Best Time to Go
Chicago, much like New York City, is an active city year-round. If
you're not afraid of the weather, winter is a beautiful time to visit as
the city is decorated for Christmas. However, it can get downright cold
during the winter so you may find yourself spending more time indoors.
Summer, which is peak tourist season, is full of outdoor activities
and festivals. There's at least one neighborhood celebration or
city-wide music festival every weekend from May through September. It
gets rather hot during the summer months, but there's plenty of
opportunity for outdoor adventure. If you're planning a trip based on
the weather, the best time to visit Chicago is during the spring or
fall, when moderate temperatures make it a pleasant destination spot.
Average Weather
Chicago is known for its blustery winters. Occassionally, the city's
blizzard-like conditions top news stories across the country. If you're
visiting during the winter, expect temperatures to hover in the teens
and fall well below zero with the wind chill. It's not always this cold
in the winter. There have been a few mild winters when temperatures have
clocked in at 30 degrees.
Summers are muggy and hot. The humidity makes it rather uncomfortable
during the summer months--when the temperature reaches a high of 90
almost daily.
You'll find temperatures between 47-70 as spring gives way to summer.
This is an ideal time to hit the Windy City.
Transportation
Cars are convenient for travelers who plan to take in the Chicago
suburbs or outlying city neighborhoods. Otherwise, it can become a
nuisance. If you're planning to stay in the Loop, Lincoln Park or the
Near North Side, don't bother with a car -- besides parking can get
rather expensive at $7-$15 per day.
So, you decided not to bring your car. Now what? You can catch a ride
on the city's subway system or the EL, commuter trains, public buses and
suburban bus lines. The fare for these is $1.50. If you opt for the
subway or the El, you'll need a fare card, which can be purchased at any
station.
Taxis are also an option in Chicago. Fairly easy to hail, all taxis
are metered and the base fare is $1.60, plus $1.40 for each additional
mile. This can be rather pricey so if you can avoid taking a taxi, do
it.
In-Season Costs
Like most big cities, Chicago is expensive. Like most big cities, there
are some bargains to be had -- if you're willing to look. Downtown, or
Loop, hotels cater to the business crowd and are usually higher in price
than most others. You can find some bargains around O'Hare International
Airport, and with the vast transportation systems in place, it really
makes no difference how close you stay to all the action. You're really
only a short train ride away.
Day Trips
Most visitors to Chicago will find so much to do within the city's
limits that they will scarcely find time for day trips. However, if
you're visiting for a decent amount of time, you can escape the hustle
and bustle of the big city with a trip to Fox River Valley. Fox River
Valley is home to a number of small, historic towns along the Fox River.
These towns, filled with restaurants and quaint shops, are the perfect
weekend escape.
