Most of the artists featured are from Chicagos Mexican community. Get familiar with Chicago's neighborhoods The tours depart from Navy Pier, cost around $35, and last about 90 minutes. As one of our designated Destination Experts for Chicago, Rothschild gives out traveler advice on the regular. I lived in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It's also within walking distance to Oak Street Beach in one direction and the Chicago Riverwalk in another. River North is "Tourist Central" , (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? She suggests experiencing some of the country's pubs, even if you're a woman traveling alone, since you'll almost always find live music and friendly people. 1. 1. The only downside to deep-dish pizza is it takes a. long time to prepare. I've been to Chicago many times and have stayed in several different hotels in The Loop, River North, and Gold Coast neighborhoods. Navy Pier went through another round of redevelopment in the 2010s, when the city added a Ferris wheel, hotel, and more. Although I also take holidays with my friends and family I always take a solo trip at least once a year and it is usually to Europe but I struggle with the confidence to go out at night alone (the language barrier doesnt help). Dont miss Munich and its famous English Garden. Willis Skydeck vs. 360 Chicago: Which Is Best. Chicago BEARS Info and Getting to SOLDIER FIELD for a Game or Concert. This one is true whether youre travelling to Chicago alone or with friends an architecture tour on a boat on the river is one of the best things to do in Chicago. Nice post and I wanted to visit Chicago for so long. Learn how your comment data is processed. But if youre short on time, or visiting for a long weekend, you can do most of the must-sees in three daysall you need is this itinerary. Blues is the focus, but youll also hear R&B and rock. This biking food tour runs twice per day, with the daytime tour leaving at 11:30 a.m. (My advice? Anywhere in Chicago's downtown is safe for solo women travelers during the day, but as always, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Instead, I booked myself in for breakfast at The Lobby at the Peninsula hotel, which was almost the same thing!). I was in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This anomaly is one of many features making the Turkish city stand out as a unique destination; you'll get to experience its Byzantine architecture, Ottoman cuisine and landmarks like the Grand Bazaar on a trip here. Switzerland is known for its stunning beauty and there may be no better way to see the country than by train. Its legacy as the home of Buddy Guy has carried through to today, and now, the worlds best blues musicians play regular, cheap shows all over the city. Solo Female Travelers - Tours | Courses | Expert Advice Whenever I mention visiting cities as a solo female traveler to people who don't travel much, they always want to know how I find my way around safely. A lot of the time when I lived in Chicago, I would go out later during the week (after work) to these events which I mentioned above. Just leaving (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The first question I received when I shared that I was spending a few days on my own in Chicago was the usual But is that safe? question that I often get from concerned readers and family members. Maybe 2019 will be my year! Many people, myself included, are put off by Bali's overtourism, where there's constantly bad traffic, beaches littered with trash, and long waits for photos at popular Instagram spots. DisclaimerThis article has affiliate links. Take a stroll here this afternoon and grab some lunch. You really can eat anywhere as a solo diner in Chicago, though, and people will be nothing but friendly and welcoming. Learn more about me here. Take your time. All Rights Reserved, Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission. And otherwise, here are my preferred modes of transport in Chicago: So there you have it! Listen to your gut feelings they're always right! Female solo traveler - Chicago Forum. Thanks so much for making such an informative post! Take care of your belongings on the CTA, 11. This area of downtown, known as The Loop, contains incredible public artworks from artists like Picasso. Chicago has all of the things I love in a city: interesting history, cool architecture, plenty of options for eating, sleeping, and sightseeing, and some beautiful natural features, too (in this case, thanks to its location right on Lake Michigan). (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? (Though as a solo traveler you might be able to snag a spot at the bar last-minute, too; it never hurts to ask if you've forgotten to book ahead.). If you dream of a getaway that includes picturesque beaches and crystal-clear water, Croatia is the perfect spot to explore. A great icebreaker is to ask someone to take a photo of you in front of one of the buildings or to ask what their favourite deep-dish pizza place is. Where to stay? The "Land of Fire and Ice" is also known for puffins, its Viking history and women's empowerment, with the country's reputation as a champion of gender equality. If you've been dreaming of visiting the Windy City, chances are it has crossed your mind to wonder, "Is Chicago sa Stock up and save on travel-size toiletries ahead of your summer vacation. [See more of Barcelona:Things to Do|Tours|Hotels|When to Visit|Photos]. Romanticise your work & workplace :) And no I dont mean romantic relationship maybe thatll help some too. Have questions about Chicago? Consider using a solo trip to cross a destination off of your bucket list, like Cond Nast Traveler contributing editor and Nomadness Travel Tribe founder Evita Robinson did in Turkey in 2019 . Chicago is one of my favorite cities in the Midwest and indeed one of my favorite cities in all of the United States! Sign up here to get exclusive travel tips, deals, and other inspiring goodies delivered to your inbox. She