Chicago Guide, map and photos. boo.com members recommend hotels, restaurants and attractions in Chicago

Its a tough decision, whether Chicago or NY is my favourite city in the US. I spent a summer in Chicago so it probably wins out.

It's a great city, the lake is like a beach and great for cooling off in the humid summer. Really good nightlife from strawberry daiquaris at the top of the...more Its a tough decision, whether Chicago or NY is my favourite city in the US. I spent a summer in Chicago so it probably wins out.

It's a great city, the lake is like a beach and great for cooling off in the humid summer. Really good nightlife from strawberry daiquaris at the top of the John Hancock building to the House of Blues to the many bars scattered just off Michigan Avenue to the zoo which was fascinating to go to (as i hadn't been to a zoo since i was really young!) and as for the shopping, lets just say the credit card wasn't in the best of shape after!!!close

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by aisling – posted on May 1, 2007

71

Don't go to the EXCALIBUR club. It sucks and they expect you to pay to get to each floor. There are plenty of place in chicago....there is something for everyone. I recomend the L over the bus as the bus often got stuck in the traffic and therefore didn't move very fast. The lake front...more Don't go to the EXCALIBUR club. It sucks and they expect you to pay to get to each floor. There are plenty of place in chicago....there is something for everyone. I recomend the L over the bus as the bus often got stuck in the traffic and therefore didn't move very fast. The lake front is very relaxing and fun. It is definetly the WINDY CITY. I tried to eat something outside and the wind blew the food off of my spoon!!! And i got a lot of dirt in my eye. but in general it was a lot of fun. Dont' expect people tobe nice or friendly.close

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by terracotta1014792 – posted on Apr 21, 2007

2

Don't spend the bulk of your vacation here unless you have family. I statyed here for 3 nights and 4 days and that was more than enough. I got to see all the major attractions, hang out with my friends, etc. If you're from the city, this is not the ideal vacation spot for you. Go to...more Don't spend the bulk of your vacation here unless you have family. I statyed here for 3 nights and 4 days and that was more than enough. I got to see all the major attractions, hang out with my friends, etc. If you're from the city, this is not the ideal vacation spot for you. Go to some remote island and chillax there instead.close

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by klgaspar – posted on Dec 26, 2006

2

I went to numerous places in the US on my gap year, including Atlanta, Augusta, Denver, New York, Buffalo, Toronto, Phoenix, Vegas, and San Francisco, but Chicago was my favourite city because of the friendly people and the night life. I enjoyed Denver for the same reasons, and Vegas was...more I went to numerous places in the US on my gap year, including Atlanta, Augusta, Denver, New York, Buffalo, Toronto, Phoenix, Vegas, and San Francisco, but Chicago was my favourite city because of the friendly people and the night life. I enjoyed Denver for the same reasons, and Vegas was unbelievable, but Chicago is the place I enjoyed most.close

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by dillon8lfc – posted on Nov 21, 2006

8

I had a wonderful time in Chicago. I loved the city architecture and spirit. There is a lot things too see and a lot places to chill out and go out. If you have time and money, don't miss the architectural cruise - boat view of Chicago from the river. Don't miss the lake, the...more I had a wonderful time in Chicago. I loved the city architecture and spirit. There is a lot things too see and a lot places to chill out and go out. If you have time and money, don't miss the architectural cruise - boat view of Chicago from the river. Don't miss the lake, the Magnificent Mile, and the international suburbs.close

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by pavle3559 – posted on Sep 30, 2006

2

STAY HERE, not ARLINGTON PLACE hostel. I read some very scary reviews about Arlington so I desided to stay here, and was very pleased. The room was very clean, clean sheets, the guests were nice and quiet, the secuity was good, the staff was helpful. One tip though... if you book on Hostelz.com...more STAY HERE, not ARLINGTON PLACE hostel. I read some very scary reviews about Arlington so I desided to stay here, and was very pleased. The room was very clean, clean sheets, the guests were nice and quiet, the secuity was good, the staff was helpful. One tip though... if you book on Hostelz.com they underquote you... when I got to the hostel they said I had to pay 2 extra dollars for not being a member. And even then, they tried over charging me with in addition to the 2 dollars, so keep your online reservation receipt.close

