Chicago in October

[foregone]

So I'm gonna be popping in to Chicago for a couple of days at the end of October from South Africa and I was wondering if anyone could tell me about cheap accomodation (backpackers or b&bs etc) as well as any must see touristy stuff, bars/clubs/etc. Any info would be much appreciated.

[pimpdave]

Try to see a show at The Metro. It's a great venue. Near Wrigley Field, in Wrigleyville, the hip part of town.

It doesn't matter who you go to see. It's even more of an adventure if you don't know the bands at all. Big acts have started out there, like Smashing Pumpkins, among others.

Then just cruise the bars in that neighborhood. You'll meet people who will tell you what's up that night in particular.

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It can be hard to get in to see a Cubs game, but few parks can compare. Mostly just walk around. Stroll through the parks. Chicago comes alive in the summer time, and people are generally friendly.

EDIT: You'll be there in October, so probably no Cubbies for you. And it could be cold. But still explore.

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For any other concerns, be sure to look at http://chicago.craigslist.org/

Start looking and posting there with questions about room and board, especially.

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One more tip. Whenever I first get to any city, I pick up a copy of their alternative weekly. Like NYC has The Village Voice, and Chicago has The Chicago Reader. Consult that resource for entertainment listings and tips on where to eat, where to chill, where to see and be seen.

Enjoy!

[foregone]

Ta, pimp, much appreciated. Will take a look at those resources so long.

[GrimReaper.]

WHITE SOX besides that there really nothing to see (ive been there a lot) ohh and navy peir

[Frigidus]

WHITE SOX besides that there really nothing to see (ive been there a lot) ohh and navy peir

What's with all this baseball? If you want sports you see the Bears. But I somehow doubt that's why you're heading to Chicago. Assuming you're a Total Nerd (lets be honest, this is a Risk website) I'd hit up the Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, and the Shedd Aquarium.

[static_ice]

Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and West Avenue...

And I don't know how the weather is where you're from but... well Chicago can be cold in October...

[foregone]

So yes, risk website, nerdy stuff is cool (also going there for a Moot Court), but also an alcoholic (or at least drunkard), so the nicer bars/clubs are cool too. Weather wise, I'm from SA, so cold means in the 20s Celsius.....so prob not prepared in the least for the cold there, heh.

[static_ice]

Heh... just bring a jacket/coat and long pants and you'll make do.

[cutebastard71]

I suggest you go to http://www.hotwire.com and check hotel prices. There are couple of hostels as well. A friend of mine once stayed in hostel and didn't like it too much. I know you can get quite good hotels for $70 per night around O'Hare which is one hour away (if I remember correctly) by Blue Line. Cass hotel was rather cheap few years ago but it seems they got much more expensive recently.

As for seeing it really depends on what you are into. There are plenty of bars/clubs. Goose Island, Kingston Mines, Koko Taylor's blues club (I am not sure if it is still open), Buddy Guy's Legends, Crobar, House of Blues, Berlin, etc. Chicago's Art Institute is one of the largest on North American continent. Then there is Field Museum, and aquarium but these are "touristy" things. I would strongly recommend you go for a cocktail at the top of John Hancock. It is really a magnificent view of the city. Again it depends on interests. Next to Chicago there is Oak Park, where Hemingway was born and where Frank Lloyd Wright had studio. There are some quite nice houses designed by him and it may be worth seeing if you are into architecture. Anyway, it really depends on how much time you have.

[Scott-Land]

Depends how old you are and what your interests are. Navy Pier is ok but there's really not much there outside of dinner cruises on Lake Michigan- some shopping. They have tour boats if you're interested in Chicago's architecture- takes you on the Chicago River that runs through the city. Of course the Magnificent Mile, ton of shopping and dining.

If you're into bars, then Lincoln Park or Streetervile (my fav) is the place to go. As long as you're in North Loop, might want to check out some club's like Ruby's or Ex Caliber- Hard Rock is down the street as well.

Casinos- if you like poker it's about 30/40 minute drive in each direction- one in East Chicago(IN) or Aurora.

Of course you have to see a ballgame. Wrigley Park is a must although in October it's during The World Series- highly doubt there will be a game there

Just depends on how long you're staying and what you want to do.

[gdeangel]

There is a really nice hostel near the public library on Jackson - I'm not joking - it's a legit IYHA hostel, nicer than most, and not in a bad part of the city. It's the Ira & so-and-so such-and-such hostel... you can find it on the web. You can get a cot in a shared room of four bunks there for under $30 I think. Don't stay at the other hostel in the North End... not as nice. You can get to Museum campus from there by bus, and there's a free trolly (really just a bus designed to look like a trolly) to get to Navy Pier and to Lincoln Park, where all the good hang out's are.

If hotels are your think, the cheapest is going to be the Cass Hotel, with is somewhere near State and Chicago.

** EDIT: here's a description of the Hostel, with the correct name: http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/north-america/united-states/illinois/chicago/hotel-detail.html?vid=1191078377057

[foregone]

Thanks all. The hostel stuff is very useful. Also, looking forward to hitting the blues clubs.

[Grooveman2007]

I'm probably wrong, but I think that the Dan Ryan Express Way is still undergoing some major construction so avoid that road.

[Scott-Land]

Thanks all. The hostel stuff is very useful. Also, looking forward to hitting the blues clubs.

Yeah there's one on Clark in North Loop called- Blue Chicago but it's always packed at least every time I've been there.