Indian summer in October and November is not unheard of, but neither is an April blizzard; prepare yourself for the city’s schizophrenic weather system by packing layers.
Skip the rental car company
Chicago traffic is miserable, even on its best days. Comfortable shoes and a CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) pass are all you need in this pedestrian-friendly city.
Take your butt outside
Illinois finally became a smoke-free state on January 1, 2008. This means that cigarette smoking is now prohibited in public places, including restaurants, nightclubs, and bars.
Eat like a local
Saganaki (flaming cheese), the jibarito (skirt steak and cheese on crisp plantains), and Italian beef sandwiches were all invented here. Visit Greektown, Humboldt Park, and downtown, respectively, to sample these Windy City staples.
Become grid savvy
Chicago is easier to navigate than an excel spreadsheet, and street signs are numbered to help you get your bearings in relation to downtown. For example, if you're at 1600 N Wells St., it means you're 16 blocks north of the Loop. If you're at 800 W. Armitage Ave., it means you're 8 blocks west of the Loop, and so forth.
Top 10Kid-Friendly Museums These venerable institutions convey some serious learning under the guise of childish fun
Top 10Historic Hotels These storied American properties are a haven for history buffs
Top 10Guy Getaways The next time you guys need some time off from the girls, skip the afternoon outing in favor of a full-blown vacation
Top 10Easy Summer Weekend Getaways Set off somewhere fun this summer, whether cities, beaches, or quiet country lanes are your idea of an ideal vacation
Top 10Urban Hotel Pools Dive into these great city hotel pools in the dog days of summer
