Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DRIVING RULES One bizarre anomaly in the organization of Chicago's traf-
fic is the occasional absence of signal lights off the principal avenues, notably in
the River North and Streeterville neighborhoods. A block east or west of the
Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Ave.)—one of the most traveled streets in the
city—you will in some cases encounter only stop signs to control the flow of traf-
fic. Once you've become accustomed to the system, it works very smoothly, with
everyone—pedestrians and motorists alike—advancing in their proper turn.
Unless otherwise posted, a right turn on red is allowed after stopping and
signaling.
PARKING Parking regulations are vigorously enforced throughout the city.
Read signs carefully: The streets around Michigan Avenue have no-parking
restrictions during rush hour—and believe me, your car will be towed immedi-
ately. Many neighborhoods have adopted resident-only parking that prohibits
others from parking on their streets, usually after 6pm each day (even all day in
a few areas, such as Old Town). The neighborhood around Wrigley Field is off-
limits during Cubs night games, so look for yellow sidewalk signs alerting driv-
ers during the dozen-and-a-half or so times the Cubs play under lights. You can
park in resident-only permit zones if you're visiting a friend, who can provide
you with a pass to stick on your windshield. Beware of tow zones, and, if visit-
ing in winter, make note of curbside warnings regarding snow plowing.
A safe bet is valet parking, which most restaurants provide for $6 to $9.
Downtown you can also opt to park in a public garage, but you might have to
pay the premium prices common in any metropolitan area. (Several garages con-
nected with malls or other major attractions offer discounted parking with a val-
idated ticket.)
The very best parking deal in the Loop is the city-run Millennium Park
garage ( & 312/742-7644), which charges $12 for 12 hours or less (enter on
Columbus Dr., 1 block east of Michigan Ave., between Monroe and Randolph
sts.). Also relatively affordable and superconvenient is the public parking under-
neath Grant Park, with entrances at Michigan Avenue at Van Buren Street
( & 312/745-2862) and Michigan Avenue and Madison Street ( & 312/742-
7530). Parking costs $9 for the first hour, $12 for 1 to 2 hours, $15 for 2 to 10
hours, and $18 for 24 hours. You'll find higher prices at most other downtown
lots, including McCormick Place Parking, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr. ( & 312/
791-7000); Midcontinental Plaza Garage, 55 E. Monroe St. ( & 312/986-6821);
and Navy Pier Parking, 600 E. Grand Ave. ( & 312/595-7437).
CAR RENTAL Hertz ( & 800/654-3131), Avis ( & 800/831-2847),
National ( & 800/227-7368), and Budget ( & 800/527-0700) all have offices at
O'Hare Airport and at Midway Airport. Each company also has at least one
office downtown: Hertz at 401 N. State St., Avis at 214 N. Clark St., National
at 203 N. LaSalle St., and Budget at 65 E. Lake St.
BY BOAT
Boat transport is a great way to get around with kids. And boat traffic in
Chicago has been stirring up a bigger wake recently. Shoreline Sightseeing
( & 312/222-9328 ) has started ferrying passengers on the lake between Navy
Pier and the Shedd Aquarium, and on the Chicago River between Navy Pier and
the Sears Tower (Adams St. and the river). The water taxis operate daily Memo-
rial Day to Labor Day every half-hour and cost $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and
$3 for children.
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