Chicago
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Introduction
Chicago, the United States' third largest city, is a city of art, architecture, elevated trains, jazz, Oprah and cold, biting winds. It is a dream destination for architecture buffs, the birthplace of the modern skyscraper and home to stunning buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Its location on the banks of Lake Michigan bring with it frequent biting winds and ensure it is remembered by many as The Windy City.
Neighbourhoods
Chicago is known for being a city of neighborhoods and has over 75 different neighborhoods. In the late 19ths-early 20th centuries the neighborhoods of Chicago were very divided and it was like crossing the borders of different countries. For many neighborhoods this feeling still remains but most of the neighborhoods are starting to blend together. Also many neighborhoods have changed drastically, such as Pilson, which used to be an Eastern European neighborhood, is now one of the main Mexican neighborhoods. Here is a list of the most popular tourist neighborhoods:
- Lincoln Park
- Oldtown
- Wrigleyville
- The Loop
- China Town
- Greater Hyde Park Area
- Greater Whicker Park Area this includes the neighborhoods of Whicker Park, Bucktown, Ukrainian Village, Humboldt Park and Logan Square.
Sights and Activities
Beaches
One of the great activities to be enjoyed during Chicago’s extreme summer is the beach. Chicago offers over 33 beaches with 29 located on Lake Michigan. The beaches in Chicago are a great way to spend a summer’s day escaping from the brutal heat. For more information on the beaches please read the article beaches in Chicago.
Comedy Clubs
Being the home of improv comedy is another Chicago claim to fame. It all started at the University of Chicago with a group of young undergrads in the early 1950s in a bar called Jimmies. Then they moved up north to create the famous Second City Theater. To this day Chicago is still an epicenter for many rising comedy stars.
- The Second City Chicago Theater is the original and best Second City Theater. Second City has been the starting point to many very successful comedians including Bill Murray, Chris Fraley, Mike Myers, Dan Aykroyd, Tina Fey and John Belushi just to name a few. There are now several branches around the world due to the success of the original. There are great shows and improv every night. Remember to buy tickets far in advance because the theater sells out early.
- Improv Olympic offers great shows and classes. It is usually pretty easy to buy tickets at the door and many of the more successful comedians here eventually go to Second City.
Museums
The museums in Chicago are some of the best in world. If you are interested in science and fun check out the Museum of Science and Industry on the south side of the city. Wanting a little of the dinosaur or Egyptian pyramid experience? Try the Field Museum of Natural History. If you want to have a great time with fish, dolphins and whales, go to the Shedd Aquarium. Prefer star-gazing to the denizens of the deep? Then a visit to the Adler Planetarium and Museum, which houses the world's first 360º sky theater, is perfect. In need of some culture or just like medieval armor? The Art Institute of Chicago is an excellent place. If you're a little tired of the old paintings and want something new, take a trip up north Michigan Ave and go to the Museum of Contemporary Art to see what is cool in the current art world. At this point, if your kids or the inner kid in you needs a little more attention go to the Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier for some interactive learning.
Then there are plenty of great smaller museums spread across the city such as the DuSauble Museum of African American History, The Oriental Institute of Chicago, The Smart Museum of Art, Robie House and The National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum.
For more information on these stellar museums and how to get there please look at this article Museums in Chicago.
Zoos
The Brookfield Zoo is located in the west suburbs and is fantastic zoo located on 216 acres. It features a fun and educational Ape habitat and the zoo participates in international preservation and breeding programs for endangered species. The only way to reach the zoo is by car.
Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 N. Clark Street) is the original zoo of Chicago, built in 1868. It has grown with the city. Located on the lake in Lincoln Park, the zoo has a very convenient inner city location. The zoo features many fascinating and exotic species along with a high quality Children's Zoo. One of the big perks is that the admission is free.
Events and Festivals
The Chicago Gospel Music Festival is held yearly during the first weekend of June in Grant Park. It features local as well as international gospel performers over the 3-day event. The festival also includes an art fair and activities for children. Admission is free. Site links and additional information will be posted as they become available.
Chicago Blues Festival is held yearly during the second weekend of June in Grant Park. With 6 stages and over 70 performances scheduled, this 4-day event offers the "best of the best" in blues entertainment. Opening night of the 2008 Blues Fest will feature Johnny Winter and James Cotton. The infamous Koko Taylor, Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater and Buckwheat Zydeco will also be making their appearances throughout the weekend. Admission is free. Hours are 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. daily.
