Visiting Chicago (Lincoln, Union, Time: hotel, club, buses)

[giants21]

So a couple friends and I are driving from Jersey to Chicago and staying 6/9 to 6/12. A couple of things:

First, is parking really $45 a day?! We're staying at the Marriott Residence Inn on Walton Place and they told me it's $45/day to park in their lot. Any better suggestions? (we plan on leaving the car in the lot the entirety of the trip)

Also, any suggestions on quality nightlife? I know there are numerous answers to that questions, but is there a general area where you can basically bar hop around? Generally we prefer more milder environments, where it isn't a straight hardcore dance club or a low-key dive bar.

TIA!

[Vlajos]

Hotel parking is usually pricier than parking garages. I imagine you can find something cheaper.

Check out Lincoln Park and Lakeview. You will find countless fun bars that fit your description.

[aragx6]

Honestly if you just wander west of your hotel you'll find a million places to go. If you hit the lake, turn around, you went the wrong way.

As far as parking goes -- you could probably find something a bit cheaper in that area, but not by much. Search the forum; I know there was a relatively recent question about this.

[Jandur]

It depends on where you stay, but there are chill bars just about anywhere. There are some bars on Hubbard that might fit your needs, and the same with Division. Otherwise like someone above said, just go to Lincoln Park or Wrigleyville (though its a bit further and not really walkable).

[carnelian]

Get the Chicago Reader on Thursdays (free) or see it online for nightlife and also Timeout Chicago in print or online.

Parking is very expensive downtown and at Navy Pier--a tourist spot. Maybe you could park a couple miles away and take the buses.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by carnelian

Get the Chicago Reader on Thursdays (free) or see it online for nightlife and also Timeout Chicago in print or online.

Parking is very expensive downtown and at Navy Pier--a tourist spot. Maybe you could park a couple miles away and take the buses.

Cheaper to park the car in the big Amtrak parking garage across from Union station. Then rely on CTA all weekend.

Spots in Lakeview get pretty touristy / Cub fan heavy this time of year. Probably going to get more laid back in the hipper areas I mention in title...