Chicago Do's/Don'ts...

[somethingwitty]

my Fiancee and I are heading to Chicago (in, umm, about 9 hours - so let's make this quick and I wanted to know if there were any key issues to keep in mind...

Specifically, I'm wondering if there are any areas to avoid after dark (in the same way I'd say "Southeast DC is not ideal") and tips on getting around without a car (I saw something about meter x 1.5 for some airport trips? explanation? anything else like that to remember?)

Much thanks.

 

[dartworth]

stay out of the bad areas at night...

you should be good to go now...

 

[somethingwitty]

haha thanks.

knowing very little about Chicago's layout, could someone clarify what the "bad areas" are?

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: somethingwitty
haha thanks.

knowing very little about Chicago's layout, could someone clarify what the "bad areas" are?

The south side generally though you have to venture in if you want to go to China-town or see comiskey.

stay along the main strips and major thoroughfares and you should be fine, if you're familiar with urban life at all.

I've strayed all over and been perfectly safe, then again I know people who've been repeatedly mugged.
Just like any major city, mind your p's and q's.

 

[chuckywang]

Avoid South Chicago

 

[DainBramaged]

Stay in the Loop and north along Clark Street. Good times are to be had all around.

 

[daveymark]

Originally posted by: DainBramaged
Stay in the Loop and north along Clark Street. Good times are to be had all around.

yep, don't forget to check out lower wacker

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: DainBramaged
Stay in the Loop and north along Clark Street. Good times are to be had all around.

You really should see Millenium park, the bridge and video walls.
go to the Art Institute, Field Museum and Museum of Science and Industry.

Go to Clark and Belmont and wander around the North Side a bit.
Go to Damen and Milwaukee nad wander around wicker park a bit.

That's the basic little tour I give people unless they want something specific.

That's basically where I hang out.

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: daveymark

Originally posted by: DainBramaged
Stay in the Loop and north along Clark Street. Good times are to be had all around.

yep, don't forget to check out lower wacker

It's not as scary since they remodelled it. they kicked out all the homeless and made it real hard for them to get back in.

 

[ballmode]

DO!

Leave some soda in your bottle and put it on the trash can ever so slightly.

Homeless people will come drink your leftover soda. It's amazing and you should sit at a nearby chair or bench to watch.

 

[Connoisseur]

avoid the strip clubs... they suck. Other than that, I hear the West Loop is a happening place if you guys want to hit up some restaurant/bars. I wouldn't know as i was in Chicago on weekdays and it was utterly dead... so different than NYC

 

[state 08]

Chicago "Do's"

 

[daveymark]

Originally posted by: djheater

Originally posted by: daveymark

Originally posted by: DainBramaged
Stay in the Loop and north along Clark Street. Good times are to be had all around.

yep, don't forget to check out lower wacker

It's not as scary since they remodelled it. they kicked out all the homeless and made it real hard for them to get back in.

It never was that scary, although there are still plenty of homeless folk there. That's where I go when I need cheap labor.

You can get wherever you need to go cheap by bus or the El(you can get an all day pass for like $8) but if you're not that familiar, waste money on a cab.

 

[arrfep]

Originally posted by: djheater

Originally posted by: DainBramaged
Stay in the Loop and north along Clark Street. Good times are to be had all around.

You really should see Millenium park, the bridge and video walls.
go to the Art Institute, Field Museum and Museum of Science and Industry.

Go to Clark and Belmont and wander around the North Side a bit.
Go to Damen and Milwaukee nad wander around wicker park a bit.

That's the basic little tour I give people unless they want something specific.

That's basically where I hang out.

Agree. If you're "downtown" downtown, i.e in the Loop proper, you really can't really find too much trouble on any street. Obviously don't wander down any alleys. Homeless people will be prevalent, can be annoying.

Do hit up the Christmaskindlekring market or whatever it's called, where the big Christmas Tree is at the Daley Center. Bunch of European craftmakers set up shop and sell trinkets and foods.

Don't wear uncomfortable shoes. The city is very walkable and it is enjoyable to do so. Look Up!

If you are going to stray outside to various neighborhoods, you can't go wrong with what was mentioned...tell your cabbie "Rush and Division" and you will be dropped off in front of more trendy clubs and bars than you'll know what to do with. But if you wander a few blocks to the west you will be in the ghetto again...dangerous style.

And if you are venturing off into the suburbs...sheesh. That's a whole different animal.

 

[chambersc]

Originally posted by: chuckywang
Avoid South Chicago

where does "South Chicago" start?

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: chuckywang
Avoid South Chicago

where does "South Chicago" start?

Basically south of 290. If you're in the downtown, Loop area, or on the Museum campuses you're still fine. The UIC campus is fine, but within a few blocks can be pretty shady.

 

[austin316]

Southside FTW!!!!

 

[chambersc]

Originally posted by: djheater

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: chuckywang
Avoid South Chicago

where does "South Chicago" start?

Basically south of 290. If you're in the downtown, Loop area, or on the Museum campuses you're still fine. The UIC campus is fine, but within a few blocks can be pretty shady.

Thanks. I'm looking at law schools in relation to each other and to the Southside.