Driving in Downtown Chicago

[mongrel_8]

My girlfriend and I will be visiting Chicago this weekend. I've gotten conflicting reports about driving downtown on the weekend (Saturday and Sunday). I've heard that finding a parking meter isn't hard, and that most don't cost anything on the weekend. I've also heard that parking and driving is terrible and fairly expensive.

So is driving downtown suggested or should we look at parking further out and riding public transportation downtown this weekend? Thanks.

[lieu]

Not an expert, I drove in downtown Chicago for the very first time last weekend. The underground part was a bit confusing by the river but all in all it was a pretty pleasant experience.

That's not even 2 cents, is it?

[brainychick]

Park far out and take the El(evated train) the Metra or the bus.

When you see the drivers out there, you'll thank me -- if none of those drivers have run you over, which they come awful close to doing sometimes. Plus, the parking meters get taken pretty quickly, and covered parking can cost a lot (the cheapest I have seen is $9.00 for the first hour, with the costliest being $23.00).

I just moved here about year ago, and I don't know why people drive here.

But it's a great town, otherwise. Enjoy your visit.

[Judith Prietht]

Definitely park further out and take the train in. The El will run anywhere you want to go downtown, and get you there with minimal hassle. It's easy to negotiate as well. If you take the weather into consideration, though, there are thunderstorms scheduled for Saturday. So at the very least, bring an umbrella or other rain gear.

[bup]

For a large city, people drive politely in Chicago. However, the El coupled with taxis or buses is so much more convenient, and parking, if you do have to park in a garage, is pretty steep.

Plus, you can't really say you've done Chicago unless you've ridden the El.

[porcupine]

If you're used to driving in a big city, you can drive in Chicago with no problem. But parking is expensive and metered spots are notoriously difficult to find downtown and in the trendier neighborhoods. The underground lot near Grant Park is one of the cheaper ones (though a bit seedy), so you might want to consider parking there for your central location, and walk or take a taxi/bus/El as needed.

[Abe Babe]

I agree with Porcupine. The Grant Park underground garage is not too expensive, and fairly centrally located. I don't think seediness is involved unless you are returning there at 3:00 in the morning.

Definitely find a spot for your car and leave it there all day. Cabs will be great if you are staying downtown. If you are going out of the downtown area, try the El or bus.

Under NO circumstances should you take your car in and out of a lot of different lots during the day. Down that path, my friend, lies financial ruin. Also, don't plan on using the meters. Many of the downtown ones have pretty short maximum time limits.

Where are you staying? Some hotels will, offer parking with in-and-out priviledges. You might want to check into that.

Driving in Chicago is not that bad, for a big city. If you are only here a short time, I would recommend not wasting your time (and risking getting lost) by parking way out and commuting into the loop.

[hijack]There's a thread in IMHO polling about Chicago favorites(started by yours truly) that is devolving into setting up a NW suburbs or Evansdope. Check it out.

[Broomstick]

I lived in Chicago 15 years, and I've worked in the Loop for 19.

I drove downtown once in all that time.

I strongly recommend either parking further out and using mass transit/cabs, or parking in the Grant Park garage.

DO NOT park on the street! Many spots that do have meters have actually been off-limits since September - park there you get towed, quickly. Very hard to find meter spots after about 7 am, many limit you to two hours, and they ONLY take quarters. Lots and lots of quarters.

[mongrel_8]

Thanks for the help everyone. I think we will probably park further out and take the "L" in Saturday and maybe park in the Grant Park Garage Sunday. We're off to see Chicago!

[Pink Pussycat]

I found driving in Chicago really easy! And, it was my first visit there and I was by myself. No probs. I agree that Chicago drivers seem very polite and things are easy to navigate.
But, I'm from Dallas and we're an aggressive driving town, baby! Better get your chops up before you drive here!

--pinky