There are so many great places to see and things to do after your flights to Chicago, and as a resident or traveler enjoying Cathay Pacific, it can be a bit overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve put together a few tips and tricks to help you plan your visit. From public transportation to parks and beaches, you’ll be well-prepared.
Wrigley Field
If you’re in Chicago on a baseball trip, you’ll want to stop by Wrigley Field. Not only is it the home of the Chicago Cubs, but it’s also a gorgeous piece of architecture. There are several attractions to see, including the old-school scoreboard and ivy-covered brick walls.
The first thing to know is that you should be there early. It’s a hot and sweaty place, and you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared. Also, make sure you check the weather before you go.
You’ll want to wear something warm, and perhaps take your shirt off. Depending on the temperature, you may even wish to pack a jacket or hat. Getting to the park from O’Hare can be a challenge, so you may want to try and take the train.
If you’re looking for a more fun and inexpensive way to get to the park, consider taking the train or hopping on the Metra Rail. Both offer convenient access to the city center and are relatively cheap.
For a more slick solution, consider Uber or Lyft. These are also a great way to avoid the parking fees.
You can also try taking the “L” train, which connects many of Chicago’s neighborhoods. This is the cheapest and most convenient way to get to the park. Alternatively, you can hop on a bus to Wrigley.
While you’re in the area, you’ll definitely want to sample some of the local fare. Local favorites include the Cubby Bear, Murphy’s Bleachers, and Slugger’s.
Another great thing to do is to take a tour. A Wrigley Field tour can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. Tours typically last around an hour. Some of the tours are led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, and many of them are a blast to take.
Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown
If you’re looking for a modern hotel with luxury rooms in the heart of Chicago, then the Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown-The Loop is the place for you. The hotel is in the center of downtown shopping and nightlife, and is close to many other attractions. It has free breakfast and a restaurant, as well as an indoor pool.
For those who like to get up early, the Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown – The Loop offers an excellent continental breakfast, which includes eggs, oatmeal, sausage, bacon, biscuits, and other delicious treats. You can also order a pre-packaged hot plate, which is perfect for a quick meal in the hotel room.
In addition to the free breakfast, the Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown-The loop also has an onsite restaurant and a bar that’s open until 11 pm. However, you’ll need to bring your own drinks.
Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown-The – Loop is a great choice for a business or family stay. It’s located near the Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, and many other popular spots in the city. They offer a free shuttle to and from the Midway Airport.
Hotel rooms are spacious. We got a good view of the city and the Washington/Wells train that connects the hotel to most of the downtown area. There’s a full couch, TV, and bathroom in our room.
While the lobby of the Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown-The isn’t very big, there are a couple of small seating areas. Some of the rooms have a nice view of the Magnificent Mile.
The Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown-The Looop also has a bar and restaurant, as well as a fitness center and a 24-hour business center. There’s also a complimentary WiFi connection, which makes it easy to browse the internet in the comfort of your room.
Public transportation
The Chicago area is well served by public transportation. This is thanks to the city’s extensive subway system and buses. There are also rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft.
Aside from the above mentioned, the city has over 225 miles of bike lanes. These lanes are protected by Chicago Complete Streets, making biking a zero emission way to travel in the urban core.
Chicago has also been nicknamed the railroad capital of the United States. This designation dates back to the early 1850s, when four railroads had stations near the city limits.
Today, the largest and most popular form of public transport in the city is the “L”. For those unfamiliar with the term, it refers to the elevated line of Chicago’s subway system.
Using this transit system, residents and tourists alike can get from one end of the city to the other. Besides the trains, there are also bus lines that connect to nearby suburbs.
One of the most convenient options for tourists is the free trolley. It runs on four routes in a circuit. In addition, there are some great deals to be had on rides.
However, for those looking for something a little more affordable, the Metra commuter train offers a quick and easy solution. In 2015, the system operated 704 weekday trains. You can also hop aboard a Zip Car, a car-sharing service that is available in many of the city’s neighborhoods.
Of course, there are other methods of transportation, such as taxis. Taxis are convenient, especially if you’re running late. But if you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly option, you’ll want to take advantage of Chicago’s extensive public transportation system.
Lakefront Trail
The Chicago Lakefront Trail is an 18 mile multi-use pathway along the western shore of Lake Michigan. It is open to cyclists, runners, and walkers. Aside from the scenic views, it also connects to many local parks and greenspaces.
The trail is free to use. If you would like to find out more information about the route, check out the Chicago Park District’s Lakefront Trail guide. There is also a map to help you navigate the route.
Lakefront Trail was designated as the first official bike path in Chicago in 1963. It stretches from the Edgewater to the South Shore. During the warmer months, 30,000 people use the trail daily.
As with any trail, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Be prepared for road traffic and frequent intersections. You may also want to avoid touching other people’s faces.
The Lakefront Trail offers an enjoyable and safe way to explore the Chicago area. However, it is sometimes crowded, especially on weekends. Whether you’re biking or walking, be sure to read the signs and follow them closely.
In March, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced plans to widen the trail, adding two sections. This will create an easier and safer ride for the trail users. He has said that CARA will be consulted on the plan.
The lakefront is one of the most popular destinations in Chicago, with many events and concerts taking place throughout the year. For example, Blues Fest is held in Millennium Park. Other attractions include the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium.
Many museums and zoos can be found along the Lakefront Trail. Visitors can watch dolphin shows at the Shedd Aquarium, and you can enjoy the views of the skyline at the Adler Planetarium.
