in advance for this popular show.

• Improv Olympic, [48] - If the downstairs show is full, don't waste your time on the upstairs show.

• Second City, near North Side (walking distance from Sedgwick station) [49] - The origin point for NBC's "Saturday Night Live" and many of its stars, this Chicago fixture still features great shows on two stages.

• Steppenwolf Theater, [50] - The home of John Malkovich, Gary Sinise, and many others, Steppenwolf features cutting-edge theater.

• Goodman Theater, [51].

• Lyric Opera of Chicago, [52] - Famous theater for extraordinary shows.

• Symphony Center, East Loop near Millenium Park - Winter home of the Chicago Symphony.

• United Center, near West Side - Chicago Bulls/Blackhawks stadium.

• Soldier Field - Home field for National Football League's Chicago Bears. A classic stadium that underwent some controversial (but much needed) renovations. The amenities have improved tremendously.

• Wrigley Field, [53] Wrigleyville neighborhood (Addison stop on the El-Red Line) - Historic stadium of Major League Baseball's National League members, the Chicago Cubs. Now distinguished as a historical landmark, no more corporate conversions here.

• US Cellular Field, (take El-Red Line to Sox-35th stop) [54] - Formerly known as New Comiskey Park, this south side stadium is the home of Major League Baseball's American League members, the Chicago White Sox, winners of the 2006 World Series.

• Six Flags Great America, in Gurnee (technically accessbile by train, but driving is more recommended) [55] - A world-class family entertainment destination with thrilling rides, spectacular shows and exciting attractions.

During the summer months, the lakefront parks are a destination for organized and impromptu volleyball, skating, soccer, and chess, as well as simply enjoying the beach. Try the parks and beaches around the Diversey or Fullerton level, though many such activities extend down to North or Oak street beaches.

Events

Chicago was the host of the 7th Gay Games in July 2006.

Yearly events include:

• Air & Water Show - Chicago also hosts a fantastic Air and Water Show each August with the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds alternating as the final act from year to year. Blue Angels featured in 2006. Acrobatic demonstration teams and a wide range of military aircraft fill out the five-hour show each day. The US Coast Guard usually makes an appearance with an amphibious rescue demonstration — unless they've been called away for an actual rescue. "Show Central" is at North Avenue beach, but the action may be viewed anywhere from Northerly Island to Montrose Point, inland through Lincoln Park, and offshore by boat (if you go by water, take a big boat, as the heavy traffic makes for choppy, seasickness-inducing waves). The Chicago Air & Water Show is the oldest and largest free admission exhibition of its kind in the US. Every year over 2 million spectators gather to watch this event from both land and water. (Hint: a dress rehearsal takes place on Friday, often with multiple run-throughs by the headlining act. You won't see 100% of the weekend show, but it's a great way to avoid the crowds.)

• Taste of Chicago, Grant Park - Every year the 4th of July weekend, an outdoor food showcase of Chicago restaurants, vendors, and producers. Also a great opportunity to watch Independence Day fireworks from the park and lakefront.

• Saint Patrick's Day Parade - Takes place on Columbus Drive, the weekend preceding 17th of March each year. The Chicago River is dyed green.

Buy

Whatever you need you can buy it in Chicago at stores raging from ultra budget to ultra luxury.

Destination shopping is quite convenient along the Michigan Avenue strip (from the Loop to the beach, use Chicago, Grand, or Lake stops on Red Line), including many designer boutiques, and several multi-storey malls. Additional brands are available from off-strip shops to the south and west of Michigan.

State Street features department stores such as Marshall Field's (which will soon be changed to Macy's), Carson Pirie Scott, and H&M. Discounts can be found at Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx and Filene's Basement.

For trendy boutique shopping, try the shops around Halsted Street and Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park, and the shops on Damen, North and Milwaukee Avenues in Wicker Park.

There are also many upscale and discount malls in near and far suburbs.

• Frango Mints when stopping at Marshall Field's, be sure to pick up a few boxes of these famous chocolates. Although not cheap, most visitors would be hard-pressed to find a Chicagoan who wouldn't enjoy a box or two.

