Chicago

**Hodizzle** · 09-22-2008, 12:36 PM

I'm going there for a couple days to get my Visa stamp at the Korean Embassy (it's the closest one). Anyway, I've only been there once before, and since I'm going to be there 2 days, what are some things I should go see? I'm limited on funds, but I'd like to do a couple fun things at least.

Oh, and if you happen to know of any cheap hotels in the city, that would be great too. I'm taking the Amtrak there, so it would defeat the purpose of getting a cheap room if it costs me $20 to get there by taxi.

**|G3|** · 09-22-2008, 12:45 PM

Depends on what you like to do, there are loads of museums in Chicago, like the Art museum, Field museum and the planetarium. Also you could go to Navy Pier it has that huge ferris wheel and some shops. Or you could go up on the sears tower ;3

**Hodizzle** · 09-22-2008, 12:54 PM

Been to the Navy Pier, I also went up into the Hancock building, saw the bean, went to the aquarium and museum of science and industry, and went on a boat tour. I'd like to go to most of those again when I'm not chaperoning a bunch of 13-14 year olds, but not this time. This time I want to do something new. I was thinking about the sear's tower but I don't know how much it costs. I might look into it.

**Bunneh** · 09-22-2008, 12:59 PM

My friend stayed at this hostel, and said it was pretty decent:

H.I. Chicago Hostel in Chicago, USA, North America

As for what to do, there's a ton of fun stuff to do in Chicago. Aside from museums and such, the shopping is fantastic, the food is great (the original Maggiano's is definitely worth it), and there's generally a lot of fun stuff to do. I'm going up in a few weeks with some friends for the Steve Wilkos show (crappy-yet-entertaining TV).

**Hodizzle** · 09-22-2008, 02:27 PM

Ah shit thx. I thought of looking into hostels last night before I went to bed, but I completely forgot the idea today. I wasn't sure if there were any in the US (I've only ever stayed in them overseas and that's the only time I've really heard of people staying in them). Yeah I know that's silly.

Hmm, I really should have started planning this before the day before but idk I just didn't lol. I wish I could stay longer, it really is an amazing city. I'm thinking about trying to go there for graduate school once I get back in the US.

It's too late to book that hostel, but I have a choice between a cheap, not very clean hostel a good way away from downtown or one that seems to be cleaner and in the heart of greektown, but is $10 more expensive per night and has issues with tacking more fees on at the door. It's also within walking distance from the amtrak and closer to the embassy. But with that $20 I could do so much (not to mention whatever the "city taxes" they tack on at the door....). Also, I will need to take the public transit to the embassy, but if I'm in the more expensive one I will probably be able to walk to most places. But a pass for unlimited bus service for 2 days is only $9. Yes I am aware that I'm cheap. That's what happens when you're used to not having much extra money to spend.

I was at one point thinking about not even staying anywhere the second night. The bars are open until 3 and my train leaves at 8:30 so it's only a few hours to kill. But not many bars would let you take a backpack in....Decisions....

I love myself right now. The planetarium is free tomorrow and the Museum of Contemporary Art is free on Tuesdays and closes at 8. Score! I won't be able to spend too much time there because my train doesn't arrive until noon, sadly. But that's two things that otherwise would've costed me a good bit. Yay! THEN after that I'll check into a hostel xD. The Lincoln Park Zoo is also free. I can go there Wed. Now I just need to figure out what to do at night

. I am quite pleased with myself.

About the staying out all night the second night...there's a casino open until 6:30 am. Penny slots anyone?

**Oraski** · 09-22-2008, 06:52 PM

No way, no way!

I live right near Chicago :O
about 45 minutes

In a couple of days, I'm going to go see Wicked again which is downtown. Hope you have fun in Chicago.

**Hodizzle** · 09-22-2008, 07:11 PM

Wicked? What's that?

If you were older, I'd say we should party together. They generally frown upon giving minors alcohol though xD.

**Oraski** · 09-22-2008, 07:16 PM

Wicked is probably one of the best musicals eva! <3

We don't have to have alcohol but we can have apple juice!

**Hodizzle** · 09-22-2008, 08:43 PM

When are you going to see the musical? And do you have to have tickets ahead of time?

**Oraski** · 09-22-2008, 09:02 PM

I'm going to see it this Wednesday at 7. You probably have to get tickets ahead of time I bet, I'm guessing they sell out fast...

It's defiantly worth seeing if your going to visit Chicago, after January, it's not going to be in Chicago anymore.

They have another good musical in downtown called The Jersey Boys, I haven't seen it myself but my mom has and said it's really good.

Oh have you've seen the Water Tower the last time you were in Chicago? I suggest going there if you haven't, theres a great mall around it as well. Another place worth checking out is the Art Institute. Some suggestions