Taste of Chicago is a 10 day event beginning the last week of June and is held in Grant Park. (No, not everything is held in Grant Park, but almost...) "Taste" (as it's known locally - they drop the "Of Chicago" since everyone knows where they are...) gives visitors a chance to taste (knew that was coming, didn't you) a variety of foods and beverages from more than 70 Chicago restaurants and establishments. Cooking demonstrations are held daily at Dominick's Cooking Corner and the family can enjoy a variety of activities at the Family Village and Fun Time Stage. The Taste Stage highlights local bands throughout each day. Every evening there is a free concert on the Taste of Chicago's Main Stage (Petrillo Band Shell) featuring famous performers from around the world. Previous artists have included Sheryl Crow, Train, Los Lonely Boys, Santana and Counting Crows, just to name a few. The evening concerts begin approximately 7:00-8:00 p.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m. on the weekend. Admission to the festival is free. Food and beverages are purchased with tickets only. Tickets are sold in strips of 12 for $8.00 and available at booths located throughout Grant Park. Food/beverage prices (in tickets) are posted on each vendor's booth. Hours are 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. daily. July 3rd and 4th hours are 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Closing day hours are 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Weather
On a typical Chicago mid-summer day, humidity is usually moderately high and temperatures ordinarily reach anywhere between 78 °F and 92 °F . Overnight temperatures in summer are usually drop to around 65 °F , but can sometimes remain well above 70 °F. Yearly precipitation comes in at an average of about 36 inches (920 mm). Summer in Chicago is prone to thunderstorms, and summer rain arises from short-lived hit-or-miss storms rather than a prolonged rainfalls. In a normal summer, temperatures exceed 90 °F on 24 days. Contrary to what one might think, summer is actually the rainiest season in Chicago.
Winter in Chicago proves variable and fickle, but even in mild winters one will experience bouts of cold weather. The average Chicago winter produces 37.0 inches (94 cm) of snow. This number can prove unreliable, as Chicago winters have produced between 9.8 and 87.0 inches (25cm and 221cm) of snow. Snow tends to fall in light accumulations of around 2 inches (5 cm), but about once per year Chicago experiences a storm that can produce 10 to 14 inches (25cm to 35cm) of snow in one day. Unlike across Lake Michigan in western Michigan or in northern Indiana, Chicago rarely gets lake-effect snow because prevailing westerlies that cross the region pick up moisture from Lake Michigan after passing Chicago. Rare northeasterly winds during the winter may deposit the sort of snowfall that one associates with nearby snowbelt cities such as Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kalamazoo, Michigan, and South Bend, Indiana with the more usual westerly winds. Temperatures can vary wildly within the span of one week, but extended periods of temperatures below 32 °F are not uncommon in January and February. The temperature in January averages about 29 °F in the afternoon, and 14 °F at night. Temperatures can be expected to drop below 0 °F on 15 days throughout the winter season. Although rare, temperatures in Chicago even in the middle of winter can surpass 50 °F.
Getting There
By Plane
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the world. From O'Hare a person can fly anywhere on the globe and USA. It is located in the far north west corner of the city. The best way to get to and from O'Hare from downtown is on the CTA blue line train station in the airport which runs 24 hours a day. Currently, the fare is $2.00 for a one-way ticket.
Alternative transportation is available with Airport Express Shuttle service for $27.00 (single) one way or $49.00 for (single) round trip. Group rates for 3 or more persons are available. Shuttles leave O'Hare approximately every 15 minutes and reservations for downtown Chicago are not required. Transportation to a suburban destination does require a reservation.
Taxi service to downtown is also available from each terminal. Average cost for one way is approximately $40.00. All taxis in and around Chicago are metered so a delay by rush hour traffic could double the price.
Midway international Airport (MDW) is the smaller of the Chicago airports. It is located conveniently near the city center on the west side of the city. Midway Airport is a hub for many domestic discount airlines, can fly to almost any city in the USA and has limited international service. The best way to get to and from Midway Airport from downtown is on the CTA orange line train station in the airport, which runs 24 hours a day. CTA fare rate is $2.00 one way.
The Airport Express Shuttle also services Midway Airport. Prices are $22.00 (single) and $37.00 (single) for one-way and round-trip, respectively. Again, group rates are available.
Taxi service from Midway to downtown is approximately $25.00 depending on traffic time.
