"So you're traveling from out of state to PoGO Fest? Here's what you need to know about Chicago and getting around."

#PokemonGO: Hello everyone, my name is Eddie and I will be you unofficial guide to, through, and around the beautiful city of Chicago. First off I feel the need to clarify one thing before I go on; and that is that downtown Chicago (where PoGO Fest will be) is NOT dangerous. I realize Chicago has a reputation for all the wrong reasons, but take it from someone who works and walks though downtown Monday-Friday, the most dangerous part of downtown Chicago is not looking at hourly parking prices prior to actually parking. I will try and keep this guide as short as possible and hopefully it becomes very helpful to some people.Getting around the city: Yes, you can Uber, Lyft, or Taxi your way around wherever you need to go and that might be the smartest way to go if you're new to the city, but keep in mind that there are cheaper options. Chicago's public transportation system is called "CTA."; this includes both busses and subways (aka "The 'L'"). To get on a bus you have the option of paying with cash, to get on a train/subway you do not have that option. At many indoor stops you will see ATM-like machines where you can purchase a rechargable Ventra card. Website HERE. You can use this card on busses as well. You can also download the Ventra mobile app to keep track of the amount of funds remaining on your card as well as also refilling you funds. I've had the same card for years, but I do believe there are disposable paper cards for out-of-towners. Prices for busses and trains HERE.Getting from the airport to downtown Chicago: If you're traveling from out of town I'm assuming you would need to stop at your hotel or wherever you're staying first. If you're staying at a hotel downtown, these instructions would still apply, maybe just the stop would be different. For the most part you can Google Maps your destination but for the sake of this being a complete guide, I'll briefly go over it.If you are arriving at O'Hare International Airport, you will be taking the Blue Line and your stop will be Jackson. If you're arriving at the much smaller Midway International Airport, you will be taking the Orange Line and getting off......pretty much anywhere in the loop (the loop refers to downtown).Parking: If you are driving to, or are renting a car in Chitown be prepared to pay more for parking than you ever have in your entire life. Chicago now has the highest parking rates in the US. For the sake of ease I suggest you park at a parking garage. If you're lucky enough to find parking on the street, be aware of how much money you put in the meter or how long you plan on being parked because you WILL get ticketed. I suggest you download the "Spothero" app to find you the cheapest parking garage rates in the area.What are you going to eat?: The beauty of a large city is that there is no shortage of places to eat. I won't recommend any restaurants in specific because, well after all it would only be an opinion. But I will say that most places in The Loop are closed by 9 or 10. Some places are even closed by 5pm. For a late night dinner I would strongly suggest traveling about a mile north to River North (because it's just north of the river). If you're 21 or older, you also have a lot of bar options in River North.Expected weather: As of right now on July 17th, 2017 the forecast is calling for rain all day Saturday for GO Fest. Keep in mind that umbrellas will NOT be allowed per the PoGO website. Judging by how Lollapalooza and similar events in Chicago are handled, there will be no exceptions. Personally, I hate wearing panchos so I will be packing sandals and a pair of swimming trunks in case it does rain hard. The weather in Chicago is very sporadic so I would not be surprised if rain is expected everyday and it never actually does rain, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.What to do before and/or after Go Fest: Some of you might be in town for a few days and aren't really sure what to do. Here are a few things to consider:The cubs are playing at home in Wrigley against the Cards Friday thru Sunday. Tickets can be expensive so plan accordingly.Pokemon hunting at the Adler Planetarium and Navy Pier will be your two best options if you're going to be in or near downtown. And it's FREE.Just walk around and get lost. There are SO MANY pokestops downtown that you can very easily fill up your inventory in like an hour. State Street in The Loop has a lot of shopping, as well as Michigan Ave just north of The Loop. Walk alongside Lake Shore Drive and admire the architecture and lakefront.-Miscellaneous Tips: If you're on an escalator, stay on the right side. The left side is for moving traffic. People WILL tell you to move.Look out for cyclists! Some streets in the Loop have dedicated bike lanes tucked in between a parking lane and the sidewalk. It sounds weird, I know but I've seen people get hit by a bicycle because they weren't paying attention. Also, cyclist tend to not obey the rules of the road.Don't give money to every homeless person you see because you will see many. If you give money to everyone, you will leave Chicago very broke.If you are traveling with a large group, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD please don't all walk side by side blocking the entire sidewalk. This really pisses off the locals.Sorry this guide went a little longer than intended. If you have any questions about anything just leave a comment and I'll try my best to answer them. I can also add anything to this guide that's necessary. via /r/pokemongo http://ift.tt/2ut5xGR