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by adriannet – posted on Aug 26, 2006

2

Not too big, not too small -- Chicago has a lot going on but it's easy to navigate (very clear streets & numbering system) and it's a good city culturally. It's really worth it to see the Chicago architecture from the river -- so if you can't afford the river boat tours ($20), try the simpler...more Not too big, not too small -- Chicago has a lot going on but it's easy to navigate (very clear streets & numbering system) and it's a good city culturally. It's really worth it to see the Chicago architecture from the river -- so if you can't afford the river boat tours ($20), try the simpler ride on the Water Bus ($2 or $4).close

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by k9433 – posted on Aug 14, 2006

3

Chicagois awesome.Itsfasstpacedwith a lot of culture.Theres a ton of different kinds of people and stuff to do. If you like the night life sober or drinkers theres about a billion things to do and see. I would say food is the mot expensive thing, other than that you could get by really easily...more Chicagois awesome.Itsfasstpacedwith a lot of culture.Theres a ton of different kinds of people and stuff to do. If you like the night life sober or drinkers theres about a billion things to do and see. I would say food is the mot expensive thing, other than that you could get by really easily without having to spend a ton of dough. Public transportation is awesome too,between buses,CTA, and walking you can get pretty much anywhere. I would suggest getting a train map from online or the cultural center has maps & info for free. People are generally nice and helpful-so dont feel bad if you need directions. If youre germiphobic, I HIGHLY suggest bring some kind of anti-bac wipes & or hand sanitizer. This is a major city so you get dirty by the end of the day. There is sooo much to check out, and you most likely be doing a lot of running around so bring a snack or at least water. I went in blazing summer and could manage to be cold enough. I carried a bag,map, ice water, a hankerchief, and parisol. Most places take cash only, so keep some handy. Also, if youre flying in or out of places, make sure you have enogh time. 1) @ the air port the cabbies have to wait in a line to get customers so go to a helper at the front of the line who will get you one (kinda like a valet) or look like an ass going up to every cab trying to get a ride like I did. 2) "hashbrowns" are not west coast hashbrowns, theyre simply cut up fried potatoes/ "home fries" NOT shredded goodness. 3) being vegan or vegitatrian was a little rough, especially if you are money conscious, so scope out some places first... 4) The midwest does NOT believe in toilet seat covers, so ladies-either hover or line it with tp 5)If you call in advance for a cab, make SURE when they pick you up they have your correct name and arnt there for a different party. They will yell at you in about 3 blocks. 6)People in Chicago love to stare, I dont know what it is, but 50% of people stare.No reason, they just do, so its best t ignore it instead of feeling frustarted or self conscoius.Youd get shot for doing that in LA. 7) You tip the airport curbside check in person-news to me! 8)Bring good shoes!!! Your feet will hurt unless you are used to a big city and marathn walking. 9) Dont let the cabbies know youre a tourist, theyll charge you more. i dont kno how but they do. 10) Be prepared to have a f'in BLAST!!close

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by Jenay4938 – posted on Jul 31, 2006

2

First time in Chicago & really impressed with lakeshore & downtown (cleanliness & recreation), accessibility of places, public transport, gayness/diversity of city, friendliness of people (for a large city) & excellent food/nightspots. We will vacation here again next year (but for longer than 5...more First time in Chicago & really impressed with lakeshore & downtown (cleanliness & recreation), accessibility of places, public transport, gayness/diversity of city, friendliness of people (for a large city) & excellent food/nightspots. We will vacation here again next year (but for longer than 5 days!- 2 weeks would be perfect).close

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by sheib137 – posted on Jul 19, 2006

2