Chicago Know-How

Chicago Know-How

Visitor Centers

Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph St., at Michigan Ave. 312/744-2400 or 877/244-2246. www.877chicago.com or www.choosechicago.com. Weekdays 10-6, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 11-5).

Chicago Water Works (163 E. Pearson St., at Michigan Ave. 877/244-2246. www.877chicago.com. Daily 7:30-7).

Millennium Park Welcome Center (201 E. Randolph St., in the Northwest Exelon Pavilion. 312/742-1168. www.millenniumpark.org. Apr. 1-Oct. 1, daily 9-7; Oct. 2- Mar. 31, daily 10-4).

Getting Around

Chicago has an excellent network of buses as well as trains, which are collectively called the El (for "elevated," which many of them are). The combination should bring you within ¼ mile of any place you'd like to go. Those with city smarts will find it safe to take any train, any time. Others may want to take extra caution after 11 PM. Buses are almost always safe; there are several express buses running from downtown to destinations like the Museum of Science and Industry.

As of this writing, the fare for any bus or train is $1.75 and a transfer is 25, or $2 if you're paying cash. Travelers may want to get a Visitor Pass at their hotel, the airport CTA stations, or any visitor center. These passes allow unlimited rides for a small fee and are worth it as long as you take three trips a day.

For directions to specific places via public transportation, for public transportation maps, and for locations to buy transit passes, see www.transitchicago.com.

Three free trolley lines (Navy Pier, Water Tower Park, Museum Campus) circulate downtown attractions. Originating at both Ogilvy and Union Metra stations, with a transfer point on State Street near Macy's, they run every 20 minutes from 10 AM to 6 PM daily. Service begins on Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day. More information is at www.cityofchicago.org/transportation/trolleys.

If you drive downtown, park in one of the giant city-owned parking lots underneath Millennium Park or by the Museum Campus, which charge a flat fee. Private lots usually cost double.

Hours

Most businesses in Chicago are open 10 to 6. Some shops stay open as late as 9. Restaurants can be closed on Monday and usually stop serving around 10 PM on weeknights, 11 PM on weekends. There are a few 24-hour diners, but they are more rare than you might expect. Bars close at 2 AM or 4 AM.

Tickets

You can avoid the long lines at Chicago museums by buying tickets online at least a day in advance. The most popular architecture tour, led by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, always sells out -- be sure to buy tickets in advance.

A Few of Our Favorite Things

What do Fodor's editors do when they head to Chicago? Here are a few of our personal picks. We love walking along the Chicago River and watching the boats ply the water, then strolling down State Street to the old Carson Pirie Scott building, just to admire the iron scrollwork outside. We gallery-hop in River North, and duck into cute boutiques along Oak Street. We head to Hyde Park to gawk at the colorful, noisy monk parrots. We never leave without indulging in deep-dish pizza. We won't tell you which baseball team we cheer for, but we do love going to the games. And at night? You can find us catching the blues at B.L.U.E.S., going to an outdoor concert (we've seen great ones at Grant Park), howling at Second City improvers, or having drinks at the Signature Room at the John Hancock.