Eat

Chicago is one of the great restaurant towns in America. Great restaurants are scattered across the city, from the long established, traditional Greektown to the street-glam, edgy East Ukrainian Village, from the exotic Indian-flavored Devon Avenue in West Rogers Park to the eclectic Clark Street in Andersonville, where you'll find great American, Swedish, Korean, Persian, and Italian restaurants (to name a few) lined up in a row. River North is the neighborhood where most upscale and "hot-spot" restaurants can be found. Avoid tourist traps such as Rainforest and Hard Rock Cafe's, or the routine fast food joints. Original establishments catering to literally every taste bud and wallet size can be found just about anywhere throughout the city. Don't be afraid to ask the locals for recommendations. Bus and taxi drivers, as well as average people on the street can be great wealths of restaurant knowledge.

You can also find hundreds of unique and inexpensive restaurants that deliver to you on Grubhub.com, [56]. After searching for restaurants based on your address, you can see all of the menus and coupons of the restaurants that deliver to you.

• Ann Sather, 929 W. Belmont, 773 348-2378 - This Swedish standby is a can't-miss for one of the city's best breakfasts, served all day, including warm, fresh-baked cinnamon rolls dripping with sugary icing. Now a bona-fide chainlet with five locations around Chicago, but try the 50-year-old Belmont branch.

• The Chicago Diner, 3411 N. Halsted, 773 935-6696 - A restaurant serving vegetarian-only food on Chicago's north side, the Diner's emphasis on quality has kept it around for more than 20 years.

• The Handlebar, 2311 W North Avenue, 773 384-9546 - A vegetarian friendly restaurant in Chicago's hip Wicker Park, a home to Chi-town's bicycle culture.

• Francesca's on Taylor, 1400 W. Taylor, (near the University of Illinois, Chicago campus) - Excellent Italian restaurant in the "Little Italy" section of Chicago. Most evening reservation are desirable but if you eat early during the week, you often won't need them. Moderately priced and normally provides excellent service for large parties.

• Mirai, 2020 W. Division Street (just west of Damen), 773 862-8500 - Sushi has come to Wicker Park, in a setting that is possibly more about atmosphere than the food, which is still formidable.

• Lula Cafe, 2537 N. Kedzie (Logan Square stop on Blue Line), 773 489-9554 - A true "neighborhood restaurant" serving an eclectic mix of global cuisines...which can sound daunting, but everyone — vegetarians included — will find something to love on the menu. Breakfast, lunch, dinner offered Su M W Th F Sa. Sa Su brunch. Closed T. Open until 11PM F Sa.

• Buffalo Joe's, 812 Clark Street, Evanston (Davis stop on Purple Line), 847 328-5525 - For travelers visiting from outside of the midwestern and northeastern US (buffalo wings hail from Buffalo, NY), we should probably explain that "Buffalo" wings are chicken wing segments which are either deep-fried (without breading) or baked, then tossed with a sauce. Traditional buffalo wing sauce in its simplest form is a buttery hot pepper sauce. Buffalo Joe's offers their wings at three heat levels: mild, hot, and "suicide" (topped with jalapeño peppers). People swear that this place has the best wings and burgers in the city, no contest.

• Le Bouchon, 1858 N. Damen in Bucktown - Small, funky bistro with a limited but excellent menu of standard French fare. For peak dining hours you will need a reservation. Reasonably priced.

• Mama's Fish and Chips, (Red Line Morse Stop) - A total dive but serves fantastic fried chicken. Skip the fish.

• Greek Islands and Santorini, Adams & Halsted in Greektown - Two of the top Greek restaurants in the city. They sit on opposite sides of Adams on Halsted. Good standard Greek food...Santorini specializes in seafood. Both excellent for the real Chicago Greek experience. Free valet parking. Reservations usually not necessary.

• Gino's East, downtown Chicago location at the corner of Wells and Ontario, four blocks west of the Grand stop on the Red Line, additional suburban locations - The best deep-dish pizza in Chicago (though everyone has their own opinion). Also try Giordano's, Eduardo's, or Lou Malnati's for good Chicago deep dish, or Carmen's locations in the far north side of Evanston. (Try the stuffed spinach pizza, while you're at it.) Pizzeria Uno and Pizzeria Due are often tourist-infested, but are great nonetheless.

• Vito & Nick's, 8433 S. Pulaski - You'll probably want to drive here. Public transportation is not convenient. (Pulaski is a major thoroughfare 5 mi west of State Street.) This restaurant is widely regarded on the South side as serving the best thin crust pizza in the city. Contrary to reputation, the neighborhood is quite safe. Many Chicago police live in the vicinity.

