Chicago

Chicago is my city. I grew up not too far from there and lived in the city for a few years. I love everything about it (except winter) and always enjoy coming back.

 

My Posts on Chicago

Neighborhoods and Areas:

Streets:

Parks:

Architecture/Attractions:

Museums:

Stadiums:

Events:

Sporting Events:


Introduction to Chicago

Chicago is a world-class city with excellent food and nightlife, enjoyable summer street festivals, great museums, stunning architecture, and some of the best in entertainment and sports. Even in the freezing cold in winter, this city has something for everyone.

Flying over the city of Chicago, Illinois
Flying over the city

 

Getting to Chicago

Chicago is one of the best connected cities in the country. There are two major airports, the largest passenger rail hub in the Midwest, and several important highways crossing through the area.

 

Airports

You can fly into the city at both O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. Both airports are well-connected to the city by public transportation and taxis. O’Hare is connected by the CTA Blue Line and Midway is on the CTA Orange Line.

O'Hare from the air
O’Hare from the air

Terminal 3 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Terminal 3 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport

 

Union Station

Union Station is where Amtrak trains enter and depart from Chicago (we came in on the Empire Builder from Seattle). Megabus services leave from Van Buren Street between South Canal and Clinton (service to Madison, Wisconsin, leaves from Jackson and Canal). Greyhound has two stations in the city center, next to Union Station and 630 W. Harrison.

Union Station in Chicago
Union Station

 

Getting to and from the Suburbs

If you need to get to the suburbs, there are Pace buses, Metra trains, and NICTD South Shore trains to Northwest Indiana.


 

Getting Around Chicago

To get around town, the Chicago Transit Authority runs buses and trains. It’s the second largest public transportation system in the country. Click here for updated fare and pass information.

"L" tracks in Chicago
“L” tracks
Clark & Division CTA Red Line
Clark & Division CTA Red Line
State & Lake CTA station in Chicago, Illinois
State & Lake CTA station
Washington & Wabash "L" station in Chicago, Illinois
Washington & Wabash “L” station

 

Where to Stay in Chicago

Since I’ve lived in or near the city most of my life, I haven’t had to stay at many hotels. In any case, there are plenty of options for all budgets and tastes. The best hotels are located in the Loop and Near North Side.

 

Sofitel

The best stay I’ve had was at the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, which is located at Rush and Division just a couple blocks from Michigan Avenue. It includes a restaurant and bar on the property. We got an incredible rate for our anniversary so we went and spent the night there.

Sofitel in Chicago, Illinois
Sofitel
Lobby at the Sofitel
Lobby

The Sofitel is a luxury hotel with extremely comfortable and spacious rooms, big bathrooms, and excellent customer service. It’s also within walking distance of some of the best and most popular restaurants in Chicago. We really enjoyed our night there and had a great experience overall.

Room at the Sofitel
Room
Room at the Sofitel in Chicago, Illinois
Room
Bathroom at the Sofitel
Bathroom

 

Hyatt Regency

The Hyatt Regency Chicago sits along the Chicago River and Wacker Drive. If features a restaurant, café, and bar. I stayed there for a weekend for a convention and to go to a Blackhawks game at the United Center. From what I remember, the hotel was very comfortable and my friend and I had an enjoyable stay. I can imagine the rooms have had significant style upgrades since then.

Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Regency

 

Eurostars Magnificent Mile

I can recommend the Eurostars Magnificent Mile (formerly Dana Hotel and Spa) in River North. It’s located on State and Erie and is a boutique luxury hotel. I stayed here for a friend’s wedding when it was the Dana Hotel and absolutely loved it. Rooms are very modern and comfortable.

Eurostars Magnificent Mile
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
Eurostars Magnificent Mile


 

Finding Events in Chicago

There’s always has something happening in the city. For a schedule of events, nightlife, restaurant recommendations, entertainment, and more, check out Choose Chicago and TimeOut.

 

Chicago Sports

The city is heaven for sports lovers. There seems to be a professional team playing just about every day of the year as well as NCAA college athletic events. The United Center hosts the Bulls NBA basketball team and the Blackhawks NHL hockey team. Soldier Field is the home of the NFL Bears. The MLS has the Fire, who also play at Soldier Field. They moved back to the city in 2020 after spending several years in suburban Bridgeview. These stadiums often host concerts as well.

United Center in Chicago
United Center
Michael Jordan statue at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois
Michael Jordan statue at the United Center

We even have two Major League Baseball teams – the White Sox on the South Side at Guaranteed Rate Field and the Cubs on the North Side at historic Wrigley Field. The rivalries between baseball fans divide the city every summer (and the rest of the year, to be honest). For the record, I’m a Sox fan.

Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois
Guaranteed Rate Field
Wrigley Field in Lakeview, Chicago
Wrigley Field

In addition to the professional teams, US Soccer often plays international friendlies and qualifiers at Soldier Field. The occasional international tournament is hosted in the city as well as club teams from Europe and Mexico playing exhibition games.

Northwestern University in suburban Evanston is the biggest in NCAA athletics, but DePaul University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, and Chicago State University all have collegiate athletic programs for both men and women.

 

Map of Practical Info for Chicago

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