How To
By
eHow Travel Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
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Travel Services
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Bike Helmets
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Travel Guides
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Day Packs
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Bikes
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Maps
Step1
Ride the bus. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is the nation's second-largest public transit system and offers routes that cover Chicago and 38 suburbs, as well as direct rapid transit routes to O'Hare and Midway airports. This system also includes the well-known "L" or "El" elevated train services.
Step2
Use the METRA rail system, especially if you are heading to the suburbs. This system can take you to many points within Chicago and also covers Northeast Illinois.
Step3
Consider a CTA visitor's pass, available in one-, two-, three- and five-day options. The more days you buy, the better the deal.
Step4
Walk, and use the Pedway in bad weather. Chicago's Pedway is a system of walkways and skywalks that links together much of the city's central business and tourism district. Follow the posted maps, or get a map from a tourist information center.
Step5
Bring a bike or rent one. In 1999 Chicago was rated among the top 10 bicycling cities in the country by "Bicycling" magazine. The city offers many miles of bike lanes and is adding more all the time; it also offers bike racks around town.
Comments
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on 8/8/2006 For a great view, go to the top of the John Hancock building on Michigan Ave, instead of Sears Tower. The view is just as nice and it's free to go up. At the top is a restaurant and bar. Drinks are expensive, but it's still cheaper than Sears Tower.
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on 11/22/2005 Get a bit of exercise and try walking around the city as much as you can if you know it's safe. You're sure to pass tons of interesting stuff. This works best north of the Loop up to about Wrigleyville. Because of the grid system, it's difficult to lose your bearing even in an unfamiliar area. Just keep an eye on street signs and, if all else fails, remember that the lake is always east.
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on 11/22/2005 If in the downtown area parking can be very expensive. If you're not going to be more than 2.5 hours then look for a spot anywhere downtown and feed the meter. Then just take a taxi to your destination. You'll save about $10.
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on 11/22/2005 The el is the best way to get downtown from the airport. It's only $1.50 and the line that goes to O'Hare (the Blue line) is the safest in Chicago.