• Leona's - Good all-around Italian fare, multiple locations.

• Bongo Room - Great breakfast, design your own omelets, praline bannana pancakes are large and delicious.

• Lou Malnati's, multiple locations - Great place to get real Chicago style deep dish pizza or other Italian fare.

• Pequod's - Great place to get caramelized/burnt crust Chicago style deep dish pizza, considered a secret favorite.

• Mity Nice Grill, 835 N. Michigan Avenue (hidden behind Food Life on the second floor of the rear of Water Tower Place mall), 312 335-4745 - This establishment is one of the many Lettuce Entertain You restaurants scattered throughout the city. Billed as "1940s Style Bar and Grill". Even on busy nights, you won't wait long for a table, mainly because few people seem to know about it, but reservations are accepted. Fare includes steaks, seafood selections, pasta, and excellent recurring daily specials like meatloaf and a turkey dinner.

• Hot Doug's, 3324 N California Avenue(corner of W. Roscoe Avenue) [57] - In a town known for its sausages (the Chicago-style hot dog), Hot Doug's is unique and nationally renowned. The restaurant only sells sausages but amongst its menu you'll run across bacon sausages, venison sausages, ostrich sausages, and other sausages made from exotic game. These are always done with a gourmet flair, such as Guinness mustard or feta cheese. In addition, on F and S, they offer french fries made with rendered duck fat; it's an interesting treat. However, you need to plan; the store's only open from 10:30AM-4:00PM. Monday–Saturday (closed Su) and the line is often out the door. Cash only.
• Superdawg, 6363 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago (Milwaukee and Devon), 773 763-0660 [58] - For the best hot dogs in town. One "superdawg" comes with pickled tomatoes, mustard, small hot peppers, and a kosher dill. The true Chicago-style hot dog never has ketchup, so save it for your fries! They also sell burgers and sausages, but the superdawg can't be beat. You can also order directly from your car, '50's style with the tray hanging from your car window. Open Su-Th 11AM-1AM, and F Sa until 2AM. Cash only.
• The Weiner Circle, 2622 N. Clark Street (between Fullerton and Diversey) - The food is only so-so, the prices fair, but what makes this walk-up joint famous is the staff, who have zero patience for customers and the colourful language skills of a bartender at the seediest dockside bar imaginable. A favourite of the late-night crowd (it's open until 4AM), who after a long night of drinking seem to find major entertainment value in being served a massive dose of profane invective with their greasy chili fries.

If you are in the southwest suburbs, try these restaurants:

• Blue Oasis Cafe, 12947 Western Avenue, 708-293-1505 - Mexican food with an international twist.
• Beggars Pizza, Various locations [59] - Great southside pizza.

• Aurelio's is Pizza, Holiday Inn Downtown [60] - Dining options include breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service.

Chicago also has a spectacular cadre of five star restaurants. If it is within your budget, I would highly recommend making an advance reservation at one of the following restaurants in order to enjoy at least one truly fine dining experience on your trip. All of the following restaurants accept online reservations, most requiring a deposit. The following is only a sampling of some of Chicago's high-end gustatory establishments. Keep in mind that all of the following restaurants will, with wine, cost well into the triple digits per person.

• Arun's, 4156 N. Kedzie, 773-539-1909 - One of the finest Thai establishments in the world, including Thailand. One book named it to a list of places to visit throughout the world before one dies.

• Everest,440 S. LaSalle St., 40th Floor, 312-663-8920 - Arguably the best restaurant in Chicago. The French fair of Executive Chef Jean Joho is world renowned. The view is magnificent as well. (Free valet parking)

• Spiaggia, 980 N. Michigan ave., 312-280-2750 - World-class contemporary regional Italian fair with classic touches in a remarkable dining room overlooking the Mag Mile.

• Tru, 676 N. St. Clair, 312-202-0001 - Spectacular Contemporary American cuisine in a stunning atmospere. Every detail is carefully planned. A glass caviar staircase is an amazing course woth special mention. Offering several 12 course pre-planned degustation menus (including vegetarian). Unbelievable wine selection managed by an excellent somelier. Co-owner and pastry chef Gale Gand's dessert creations are nothing short of breathtaking.

• Charlie Trotter's, 816 W. Armitage , 773-248-6228 - One of the finest restaurants in the world, this contemporary American establishment, for the past 20 years, has set the standard by which all others are judged. A once in a lifetime gastronomic experience.

