Is it ok not to rent a car to travel in Chicago? Can I take bus there such as in NY?

Question

By the way, what are the famous places that I can go in Chicago in April?

Answer 1

The El and buses will take you pretty much anywhere you want to go. Renting a car would actually be a disadvantage because it is very difficult to find parking in many areas. I have found that by the time I drive anywhere and park, I end up more frustrated (and walking more) than if I'd have taken public transportation. In most cases, I prefer to avoid the headache and take the el. Also, taxies are everywhere. Another reason not to drive is that you can't look at anything en route. There's so much to see and you miss it all when you're driving.

Answer 2

Oh yeah, plenty okay. Actually you can probably get away without a bus as well. The El stops near pretty much everything you'll need to see.

Chicago is large and has A LOT to offer, so it's hard to cover it all. But some major points of interest in April (it will still be cold by the way):

Museum of Science and Industry
Field Museum
Chicago Art Institue
Shedd Aquarium
Adler Planetarium
Navy Pier
Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave)
the Sears Tower (or the Hancock)
Grant Park
Millenium Park
United Center (Bulls game)
Wrigley Field (Cubs Game)
US Cellular Field (Sox Game)
Lincoln Park Zoo
Brookfield Zoo

...that's the real "touristy" stuff. In addition you could check out the great theatre district, multiple restaurants (a stop at either Geno's East or Lou Malnotti's is a MUST), plus the numerous concerts that I'm sure will be going on during your visit. Night life is spread throughout the city. Rush St. is a favorite for night life. If it's your first time, try a boat tour down the Chicago River for a true appreciation of the city's history and architecture.

Answer 3

I'd rent a car. If you are travelling by bus, you are tied to a timetable (outside Dublin, buses are not as frequent). A car give you more freedom to decide where you would like to go, and many of the best places to see are off the beaten track, not on bus routes. And where you are staying probably won't be immediately at a bus stop, so either you walk or take a taxi - but with your own car, you can drive to the door. The only downsides are parking and the one-way traffic system. Dublin is a headache on both counts, and in Galway parking is often hard to find, and expensive (all metered). I don't know about Cork - I haven't been there in recent years. On second thoughts, if you are going to be staying only in those cities and not travelling outside them, then the bus should be OK. At least you won't have parking problems. If you intend exploring the rest of the country, go for the car. Have a great holiday when you come. But you won't be visiting Galloway unless you are going to Scotland.

Answer 4

Chicago has a wonderful transit system. Call ahead and have them send you maps. If you call they can even route you to where you want to go.

Our museums are a must - Science and Industry, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium are all on the lake front. Speaking of which take a walk along the lake from and into Grand Park, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute are all grouped close. Our theater district is second to none - so see a play. The Oriental Theater is lovely. The Magnificent Mile has lots of stores and, of course, don't forget Navy Pier (I'm not sure if the boats are out for a lake front cruise in April).

We have the Blue Man Group, live performances of music nightly downtown and great restaurants.

Have fun.

Answer 5

if you are going to stay in the downtown area you will not need a car. the subway and bus are a good way to get around and if need to park your car in a garage you could pay up 32$ each time you park. good place to see is the sears tower a good time to see it is just before the sun go down so you can see the city in the day and at night. navy pi re is a good place to go. just walk down Michigan ave and ask people they will tell you good place to see. have fun in chicago in april bring a coat it could be warn one day and cold the next

Answer 6

abc ,
ask your self do you want to be isolated from the experiences of Chicago (in a car) or do you want to savor the experiences of the town.
we travel around US and do our research first.
we look at what we want to see in the area. make a plan of interest then get a public transit overlay to see how much we can do by transit or cab.
renting is a hassle cause You got to drive.
you will spend your time worrying about where you are going. it's a pain in the neck.

Answer 7

Visit these web sites;
http://www.metrarail.com/
http://www.transitchicago.com/
There's so much to do in Chicago, You can visit millenium Park, Alder Planetarium, Hancock Observatory, The Field Museum, Art Institute, Museum of Science and Industry, Sears Tower Skydeck.... etc etc etc. (http://www.gochicagocard.com)

Answer 8

chicago's buses/subway (the El) are very efficient ways to get around (yes just like NY!) DON'T take a car. you'll be sorry you did.

Answer 9

Yes, I'm sure you can. Contact a travel agent. See Wrigley Field. I'm sure it'll be empty. Lincoln park zool

Answer 10

its ok not to do anything you dont want to dear.