We are planning 2 or 3 days in the Chicago area very soon. We've been told it works well to stay in neighboring town, such as Naperville, and take the train in. Are these trains called the Metra or something else? We know we'd like to do the architectural cruise near the Michigan Ave. bridge. Which train would we take to which station? How late do the trains run? And, what other sites are worth seeing/doing in this area?
Thank you!

Unless there is some specific reason to stay in the suburbs, you'd be much better off staying in the city.

We are driving, but want to avoid the hassle of driving in the city, if we can.

You will spend a lot of time driving in and driving out, no different from any other big city (and depending where and what time of day, the traffic can be horrendous). Drive into the city, park your car for the duration, and use public transportation while you're there, but don't waste your time staying in the suburbs.

Where do you live now? Naperville is long way out. Drive it. I don't think that is good advice. Who is giving it? In some ways Chicago is easier to drive in than some other cities like New York or LA.

I agree with the previous posts. Naperville is hardly a neighboring town as the the trip via train is around 90-minutes. So, you'd lose three hours of each day just getting to and from the city.

For most of the day, trains run about once an hour. Beginning at noon Saturday through Sunday, they're every two hours.

If you don't want to drive in the city, you don't have to. Once you arrive in the city, you don't need to drive. You can park your car and walk or take public transit to 99% of the places you'll want to see.

Most of the sights and hotels are within a relatively compact area. You can purchase a visitor pass which allows unlimited rides on all CTA buses and trains (not Metra). A 2-day pass is $9 and a 3-day is $12. Visit www.transitchicago.com for maps and info where to buy them.

As for other things to see or do, who is included in "we" and what are your interests?

Yes, I agree. I'm not sure who told you it works well to stay in a neighboring town, but it really doesn't.


But, since I recently was on the side against posters not answering the original question, I will do my best.

The Metra takes you from the suburbs to downtown. The El takes you all around downtown. The El can get you from the Metra to the bridge. Public transportation is wonderful in Chicago and the train or bus will get you everywhere. Taxis are also plentiful if you don't want to bother.

Metra:
http://www.metrarail.com/

El and buses
http://www.transitchicago.com/


If you bid on priceline for your hotel, you can get a very nice place around $100. Here is a great thread telling you how to do it:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35155707


So with the others, I suggest you stay downtown, park your car and either walk or use public transportation around town. Chicago is a GREAT walking city. Getting to your hotel is not hard. Driving downtown isn't crazy terrible like New York or other big cities.

No offense, but you've been given bad advice. You'll waste half of your time and spend just as much money on trains as parking.

Stay in the city.

I don't see any reason to stay in the suburbs unless you absolutely must. Just makes it a pain. Take it from someone who commutes on the Metra to the suburbs from the city every day

My sister visits Chicago often. She drives from southern Indiana, parks her car in a suburban train depot lot (much cheaper than parking in the city) and takes the train in to her hotel once. From there she uses public transport and leaves the car in the suburbs for the duration of the visit until ready to return home.

Staying in the suburbs is a bad idea. You might be able to find cheaper or even parking at one of the hotels in Lincoln Park, which is one of the better neighborhoods and has easy train and bus access to downtown. You would also be staying among locals as opposed to the tourists.

I agree with all previous posters.

I LIVE in Naperville and unless I was able to get a week day express train I would NEVER take the train into Chicago! Citylights is right, the local train would take 1.5 hrs. Dmlove is also right, traffic is unpredictable. I always plan on two hours to drive downtown.

Unless I had a reason I HAD to stay in Naperville I would stay downtown.

I think the only suburb it "works well to stay in" would be Oak Park or perhaps Evanston.

For the second part of your question "what other sites are worth seeing/doing in this area?" are you referring to N. Michigan Ave or Naperville?

N. MIchigan Ave has great shopping and the John Hancock Building with its Signature Lounge and Observatory. A few blocks south is the Cultural Center (Michigan Ave & Washington ) with its Tiffany Stained Glass ceiling.

In Naperville I would recommend downtown Naperville for shopping & restaurants & the Riverwalk for scenery.