To be thinking about Chicago on my own?

[Sodoffbigbrother]

I'm thinking about travelling out with my OH to Chicago for a few days. He would have work stuff in the day and I would have to amuse myself. After the last 2 years I'm keen to make the most of any travel opportunities, but currently all I know ab out Chicago is the high murder rate. I can google places to go etc. but wondered if anyone has any real life experience- would I be mad (and unsafe) to wander around Chicago by myself?

Are there any areas to avoid/ ones that are safest?

Any recommendations?

Or should I just stay home....

I've been to Chicago on my own many times. It's a great city with loads to do. All the main tourist attractions, things to do and shopping streets are in areas where you would feel perfectly safe. The high murder rate is mostly related to gang violence in specific areas. You will be fine!

Join the Girls Love Travel page on FaceBook they have so many good tips about travelling alone. Nothing unsafe about going out and about alone as long as you take the right pre-cautions. Go and explore you’ll love it 😊

I have not been to Chicago on my own yet (it is on my bucket list) but I would totally do this.

There is a high murder rate in many UK cities including London, but we wouldn't put off women wanting to holiday there, would we?

I think you should definitely wander around Chicago by yourself. Of course, do your research and stick to touristic, well-populated and busy areas, which is what you would do in any city really. Enjoy your time there!

He’s not going to DIA is he? I am and my DP is coming to Chicago to keep me company. No idea on touristy stuff to do but I’m sure it will be fun!

The centre of Chicago felt very safe to me when I visited - several good museums and galleries, parks, shopping district, lakeside walks/cycle rides etc. I felt comfortable spending time by myself there and it was very easy to get around.

I didn’t venture far out of the city centre admittedly (which is quite large in any case with lots to do). I would recommend doing one of the boat cruises around the city if you have time!

I've wandered around the centre for a few days while my partner had work at a conference. It felt perfectly safe. I walked everywhere and stayed very central. We also visited a friend somewhere further out and I would have found the metro/subway more scary if I'd been by myself, but it was fine really, more just very unfamiliar and I'm always worried about getting lost on different subway networks. I'd go and enjoy! There's some fabulous architecture and art.

I live in Chicago, you would be extremely unlucky not to be completely fine in central Chicago.
My dc travel into central Chicago everyday for school.
Stick to central Chicago, the only high risks places are in the south and west sides which you simply wouldn't visit as a tourist.

The northside is very safe but lacking in tourist things.
OakPark is very safe if Frank Loyd Wright's architecture is your thing.
A river architecture tour is popular.
Most of the museums are in the central area, along with the iconic bean.

Thanks so much for all your positive messages- I feel much happier about exploring solo having read them, and I'll have a look on the Girlslovetravel page.

@XmasElf10- yes, it's the DIA :)
@calmlakes I'm honoured to have advice from a real Chicagoan

I'm excited to plan my trip now!