Chicago Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Digital Guides & Tools

Helpful Apps for the Destination

Ventra App
Manage CTA public transport fares and passes.
Navigation Apps
Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Citymapper for transit and routing.
Rideshare Services
Uber or Lyft for convenient rides.
Dining Apps
Yelp or OpenTable for finding restaurants and making reservations.
Parking Apps
SpotHero or ParkChicago for parking solutions.

Useful Websites for Planning

Choose Chicago
The official tourism site for comprehensive city information.
Chicago Transit Authority
Detailed information on CTA routes, schedules, and fares.
Time Out Chicago
Local publication with event listings, reviews, and recommendations.
Chicago Architecture Center
A resource for architectural tours and city building information.
Official Chicago Tourism App
Search app stores for "Choose Chicago" or "Chicago Official Guide".

Print References

Guidebooks & Maps

A comprehensive Chicago travel guide offers detailed maps and itineraries. Fold-out maps of the city and CTA system prove helpful.

Books About Chicago

Engage with Chicago's past: The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson (history) or The Jungle by Upton Sinclair (fiction).

Local Publications

Pick up the Chicago Reader for arts and events or Chicago Magazine for local insights and dining reviews.

Dive & Exploration

Films & Documentaries

Ferris Bueller's Day Off highlights iconic landmarks.
The Untouchables captures Prohibition-era Chicago.
The musical film Chicago portrays 1920s jazz-age glamour.
Ken Burns: Jazz includes Chicago's significant jazz contributions.

Music & Art Insights

Explore Chicago blues legends like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf.
Learn about the origins and global influence of House music.
Research the Chicago School of Architecture for building context.
Consider online courses for photography skills. Browse Skillshare for courses.

Connect & Listen

Online Communities

Join TripAdvisor forums for Chicago to ask questions.
Explore subreddits like r/chicago for local discussions.
R/chicagofood on Reddit provides dining recommendations.
Engage with other travelers and residents online.

Podcasts & Digital Content

Search for "Chicago history podcast" for background.
"Chicago food podcast" unveils culinary insights.
"Chicago travel guide" podcasts offer diverse tips.
Discover informative content about the city's culture.

Multilingual Resources

For non-English speakers, many apps support translation.
Local tour operators often offer tours in multiple languages.
Some cultural institutions provide materials in various languages.
Online resources exist for English language learning.

Emergency & Safety

Critical Information

Emergency Contacts

All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Call 911.
Non-Emergency Police: Dial 311 for non-urgent issues.
Keep hotel contact details readily available.
Share your itinerary with a trusted person at home.

Medical Assistance

Northwestern Memorial Hospital: 251 E Huron St.
Rush University Medical Center: 1650 W Harrison St.
University of Chicago Medical Center: 5841 S Maryland Ave.
Search online for "urgent care near me" for non-life-threatening conditions.

Lost Documents

Passport: Report to local police first, then your country's consulate/embassy.
Credit Cards: Call your bank immediately to report and cancel.
Keep copies of important documents separately.
Consider secure cloud storage for digital copies.

Health & Wellness

Medical Preparedness

Carry copies of prescriptions for medications.
A small first-aid kit addresses minor injuries.
Understand your travel insurance coverage for medical events.

Staying Healthy

Practice good hand hygiene regularly.
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces.

Personal Security

Awareness & Prevention

Be mindful of your surroundings at all times.
Keep wallets in front pockets and bags secured.
Stick to well-lit and populated areas after dark.

Digital Security

Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts.
Avoid sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi without a VPN.
Enable 'find my device' features on your phone.

Lost Item Protocols

Passport/ID Steps

File a police report immediately; obtain a copy for proof.
Contact your country's embassy or nearest consulate.
Follow their instructions for emergency travel documents.
Have photocopies of your passport and ID stored securely.
Report missing items to your airline or hotel if applicable.

Credit Card Actions

Call your bank's fraud department to cancel cards.
Request replacement cards to be sent to your hotel or home address.
Monitor your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.
Consider having a secondary payment method available.
Notify local authorities if the loss involved theft.

Natural Disaster Guidance

Weather Alerts

Monitor local news and weather apps for alerts on severe weather events.

Shelter Protocol

Seek immediate shelter in a sturdy building's interior room or basement during warnings.

Communication Plan

Establish a contact plan with travel companions and family at home.

Stay Informed

Always prioritize official announcements from local authorities during any emergency situation.

Cultural Immersion & Growth

Embrace Chicago's Arts

Performing Arts

Broadway in Chicago
Experience touring Broadway shows in grand theaters.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Enjoy world-class classical music performances.
The Second City
Witness iconic improvisational comedy at its birthplace.

Visual & Public Art

Art Institute of Chicago
Home to renowned masterpieces across various eras.
Millennium Park Art
Discover iconic public art installations like 'The Bean'.
Architectural River Cruise
Experience Chicago's urban design from an unique perspective.

Neighborhood Narratives

Hyde Park

Explore the University of Chicago, Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House, and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Pilsen

Immerse yourself in Mexican art, colorful murals, and authentic cuisine.

Boystown

Discover Chicago's lively LGBTQ+ historic district, known for its nightlife and community spirit.

Culinary Journeys

Local Classics

Deep Dish Pizza: A Chicago staple with a thick, cheesy crust.
Italian Beef Sandwich: Thinly sliced beef on a roll, often dipped in au jus.
Craft Beer Scene: Explore local breweries and taprooms.
Hot Dogs: No ketchup, just classic toppings like mustard, relish, onions.

Diverse Dining

Fine Dining: Michelin-starred restaurants for an upscale experience.
Ethnic Cuisine: Explore food scenes in various neighborhoods.
Brunch Spots: Lively weekend brunch culture with diverse offerings.
Desserts: Seek out local bakeries and sweet shops.

Historical Deep Dive

Foundational History

Great Chicago Fire: Learn about the city's resilience after the 1871 disaster.
Prohibition Era: Discover the era of speakeasies and notorious figures.
Stockyards Legacy: Understand Chicago's role as a meatpacking hub.
First Skyscraper: Marvel at the birthplace of modern tall buildings.

Cultural Movements

Blues Migration: Trace the journey of blues music from the South.
Jazz Age: Explore Chicago's jazz clubs and artists of the 1920s.
House Music Birthplace: Learn about the genre's revolutionary origins.
Public Murals: Discover the rich history of street art and community expression.

Connection

Engage with local residents and neighborhood organizations for authentic perspectives on Chicago's culture and history.

Chicago Travel Resources