10 Things About Visiting Chicago Nobody Tells You

From avoiding faux pas to just knowing what to expect, there are things about Chicago that people often forget to warn visitors about. Make sure you’re in the know during your visit with these ten things only the locals know about The Windy City.

CPD aren’t the only police officers you’ll see

One of Chicago’s public rail systems, Metra, has its own police force with cars around stations at all times. Moreover, the University of Chicago in the Hyde Park neighborhood has one of the largest private police forces in the country, with UCPD vehicles patrolling the neighborhood and surrounding area.

What is a zip code?

The Land of the BYOBs (bring your own bottle)

If we had to pick one aspect of Chicago’s restaurant scene that makes it different than other cities, it might be the large number of BYOBs throughout the city. Due to a history of Prohibition and mob operations, Chicago’s requirements to obtain a liquor license are notoriously difficult, meaning many restaurants opt for BYOB status instead. Many people attribute this quirk as resulting in an atmosphere of camaraderie that can’t be found elsewhere.

Happy Hours are still rare

In the late 1980s, Illinois lawmakers made happy hours illegal in the state in an effort to curb drunk driving accidents. However, in 2015 the Illinois governor signed a bill allowing establishments to sell drinks at cheaper prices during pre-set times that coincide with them getting off work, aka Happy Hour. However this is still a new practice and with the prevalence of BYOBs, Chicago may never become a city known for its happy hours.

Neighborhoods matter

Chicago has 77 distinct neighborhoods within its city limits, meaning when someone tells you to check out Lincoln Park or Bridgeport, they aren’t telling you to leave the city. Instead, they’re trying to help you experience Chicago on a more local level outside of tourist centers of Navy Pier and the Loop.

There are trains but no ‘subway’

Even though some of the city’s public transit lines are underground, no one calls these trains the subway. Mostly when it comes to the CTA’s various lines, you’re best off calling them by their name (the green line, the red line, etc.), or simply ‘the L’, due to most train tracks being elevated.

The Grid System

Honestly, Chicago is pretty easy to get around as long as you remember two things. 1) It’s on a grid system and 2) Lake Michigan is east, so as long as you know where you are in relation to the Lake, you can find your way around.

Malört

With a distinct bitter taste, Malört is a distilled liquor that definitely isn’t for anyone. However, the drink is so iconic to Chicago that it’s worth experiencing. Typically served as a shot, as it’s best to get it over with quickly.

Jordan is still king

It’s almost been 20 years since Michael Jordan played for the Chicago Bulls but the man is still a bit of a god in Chicago. He’s an icon when it comes to Chicago’s sports scene, with a stained glass mosaic at Navy Pier and a statue at the United Center.

The Wiener’s Circle

When you’re looking for late night food, particularly after a night of drinking, many people make their way to the infamous Wiener’s Circle in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Although known for its delicious char-grilled hot dogs and authentic Chicago style dogs, this establishment is perhaps best known for the mutual verbal abuse between employee patrons on weekend nights.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.