Ask Joyce

I am planning to come up to Chicago for the weekend. I am debating where to stay and can I exist on public transportation. Is there public parking? I will try to do Field Museum, observatory, Navy pier, mag mile, arboretum.

Tony

HI Tony – You can certainly exist on public transportation. You can take the “L” from either airport and several busses run from Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center. You can’t go wrong by staying in the Loop, Magnificent Mile, or the River North areas. When booking your hotel, you may want to inquire how close they are to public transportation and the locations you want to visit.

There is public parking available however that can take a chunk out of your budget over several days. You would want to inquire about this as well when booking your hotel.

The Field Museum, John Hancock Observatory and the Sears Tower Skydeck, Navy Pier, and the Mag Mile are within walking or bus distance of any major hotel. The Arboretum is two miles from the Metra train station in Lisle (Burlington Northern line). Cab service is available through advance arrangements. Also, while in town, Taste of Chicago, the country’s largest food festival, will be in Grant Park. Go early, 11am opening, to avoid the throngs.

Have a great stay!! Let me know if I can help further.

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce