All booked, Chicago here we come, but what can we do when we get there?

[temmy99]

Thanks OverRated for your encouragement, I have now booked us a week in Chicago and I am finalising a rental at Bridgeport (through VRBO) which I have been assured by the owner is only 20 mins drive to downtown even in rush hour, not that I have decided to drive yet. I don't want to bombard him with more questions (already done that in the last two days) but I really need to know (from experience)what driving is like in Chicago. I have thought about taking cabs if necessary but we are 5 in total so if the cabs are like over here, they will only carry 4 people. Also I am considering taking my niece with us making 6 of us so driving will be more convenient. I have been told that parking can also be a nightmare in terms of cost and finding a place downtown but saying that, someone else said its not as bad as London . Also if I do end up hiring a car, is it advisable to book through a travel agent or directly. sorry for the lengthy thread, just so much I need to know . Almost forgot, what is there for us to see and do minus the shopping for me.

Only just seen this but YAY!!

Driving is fine but I wouldn't drive downtown - parking is often $20 per hour. Most cabs will only fit 4. Where on earth is Bridgeport though? I've been here for 5 yrs and don't know where it is so I'd be surprised if it is only 20 minutes away from downtown. Check to see if it has a CTA/ Metra station - if it does, you should be able to get downtown easily. We always use the Metra or the bus. You can go anywhere in the city for $2 on the bus.

When are you coming? What you do will depend on the season. Remember it gets hot in the summer and often very humid.

The Magnificent mile is good for shopping but so is State Street (as in That Great Street) and you can usually get better bargains there. They're within walking distance of each other.

Navy Pier will definitely please all the DC.

I did this thread for someone who was planning on visiting Chicago. Lots of links.

Ask if you have other questions.

temmy99

I would check this out further.

I've located Bridgeport Illinois on a map (good old Google) and it looks far further out than a 20 minute drive from Chicago.

OverRated, its nice to have you back!, Thanks Attila for checking that out for me but unfortunately or fortunately the Bridgeport property has fallen through, double reservation apparently. The property I am looking at now, add given is W.Superior, zip code 60622, West of the downtown area (approx 1.5 miles) does this mean anything to you. It is four blocks away to the trains and a 15 min drive to o'hare airport. We are coming in mid April, I hope the weather would have started to warm up then. If we can stick to the trains, I guess we will be okay due to our odd number.

Hi Temmy

Your new place is in an ok area - Ukranian Village? neighbourhood. Not touristy but easy to get to downtown - you should be more or less right on the bus route and not far from the L train.

April can be a bit iffy - we have had snow in April but it is usually quite spring-like. Have a look on wunderground to check average temperatures. I think you'll need trousers & light jackets & a few t-shirts. Not long til you'll be here!

So, how was it, Temmy?