Neighborhood highlights
Welcome to Chicago! A Local's Guide to the Windy City
Welcome to our Airbnb! We're so excited to have you in Chicago. This guide is designed to help you explore the city like a local, with recommendations for attractions, dining, and getting around.
Getting Around
Chicago has an excellent public transportation system, so you don't need a car to get around.
CTA (Chicago Transit Authority): The CTA operates both the 'L' (elevated and subway trains) and bus systems.
Ventra Card/App: The easiest way to pay is by using a Ventra Card or the Ventra app on your phone. You can purchase a Ventra Card at any 'L' station or select retailers. You can load money onto the card or buy a multi-day pass (1-day, 3-day, or 7-day passes are great for tourists).
Train Lines: Each train line is identified by a color (e.g., Red Line, Blue Line, Brown Line). The Blue Line runs to and from O'Hare International Airport (ORD), and the Orange Line connects to Midway International Airport (MDW).
Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout the city.
Divvy Bikes: Chicago has a bike-sharing system called Divvy. It's a great way to explore the lakefront and many of the city's neighborhoods.
Water Taxi: The Chicago Water Taxi is a fun and scenic way to get from one part of the city to another, particularly along the Chicago River.
Chicago's Top Attractions
These are the "must-see" spots for any visitor. Consider a Chicago CityPASS if you plan on visiting several paid attractions, as it can save you money.
Millennium Park: Home to the iconic "Cloud Gate" sculpture (aka "The Bean"). It's a great place to walk around, see public art, and in the summer, enjoy free concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
The Art Institute of Chicago: One of the most renowned art museums in the world.
Architecture River Cruise: A highly recommended activity. See Chicago's stunning skyline from the river while learning about its history and architecture. Companies like Shoreline Sightseeing and the Chicago Architecture Center offer fantastic tours.
Observation Decks: Get a panoramic view of the city.
Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower): Step out onto "The Ledge," a glass box extending from the 103rd floor.
360 Chicago (875 N. Michigan Ave., formerly John Hancock Center): Features "TILT," a thrill ride that tilts you out over the city.
Museum Campus: Located along the lakefront, this area is home to three major museums.
Shedd Aquarium: Home to a vast collection of marine life.
Field Museum: A natural history museum featuring Sue the T. Rex.
Adler Planetarium: The first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere.
Navy Pier: A classic tourist spot with a giant Ferris wheel, restaurants, and entertainment.
Neighborhoods to Explore
The best of Chicago is found beyond the downtown Loop. Each neighborhood has its own distinct personality.
The Loop: The downtown hub, home to most of the iconic skyscrapers and tourist attractions.
Wicker Park/Bucktown: A trendy and eclectic area known for its vintage shops, independent boutiques, and vibrant music scene.
Lincoln Park: A beautiful, upscale neighborhood with tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and the free-admission Lincoln Park Zoo. It also has a lovely lakefront park and beach.
Pilsen: A vibrant, culturally rich neighborhood on the South Side with incredible street art, fantastic Mexican restaurants, and a thriving art community.
Logan Square: Known for its gorgeous boulevards, a great food and drink scene, and a laid-back, community-oriented atmosphere.
Hyde Park: Home to the University of Chicago, this neighborhood has a rich cultural history and globally renowned museums.
River North: A cultural hotspot just north of the Loop, famous for its art galleries, trendy restaurants, and energetic nightlife.
Chinatown: A historic neighborhood with authentic cuisine, unique shops, and cultural events.
A Taste of Chicago
Chicago is a world-class food city with everything from deep-dish pizza to Michelin-starred dining.
Deep-Dish Pizza: No trip is complete without it. Popular spots include Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, and Uno Pizzeria & Grill.
Chicago Hot Dog: An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun, topped with mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Absolutely NO ketchup!
Italian Beef Sandwich: A classic Chicago sandwich. Thinly sliced roast beef is simmered in au jus and served on an Italian-style roll, often topped with giardiniera (spicy relish).
Must-Try Restaurants:
For Fine Dining: Alinea (Michelin 3-star), Monteverde, Kasama, Ever.
For a Local Vibe: Lula Café (Logan Square), The Publican (West Loop), Bavette's Bar & Boeuf (River North).
Casual Eats: Portillo's (for Italian beef), any hot dog stand, various taco joints in Pilsen.
Tips for Your Stay
"The Loop": This term refers to Chicago's downtown area. The 'L' train tracks that encircle the downtown district give the area its name.
"The Lakefront Trail": A 19-mile (30 km) trail along Lake Michigan, perfect for walking, running, or biking.
Weather: Chicago weather can be unpredictable. Be sure to check the forecast and pack layers, especially if you're visiting in the spring or fall. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are typically hot and humid.
Emergencies:
Police/Fire/Medical: Dial 911.
Non-emergency Police: Call 311.
We hope you have an incredible time exploring our city! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
