susieQ122

What is the difference between flying into Midway vs. O'Hare? Any suggestions on where to stay for a first time pleasure trip to Chicago this summer? How many days would be good and any suggestions on what to see or do? Thanks!

sf7307

One is southeast of the city and is northwest? The city is accessible from both by the "L" (never know if that's L or El).

simpsonc510

Either one! Ohare is a lot larger and busier. Both have transportation into the city for your visit.

Chicago has museums, the lake, shopping, restaurants, theater, etc. There is plenty to do to keep you busy for weeks! If you can must 4-5 days, that'd be good.

The Art Institute, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum of Natural History; Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue, tall buildings with bars/viewing levels at or near the top. Also the Chicago Architecture river cruise is fantastic!

simpsonc510

If you can mustER 4-5 days.... (typo)

I forgot, the Shedd Acquarium!

Chicago is a great city to visit. (I don't live there, I'm from downstate Illinois)

Citylghts

There isn't much difference in reaching The Loop from the airport. MDW is about 30 minutes away via the CTA Orange Line. ORD is about 45 minutes away via the CTA Blue Line. Check www.transitchicago.com for maps, a trip planner and info how to track trains (The "L") and buses via your smart phone. Multi-day passes are available at both airport rail stations. A 1-day pass is $5.75 and 3-day pass is $14. They allow unlimited rides on all CTA trains and buses.

The River North/Magnificent Mile/Streeterville area has the largest concentration of hotels and restaurants and is close to most of the tourist sites. A close second choice is The Loop which is just south of the river. It has more offices, so tends to be a bit quieter in the evenings, but also contains the museums and theatres.

Do some research on the things that interest you. Are you interested in the museums? Shopping? Sports? Outdoor Activities? Theatre? Check www.explorechicago.org or www.choosechicago.com. For a calendar of events and restaurants, check www.chicagomag.com or www.chicagoreader.com.

Hotel rates are very sensitive to supply and demand and the city is a major convention destination. If you're flexible with your dates, you can find better hotel deals.

lincasanova

Priceline bidding works great in Chicago usually. Read up at www.betterbidding.com

susieQ122

Wow, thank you all SO MUCH for your very very informative and helpful information. I have plenty to look into, and it all sounds good! Is Summertime a good time to visit? Any suggestions on lodging? Clean and a good location are my main two requirements. Not looking to break the bank, but doesn't need to be budget either. Are B & B's an option?

Also, I'm thinking that renting an auto would be more of a hassle than it would be worth, and unneeded?

exiledprincess

susieQ122, I personally try to go through Midway, which is much smaller than O'Hare, if at all possible. But it really depends on which airlines you are using.

Use the links Citylghts gave you to determine when to come based on either convention dates or if you want to experience a specific festival or attraction.

Inasfar as B&Bs are concerned, although there are hotels aplenty in the areas mentioned above, those are rare. The Flemish House of Chicago is located in the Gold Coast, close to two of the city's beaches (North Avenue and Oak Street) and a couple of blocks from the top of the Magnificent Mile as well as N. Rush Street.

If the pricing is still giving you pause, there are a few hotels further away (Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Lakeview neighborhoods) which you might consider. Public transportation is plentiful in each of these areas (it just takes somewhat longer to get to some of the attractions); however, on the plus side, you have more great dining and entertainment options available to you.

Summertime is a great time for a first timer.

Yes, a rental car is an expensive inconvenience in the city.

exiledprincess

BTW, Chicago "neighborhoods" are parts of the city proper. Not the suburbs.

Brian_in_Charlotte

Given a choice, I'd always choose Midway.

fmpden

We are in Chicago five or six times a years. Always use Midway if I have the choice. Much quicker into the city, smaller, and almost totally new so it is set up much better than O'Hare. And going out far better than O'Hare. Have never hit long security lines.

japw82

Which airline will you be using? Southwest, Airtran, and Frontier fly into Midway. I think Delta flys into both airports. Travelzoo usually has some good deals on Chicago hotels. Your travel dates will impact hotel availability and pricing. If your dates are flexible, look on any travel site with the anticipated dates to compare prices and availability.

dw627

Definitely do not rent a car unless you want to see other parts of IL or WI. If you plan to stay in the city and tour the lakefront, downtown and fun neighborhodds, a car will be an expensive addition you don't need. Not only will you pay the rental fee, you'll pay a fortune to park it. You can get everywhere you'll want to go on foot, using the el or by hoping in a cab. There are also lots of buses!

Summer is a great time to see Chicago and enjoy the lake. You can swim, sail, enjoy tour boats etc. There are lots of festivals and outdoor events, as well as all the museums someone listed earlier. It will be hot, so plan for high temps and humidity, but better for sight seeing and for enjoying the beautiful lake front than our windy, icy, winters.

There are LOTS of hotels with easy access to all the sites and attractions. You'll easily find one within your price point. The same for great places to eat. You'll find the full range from cheap, tasty eats all the way to fancy schmancy, with every budget and flavor sensation you can imagine.

The Reader and Metro Mix are online sources (the Reader is also a newspaper you can get when you're here) that can provide the lastest updates on festivals, music, theater, events and restaurants.

Have fun!