Calling all Chicago experts!

[locodemickey]

I just booked a room at the Hyatt Regency for 3 nights of my spring break (March 31st - April 2nd). Should we get the city-pass? I would like to visit the 5 places that the pass allows, but is 3 nights (four days) enough to fill all that in? Also, we will have a car. Will it cost to park at each of the 5 places, or should we take city transportation? Thanks, and we can't wait until we visit your city

 

[locodemickey]

update: we won't have a car - $50 per night parking We will take the train in and use city busses.

 

[erincon23]

I don't remember what the CityPass covers -- the Museum of Science and Industry I know for sure --that's well worth the time. That one is considerably south of downtown -- you can get there with public transportation, but be sure to ask the concierge at the Hyatt for the best bus information. If the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and/or the Adler Planetarium are included, you could probably do two of those in one day -- they're all in the same general area, and you can walk from one to the other. The Shedd and the Adler are probably done easiest as half-days, and the Field might be nearly a full day (depending, of course, on your interests, but the Adler is definitely not more than a half day). Be sure to take a walk through Navy Pier -- and go on the giant Ferris Wheel -- and walk through Millenium Park. Is the Art Institute on the City Pass? That's a good half-day plus, if you rush through it or only pick certain galleries. I'd find the websites for each of those and check them out online so you know exactly what you are interested in seeing. Have a great time! Chicago is a beautiful city, but it's still likely to be cold over spring break -- bring warm clothes.

Erin

 

[fairyprincess1]

What activities are you looking to do? If you want to drive a couple of blocks from the Hyatt is parking under Millenium Park - the rates are much lower (I think more around $25/ night)... But you wouldn't have the in/out priveleges that you would have at the Hyatt...

Public transit or taxis are the way to go downtown. It is easier to just park the car and not deal with the traffic and all the additional parking fees...

 

[locodemickey]

Thanks for the replies We are going to take the train in from Michigan City and use public trans. The city-pass is the Shedd, Field, Science and Industry, Sears or Hancock towers, and the Adler Planetarium. It sounds like the best way for us. I hope the weather will be like it is forecasted in SW Michigan - low 70s and sunny for that time

 

[DreaminDisney]

The Shedd is free on Tuesdays. I would AVOID going that day...

 

[FINFAN]

A LOT of area schools are on break this week ( if not ALL) and for once we have decent weather predicted in the forecast...so what I am saying is CROWDS!!! MSI will take the whole day ( hopefully they will stay open until 6 vs 5) Shedd will be jammed but doable if you get there early, it is right across form the Field Museum, but honestly, I think each takes a day to really see and get your $ worth...but if you like to skip shows and just view the tanks, the Shedd can be a 1/2 day.I would pack lunch and save some $, not only is the food expensive at each, it gets very crowded and uses up valuable time. I know with traveling that may not be convenient, but even peanut butter sandwiches/ granola bars/chips to tie you over and then get a nice dinner after the places close.
The ledge in the Sears is pretty cool, I have to say,,we waited inthe 2.5 hour lie last summer and while that was painful, it was so cool once we were on the ledges....you can stay up there as long as you like once you do get up. If I were you, I would pay the 50% increase to take the "fastpass" route and head on up...since there are only 2 of you it isn't that bad, we had 6 of us so that was going to break the bank for sure! With the weather predicted, you should have a great view! One question tho, since we are goint ot have nice weather, maybe don't spend each day indoors at museums? This is RARE for Chicago to have these temps so early, lol, I'm telling you, the poeple will be out! Have a great visit!

 

[locodemickey]

A LOT of area schools are on break this week ( if not ALL) and for once we have decent weather predicted in the forecast...so what I am saying is CROWDS!!! MSI will take the whole day ( hopefully they will stay open until 6 vs 5) Shedd will be jammed but doable if you get there early, it is right across form the Field Museum, but honestly, I think each takes a day to really see and get your $ worth...but if you like to skip shows and just view the tanks, the Shedd can be a 1/2 day.I would pack lunch and save some $, not only is the food expensive at each, it gets very crowded and uses up valuable time. I know with traveling that may not be convenient, but even peanut butter sandwiches/ granola bars/chips to tie you over and then get a nice dinner after the places close.
The ledge in the Sears is pretty cool, I have to say,,we waited inthe 2.5 hour lie last summer and while that was painful, it was so cool once we were on the ledges....you can stay up there as long as you like once you do get up. If I were you, I would pay the 50% increase to take the "fastpass" route and head on up...since there are only 2 of you it isn't that bad, we had 6 of us so that was going to break the bank for sure! With the weather predicted, you should have a great view! One question tho, since we are goint ot have nice weather, maybe don't spend each day indoors at museums? This is RARE for Chicago to have these temps so early, lol, I'm telling you, the poeple will be out! Have a great visit!

Thanks for your response The city-pass says "Skip the lines with this ticket" does this mean that we go the "fast pass" line or do we still have to wait (there will be at least 4 of us - maybe 6).
ETA: ooh, I just checked and it does include the fast pass