By Train
Chicago's Union Station is the national hub for Amtrak passenger rail services. Thirteen different rail lines arrive/depart Chicago daily making it the busiest (passenger) rail station in the country. Routes to/from Chicago include the Cardinal (New York/Washington D.C.), City of New Orleans (New Orleans), California Zephyr (San Francisco), and the Empire Builder (Seattle) just to name a few. For more information on routes, schedules, fares and travel times, click the Amtrak link above. Union Station address: 210 S. Canal St., Chicago, Illinois 60606. Phone: 312-655-2385. Amtrak toll-free phone: 800-872-7245.
Union Station is also the hub for the MetraRail commuter train system which connects the city to towns in 6 different counties and Milwakee, Wisconsin. Trains run hourly with increased frequency during weekday rush hour periods. Routes, schedules and fares are available on thier website. Click the link above for more information. Phone: 312-322-6777 (weekdays - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) and 312-836-7000 (evenings and weekends).
By Car
By Bus
Greyhound is the only bus company that services the entire United States with additional bus transportation into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. Greyhound also works in conjunction with the Amtrak rail service, providing transportation to cities where train travel is not available. The Chicago Greyhound Station is open 24 hours a day, including holidays, and located on the city's near South Side. Though the station is not centrally located, access to public transportation is very convenient and taxi service is also readily available. The station was redesigned in 1991, making it a much safer environment for travelers visiting Chicago. The Greyhound bus service operates on a "first come, first served" basis and does not accept reservations. For more information on routes, schedules, fares and travel times, click the Greyhound link above. Greyhound Station address: 630 W. Harrison St., Chicago, Illinois 60607. Station main phone: 312-408-5800. Toll-free ticket sales: 800-231-2222.
Mega Bus (megabus.com) offers more localized bus service. Daily routes connect cities in Miinesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio with Chicago. Unlike Greyhound, Mega Bus is by reservation only and offers limited departure schedules. For more information on routes, schedules, and fares, click on the Mega Bus link above. Chicago's stop for all arrivals and departures is located adjacent to Union Station on the east side of S. Canal St., between Jackson Blvd. and Adams St. Phone: 877-462-6342.
By Boat
Getting Around
By Car
By Public Transport
Chicago has a great public transport. It is possible to get anywhere in the city by public transport. There are many trains and buses to choose from. If you want to figure out the best way to get between two addresses the RTA website can be a big help. Just put the two addresses in then the date, and it will figure out the best way to get between two locations in Chicago on public transportation.
CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) is the main provider of public transportation in the city of Chicago. They operate all the buses and many of the trains. The best thing to do is to buy a prepaid card at any train stop. This will allow you one ride on any bus or train for 2 dollar and then two transfers for 25 cents. There are also several multi-day passes meant for tourists. Here is a list of the major trains and buses:
- The Red Line is a train line that runs north and south of most of the city. The most popular neighborhoods it has stops at are the Whites Sox's Stadium, China Town, The Loop, Lincoln Park and Wrigley Field.
- The Blue Line goes all the way from O'Hare Airport to the northwest side, then Downtown, then out to the west side.
- The Orange Line runs from Midway Airport, in the south west side, to the loop.
- The Jackson Park Express Bus (Number 6) runs from the loop to Hyde Park where the Museum of Science and Industry is located.
- The Museum Shuttle Bus (Number 10) runs among all the major museums in Chicago.
Metra(http://www.metrarail.com/) has trains all the way to Wisconsin and Indiana! There are also several commuter trains within the city. Because it is a commuter train be sure to check the train schedule. The major downside of metra is that the different lines are not linked to each other easily.
PACE is a bus service in the suburbs of Chicago.
By Foot
By Bike
Chicago is one of the few cities in the world where over 90% of the lake front is public land. Along that public land are some great parks and beaches. Right behind those beaches and running through the parks are bike, running and inline skating paths. This makes it possible to bike all the way from the far north side to the far south side of the city. All trains allow bikes to be brought on board and so do many buses. For more information check out the website Chicago Bike Program.
Eat
Dining in Chicago is as diverse as dining in any other metropolitan city. The catch - they like to put the words "Chicago-style" in front of the menu item and it magically becomes their own. Okay, so it's not magical but when it says "Chicago-style", it's the truth. From Chicago-style deep dish pizza to Chicago-style hotdogs to Chicago-style BBQ ribs, there is something for everyone.
Famous Pizzarias
Gino's East is located at 633 N. Wells St. and has many other locations throughout the city in suburbs. (Hint - in Chicago, never expect the cheese to be on top of the pie.) Gino's first opened in the late 60s and has remained in the forefront throughout the decades. Reservations are not required but highly recommended as wait time for a table can be up to 2 hours on weekends.
