Planning a trip to Chicago in late October. I'm going to be there around a week or so. Guys/gals know of any good hotels near downtown Chicago? Obviously, I won't have a car. So, my feet will be my most reliable source of transportation. Also, what are some things to check out? Places to eat? Museums to check out? Your advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
The Palmer House Hilton is a great hotel. It's right off the blue line and a few blocks from Grant Park, the Chicago Museum of Art, and the Magnificent Mile. It's going to be very cold then, though. Be prepared.
I stayed at the Palmer house when I went in October. Awesome hotel. Walking distance to eeeeeeeeeverything. One problem though was how tiny it was.. it was built an epically long time ago so it is designed for back when everyone was a midget not 6'2" like me
I went a few months ago. I really dig chicago. Stayed at the Drake and we walked/took train/cab everywhere and with ease. Millinium park. The Gage restaurant is close to it...great place for a brunch. Irish. Buckingham Fountain is fairly close too. Art musuem is in walking distance. Gotta see Sue at the Science Museum, which is also near the planetarium, aquarium and soldier field. Second City if you like comedy. Spiaggia for a nice italian place. Giordano's for good deepdish. I've heard Weber grill is good. Polo's restaurant is good, although just had drinks and appetizers.
It's actually chilly here now (and it's June)...it was 50 degrees this morning and is 61 now. There's a hostel on S. State Street that's really popular, check it out on www.hostelworld.com As far as things to do/see, check out the different neighborhoods (most everyone in downtown Chicago on a weekend is a tourist)...cool neighborhoods are Wicker Park (where I live), Lincoln Park, Old Town, Lakeview/Wrigleyville, Hyde Park (Obama's hood), Pilsen (cool Mexican neighborhood), Devon St (Little India/Pakistan). Definitely walk around downtown/along Michigan Avenue, but don't limit yourself to just that area. Be sure to buy an unlimited CTA pass at the airport (they don't sell these at the stations). Restaurants...Pequod's for deep dish pizza in Lincoln Park, Piece for thin crust pizza in Wicker Park, Coast for sushi, there are tons more..I'll try to post again in this thread later.
We've had other posters come visit our fine city in the past before, you'll find excellent suggestion, tips, etc etc all in these 2 threads: Taking a Trip To Cincinatti & Chicago Things To Do In Chicago
I third the Palmer recommendation. October isn't too bad here, at worst you might need to bring a jacket. Generally, the closer you stay to the lake, the colder it is (it does make a difference). Most of the posters have already hit on the good touristy stuff. I would add check out the Green Mill, especially if you're a jazz fan. It used to be one of Capone's old hangouts. As far as food (by far my favorite part of Chicago), here are some spots you might not commonly hear that are pretty awesome: BREAKFAST Svea: Swedish pancake house in Andersonville (a Swedish Neighborhood). A little bit of a trek from downtown (15 minutes by train) but definitely worth it, especially if you've never done breakfast Swedish style. The Bongo Room: Great French toast, pretty close to downtown. LUNCH/DINNER My Pi: Everyone knows the big guys (Giordano's, Pizzeria Uno, Gino's East, Lou Malnati's), but this is probably my favorite deep dish pizza in the city. Well, a toss up between this and... Giordano's: There's a reason why its so famous. Weber Grill: If you're a fan of tasty animals, this is your spot. Located on State and Grand (somewhere around there). Oscar's: I couldn't find a website for it. Its a small little hot dog shop in the South Loop, on Wabash and 11th. Best hot dogs I've had in the city. Half Shell: An amazing crab shack. I have never seen crab legs this big. These motherf_ckers must be on steroids. Adobo Grill: Authentic Mexican food. Awesome homemade guacomole. Located right next to second city. DESSERT Hugos Frog Bar: If not only for the sheer size of their desserts. One slice of their cake can feed a table. There's so much to do here. Hope that helps a little.
