20 Things to Know Before You go to Chicago
- Visit anytime, but pack for the season.
- Be informed…
- …
- Pick your base.
- Look beyond hotels.
- Don’t drive downtown.
- Don’t ask for ketchup on your hot dog.
- Don’t go just anywhere for deep-dish.
What you should know before going to Chicago?
15 Things To Know Before Visiting Chicago, IL
- Public transportation takes you everywhere.
- Ventra Cards are your best friend.
- Be prepared for the lake effect, with its chills and winds.
- Deep-dish pizza isn’t the only item on the menu.
- There are tons of things to do and see in the winter.
- World-class comedy is everywhere.
What do I need to know about Chicago?
Chicago rests on 234 square miles of land. Chicago is the third largest city in the U.S. and is home to an estimated 2.7M residents. Chicago is comprised of 77 community areas. Chicago’s nicknames include: The Windy City, City of Big Shoulders, The Second City, The White City, and The City That Works.
What should I avoid in Chicago?
What Not to Do in Chicago on Your 1st Visit
- Eating only deep-dish pizza.
- Skipping Wrigley Field.
- Putting ketchup on your hot dog.
- Shopping only on Michigan Avenue.
- Focusing on Navy Pier.
- Saying that the NYC skyline is better.
- Thinking only the Willis Tower Skydeck has incredible views.
- Renting a automobile in Chicago.
Do and don’ts in Chicago?
Here are some of their major do’s and don’ts for enjoying all that the city has to offer:
- DON’T: Stay in one part of the city.
- INSTEAD: Leave the Loop and spend some time in Chinatown.
- DON’T: Spend an entire day at Navy Pier.
- INSTEAD: Visit some of the city’s museums.
- DON’T: Drive yourself around the city.
How safe is visiting Chicago?
There’s a violent crime rate of 516 and a property crime rate of 2,229 per 100,000 people. The Loop – The city center and central business district sees 1,680 violent crimes and 12,292 property crimes per 100,000 people. It’s safe for tourists during the day, although they should watch for petty crime.
Is Chicago worth visiting?
Chicago is a giant tourist destination, and for good reason. With top-tier cultural institutions, friendly locals and some of the best restaurants in the world (perhaps you’ve heard of Alinea?), this city is an ideal place to vacation.
What food is Chicago most famous for?
While Chicago is famous for tons of delicious food, 10 iconic food staples should top every diner’s must-try list.
- Deep-Dish Pizza. You can’t talk about iconic Chicago cuisine without including deep-dish pizza.
- Chicago Barbecue.
- Jibarito Sandwich.
- Steak.
- The Rainbow Cone.
- Pizza Puffs.
- Flaming Saganaki.
- Italian Beef Sandwich.
How do people stay safe in Chicago?
Chicago is generally safe at night, but it’s best to avoid walking around by yourself. Stick to well-lit areas and travel in groups if you can – if not, you can rely on public transport to take you home after a night out.
What are 5 facts about Chicago?
7 Fun Facts About Chicago
- Birthplace of Modern Architecture.
- Nation’s First Open-Heart Surgery.
- World’s Only Backwards-Flowing River.
- Start of the Atomic Age.
- World’s Tallest Building Designed by a Female Architect.
- First Televised Presidential Debate.
- World’s First Brownie.
How much spending money will I need for a week in Chicago?
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers – How it works. A vacation to Chicago for one week usually costs around $1,547 for one person. So, a trip to Chicago for two people costs around $3,095 for one week.
Is Chicago safer than New York?
While Chicago’s population is just one-third of New York’s, its crime problem is worse. Statistics show, so far this year, New York has seen 76 murders compared to 104 in Chicago. Based on population, Chicago’s murder rate is four times higher.
Is Chicago a walkable city?
With amazing restaurants in nearly every corner of the city, easily accessible public transit, and beautiful parks, walking trails, and beaches, it’s no surprise that Smarter Travel has named Chicago America’s sixth-most walkable city for 2021, or that Walkscore.com has rated Chicago a “very walkable” city.
Why you shouldn’t go to Chicago?
There are high crime rates and a lot of violence here, so it is best to avoid this area if possible. West Garfield Park is the most dangerous neighborhood in the city due to a 1 in 20 chance of being a victim of a violent crime. The west side also has a higher than average crime rate, so it is another place to avoid.
Does it snow alot in Chicago?
Chicago Snow – What You Need to Know
Chicago averages 36 inches (91 cm) of snowfall, which can seem like a lot until you factor in the fact that, most often, snowfalls throughout the season are light batches of only around 2 inches (5.1 cm).
Can you go to the beach at night in Chicago?
Generally, beaches are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily (unless signage indicates from dawn to dusk, according to a Chicago Park District spokeswoman). Swimming is allowed when lifeguards are on duty, each day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The season runs through Sept. 2, 2019.
Should I be scared to go to Chicago?
Tourists have nothing to fear when considering a trip to Chicago; the city is cool, exciting, and very safe to visit. As is true in most places, if you keep your wits about you, you should be fine. Pickpocketing is usually the most serious crime that visitors experience.
Is it safe to go to downtown Chicago?
Downtown Chicago is safe, but certain areas are safer than others. For example, the Loop is a very safe area, as is River North. These areas are well-lit and have a lot of people around, so they’re less likely to be targeted by criminals. If you’re traveling to Chicago, it’s important to stay in these areas.
Is Chicago Chinatown safe?
Compared to the rest of Chicago, the Chinatown area is actually pretty safe. With a crime rate of 2,655 reported criminal acts per 100,000 residents, the crime rate for this area is 30 percent lower than the Chicago average of 3,975 reported acts per 100,000 residents.
What is the best time of year to visit Chicago?
The best times to visit Chicago are April through May and between September and October, when the temperatures are warm, a variety of festivals take place and crowds are manageable.
How many days do you need in Chicago?
How many days do you need in Chicago? 3 to 4 days should be enough to see the top attractions in Chicago. However, depending on your interests and travel style, you can certainly spend a week in Chicago exploring the area and main tourist attractions.