Chicago - Get Around

Divided by the Chicago River and bordered on the east by Lake Michigan, each compass point has a different personality.

Many of the main attractions are in the Downtown or surrounding areas, but it is worth venturing further afield if you have the time. The transit system (CTA) makes getting around the city and out to the suburbs easy.

The El circles the Loop past chic restaurants, theatres, the LaSalle Street financial hub and the State Street shopping haven. East is the lake and Lake Shore Drive bordered by sleek, high-rise buildings. West is Oak Park, home of Ernest Hemingway and Frank Lloyd Wright. Head south towards Hyde Park, the intellectual enclave of the University of Chicago.

The elevated train, the 'El' or 'L', is the quickest way around. Eight colour-coordinated lines snake around the city to the airport and a few northern suburbs. Apart from the yellow suburban Skokie line, all can be accessed from the Loop.

Buses connect with the 'El' and go where the train does not. Bus routes are also more scenic but can fall victim to sluggish traffic.

Hailing a cab in busy spots along Michigan Avenue, the Loop or Wrigleyville is a piece of cake - as long as it is not during morning or evening rush hour.

For short trips, foot power works best. Escape the weather and crowded Downtown streets by burrowing through the underground 'pedways' (pedestrian walkways or subways). They link 40 blocks of streets and provide access to many buildings, stations and shops in the Loop.

Metra, the South Shore Line and Amtrak serve the suburbs and surrounding areas. They are quick and efficient.

Free trolleys run to Navy Pier, the Museum Campus and State Street along Grand Avenue and Illinois Street.

During the balmy months of summer, Shoreline Sightseeing operates 42-seat water taxi boats between Navy Pier and the Museum Campus.

The CTA Visitor Pass offers 24-hour unlimited rides and can be bought online or at the Visitor Center, airports and CTA stations. In the Loop, driving in the city is not for the faint-hearted. Traffic is congested, parking meters almost non-existent and parking fees outrageous.

Most of the city was destroyed in 1871 by the Great Chicago Fire. Hull House at UIC campus survived. Travel south to the Museum of Science and Industry, a remnant of the 1893 World's Fair or north to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, built in 1914. Climb into the clouds at The Skydeck or marvel at the futuristic architecture in Millennium Park.

Chicago Transit Authority website

Regional Transport Authority for Chicago website