Post by helpshareplease on Feb 26, 2024 9:50:52 GMT -5
I am planning a trip to Chicago. I have heard a lot of opinions on this. I guess my first question is it really so dangerous that I shouldn't travel alone? That's what ALL of my friends and family keep saying, I shouldn't go alone. # 2 are there any must see things? I mean I have a bucket list I want to see lots of things but I'm not sure how feasible it would be to see everything I want to in one trip. so far my list is this.
the field museum
The cloud gate sculpture
Wrigley field
saint Mary of the holy angels
Lake Michigan
I feel like everyone is telling me it's too dangerous to do by myself. But isn't that just like every other big city? Like people are telling me to not be out at night and stuff. Also my last question is what time of year should I go? I originally planned to go in October for my birthday but now thanks to other's opinions I'm worried that It will be too cold.
You will be fine. I lived in the city for 25 years, the first half as a single woman and I survived. I no longer live there, but still have tons of friends that live in the city with no issue, again, many who are women who live alone. You will be fine to go out at night by yourself. Like anywhere, I wouldn't recommend walking around a deserted area by yourself, but as long as you use normal precautions you will be good. The media and politicians have really done a number on the safety there.
October is a great time to go. I always tell people to go in September and October. The weather is usually perfect.
Sure, you can certainly go alone. I wouldn’t be worried at all during the day. At night, I would just be careful that you know the area and how to get to and from wherever you want to go. Like any big city, there are certainly higher crime areas and you should always be aware and be careful no matter where you are.
Shedd aquarium is my personal favorite, over the field museum, but they are both located in the same area. The planetarium is also there. In the cloud gate sculpture is close enough that you could potentially walk around the area and take pictures with the Bean and then walk or take a short Uber ride to the museums.
Fall is lovely. There are so many great places to eat. I personally like the Museum of Science and Industry more than the Field, but it’s out of the main downtown area.
We went in Sept and it was good weather, I think October would be even better. We did a walking tour and a architectural river cruise both were much better than our expectations!
What? I would go in a heartbeat. I assume you’ll be staying in the touristy sections and metro areas for seeing the sites. I’ve been a few times and toured around solo during the day, too. I went a few years ago with a girls group and had a really good time. I used all normal big city precautions.
I can relate to hearing from a nay-sayer with a recent solo trip to NYC where I met-up with a group of women. It was the summer before last. I live a few hours away and took the train solo into Manhattan - we did all of the walking around/touristy stuff - broadway show, baseball games, Central Park, hotel, dinners. We had a great time - no crime involved.
I guess this was also around the time that Fox News was running a lot of crime stories about NYC. After I was back and telling about the terrific trip, my MIL said she “would never go because it’s just filled with crime and shootings”. In general, she lacks critical thinking skills and she’s a know-it-all. So, I was all “what?”. She just insisted. I kept talking about my wonderful trip - you know, broadway & baseball.
I would have zero concerns about traveling there by yourself. I've been there many, many times (grew up in the suburbs) and my sister lived there for a number of years without issue. Especially as a tourist, you are going to be in areas that are well populated and well lit. As with any city, I would not walk alone late at night but usual evening stuff should be totally fine. If you want to be out later at night just take an Uber or cab and you shouldn't have any issues.
I would personally go in the summer - June would be my top choice because the weather should be good. September is also another good option. Either could be chilly, but likely will be warm and sunny. If you want to go to Wrigley field, I'd try and go while the Cubs are playing which would eliminate October. Also, it is light out later so if you are nervous about being out after dark that will help.
I LOVE the Field museum and the Shedd is also great. I don't know what the saint Mary thing is, and you'll see Lake Michigan basically by default because the museums and Millennium Park are near the lake. Make sure you eat pizza (Lou Malnati's is my fave), Italian beef sandwiches, and Garrett's popcorn. There are tons of great restaurants with other things, too!
I love Chicago and it will always be one of my favorite cities.
No, it isn't that dangerous. Most of the crime is concentrated in certain areas and typically not in tourist areas. There have been a few exceptions, but it's very rare. Yes, it is pretty much like every big city. Being out at night is fine as long as you are being cautious and aware of your surroundings. October can be beautiful in the beginning and cold/ snow at the end. It definitely depends on the day/ week. Check the weather before you come and plan to bring coat, hat, gloves if you see weather in the 40's because of the wind off the lake.
You can definitely do the attractions you listed in one weekend.
I went a few years ago by myself for a continuing ed course. I flew into Midway and took the El into the city. I walked a few blks to my hotel from the El stop and the course was a few block walk from my hotel. (I was by Northwestern hospital, not sure what that area is called, maybe Streeterville?) I walked all along Michigan Ave by myself during the day and did not feel unsafe. There were plenty of restaurants, bars and shops in the area. I took the double decker bus around to see the sites, but didn't actually get off the bus at all. I was there in early Oct and it was a little chilly, but not terrible. I have not actually been to Wrigley, but that's a little north of most of the rest of the attractions you listed.
I went for a long weekend, solo, last October. I loved it so much I am going again with my family this October. I was there for the marathon and never felt unsafe. I traveled solo via public transportation and on foot and never felt unsafe. It’s like any other big city. Go, you’ll love it!
Sure, you can certainly go alone. I wouldn’t be worried at all during the day. At night, I would just be careful that you know the area and how to get to and from wherever you want to go. Like any big city, there are certainly higher crime areas and you should always be aware and be careful no matter where you are.
Shedd aquarium is my personal favorite, over the field museum, but they are both located in the same area. The planetarium is also there. In the cloud gate sculpture is close enough that you could potentially walk around the area and take pictures with the Bean and then walk or take a short Uber ride to the museums.
oh I forgot about the aquarium I want to go there too. good to know they are in close proximity. I can't wait to see the Bean!!!
