Questions about Chicago

[ladyseals]

:) Ok we are going to Chicago on Aug. 12 and it will be the weekend. Our hotel is downtown I think on or very near the Magnificent Mile. Valet parking will be $36 that we HAVE to use. However in my city downtown parking on the street meters is free on the weekends from fri. evening sat and sun. Is this true for Chicago?

Also, where are some good cheap places to eat. And what is there to do that is free or super cheap? Any help please!!

Also, in my city, some neighborhoods you do not want to go to. What part of the city or places should we stay away from??

Thanks!!

[disneymom]

Just wanted to warn you, we went through chicago, and if you travel interstate 80 be prepared for VERY long traffic delays, I was stuck in it for 2.5 houras!!! Otherwise have a safe trip :)

[iowakat]

I haven't been to Chicago for about 7 years but you can always go to Navy Pier and walk around in the evening. That's where the huge ferris wheel is but it does cost to ride it. It also costs to go up to the top of Sears Tower but it's a view you shouldn't miss if it's a clear day. The day I went, the line was long though. Traffic in downtown Chicago is a b*tch and you need to watch out for taxi drivers - they think they own the road. On street parking was hard to find atleast during the week. (I don't know about weekends.) I found a parking garage and just walked around. I explored by myself while a friend was at a business meeting and found the downtown area to be very 'small town' in atmosphere and the people were friendly.

[buttrfli]

The only thing that I remember about Chicago was not to go outside the bus station after dark LOL I lived in joliet for a year and everytime we went to the "city" everyone would tell us to stay away from the bus station at night lol

[MSUSpartanKat]

Chicago is wonderful! I'm actually going there this weekend to see the play "wicked". Be warned... driving is horrendous... Chicago drivers are used to driving agressively, so be careful. The best thing to do is to PARK the car somewhere and walk (which is fun to do to...finding parking). I learned so much by walking and taking the "el" (elevated subway).

There isn't too much to see in the "bad" parts, so if you stick to the attractions, you should be just fine.

http://www.visitchicago.com/ is a good site to check things out (=

Here are my personal photos of Chicago in case you care. Nothing too spectacular (=

album 1: http://www.dotphoto.com/Go.asp?l=Ruatha24&P=&AID=1484903&Pres=Y

album 2: http://www.dotphoto.com/Go.asp?l=Ruatha24&P=&AID=601689&Pres=Y

[Freebeemom]

TONS to do in Chicago that is free..
1. Lincoln Park Zoo...take the 151 bus going NORTH on the Magnificent Mile to Lincoln Park (Apx 20 min bus ride w/all the stops) The Zoo is fabulous...and is right by a nice beach. You can walk through the park, cross over a cross walk and have lunch at the North Ave. Beach. The zoo is FREE! Bus is like $1.50.

2. Walk down Mag. mile...especially on the weekend! You will love it!

3. Not far is the John Hancock building...SUPERIOR to the Sears Tower. It is a little expensive, but well worth it! ESPECIALLY on a clear day!

4. Take a boat ride from Michagan and Wacker at MERCURY. You can take the ONLY Tour that is sponsored by the Chicago ARchitectural Foundation. It is WONDERFUL! The boat is called "Chicago's first lady". You definatly would not regret it! http://cruisechicago.com/cflady/arcsell.html or this one if you have children http://www.mercuryskylinecruiseline.com/

5. Navy Pier is not far either. You can walk straight up Grand Ave off the Mag mile (Near the Chicago Tribune Building...it is gorgeous...gothic style building). Go EAST on Illinois Ave. You will run straight into Navy Pier. Again ,it is free to get out there. There are some wonderful exhibits that are FREE...and there are some inexpensive food Kiosks that you can go to .

6. CHECK WITH YOUR CONCIERGE! THey can get you discounted boat ticket rides as well as tourist info for free, and possibly some discounts for food as well!

PM me if you have any questions! YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE IT!

[schsa]

I was there on business in January. I can tell you that the subways were great and easy to use. You might consider those if it's too far to walk where you want to go.