Visiting Chicago Alone on Road trip, Safe and Fun Areas? (Oak Park: appointed, safe area) - Illinois (IL) - City-Data Forum

SharpieMarker · 05-03-2011, 10:46 AM

I've done some forum searching to get an idea of where to travel, but wanted to ask specific questions. I'm a guy in my mid 20's, from the Philadelphia area so I know how to play it safe in the city. That being said I don't know much about Chicago, and I'll be a little "touristy" (I'm an amateur Photographer), I'll also be traveling alone.

I was planning on staying in a place across from the airport, since I need to park my car and it's much cheaper. It looks like the "blue" line is a good way to get downtown. Should I park at the airport for the day, or the next closest station I found Rosemont, is it safe to leave my car in this area?

I don't have anyplace specific I want to go for the 3 days I'm there, just soak up some atmosphere and eat great food. What is considered the "safe" area in the city, basically what is the Chicago equivalent of Rittenhouse/Center City/Old City if your familiar with Philly? Which stop on the Blue Line would that be? I'm looking for daytime activities, I don't plan on walking the streets of the city at night alone, so nightlife isn't something I'm interested in.

Any suggestion are welcome, the only specific thing I planned on doing was going to a cubs game(Don't worry I already got my ticket!).

Jandur · 05-03-2011, 11:57 AM

If you can find somewhere to park at Rosemont I don't see any reason why your car wouldn't be fine there. It's really just an extension of Ohare.

The Blue line you will probably want to take all the way in to the Loop, from there you can get on other lines if you want. This will put you right smack dab in the middle of the what is basically the business district. From There you can walk to Michigan Avenue and the near north side where most of the tourists hang out.

In terms of safe areas as a general rule of thumb just stay east I94 and dont go south of say, Roosevelt Road in the Loop. This is a very broad generalization but if you stay within these areas you'll be fine. Generally the whole north side is pretty safe. You'll end up in Lakeview for the Cubs game, and on your way there you will probably take the Red Line north through Goldcoast, Old Town and Lincoln Park. All of these are safe and popular neighborhoods with lots of people and things to do/eat.

It'sAutomatic · 05-03-2011, 12:34 PM

The areas right off the blue line are cool. The Damen stop is in Wicker Park which is a pretty lively place. Logan Square is less lively but pretty nice except for the young people hanging around who badly need to bathe. Both of these areas right off the train are fine, they get worse as you go west but you have to go at least a mile before you begin to hit "eh..." territory.

Take the irving park bus from the blue line to get to Lakeview/cubs game. Less crowded and faster trip than the red line, less traffic than the addison bus.

If you want to get away from tourists in the lower north side, you'll need to go north of about Division Street. I do recommend checking out some of the sidestreets around there, near the lake, where there are old mansions in what is known as the Gold Coast. I also recommend a stroll through Lincoln Park near the lake, particularly the Old Town Triangle historic district. The sidestreets in Wicker Park are very pretty as well.

linicx · 05-03-2011, 01:41 PM

As an amateur photographer you might want to go to take pictures from the 95th/96th floor of the Hancock building. The passenger planes flay so close it feels like you can reach out and touch it. The cars below almost look like ant farns. On a clear day you can almost see forever. If you like architecutre the world's largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings is in Oak Park. It is as a walkable area. The Village of Oak Park about 9 miles from downtown. I believe it is served by train and bus. There is a free city tour by trolley. There are lake tours and also architectural lake tours.

sunnyandcloudydays · 05-03-2011, 06:28 PM

If its a nice day and your into taking pictures
take the boat tour- i think its wendella boat tours
you wont be disappointed \
and you will be able to take some really good pics
and you will learn alot about some interesting bldgs and events

ricktheman · 05-03-2011, 07:36 PM

Too bad that I am not from Philly... Otherwise, I will join you. I am also planning to visit Chicago and taking some pictures. When are you visiting? I'm going in late June. You may give me your flickr link and I will definitely check it out!