If you’re planning a trip and traveling to Chicago for the first time, these are some handy tips that’ll get you ready for what’s in store. Chicago is the home of some of the world’s most famous food, architecture, history, and entertainment. Here you’ll find landmarks like the Sears Tower, dazzling skyscrapers, winding streets, and gothic architecture. With its gorgeous lakeshore location and beautiful summers, it’s no wonder to see why Chicago sits at the top of any traveler’s list as one of their must-visit destinations. Even so, it is always helpful to know a few things before you visit any metropolis, and this post will do just that.
It Is One Of The Largest Cities In The World
Although you are probably already aware that the city of Chicago is one of the largest in the world, you might not fully comprehend how massive it is. Chicago is the third-most populous city in the US (behind New York and LA), with a city population of almost three million. However, when you take into account the entire metro area, the population balloons to nearly ten million! Such a large population makes for a very dense and crowded city. This tends to result in a lot of traffic, and according to the Chicago Tribune, it is the eighth-worst place to drive in the US. So how does this relate to your visit? Well, for starters, you will need to watch out for motorists when in Chicago as the roads are busy and the drivers are pretty aggressive. Secondly, you must allocate enough time if you want to visit everything on your itinerary. And finally, there are so many people living and working in the city that most things must be booked ahead (mentioned later in the post)
Try To Stay In The Heart Of The City
Chicago is known for its world-class restaurants, museums, shopping, and sporting events. The city has a lot to offer for both locals and visitors. As a result, you will want to avoid staying too far away from the center. Booking accommodation directly in the city’s heart allows you to save money and time on transportation and provides you with more opportunities regarding things to see and do. A significant advantage of staying in the heart of Chicago is that you will be able to enjoy all that it has to offer without having to go too far from your hotel. The downtown area offers plenty of places for entertainment and dining and amenities such as shopping centers, museums, and theaters.
Photo by Dimitri Anikin
Take Advantage Of CTA Passes
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers affordable multi-day passes that you can use on any of the CTA-operated mass transit options. The best deal is on a three or seven-day pass, and you should choose the length based on the length of your stay. However, the most important point is that you won’t have to worry about finding spare change when you want to use public transportation. Moreover, you can top the cards up or buy new ones from any CTA station city-wide.
Don’t Try To Do Too Much In A Single Day
As previously mentioned, Chicago is enormous and extremely busy. Due to this, you should try to temper your ambitions about how many things you can see and do during your stay. While there is nothing wrong with being ambitious, it is often best to choose one specific definition in the city and fill up your day with activities in that area. You will save vast amounts of time and money, which are best spent on exploring everything this exciting place has to offer. Fortunately, because of its density, you won’t be wanting for things to do as even the most inconspicuous area will have plenty of activities and restaurants to take advantage of.
Photo by Sawyer Bengston
You Might Have Your Bags Searched At Large Venues
By now, you have probably figured out that the city is a busy and bustling metropolis. As such, you need to prepare yourself that whenever entering large venues, it is likely that security will search you and your bags for weapons, alcohol, drugs, and anything else that could be deemed as a security threat. When this happens, you should avoid arguing with the security personnel, as this will only result in you missing out. Instead, be courteous and simply allow them to do their jobs.
Book An Airbnb If You’re Traveling As A Family
Although Airbnb has had a lot of flak over the years, it still remains one of the best websites to book city break accommodation. This is because hotels tend to be expensive and tend to offer very little in return. On the other hand, you can speed the same amount on a city-center apartment and have the added luxury of having your own kitchen. The convenience of this is especially beneficial for traveling with children since you can wake up, grab breakfast, and get out exploring right away.
To Maximize Your Trip, Book Guided Tours
Many people have preconceived notions regarding guided tours, and many would prefer to research things by themselves online. This is fine if you are an experienced traveler, but guided tours can be highly beneficial for many others. You can learn a lot about the city in relative comfort by booking tours like guided walking tours and open-top bus excursions. One of the most highly regarded tours is The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s boat trips which explain the city’s history while floating down the Chicago River taking in the stunning Chicago skyline.
Enjoy Any Of The Numerous Free Attractions
You can be forgiven for thinking that you will have to spend a fortune visiting the most exciting attractions around town. However, Chicago is home to numerous free venues, including many exciting museums and galleries. Furthermore, you can purchase a CityPASS, which provides free or discounted access to many of the larger institutions, such as The Art Institute. If you also happen to visit during the summer months, you will be treated to plenty of street festivals, open to all and sundry.
Chicago is a vibrant city that has plenty to offer visitors. Nevertheless, it’s also a busy city that can easily disorientate first-time visitors. By following and understanding some of the points made in this post, you should be better positioned to enjoy your trip and come away with unforgettable memories.
Feature photo by Sawyer Bengtson