I went for a long weekend, solo, last October. I loved it so much I am going again with my family this October. I was there for the marathon and never felt unsafe. I traveled solo via public transportation and on foot and never felt unsafe. It’s like any other big city. Go, you’ll love it!
ETA: It was definitely brisk - but I was coming from Georgia. Not COLD, but not warm/hot.
I've traveled to Chicago 3 times alone and have lived to tell the tale. I met up with some ML friends and have had a great time. Chicagoians are lovely, friendly people.
"Why would you ruin perfectly good peanuts by adding candy corn? That's like saying hey, I have these awesome nachos, guess I better add some dryer lint." - Nonny
I've traveled to Chicago 3 times alone and have lived to tell the tale. I met up with some ML friends and have had a great time. Chicagoians are lovely, friendly people.
I would have zero concerns about traveling there by yourself. I've been there many, many times (grew up in the suburbs) and my sister lived there for a number of years without issue. Especially as a tourist, you are going to be in areas that are well populated and well lit. As with any city, I would not walk alone late at night but usual evening stuff should be totally fine. If you want to be out later at night just take an Uber or cab and you shouldn't have any issues.
I would personally go in the summer - June would be my top choice because the weather should be good. September is also another good option. Either could be chilly, but likely will be warm and sunny. If you want to go to Wrigley field, I'd try and go while the Cubs are playing which would eliminate October. Also, it is light out later so if you are nervous about being out after dark that will help.
I LOVE the Field museum and the Shedd is also great. I don't know what the saint Mary thing is, and you'll see Lake Michigan basically by default because the museums and Millennium Park are near the lake. Make sure you eat pizza (Lou Malnati's is my fave), Italian beef sandwiches, and Garrett's popcorn. There are tons of great restaurants with other things, too!
I love Chicago and it will always be one of my favorite cities.
Millennium park is another place I want to see too. st Mary's is just a church. I'm not particularly religious I just want to see the architecture.
I had to look up St Mary's. It's in Bucktown which is a fun neighborhood to walk around. It's close to Logan Square and Wicker Park which are also fun neighborhoods to check out.
I've traveled to Chicago 3 times alone and have lived to tell the tale. I met up with some ML friends and have had a great time. Chicagoians are lovely, friendly people.
"Why would you ruin perfectly good peanuts by adding candy corn? That's like saying hey, I have these awesome nachos, guess I better add some dryer lint." - Nonny
I had to look up St Mary's. It's in Bucktown which is a fun neighborhood to walk around. It's close to Logan Square and Wicker Park which are also fun neighborhoods to check out.
Yep I want to go there too. See I knew I was forgetting a lot of places. I need to redo my list
Post by mrsslocombe on Feb 26, 2024 10:59:13 GMT -5
The Chicago Marathon is the second weekend in October, hotels are more expensive/book up so I would avoid that weekend. The weather that weekend has ranged from 50s to 80+ so early October weather varies.
I assume the people saying it's dangerous have never actually lived or spent significant time in a large city.
I would have zero concerns about traveling there by yourself. I've been there many, many times (grew up in the suburbs) and my sister lived there for a number of years without issue. Especially as a tourist, you are going to be in areas that are well populated and well lit. As with any city, I would not walk alone late at night but usual evening stuff should be totally fine. If you want to be out later at night just take an Uber or cab and you shouldn't have any issues.
I would personally go in the summer - June would be my top choice because the weather should be good. September is also another good option. Either could be chilly, but likely will be warm and sunny. If you want to go to Wrigley field, I'd try and go while the Cubs are playing which would eliminate October. Also, it is light out later so if you are nervous about being out after dark that will help.
I LOVE the Field museum and the Shedd is also great. I don't know what the saint Mary thing is, and you'll see Lake Michigan basically by default because the museums and Millennium Park are near the lake. Make sure you eat pizza (Lou Malnati's is my fave), Italian beef sandwiches, and Garrett's popcorn. There are tons of great restaurants with other things, too!
I love Chicago and it will always be one of my favorite cities.
Millennium park is another place I want to see too. st Mary's is just a church. I'm not particularly religious I just want to see the architecture.
Cloud gate is in Millennium park! So that's easy to hit together!
You’ll be fine! It’s a beautiful, fun city. I’m from nyc and roll my eyes at all the fear mongering around traveling to cities. I was super impressed with how clean Chicago is.
I've been taking my kid to Chicago, just us, since she was an infant. It's a fun, quick getaway. I would put Shedd Aquarium on your list - it is amazing!
Post by underwaterrhymes on Feb 26, 2024 11:20:13 GMT -5
Pilsen is my favorite neighborhood in Chicago. Great street art and the food is amazing. It’s easy to hit Chinatown from there too, which is also terrific.
Post by Patsy Baloney on Feb 26, 2024 11:25:37 GMT -5
Chicago has been a conservative target for a very, very, very long time. Chicago crime is literally the only talking point of the state’s Republican Party and a darling of conservative pundits.
It’s hogwash and I’m embarrassed for folks who believe it.
We/I visit Chicago all the time and have never once felt unsafe.
Field Museum is my favorite. My H and I really enjoyed the National Museum of Mexican Art as well. I hope you have a great time.
We were just in Chicago last week with our kids, and DH used to live there. I wouldn’t hesitate to go alone. It’s like any large city in the world - be smart about traveling and you will be fine. I found Rome more nerve wracking due to pickpockets lol
Personally, I think it's ridiculous that people are telling you not to go alone. Just use common sense like you would anywhere. We stopped to charge our car a couple hours from our house in an economically challenged rural area last weekend, and that area worried me more from a safety perspective than Chicago did/would.
We had a great meal at The Girl and the Goat and really enjoyed the architecture boat tour.