Using public transportation in Downtown Chicago (houses, purchase, school)

[Runner48]

First visit to Chicago will be September 22-25 2009. Once we check into the Embassy Suites (Lakefront) we will be trying to take in as much as we can that includes Navy Pier, Sears Tower, Shopping, perhaps a live performance. I don't want to always rely on taxi service and do use public transportation when a city we travel to. Any advice on how to best use these systems?

Also, because we will have to limit the number of things we do in this short period, what sites do Chicago residents consider "must do".
Many thanks, will appreciate your input and advice.

[surlycue]

you're in luck. when you land at the airport (or at most CTA stations and grocery stores) you can purchase a 3-day travelers CTA card that provides unlimited rides on both the bus and El. The cost is $14. Go to Transitchicago.com for maps and schedules.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by Runner48

Also, because we will have to limit the number of things we do in this short period, what sites do Chicago residents consider "must do".

I would strongly recommend the Chicago Architecture Foundation's walking tours. The boat tour is also quite nice, but the most notable Chicago buildings aren't necessarily visible from the river, and you can learn more on the walking tours. Chicago is one of the world's architectural capitals, and seeing works of the "Chicago School" from the late 19th and early 20th centuries is a real treat.

CAF Tours (http://www.architecture.org/tours.aspx - broken link)

[surlycue]

If you have a free 2 hours or so, you might want to take the train to Oak park and look at the Frank Lloyd Wright houses. They stick out like sore thumbs but a map can also be found easily. They do tours at his home and studio on Saturdays as well. The interior is definitely worth seeing.

I would personally skip Navy Pier. If you end up doing a boat tour you will depart for there and that's about the extent of seeing it that you'll need. It's a tourist trap in the purist sense of the word and if you aren't visiting with children there really isn't anything entertaining there.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by surlycue

I would personally skip Navy Pier. If you end up doing a boat tour you will depart for there and that's about the extent of seeing it that you'll need. It's a tourist trap in the purist sense of the word and if you aren't visiting with children there really isn't anything entertaining there.

I second this opinion. Navy Pier is terrible. If you want to enjoy a similar view of the city and lakefront, go out to the Adler Planitarium and look back at the city from there. It's one of the best views of our skyline.

[Hendu]

Nah, go to Navy Pier and grab a drink at one of the outdoor gardens. Sit back and enjoy the view. Sure, it's a tourist trap...but so what you're on vacation. It's not like you have to spend all day there or spend a ton of money.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Hendu

...It's not like you have to spend all day there or spend a ton of money.

Yes YOU WILL spend a lot of money.

[Hendu]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Yes YOU WILL spend a lot of money.

No, sit outside for one round of drinks. It's only a couple bucks more per drink than a place with no view...hardly a lot of money. Or, just walk the length of the pier and you don't have to spend anything.

I know it's kind of trendy for Chicagoans to rip on Navy pier, but it's the most visited place in Chicago. Someone stopping in for a weekend for their first visit to Chicago should at least check it out.

[Avengerfire]

Navy Pier sucks. The only people that might like it are from rural areas.

[Hendu]

Why don't you let the OP make up their own mind instead of shoving your opinion down their throat?