Good areas for visitor and dangerous neighborhoods (Chicago, Lincoln: university, restaurants)

[Track and field lover]

Im thinking about visiting Chicago from overseas in July.

I was in Toronto a couple of years ago and I picture Chicago to be a pretty similar city in many ways.

In Toronto I kinda stayed in the suburbs (close to Danforth Village). I enjoyed the atmosphere of staying a little bit outside the busiest city.

I like to be able to stay in a walkable area with restaurants and shopping nearby in Chicago.

What neighborhoods are to prefer?

And what areas should be avoided?

[NealIRC]

Any North side neighborhood along the lake is fine.

[jwaiter]

West to Western ave and north of grand is fine too.

[Midwest Revival]

Originally Posted by NealIRC

Any North side neighborhood along the lake is fine.

Yeah, tell people to see only half the city..You guys burn me up with the "stick to the north side" garbage.

What about the beautiful Pullman area? I see groups of tourists walking around there all the time.
What about the University of Chicago/Hyde Park or Bronzeville? I guess its a war zone over there too.

To the OP, explore the whole city, its not just the Loop & the North side.

[UrbanCheetah]

Originally Posted by Midwest Revival

Yeah, tell people to see only half the city..You guys burn me up with the "stick to the north side" garbage.

What about the beautiful Pullman area? I see groups of tourists walking around there all the time.
What about the University of Chicago/Hyde Park? I guess its a war zone over there too.

Hyde Park is definitely a must see neighborhood IMO. However as cool as Pullman is it is far as hell and not easy to get to without a car. IMO not worth the trip to see it.

OP I recommend exploring the following neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Ukrainian Village, West Loop, Pilsen, Chinatown, University Village/Little Italy, Old Town, and Hyde Park.

Other neighborhoods that would be cool to check out if you have the time would be Logan Square, Uptown, Lincoln Square, Kenwood and Albany Park.

[Midwest Revival]

Originally Posted by UrbanCheetah

Hyde Park is definitely a must see neighborhood IMO. However as cool as Pullman is it is far as hell and not easy to get to without a car. IMO not worth the trip to see it.

OP I recommend exploring the following neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Ukrainian Village, West Loop, Pilsen, Chinatown, University Village/Little Italy, Old Town, and Hyde Park.

Other neighborhoods that would be cool to check out if you have the time would be Logan Square, Uptown, Lincoln Square, Kenwood and Albany Park.

Quick 25-30 minute trip on the Metra Electric, get off at 111th

Of course I would do this trip in the daytime around noon

[marothisu]

Downtown area is the must see part of town. Typically you'll want to stay in an area like River North, Streeterville, or Gold Coast. The Loop and South Loop has stuff too, though it's the business district in the Loop and not a ton happening outside of Millennium Park (must see). I'd recommend 110% an architectural boat tour and to check out both the lakefront and riverwalk. The bad areas are pretty far away from the good areas. You'd have to take a few trains in particular like 30 minutes to even get there.

The largest area with shopping is Streeterville and Gold Coast which has Michigan Avenue in it (north of the river). There is shopping on some streets like Oak Street off that too. Tons of restaurants all downtown (again, I'd say north of the river if you're looking for restaurants, bars, shopping, etc). If you want to check out the actual neighborhoods, I'd recommend Wicker Park/Bucktown, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Hyde Park, Pilsen, etc.

[UrbanCheetah]

Originally Posted by marothisu

Downtown area is the must see part of town. Typically you'll want to stay in an area like River North, Streeterville, or Gold Coast. The Loop and South Loop has stuff too, though it's the business district in the Loop and not a ton happening outside of Millennium Park (must see). I'd recommend 110% an architectural boat tour and to check out both the lakefront and riverwalk. The bad areas are pretty far away from the good areas. You'd have to take a few trains in particular like 30 minutes to even get there.

The largest area with shopping is Streeterville and Gold Coast which has Michigan Avenue in it (north of the river). There is shopping on some streets like Oak Street off that too. Tons of restaurants all downtown (again, I'd say north of the river if you're looking for restaurants, bars, shopping, etc). If you want to check out the actual neighborhoods, I'd recommend Wicker Park/Bucktown, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Hyde Park, Pilsen, etc.

And I would really check out at least 2-3 of the neighborhoods everyone is mentioning. While downtown Chicago is great and amazing, I feel the neighborhoods really give you good insight into what life is like in Chicago and shows more of its "true" identity.

[LeotheOrangeCat]

Originally Posted by Midwest Revival

Quick 25-30 minute trip on the Metra Electric, get off at 111th

Of course I would do this trip in the daytime around noon

So you're telliing the OP to go to Pullman, but return before it gets dark?

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by UrbanCheetah

And I would really check out at least 2-3 of the neighborhoods everyone is mentioning. While downtown Chicago is great and amazing, I feel the neighborhoods really give you good insight into what life is like in Chicago and shows more of its "true" identity.

Yeah, though I think it's important for any first time visitor to spend some time downtown