Trip to Chicago

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bluestream

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I am taking a 3 day (Friday, Sat and Sunday) trip to Chicago in early May and would greatly appreciate any advice or tips for someone who have never been there. I have no idea where to stay, but was told by someone I work with to stay near the airport. Then you can take the motel shuttle to the airport, and then get on the train to downtown. Not knowing any better I will likely do that.


I do want to go to a ball game, and wondered if I should but tickets online or buy from scalpers.

Any good restaurants, things to do or see that may be out of the ordinary tourist items?

Thanks in advance...
 
Takes too long from the airport.

I usually stay at the Drake or the Allerton when in Chicago.
 
We stayed out in Schaumberg (out near 'Ohare) at a Hyatt via Hotwire for $39 per night a few summers ago. Millennium park and the lakefront are very cool. Ed Debevic's is fun - 50's diner and the staff is very insulting, makes a fun lunch/supper. Chicago is a very cool town. If you are a train buff, there are plenty of railroads to watch too! My favorite is the Burlington Northern/Sante Fe main line through LaGrange. Nearly constant railroad action!!
 
Hit up the Billy Goat Tavern and the White Palace Grille for some tasty eats.

There are lots of free activities (museum, zoo, etc) if you look around. Good idea would also be to check into Groupon and the GrouponNow section for close deals.
 
Originally Posted By: GROUCHO MARX
I think gasoline is the most expensive in the nation.


Thanks; LOL. That's the least of my worries....
 
Lived in Chicago my whole life. Personally I would fly into O'hare and take train to downtown and stay somewhere in that area. You could then travel to Wrigley field via redline(very easy) and scalp tickets. Let me know what your into, and I'll try to help you out.
 
Originally Posted By: dja4260
Lived in Chicago my whole life. Personally I would fly into O'hare and take train to downtown and stay somewhere in that area. You could then travel to Wrigley field via redline(very easy) and scalp tickets. Let me know what your into, and I'll try to help you out.

Seconded.

My wife attended LSTC over in the Hyde Park area (a few blocks from UofC) so I spent quite a bit of time out there. Staying around the airport is a bad idea for someone with only a 3 day weekend. Whenever she goes back for various continuing ed/conferences she always stays downtown. She usually is able to get a room for $80 in a 4 to 4 1/2 star through price line or hotwire (these are the ones that typically go for $160 and up).

OP, take in a show at Second City if you have a chance.

Mentioning O'Hare brings back bad memories. Last time I was there, I got my leg crushed between two car bumpers while unloading luggage to get on a plane to go on my honeymoon.
 
Yeah, stay downtown. The airport is the last place to stay. You can buy same day tickets at most the box offices for half price. Unless it's sold out.
 
Thanks Guys, aren't the downtown hotels a lot more expensive, I don't need a 5 star hotel just a place to sleep. I checked out the allerton and its $179 per night vs $50 near the airport. I will be driving to Chicago so I will have my own car, but would prefer not to have to drive it around as public transit would be easier.

I don't mind riding a train for 20 mins, but if there is places closer to downtown then I'm all in.

AS far as the trip goes, mostly the tourist things I will have my two daughters with me age 19 and 22. I want to go to Wrigley field for sure
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Thanks Guys, aren't the downtown hotels a lot more expensive, I don't need a 5 star hotel just a place to sleep. I checked out the allerton and its $179 per night vs $50 near the airport. I will be driving to Chicago so I will have my own car, but would prefer not to have to drive it around as public transit would be easier.

Get on priceline/hotwire now and book the downtown room for half or less of the full price. My wife was just in Chicago two weeks ago and stayed at one of the downtown 4 star motels (can't remember which) for $65/night. The $20/night difference between it and an airport motel are going to be eaten up by the $15 per person 3-day transit passes you'll have to buy.

Quote:
AS far as the trip goes, mostly the tourist things I will have my two daughters with me age 19 and 22. I want to go to Wrigley field for sure

Your daughters will like Second City.

http://www.secondcity.com/performances/chicago/calendarandtickets/
 
Originally Posted By: buickman50401
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Thanks Guys, aren't the downtown hotels a lot more expensive, I don't need a 5 star hotel just a place to sleep. I checked out the allerton and its $179 per night vs $50 near the airport. I will be driving to Chicago so I will have my own car, but would prefer not to have to drive it around as public transit would be easier.

Get on priceline/hotwire now and book the downtown room for half or less of the full price. My wife was just in Chicago two weeks ago and stayed at one of the downtown 4 star motels (can't remember which) for $65/night. The $20/night difference between it and an airport motel are going to be eaten up by the $15 per person 3-day transit passes you'll have to buy.

Quote:
AS far as the trip goes, mostly the tourist things I will have my two daughters with me age 19 and 22. I want to go to Wrigley field for sure

Your daughters will like Second City.

http://www.secondcity.com/performances/chicago/calendarandtickets/



Second City is fantastic!

If possible see the 11pm show because it is the last of the night. Usually they will do an hour extra of improv at the conclusion.

Navy pier is nothing special and I would avoid. Look on groupon, they currently have kayak tours through the river which would be super cool and fun. I've done an evening architecture tour and enjoyed that. These all start at Navy pier FYI. I think that the Museum of Science and Industry is top notch. I'm 27 and still love it.

If your going to have a car, parking downtown will cost you $30 or so daily.
 
Me and my wife take at least one trip to Chicago every year. We stay downtown (normally at Conrad) where there are plenty of hotels. Everything worthy of seeing is usually within a walking distance.

There are plenty of museums to visit, you can have a nice breakfast on top of the Hancock Tower one morning, plenty of great places to dine. It all obviously depends on your preferences.
 
Been to Chicago and loved it. Very interesting city with lots of fantastic architecture and history. The streets are very walker friendly....wide sidewalks, clean, nice storefronts. While some think Navy Pier is a tourist trap, it is a main attraction that I found enjoyable. Out there you get great views of the skyline, good food, and a bit of fun for the mostly younger crowd. I also enjoyed a river cruise that described the building and history as well as a trip out into the lake. A bit expensive, but worth it if you enjoy that sort of thing and want to see the city quickly. A ride up into the Sears tower (forgot what they call it now) is fun. They have an all glass observation platform that will make most feel a bit queezy. Long lines getting up there however.
Traffic can be daunting at rush hour times. The trains appear to be plentiful and all over the city (I had a family friend drive me around).
Chicago is truly a 'must see' city.
 
You'll want a Cubs game, because the surrounding neighborhood is FULL of places to eat and drink.
At Sox Park, [Cellular] you park, watch the game, and then go home for fear.
Bad neighborhood.
Millenium Park will afford hours of strolling enjoyment. Navy Pier also.
Take the 22 second ride up the 1/4 mile tall Hankock to the top, and take in a great view of the city while you have a drink.
 
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