Where to park in Chicago Michigan Ave area to shop?

Question

Renting a car at MDW and wondering if there is parking to go shopping downtown. If so, is it really expensive?

Answer 1

Yes, parking downtown is very expensive and, while spots can usually be found, it can take awhile for someone not familiar with the area.
If you are in town for a short time, like a long airport layover or just for the day, save the money and take public transportation. You can get on the CTA El-train Orange line right at Midway. Transfer to the Red Line at the Roosevelt St. Station and ride it north to the Chicago stop. Walk two blocks east and you'll be standing next to the water tower in the heart of Michigan Ave. shopping. Or if you'd rather, you can just stay on the Orange line right into the loop and hit all the shops on State Street. And, either way, you can spend all that car rental and parking money on buying that much more stuff!

Answer 2

There are a number of lots in the area, and while they may cost quite a bit, it's better than circling Streeterville for on-street parking. Matter of priority.

If you already happen to be staying at a downtown hotel, the hotel might provide shuttles to the Mag Mile area. You could take public transportation, but be prepared to walk if you're coming off the Chicago Ave subway stop, or take a cab or CTA bus from Union Station.

Answer 3

Depends. YOu can park a little north of the Loop on LaSalle street around Hubbard or Grand for the day for about $10 The lots get cheaper the further out you get. If you get there early in the morning (8, 9 a.m.) you can get the early bird rates. The lots fill up quick so you may have to drive around a bit, but they're there. Most are within walking distance, so you can park and walk back to downtown.

Answer 4

Michigan Ave area parking very expensive. Most take public transportation. One of the trains is a good deal. Where are you staying? Hotel should have own parking - probably for same amt you would pay for public lot.

Answer 5

Not if you use the parking towers. WARNING!! On the east-west street just south of Water Tower, the city works a scam. There is ONLY ONE 5X7-inch badly rusted NO PARKING sign mounted about six feet high on the building (non-street) side of a light post near the middle of the block. ONLY ONE SIGN!!!

The cops (who undoubtedly are on the take) will let a group of cars parallel-park next to the curb and then call the towtrucks. Your car will be taken five levels down to the towtruck-company's lot where somebody will break into your car and rifle your glovebox and trunk. But the company is not responsible according to their mounted signs on their partial fence.

The tow will cost your $50 to $100 (depends, I think, on how greedy the cop is who tickets your car) and I only found out where the holding lot is by being in a USAF uniform and the tow-driver was former military and gave me a ride down the ramps to the lot. Otherwise, your must find their downtown office, pay IN CASH the towing fee and then go to a streetlevel location where they will tow your car for you to reclaim it.

Fact!!!

Answer 6

Parking downtown is very expensive. Sometimes as much as $35 a day.

Answer 7

Parking! Dont think of driving down to Michi ave. Put your car at wherever you staying or by one of the CTA-park and ride spots and take the public transport down to michi ave. I drove down there once and that was the last time i saw myself in the car at michi ave. Please spare yourself and dont waste your time and money looking for a parking, instead make use of the public transport and make the most whilst you r at the wonderful place; Michigan Avenue!

Answer 8

We usually put the car into a garage for the day, and walk, train, or taxi around town.

Answer 9

many buildings have inside parking. they are all very pricey though. you may want to look them up through the aaa directory.

Answer 10

side streets
even near hotels by lake