Drink

The River North area contains many restaurants and bars, such as the Chicago Hard Rock, Ed Debevic's, the former Michael Jordan's (now Lalo's), and Excalibur nightclub. Many consider them touristy, but for the tourist they are quite convenient. Most are on or near Ontario; walk west from Grand (Red Line) or east from Merchandise Mart (Brown Line).

A similar but more dynamic entertainment area is Division Street, a fair walk east of the Clark/Division stop on the Red Line. Other nightlife areas include the Addison and Belmont areas, at their respective stops on the Red Line, and the "Clybourn Corridor".

Bars

• Quenchers Saloon, 2401 North Western [61] - Chicago's premier beer bar, with 200 different beers from around the world, 60 different whiskeys, and a decent bar menu. Reflecting the diverse neighborhood of east Logan Square/West Bucktown, everyone drinks together at this comfortable neighborhood bar.
• The Map Room, 1949 N. Hoyne Avenue, 773 252-7636 [62] - Their motto is "Don't be lost," but you may as well give in to their disorienting collection of exotic beers. Their tap selection is one of the more extensive in the city, with surprises for even the most jaded beer drinker.
• Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark Street, 773 334-9851 - Though it doesn't have the the biggest selection of beer, it has the most carefully chosen, with a surprisingly accessible menu for delving into the world of Belgians and local microbrews. The food is great (their steamed mussels are fantastic) but the beer is even better.
• Delilah's, 2770 N Lincoln Avenue, 773 472-2771 [63] - This is the joint where Kurt (Cobain) met Courtney (Love). No kidding. The booze selection is unbeatable and recent almost-rock-stars spin the records.

Music

See the Chicago Reader music guide for club bookings and concerts.

• B.L.U.E.S. (or B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted), 2519 N. Halsted Street, Lincoln Park (walking distance from Fullerton station on the Brown Line) [64] - Su-F 8PM-2AM, Sa 8PM-3AM. Small but dedicated Northside blues bar. On Sundays one cover charge gets you into B.L.U.E.S. and Kingston Mines across the road.
• Buddy Guy's Legends, 754 S. Wabash Avenue (corner E. 8th Street), South Loop [65].
• Kingston Mines, 2548 N. Halsted Street, Lincoln Park (walking distance from Fullerton station on the Brown Line) [66] - Su-F 8PM-4AM, Sa 8PM-5AM. The larger of the blues bars on Halsted. Has a great set-up with two stages and two bands every night. One band plays for an hour on one stage then the other band takes over on the second stage for an hour--continuous music all night from 9:30PM.
• Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage Avenue, [67] - Blues bar.
• The Velvet Lounge, 67 E. Cermak Road, +1 312 791-9050, [68] - Taxi is recommended. If you want to go to a bar that represents the real Chicago jazz tradition from Louis Armstrong right up to Pharaoh Sanders, then you must go to the Velvet Lounge. As owner/operator/saxophone player Fred Anderson points out, jazz at its best is nothing other than a black American folk music, and this bar is one of Fred's contributions to that folk tradition.
• Heartland Cafe, 7000 N. Glenwood Avenue, +1 773 465-8005 - Live band or open mic almost every night.
• The Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee (at Damen/Milwaukee/North intersection, right at the Damen Blue Line El stop), +1 773 489-3160 [69].
• The Vic, [70] - Accessible by Belmont El stop.
• The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia (just east of Elston, just north of North Avenue), +1 773 227-4433 [71] - One of the finest drinking and hollering establishments in the US, the Hideout hosts the best in alt-folk, bluegrass, Americana and just plain hillbilly music. The place is a bit hard to find, hidden as it is next to the city's main north-side refueling station for garbage trucks, but more than worth the trouble. Of special interest to old-timey fans is the regular Tuesday night appearance of Devil in a Woodpile.
• The Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Avenue, +1 773 276-3600 [72] - To Chicago as the Knitting Factory is to NYC, the Empty Bottle hosts a mix of touring indie-rock veterans, local bands, and on Tuesday and Wednesday nights the best in American and Dutch avant-garde jazz.
• Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, +1 773 878-5552 - Jazz and lots of it. Go on a Sunday evening for the weekly poetry slam. Former hangout of legendary gangster Al Capone. National talents Kurt Elling and Patricia Barber perform on weekdays.
• Katerina's, 1920 W. Irving Park Road, +1 773 348-7592 [73] - A small and intimate setting for music most nights and poetry, performance and movies when there isn't music.
• Metro Chicago, 3730 N. Clark Street, +1 773 549-0203 [74] - Chicago's best venue for indie music varities, including electro, hip-hop, and rock alternative.

