Travielling to Chicago in May for Cubs game; staying in Evanston (Addison: hotels, rooftop)

[yman97]

I wanted to know from some of you that live (or have lived) in Chicago, whether it's advisable to stay in Evanston even though I plan to spend most of my time in Chicago. While I'm there, I'd like to go to Wrigley Field for a game and one of the roof tops for a second game. Of course, we also plan to visit a few of the museums and other sites. A few questions. What is going on from May 17-20 that has caused hotels on Michigan Ave to double in price? Due to the hotel prices, we've booked a room in a bed and breakfast in Evanston. It looks like we can take the purple line from Evanston to Wrigley? How long will this take and is it safe? How about heading back at night on the purple line? If I had to pick between Wrigely or the roof top, which should I choose? If you had to pick the top 2-3 attractions, what are they? Lastly, any great Chicago food near Wrigely Field? Is there anything to do in Evanston? Finally, any other advice you have for a newbie would be appreciated.

Thanks for your help.

[jdiddy]

Not sure what's going on that weekend, but yes the purple line is safe (although you would switch to the red line at the Howard stop - the purple line stops at Howard on the weekends).

When you want to head downtown for museums/etc, you might want to use Metra instead of CTA to save some time. The UP-N line has three stops in Evanston. See metrarail.com

[chicagobear]

The Red Line stops right at Wrigley Field (Addison Stop) and goes to Howard where you change for the Purple Line to Evanston. The Art Institute is quite impressive as is the Shedd Aquarium. The architectural boat tour on the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue is also worth doing.

[chet everett]

In order of importance -- rooftops cannot hold a candle to the appeal of being inside the ballpark. If you can score tickets in the main grandstand behind the first or third base line it is truly one of the most up lose experinced one can have in any major outdoor sports arena anywhere. Rooftops are sorta unique but unless you go with a big group of friends / coworkers most of the appeal is lost.

Second staying in Evanston will add lots of needless travel time and require you to be tied to a schedule that plops you back in Evanston when things are shutting down up there but still hoping in Chicago...

If you have the money to stay in Chicago I would strongly recommend doing so. If you want to take your chances with those airbnb places that is a whole other ball of wax.