chicago questions
 

I have never been to Chicago,and am hoping to go there in April.I just wanted some suggestions on things to see and do.I plan to see the cubs and sox play.Are tickets for these 2 teams always sold out?Does the subway go to these 2 parks?I wouldn't mind doing a mafia tour,like Al Capone,do they have something like this?How safe is the area around U.S. Cellular field?Someone told me the cabs don't like going around there.What are the best museums?I'm interested in finding out about Chicago history.I would also like suggestions on essential Chicago things to do besides sears tower and second city comedy.Where is the best pizza?I've heard lots about Chicago's pizza.Any help will be much appreciated,thx!

gman, if you type Chicago in the search engine for the US board you will get lots of info. A few people just made great Chicago trip reports and they should be some of the first you will see.

Oh, and you'll never, ever get a single answer on 'best pizza', wars have been fought over less.

Yes, you can get to both ballparks on the el (it is not a subway at the stops for Wrigley and the Cell). Although the area around Wrigley offers much more in the way of bars and restaurants, the Cell is perfectly safe to get to using public transportation. And I have often seen cabs lined up there when the game is ending. Note that the teams are not in town at the same time, so you may not be able to get to both on one visit.

Be sure to visit the Chicago Historical Society in Lincoln Park if you are interested in Chicago history. Yes, there are mafia tours available, I'm sure Google would yield information about them.

I've not yet done one myself, but I think the architecture tours (by boat) along the river would be neat to do. It's on my list of things to do in Chicago "sometime"...
Carol