Larger concerts are held at the University Illinois-Chiacgo Pavilion or United Center on the west side, Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Soldier Field Stadium, or larger amphitheaters in Tinley Park (Tweeter Center) and East Troy, Wisconsin (Alpine Valley Music Theatre).

Sleep

Chicago hosts many major conventions each year and has plenty of places to stay, although most of them are in the "mid" or "splurge" range. The vast majority of hotels are either at the airport or downtown (Loop or Near North). If you want to explore the city, aim for the latter. Budget-priced places are usually pretty far from downtown, so when you're booking, remember that Chicago is vast. Travelers on a budget should consider accommodations away from the city center which can be easily reached via the El.

Budget

• Holiday Inn Hotels of Chicago (Holiday Inns of Chicago) 19 locations throughout Chicago. Holiday Inn Hotels offer FREE high-speed Internet access in all guestrooms, full-service restaurants and room service, sparkling pools, comfortable work space, meeting rooms, Priority Club® Rewards, and Kids Eat and Stay Free. Book now or call 1-877-410-6685. http://holidayinnchicagoil.com/

Hostels

• Hostelling International Chicago (HI-Chicago) Downtown, 24 East Congress Parkway, +1 312 360-0300 [75] - Quick and easy access to airports, bus terminal and train stations. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No curfew, no age restrictions (under 18 must be accompanied by adult). Rates start at $27.

• Chicago International Hostel - Edgewater Neighborhood (on border of Rogers Park), 6318 N. Winthrop Avenue - One block from Loyola University Chicago. No curfew, 24 hour check-in available. Minimun age 16, dorm room, groups welcomed. Reservations required, xxtended stays welcomed. Complete kitchen, linens included, safebox rental, lockers, common room with TV/Internet access. Visa, MasterCard and Travelers Checks accepted.

• Arlington International House, 616 West Arlington Place [76] - Connecting El station: Fullerton. $28 per night, kitchen and laundry.

Bed & Breakfast

• Wicker Park Inn 1329 N. Wicker Park Avenue, +1 773 486-2743 [77] - This bed and breakfast is in Wicker Park, about 15 minutes northwest of downtown, and offers beautiful rooms and great rates. Close to restaurants and entertainment.

Hotels

• Holiday Inn Hotels of Chicago (Holiday Inns of Chicago) 19 locations throughout Chicago. Holiday Inn Hotels offer FREE high-speed Internet access in all guestrooms, full-service restaurants and room service, sparkling pools, comfortable work space, meeting rooms, Priority Club® Rewards, and Kids Eat and Stay Free. Book now or call 1-877-410-6685. http://holidayinnchicagoil.com/
• Holiday Inn Downtown Chicago, 506 West Harrison Street, +1 312 957-9100 [78] - Located in downtown Chicago. Hotel perfect for business or leisure.
• Days Inn, 644 West Diversey Parkway - Frequented by touring bands in town to play at one of the many big clubs on the north side. $98-$130 per night.
• Clarion Barcelo Chicago Hotel, 5615 N. Cumberland Avenue, +1 773 693-5800 [79] - Near Chicago O'Hare Airport.
• Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Chicago Hotel, 15 E. Ohio Street, +1 312 894-0900 [80].
• Econo Lodge North Chicago Hotel, 2315 N. Greenbay Road, +1 847 689-4500 [81].
• Rodeway Inn Mid-City Plaza Chicago Hotel, 1 Midcity Plaza, (Madison at Halsted), +1 312 829-5000 [82].
• Chinatown Hotel, 214 West 22nd Place, +1 312 225-8888 - Rooms from $67, free wired Internet and computers. Located at Cermak/Chinatown on the Red Line.
• Chicago Lodge, 920 W. Foster Avenue, +1 773 334-5600 [83].

