Chicago Expert Needed

[MinnieLove]

We are taking a "girls" trip to Chicago via bus from Ohio this weekend. We want to do some shopping and go to Sears Towers etc.... We will be there from 10 am tro 8 pm. But we have a couple girls that will not be able to walk miles and miles.

What is the best way to get around. We have found the Hop On Hop Off Tour with the double decker buses and trollies. Has anyone used this and what was your experience. Cost is $30 per person.

Is there a better alternative? What would you suggest?

 

[NotUrsula]

For a one-day visit, I'd pick the attractions that most appeal to you and use cabs rather than spending time on a tour bus, unless what you want to do most is gawk at architecture (in which case, take the CAF boat tour -- from the river you have enough perspective to really see the buildings, whereas on the street you are too close to them.) Cabs are everywhere in the Mile and Loop areas, just plan your route to minimize backtracking.

One day is an awfully short time to see much. One thing I would suggest is to put the shopping at the end of the day, because many of the museum-type things close by 5 pm. You will probably want to skip the Museum of Science and Industry, which is a shame, but it's so far from the Loop/Mile area that getting there and back will eat up a lot of your time. That is also kind of true of the Chicago Historical Society up in Lincoln Park, which is another shame -- I love their exhibits.

 

[CoP Luv]

I would pick and choose amongst the attractions that are close to the Red Line L: The Art Institute, Millenium Park, Macy's, Michigan Ave...

The Sears Tower isn't too far from the Red Line...about 5 blocks. I would do this first though because it can get really crowded and the line is very long. An alternative, if you want to spend the majority time shopping, would go to the John Hancock Building and go to the bar on the 96th for drinks/dessert or the Observatory.

The Red Line is really inexpensive and you can get a 1 day pass.

 

[budbeerlady]

Take the CTA around or spring for a cab. Cabs are very reasonable and a foot saver!

There is also a water taxi. I don't know where you are starting from but its a fun way to get from Sears Tower to Michigan Ave. There are steps involved to get up to street level again if that matters to anyone in the group. Dd loves to travel on the water taxis and usually we take them out to Navy Pier.

 

[Jana49]

I just got back from a girls weekend in the Windy City on Sunday! We shared the costs of taxis, and it worked out great! They are very accessible, cheap, and you can walk until you don't want to anymore.

Btw, Sears Tower is Willis Tower now.

If you can get in, the Giradano Italian restaurant is amazing! If not, Rosebud across the street from it also has wonderful food!

 

[frzndaqiri]

I love Chicago - a second home at this point to me. I agree - taxi or CTA is the way to go. The free trolley system was amazing - but sadly budget cuts mean it is no more (for now?).

Jana49 It will ALWAYS be the Sears tower -

 

[NotUrsula]

I would pick and choose amongst the attractions that are close to the Red Line L: The Art Institute, Millenium Park, Macy's, Michigan Ave...

The Sears Tower isn't too far from the Red Line...about 5 blocks. I would do this first though because it can get really crowded and the line is very long. An alternative, if you want to spend the majority time shopping, would go to the John Hancock Building and go to the bar on the 96th for drinks/dessert or the Observatory.

The Red Line is really inexpensive and you can get a 1 day pass.

Ordinarily I'd wholeheartedly agree with this, but without using buses, walking from the Red Line stations to attractions can be bit of a hike; not an issue if walking is fun for you, but problematic if walking is difficult. The Art Institute is a 1/2 mile walk from the nearest station, and the Field Museaum is a full mile (because you have to backtrack a bit to safely get under Lakeshore on the walking path.) Using buses cuts down the walking considerably, but you waste a fair amount of time waiting for them, and on a day that short, I'd rather spend a bit more and make every minute count. (The one thing that WOULD be worthwhile to do via the Red Line is to go quickly from the Museum Campus area up to the Mag Mile; it's much faster to do that stretch underground rather than sitting in Michigan Ave. traffic in a cab. Which reminds me for the OP: traffic on Michigan itself is very slow; walk a block off Michigan to get your cabs North or South if you want to save time and the meter.)

Going to Hancock instead of the Willis Tower is a good recommendation, and I agree about buying a drink and getting something more for your money than just the observatory ticket.`

 

[Lillian Gracey]

Agreed. it will ALWAYS be the Sears Tower. Especially to Chicagoans (I am one. ;D) I don't have much advice, but I wish you a wonderful trip to a wonderful city!

Never thought I'd see an ACener on these boards. >>

 

[battricia]

if you decide to use the CTA - you can go to many drug stores and buy a 24hr CTA pass for 5.75 which you can use on any of the trains/subways and busses.

 

[MinnieLove]

Thanks everyone for replies. Sounds like we should skip the expensive double decker buses and use public buses or cabs.

Should we go to the Hancock or Sears Tower for the best views?

We will be skipping the museums just because we have such a short amount of time. Shopping (mostly window shopping) - where should we go? Yes Michigan Ave but are there any must dos?

 

[Lillian Gracey]

I'm biased because my family has one of their grocery stores in the Hancock so I say you should go there!

Both are great choices though. Pick which ever is most convenient.

