If visiting some of the most well-known cities in the world is on your bucket list, then you’ve got to find the time in your schedule to visit Chicago. The Windy City has so much to offer its visitors and can give you experiences that you can’t get anywhere else in the world. While it might have a reputation for being a little dangerous in some areas, if you’re smart and do your research before you go, you can avoid harm and have an amazing time in this midwest city. To help you in preparing for your trip, here are three tips for visiting Chicago for the first time.
Take Advantage Of Public Transportation
When you’re new to a city, navigating your way around can be one of the most intimidating parts of your trip. Especially in a large city like Chicago, it’s easy to feel rushed around in the hustle and bustle to the point that you find yourself in an area you don’t know or didn’t plan to be. Luckily, public transportation in Chicago is pretty safe and easy to use, especially the train system. According to TripAdvisor.com, all you need to do is buy a Ventra card from any train station and map out which stops you need to get to your destination. So rather than paying for a cab and getting stuck in crazy traffic or a fender bender, consider using public transportation.
Don’t Try To See Too Much Culture In One Day
The city of Chicago has so many great museums and structures that will immerse you in culture not only from the area but from all around the world. The only problem with the amount of culture available in Chicago is finding the time to experience it all. So before you plan your day of hitting all the museums you can get to, Cate Huguelet, a contributor to Lonely Planet, recommends that you plan to spend at least half a day in each museum you plan to visit. If you try to see too much culture in one day, everything may start to blend together and you’ll get burnt out before the day is even done.
Save Money By Visiting The Free Attractions
Spending time in a big city like Chicago can come with a pretty steep price tag if you’re not careful. Luckily, there are tons of free attractions you can take advantage of that will help you to save money without sacrificing your experience. According to U.S. News and World Report, some of the best free attractions to hit while in Chicago include Millenium Park, Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and the Chicago Riverwalk.
If you’re planning your first trip to Chicago soon, consider using the tips mentioned above to ensure that you have a great experience.