Mid Range

• Holiday Inn Hotels of Chicago (Holiday Inns of Chicago) 19 locations throughout Chicago. Holiday Inn Hotels offer FREE high-speed Internet access in all guestrooms, full-service restaurants and room service, sparkling pools, comfortable work space, meeting rooms, Priority Club® Rewards, and Kids Eat and Stay Free. Book now or call 1-877-410-6685. http://holidayinnchicagoil.com/
• Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Downtown Chicago, 506 West Harrison Street, +1 312 957-9100 [84] - Steps away from the Sears Tower, Greek Town, the financial district, and Amtrak's Union Station. Easy access to the United Center, Grant Park, Navy Pier, the Museum Campus, McCormick Place, and the University of Illinois-Chicago. Located on the Blue Line of Chicago's famous "EL" trains, you can reach any of Chicago's famous attractions in minutes.
• Hawthorn Chicago/Schaumburg Hotel, 1251 E. American Lane in Schaumburg, +1 847 706-9007 [85] - Renovated lobby.
• Hawthorn Chicago/Vernon Hills Hotel, 975 North Lakeview Parkway in Vernon Hills, +1 847 367-8031 [86] - Enjoy all the amenities of home and experience consistency, quality and comfort when you stay with Hawthorn Suites. Hotel features suites, full or efficiency kitchens, exercise facilities, video cassette players and on-site guest laundry and valet service.
• Hawthorn Chicago/Wadsworth Hotel, 4555 W. Yorkhouse Road in Wadsworth, +1 847 360-0550 or +1 847 360-1199 [87] - Complimentary hot breakfast buffet. For business travelers: oversized work area, dual phone lines and data port, voice mail and daily complimentary newspaper.
• Hotel Allegro, 171 West Randolph Street at Wells (just across from the Clark and Lake stop on the Blue Line), +1 866-672-6143 [88] - Open 365 days/year. This lovely hotel calls itself a "boutique hotel", probably in reference to its friendly, full four-star service, designer decorated rooms and prices that are the same, or just a little bit more than you would pay for a blander three-star place just north of the river. $119-$229 per night (the $229 room has a double jacuzzi, as do the suites).
• Hotel Burnham, 1 West Washington Street, +1 312 782-1111 [89] - Another Kimpton Boutique hotel, like its sister hotel the Allegro.
• Hotel Monaco, 225 North Wabash, +1 312 950-8500 [90] - Like Monaco Hotels across the US, the Monaco Chicago provides a bit better than four-star comfort at a bit less than four-star prices, though they are a little higher than at Kimpton sister hotels like the Allegro or theBurnham. What you get for the extra money is a number of specialty services geared for business travelers, so if you are traveling for pleasure go for the Allegro.
• Crowne Plaza Allerton Chicago Hotel, 701 North Michigan Avenue, +1 312 440-1500 [91].
• Wyndham Chicago Hotel, 633 North Street & Clair Street, +1 312 573-0300 [92] - Friendly staff, decent rooms. (Tip: register for the Wyndham ByRequest "frequent traveler" program. When you arrive, your favorite music will be playing in your room and a plate of fruit and iced tea (or whatever you choose) will be waiting for you.)
• AmeriSuites Chicago/Arlington Heights, 2111 South Arlington Heights Road, +1 847 956-1400 [93] - Experience the Windy City while enjoying the coziness of our suburban charm.
• AmeriSuites Chicago/Hoffman Estates, 2750 Greenspoint Parkway, +1 847 839-1800 [94] - Located just off Interstate 90 and 30 miles from downtown Chicago.
• AmeriSuites Chicago/Itasca, 1150 Arlington Heights Road, +1 630 875-1400 [95] - Only 15 minutes west of O`Hare International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Chicago.
• AmeriSuites Chicago/Lombard/Oakbrook , 2340 South Fountain Square Drive, +1 630 932-6501 [96] - Adjacent to Oakbrook and 20 miles west of downtown Chicago.
• AmeriSuites Chicago/Schaumburg, 1851 McConnor Parkway, +1 847 330-1060 [97] - Located in the heart of Woodfield, only 13 miles from O`Hare International Airport and 25 miles from downtown Chicago.
• AmeriSuites Chicago/Vernon Hills, 450 N. Milwaukee Avenue ,+1 847 918-1400 [98] - Nestled in a beautiful park, the AmeriSuites Vernon Hills is a first-class hotel located in scenic Lake County just north of Chicago and O`Hare International Airport.
• Wyndham Schaumburg, 800 National Parkway, +1 847 605-9222 [99] - Only 30 minutes from downtown business centers--and the gateway to Schaumburg's prime destinations, including cultural events at the Prairie Center for the Arts, stylish shopping at Woodfield Mall and the exciting nightlife of Schaumburg Town Square.