 

[AimeeMichele]

They both have great views! The Sears Tower has a part all enclosed in glass so it appears as though you are standing in the sky! If you go to the Hancock, make sure to go to the 95th floor and have a drink at the Signature Room's bar (the floor is windows with panaromic views of the skyline).

There's an architectural boat ride that isn't expensive and very nice. Oak Street's Beachstro is right on the beach and is a great experience. You can look at Lake Michigan, the S curve on Lake Shore Drive and all the tall buildings. Let's see....there are free trolley's that are downtown and I believe even go to Navy Pier. Navy Pier has fireworks on Saturday nights; there are also cruise ships you can take out on the lake for dinner, drinks, watch the fireworks, etc.

Window shop up and down Michigan Avenue. If you find yourself on State Street, check out the windows of the Macy's store that's at State/Randolph (also on State/Wabash and State/Washington). <-- This is the old Marshall Field's store.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me. I've worked in the city for ~11 years and lived here for 3, however was brought up right outside of the city. Hope you have a great time!

 

[Traveliz]

Thanks everyone for replies. Sounds like we should skip the expensive double decker buses and use public buses or cabs.

Should we go to the Hancock or Sears Tower for the best views?

We will be skipping the museums just because we have such a short amount of time. Shopping (mostly window shopping) - where should we go? Yes Michigan Ave but are there any must dos?

They both have great views - that said I think the Hancock is so much closer to everything else you will likely be doing.

Liz

 

[ckrum]

I also think taking a cab is a quick and easy way to get around. That's what we always do. If you have the time, then the Willis Tower (Sears to me) is amazing w/the sky boxes. But, if it's a cloudy day you might not see too much. If you don't have time for the Willis Tower, then do the Hancock.

We enjoy both the architectural and the water front boat tours.

We live downstate and do day trips to Chicago frequently. Enjoy your trip.

 

[jenniy122]

Should we go to the Hancock or Sears Tower for the best views?

Shopping (mostly window shopping) - where should we go? Yes Michigan Ave but are there any must dos?

They both have great views, Hancock is going to be closer to the other things you want to do, it's right on Michigan Ave inbetween two big shopping centers.

I think it's worth a trip over to the Macys at State and Randolph, which was the original Marshall Fields (and a morgue fun fact!). There are plenty of buses that go from Michigan Ave to State St., and there's other shopping along State as well.

Definitely seconding that each of you getting a CTA day pass is probably the most economical and walking-free way to go. Yeah, you'll have to spend some time waiting for buses or trains, but you can use that time to go over plans for the rest of the day, places you want to revisit, etc.

 

[JenniJ]

My mom just took my nephew to the Sears Tower for a birthday outing. The pics I saw were fabulous! They said it was worth it just to step out on those glass outlook areas. You are actually standing on glass looking down the x amount of stories you are up. It looked like he was just floating in mid air.

Hancock is nice for a view of the lakefront. If you go to the Hanock, make sure you grab some candy at a store called Elephants Etc. I used to work there during college. The lady that owns the place makes a good amount of the chocolates by hand. I have yet to eat a chocolate covered pretzel that will compare to her's.

State street has a lot of stores, but mostly major department store, Sears, Macy's, Carson's, etc. Over the river, on Michigan Ave. is where you will find the more designer, Tiffany's, Brooks Brothers and higher end stores, Bloomingdales, Nordstorm's, Saks Fifth Ave,

Either skyscraper you deside to pick, make sure it's a clear day. If there are low hanging clouds you will not be able to see far, if at all.

 

[windycitymom]

We just saw Billy Elliott today at the Oriental Theatre and paid $20 a ticket! There is a promotion going on where you can get 30% off the price of a ticket in September. We went to the box office this morning, and I asked for the FALL special for the upper balconey (least expensive ticket). When you buy at the box office, you also avoid the additional $16.50 ticketmaster fee PER ticket. You can also enter promo code FALL online, but the ticket fees apply. There were plenty of balconey seats available.

Anyway...it was a great show!! The show is 2 hrs. 45 min. including a 15 min. intermission. I would have no problem sitting in the upper balconey again. Seeing a Broadway show for only $20 is a steal. However, you have to ask for the FALL special (30% off per ticket) - they don't automatically give it you.

 

[budbeerlady]

I would go with the Hancock just because you would most likely be in the area shopping already. Check on Tripadvisor, I have heard of very long lines for the sears tower with the new glass viewing area but maybe those have diminished.


Shopping: if anyone is interested American Girl place is right near the Hancock and the water tower area. I just enjoy window shopping and the huge Disney store for the most part.

 

[ospopo5]

Chicago area native says do Hancock and the stores in the area. There is a Disney store right down the street about 2 blocks from Water Tower which is the mall there. But lots of stores, etc. right in that area plus good restuarants, etc. Grand Lux is a great place to eat if you are looking for great food.

If you do make it down to state street they just opened a whole bunch of stores, etc. near the Macy's. There's a lot more shopping down that way.

CTA is the best bet but a cab from water tower to state street area will run you between $10-15.

 

[MinnieLove]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I think we have a good game plan now.