Pizzeria Uno is located at 29 E. Ohio Street and is one of the original deep dish pizza places in Chicago. This is the original Pizzeria Uno and can be extremely crowded. Therefore you can walk around the corner to their sister restaurant Pizzeria Due located at 619 N. Wabash.
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. is located at 2121 N. Clark St. in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. Unlike most pizzarias, CPOG serves delicious pizza pot pies and "Oven Grinder" sandwiches. The pizza pot pies are offered as half and one pound orders. (No pizza slices here.) Vegetarian pot pies are also available upon request. The restaurant is located on the lower level of an old brownstone house which may (or may not) have been connected with the St. Valentine's Day Massacre in 1929. Reservations are recommended especially for weekend seating.
Italian Beef is a submarine sandwich which consists of thin slices of beef that has been soaked and cooked in a brown sauce. Usually people only add peppers or asked for the whole sandwich to be dipped into the brown sauce before eating.
Al's Italian Beef is one of the most famous Italian Beef restaurants in Chicago. With two locations in the city, one on Taylor and the other on Ontario, this place can give you a dipped sandwich with hot peppers that will make your heart stop.
Mr Beef is the main rival to Al's and many would argue a better beef. Located at 666 N Orleans St this place is not open past 5pm on weekdays and 3pm on weekends.
BBQ and More
Carson's at 612 N. Wells St. has been a staple when it comes to barbequed ribs in Chicago. Their sauce is mild with just a touch of tang and very delicious. Their menu also includes steaks, pork chops, chicken and seafood. Whether you eat in or carry out, Carson's will not disappoint.
Hecky's and Hecky's Chicago are two great rib joints in the Chicagoland area. Their sauce is rich, spicy and a super secret. Hecky's offers both baby back and spare ribs depending on one's preference. Other items on the menu include beer-battered fish, fried chicken or shrimp, and assorted sandwiches. Side orders of hush puppies, baked beans, cole slaw and corn bread are also available. Hecky's is located north of the city at 1902 Green Bay Road in the suburb of Evanston, Illinois. A minimal amount of seating is available at this location. Hecky's Chicago is located at 1234 N. Halsted St. in Chicago and offers self-serve dine-in or carry-out options.
Drink
Chicago has a great nightlife and bar scene. In this city there is a bar for any kind of person on any kind of budget. Just remember that not every bar has the same liquor license, some bars have a 2 am license while other have a 4 am license. To make it even more complicated all liquor licenses are extended for 1 hour on saturday night. Therefore a 4 am bar on a friday night becomes a 5 am bar on a saturday night. To make matters simple all bar hours are given for regular days of the week not Saturday. There are more bars in the neighborhood articles.
Loop
North
South
West
Sleep
Budget
Hostels
The J. Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel is a nice hostel located in the south Loop at 24 East Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL, 60605, phone: 312-360-0300.
Arlington House International Hostel is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood just north of the Chicago Loop and near DePaul University. The hostel is close to public transportation and it is a 10 minute ride to downtown. Private rooms are available. Address: 616 West Arlington Place, Chicago, IL 60614. Phone: 773-929-5380 or toll free at: 800-467-8355 (800-HOSTEL5).
Chicago International Hostel is located by Loyola University in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. It is also known as the "Near-North Side" of the city. Public transportation is easily accessible and Lake Michigan is 2 blocks east of the hostel. Private rooms are available. Address: 6318 North Winthrop Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60660. Phone: 773-262-1011. E-mail: info@hostelinchicago.com
Mid-Range
Upscale
The Drake Hotel is one of the finest hotels in the world and is located just off of North Michigan Av. The Drake was built in 1920 and housed some of the wealthiest people in the world including presidents and royalty. Address: 140 E. Walton Place, Chicago, Illinois 60611. Phone: 312-787-2200 or toll free at: 800-553-7253. E-mail: Through website.
Work
Chicago is one of those cities that always has openings for new jobs. As a center for the midwest and an international city there is plenty of opportunity for finding work. Just update that resume and create cover letter!
Learn
- Depaul University is a very good regional Catholic University with its main campus located in the neighborhood of Lincoln Park.
- The Illinois Institute of Technology is a great engineering school located in the historic neighborhood of Bronzeville.
- Loyola University Chicago is a good regional Catholic University located in Rogers Park.
- Northwestern University is a great school with its main campus located just north of the city in Evanston.
- The University of Chicago is one of the leading Universities in the world and is located in the neighborhood of Hyde Park.
- University of Illinois at Chicago is the the local State University and has many good programs. It is located in the heart of the city off of Roosevelt Road.
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