How To Do Chicago On A Dime

In search of an inexpensive and exciting getaway this fall? If so, Chicago is calling your name. With an average October temperature of 55 degrees, the Windy City makes for the perfect city getaway. Flights are currently averaging 180 dollars from most US airports to Chicago’s O’Hare.

Book through Expedia or another online travel booking engine to save by combining your flight and hotel. Many hotels are centrally located, and are currently offering reasonable seasonal rates. Upon arrival in Chicago, hop on the train and avoid the costly cab fare into the city. You can purchase a one, two or three-day train ticket for a discounted price. The train leaves directly from the airport, and allows you to get just about anywhere you want to go in the Chicago area.

Looking for a memorable view of the city? Skip the traditional visit to the Sears Tower, save about two dollars per person and venture to the observatory on the 94th floor of the Hancock building. The view spans up to 80 miles and four states! Don’t wait in line. Plan for a late dinner and get to the Hancock around 5 p.m. when most tourists will be dining. The cost to enter the Hancock Observatory is just ten dollars for adults and six dollars for children. If you buy your tickets ahead of time online at www.hancock-observatory.com you can skip the ticket line and proceed straight to the line for the elevator.

Sometimes affordable entertainment is hard to find. Head to Chicago’s growing theater district and soak in a Broadway show or cheer on of Chicago’s well-known sports teams. Deeply discounted tickets for shows and sporting events are available on www.stubhub.com. This fall’s Broadway show schedule can be found at www.broadwaychicago.com.

Be sure to visit the free, yes free, Lincoln Park Zoo located in the center of Chicago’s pristine Lincoln Park. A brisk stroll through the clean and beautiful Lincoln Park is not complete without a walk through the well-known zoo. Lincoln Park Zoo is located just off Lake Shore Drive, and minutes north of downtown Chicago. If the zoo’s wildlife doesn’t satisfy your exploration needs visit the Wild Reef Exhibit at the John G. Shedd Aquarium, one of the largest, most diverse shark habitats in North America, and the largest indoor aquarium in the world. Cost to enter the Aquarium is 23 dollars for adults and 16 dollars for children three to eleven. The aquarium can be found at 1200 South Lake Shore Drive.

Dining options in Chicago are plentiful, but if you are looking for a delicious burger head to The Grill, located at 520 Michigan Street. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere with reasonable prices. They offer a variety of sandwiches for lunch and many tasty dinner entrees. I might add that the Grill makes a mean dirty martini complete with the essential blue cheese stuffed olives. To avoid long wait times for dining I would steer clear of popular spots such as the Cheesecake Factory where the crowds can be overwhelming and the service leaves little to be desired. Seek out those hidden bistros that offer a signature taste of Chicago.

For more Chicago information, events and travel tips visit www.choosechicago.com.