QUICK TOUR
Here you will find some essential Chicago information and what we feel are some of the must see and do activities in the area. Chicago is brimming with exciting and interesting places and events, for more detail visit the Things to See or Things to Do sections.
BY BUS & THE EL
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), has complete and concise guides for both the (EL) elevated train, which run every five to twenty minutes with routes indicated by color; Red is the north-south line, Green runs west-south, Brown runs a zig-zag northern route, Orange is the southwest line serving Mid-Way airport, and a separate express line, the Purple line, services Evanston, while the Yellow line links Skokie to the north and south train, and the inter connecting bus lines that coarse the city. Bus stops can be easily found every one or two blocks. Look for the blue-and-white signs. For your specific route, call, (from any area code in the city ) 836-7000 or, TTY 836-4949.
PACE buses cover the suburban zones that surround the city, operating Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. They run every twenty to thirty minutes and can be flagged down at intersections, there are few actual designated stops.
BY CAR
Wide streets and a well laid out grid make traveling through and around the windy city a breeze. Chicago is not plagued by traffic jams and heavy congestion like other large US cities. Lake Shore Drive, also called Outer Drive is probably Chicago's most useful and scenic thoroughfare.
BY TAXI
A taxi will cost you roughly $1.60 at the drop, a $1.40 per mile, with a $.50 surcharge added for each additional passenger. Chicago's taxis come in many colors and are easily flagged down anywhere in the city.
Yellow Cab (312-TAXI-CAB); Checker (312-CHECKER).
The Art Institute of Chicago- Medieval tapestries, Roman tile floor mosaics, and Japanese Ukiyoe prints. The museum has a renowned collection of Impressionist art and one of the largest collections of Monte paintings in the world. (312-443-3600) 111 S. Michigan Ave.
The Field Museum of Natural History- If science is your thing then this is the place to see. (312-922-9410) Roosevelt Road and Lake Shore Drive
"Untouchable Tours"- An entertaining guide of Chicago's old gangster haunts from the days of prohibition. Guide's dressed in costume role play as they take you to see O'Bannions flower shop, the sight of the St. Valentine's day massacre, Al Capone's south side headquarters in the old Lexington Hotel, and much more. (773-881-1195) P.O. Box 43185, Chicago IL 60643
Shop Magnificent Mile- A near mile long stretch of fashionable shops, on North Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and the Chicago River, where you can buy everything from diamonds to do-hickeys.
Sears Tower Skydeck- Take a moment to view Chicago from the world's 2nd tallest skyscraper. There is an 8 minute video on the history of the city.
Oprah Winfrey- One of Chicago's most famous residents also operates her talk show out of Chicago.
Chicago Board of Trade- It's a crazy scene here. Men and women shout and scream and throw their hands up every half-second flashing hand signals in a bid to ... do what? Who knows. But, they sure are entertaining.
The Loop Sculpture Tour- Pick up the "Loop Sculpture Guide," sold for $3.95 at the Chicago Culture Center gift shop, 78 East Washington, and take yourself through Grant Park and the Loop to see the near 200 photographic, sculptures, and other fine 19th and 20th century works by some of the worlds greatest artists.
BOAT TOURS
Mercury Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline- One to two hour water tours of Chicago's skyline from late April and early October.
Wendella Sightseeing Boats- Located at Michigan Avenue across from Mercury Skyline Tours, offers 2-hour sunset cruises departing nightly at 7;30 pm.
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