Splurge

• The Peninsula, 108 East Superior Street (at North Michigan Avenue), +1 866-288-8889 [100] - Known as one of the city's most luxurious hotels, The Peninsula has been recognized by AAA with a Five-Diamond award. Located right off of the "Magnificent Mile".
• The Drake, 140 East Walton Place (at North Michigan Avenue), +1 312 787-2200 [101] - It doesn't get any more top-of-the-line than this in Chicago.
• The Ritz Carlton, 160 E Pearson Street, +1 312 266-1000 [102].
• The Four Seasons, 120 East Delaware Place, +1 312 280-8800 [103].
• The Palmer House Hilton, 17 E Monroe St., +1 312 726-7500 [104].
• Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, 301 East North Water Street, +1 877-242-2558 [105].
• The Park Hyatt, 800 North Michigan Avenue, +1 312 335-1234 [106].
• The Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan ave., 312-922-4400 - One of the finest Hilton hotels in the chain. This Hilton has many luxery suites and rooms, including ambassador and presidential suites. With a wonderful view of Grant park, the Chicago Hilton and Towers is located in the South Loop neighborhood, just south of downtown and a very brief bus or taxi ride to the Magnificent mile and Gold Coast. [107]

Contact

Internet

Free wireless Internet access (splash) and public terminals at the Chicago Public Library. Visitors without a Chicago Public Library card can present photo ID to use the library computers at the downtown Harold Washington Library Center or the city's many branch libraries.

Every McDonald's in Chicago has free Wi-Fi as well.

Stay safe

As in almost the entire United States, dial 911 to get emergency help. Dial 311 for all non-emergency situations in Chicago.

Chicagocrime.org coordinates the Chicago Police crime data with Google maps.

Chicago, despite having a dramatically lowered crime rate from the 1970's and '80's, is still a big city with big city crime problems. Blocks around some areas of the city may quickly turn dangerous, with run-down areas near well-traveled areas, such as near the United Center and US Cellular Field. Avoid especially areas of the South and West Sides at night (areas around the Dan Ryan expressway near the Skyway interchange/ 69th st, and areas near the Eisenhower expressway west of Western ave.) It is also best to take caution in the Loop at night (and on Sunday's) as well (watch for muggers and purse snatchers). Chicago has many beggars-just ignore them and keep on walking. It's generally a good idea to know which areas to avoid, and to defer any unnecessary travel to those areas, especially on side streets off the main thouroughfares and at night.

Cope

Summers are hot & humid with July & August being the peak. Winters can be cold, but you will not be spending much time outside when its too cold so don't worry. Weather tends to get very extreme; Chicago is commonly regarded as a city which can experience 'four seasons in a day'.

Get out

Lake cruises depart from several downtown destinations, including Navy Pier, for various prices, durations, and levels of amenities.

Forest preserves are in the far north, northwest, and southwest sides, and into nearby suburbs. They are excellent for biking, jogging, and picnicing.

The Indiana Dunes are quieter beaches within a moderate drive of downtown.

Lake Geneva is a summer getaway across the Wisconsin border. Nearby are the Kettle Moraine state parks, with good mountain biking.

Don't miss the coasters at Six Flags Great America, 40 miles north on I-94, since the Chicago theme park is long gone.

Historic Galena, three hours northwest of Chicago via I-90 and US-20, is great for hiking, sightseeing, and antiquing.

Another fun summer destination would be world-famous Wisconsin Dells, just three hours north of the city.

Chicago Tours

Chicago Architecture Foundation - Gives regular architecture and neighborhood tours, including some suburban tours. There are regular downtown architecture tours, and different neighborhood or specialized tours depending on the date. Most walking tours are $10. The Architecture River Tour (weekends, $27) is also a very nice tour, since it's one of the few ways to see downtown from the river.

Chicago Ghost Tours from Chicago Hauntings - These creepy excursions are led by the city's most fascinating, active investigators, including Ursula Bielski, author of five books on Chicago's haunted history, among them the bestselling Chicago Haunts. Tours depart from Clark and Ohio streets in downtown Chicago and offer inside information on Chicago's most actively haunted sites with a number of stops at the scenes of some of the bloodiest disasters in American history. A high-quality, highly-acclaimed tour in its third year of year-round operation.

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