The city is a collection of different neighborhoods, each marked by its own unique character and history. But it's as vast as it is vibrant, so before you arrive, you'll want to know just what stops to place on your itinerary. Despite its sprawling size, Chicago is surprisingly simple to navigate. In fact, it's possible to take on the entire city armed with little more than a sense of adventure and a map of the Chicago Transit Authority's extensive system of trains and buses. Although you could explore Chicago by car, chances are you'll spend half of your visit searching for a parking space.
Many downtown hotels offer parking, but fees are steep.
The availability of street parking varies from one neighborhood to the next, but it's nearly impossible to find a space in the downtown area or on the Near North Side. There's at least one neighborhood celebration or city-wide music festival every weekend from May through September. The Lake Michigan beaches and jogging paths that line the entire east side of town also add to the city's seasonal allure. During the muggy days of August, the lakefront is one of the most popular places in town. The rest of the year, however, the refreshing lake breeze becomes a damp, bone-chilling gale that forces even hearty Midwesterners to retreat into their parkas.