writes at, An Ultimate Bangalore Itinerary: Best of Bangalore in one day. She has been solo traveling the world for the last seven years. I am glad you mentioned the pros and cons. Chicago is a great city, and I always enjoy visiting. Crime rates in Chicago have been all over the news in the last year. ", [See more of Istanbul:Things to Do|Hotels|When to Visit|Photos]. If you want something more low-key, the Chicago Cultural Center displays rotating exhibitions from local artists. "New York City prioritizes tourist safety because they know theyd lose this valuable industry if visitors had frequent bad experiences," she explains, adding that you may be surprised how friendly the local residents are. Travel tip: For women traveling alone, Rubinovaite advises thorough research in advance of your trip to this Arctic locale; staying in hotels, rather than private accommodations; and booking guided tours or looking for a travel buddy when venturing out to very remote places. Connect with meonInstagram,Twitter,Pinterest,andFacebook. Thanks so much for the info. Since then, she has traveled solo all over the U.S. and to countries such as Fiji, Argentina, Chile and Italy. (Buy a skip-the-line ticket here.). Perhaps the most famous work of public art in Chicago is known as The Bean (actual name: Cloud Gate) the giant metal thing in the middle of Millennium Park. Cultural options: Although you can never tell that far in the future, the Art Institute of Chicago (a real gem), is open until 8 p.m. on Thursday evenings. So dont hesitate to visit one of Americas most iconic cities, even if you cant find a travel buddy! Chicago Things To Do And Safety For Solo Female Travelers You can get excellent Golden Hour photos from up here, and they even have a bar at the top (Bar 94) in case you want to have a sundowner with your views. All my classmates and friends seem to have been. "They truly made it feel like a second home. [], [] DC, Yellowstone National Park, Seattle Tower, Disneyland Florida,Hollywood, Las Vegas, Chicagos skyscrapers, iconic Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco on the Californian road trip are some of the perks I []. Ragusa adds that New Zealand is not the cheapest travel destination, but her personal recommendation for saving money on longer trips here is to rent or buy and later sell a van to live in. "It is one of the most unique nature destinations in the world," she says. http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/world_music_festival.html. Travel tip: One of Harris' top tips is to not bring more than you can carry, as you won't always find someone to help you with your luggage if an escalator breaks and you have to take the stairs. This is an excellent way to get some great photos of the Chicago skyline from all sorts of different angles. Travel tip: Cohen advises staying in a hostel (which often have options for women-only dorms) or renting an Airbnb for more privacy. United States ; Illinois (IL) Chicago ; Chicago Travel Forum; . Eataly or one of the Small Cheval locations are also good choices where you can order food at the counter and then sit anywhere in the seating areas. Learn how your comment data is processed. Loredana Gogoescu, head of content for Destguides.com, says she felt safe in Thailand as soon as she arrived. Since I am pretty okay with eating alone in restaurants, thats one con less for me. You learn about how the Great Chicago Fire decimated the city but also allowed it to rebuild from scratch, using new materials and design styles. Deep-dish pizza is the one food you simply must try during your Chicago solo travel. 5. From yurts to safari tents, explore the top destinations for glamping retreat. Want to know where to eat? Follow me onPinterestfor more ideas and inspiration! Beautiful beaches, delicious food, friendly people, exotic animals and floating markets are just some of the incredible things that you can experience in Thailand. I'm arriving in Chicago for 4 days in late September, staying at Affinia Chicago. Tickets cost $25. Is Chicago Safe for Solo Female Travelers? - hoptraveler Best Places for Solo Female Travelers in Chicago in 2023 Is Chicago Safe for Solo Female Travelers? | UsNewsBoy And, Ill receive a small commission to keep the blog running. My name is Amanda, and I'm a former journalist-turned-blogger from Ohio who's been writing about travel since 2010. She adds, "Don't do things you're not comfortable with. Globally, London was the most popular destination. it's very well lit, stores are open late, and there's always tons of people around, so I think you'll feel safer going back to your hotel in the evening. Alternatively, you may use, Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North, InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel, Best Western Chicago Downtown-River North, Tripadvisor's Destination Expert answers your top Chicago questions. Now, probably 85-90% of that time I travel it is solo, although I do meet up with ex-neighbors, ex-coworkers and sometimes introduce those from this area to Chicago for their first taste of the City. There was so much to do, from a women's surf school to driving the Road to Hana to joining snorkeling trips. One good option for dining solo at a restaurant is to sit at the bar where oftentimes the full menu is available. On a solo trip to this Southeast Asian city, you can experience the unique blend of diverse cultures and cuisines, Cohen says, in addition to other benefits. Are CityPass, GO card or Other Passes a Good Idea? . or simply walking anywhere at night alone. I seek to inspire people to be curious about the world and find ways to fit more travel into the lifestyle they already have - and I only share tips based on my personal experiences and places I've actually traveled! Many first time visitors choose a hotel in the Mag Mile or River North areas of downtown. The guides are entertaining, but they dont talk constantly so you have plenty of time to chat with your neighbours. River cruises, friendly locals, and great bars all offer the chance to make new friends. Plan on at least an entire morning. She has been solo traveling the world for the last seven years. Most people who've never been to the Great Lakes region before are surprised to learn that cities like Chicago have sandy beaches but they do! Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. First, if youre not comfortable eating and drinking alone, youll miss out on the citys great bars and restaurants. I stayed at the Viceroy Chicago, which is a fancy Gold Coast hotel with mid-century modern vibes and a rooftop pool. And a substantial number of Chicago theatrical events go to the Broadway stage, in addition to there being Broadway pre-runs in the city. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Solo travel means doing whatever you want whenever you want, while seeing the places that you most want to visit. "Because of the presence of polar bears, everything you do in Svalbard requires booking a guided tour, so you are always in safe hands," Rubinovaite explains. Yes, I know what you mean! So glad you liked the post, hope you visit Chicago soon & have a memorable experience Thanks for stopping by & reading the post, much appreciated. Something I've become obsessed with doing as a solo traveler in recent years is going to afternoon tea. It covers the history and intrigue of The Loop during the Roaring 20s, back when speakeasies and gangsters abounded in Chicago. A Guide to Solo Black Female Travel - Passion Passport Get familiar with Chicago's neighborhoods Chicago has over 77 unique neighborhoods, many of which make an excellent base for getting the most out of the city. Today is all about taking things slow and allowing yourself to enjoy some me time on your solo trip. Ive left the Art Institute after closing on their late night (Thursdays) and walked to the Mag Mile and there were plenty of people around. What a waste of money not getting to do what you want when you travel!). 50 Best Trips For Solo Female Travel (And Why Now Is The Time - Forbes Once you arrive and get the lay of the land and see many people out on the well-lit streets in the evening, you may feel confident that it's safe and reasonable to go out in the evenings. But if youre short on time, or visiting for a long weekend, you can do most of the must-sees in three daysall you need is this itinerary. Fabulous city to travel solo, have visited twice and each time been solo. Folks always ask me if it is safe for women traveling solo. There are no hotels in unsafe areas. Hi, I'm planning to head to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available if you prefer that at night, I usually do that after theater performances. 11. Before I get into the highlights of Chicago solo travel, its worth naming a couple of pros and cons. "My evenings would probably be spent my in the apt/hotel." Whether you're concerned about safety or seeking companionship, there are plenty of places around the globe to consider for your next solo trip. Most of these neighborhoods are quite safe for solo travelers. While at the same time, the idea that "women shouldn't travel alone" is still a very common trope. Is Chicago Safe to Travel During Covid-19? Second, one of the best activities in Chicago is going to a ballgame at Wrigley Field which is way more fun with friends. The only cost is a pricey beverage (beers start at $8). -smart while living in New York City. If youre a little uncomfortable going to a bar alone as part of your Chicago solo travel, dont worry the atmosphere of the Signature Room is more like a lounge than a rowdy dive bar, and plenty of people go solo. Here Are Tips for Traveling Alone as a Woman. Singapore boasts impressive architecture, the iconic Singapore sling cocktail, street food markets and luxury shopping malls. Chicago ranks 51st out of 162 "safest and most dangerous cities" list. In fact, my cousin lived in Chicago for college before moving to NYC and now is back in SD as of 2021. For your better understanding, we've put together this guide regarding your safety in Chicago - filled with plenty of tips and information that will keep you safe - so that you explore the city and enjoy it thoroughly. But Chicago is a city that covers more than 230 square miles, and the worst crimes are not taking place in the areas you're likely to visit as a tourist. (Note: When I was last in Chicago in June 2021, most of these afternoon teas were not running. I last visited Navy Pier back in 2011, before most of this new development had begun. Discovering Colombia's Greatest Gems Solo. On the plus side, travelling to Chicago solo means you get to do what you want when you want to. Murder and gun violence rates are both on the decline, as are violent crimes in general. I have been everywhere I wanted to visit (including places in Asia as well as London and Paris), just not Chicago! ), Chicago could easily take days to explore. Female Solo Traveller - Best Neighborhood to Stay, Re: Female Solo Traveller - Best Neighborhood to Stay. Now, you might assume that afternoon tea is mostly a British or European thing, but you can actually find afternoon tea offered at many luxury hotels all around the world. She adds that, although Indonesia is a conservative country, she found that women traveling there aren't expected to cover up except in temples or other sacred religious sites. Petty theft can of course still be scary, especially if you're traveling alone. ", [See more of San Miguel de Allende: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]. Summer brings long days and warm temperatures to the Windy City, making it the perfect time to enjoy rooftop patios and river cruises. I think thats true in almost every city in the US in the last year. Solo dining is no problem, There are many singles of all ages living downtown and many solo visitors. Because the world can't wait, and neither should we. Hope that you *fully* enjoy your stay in Chicago. After the trail check out the park; the trail features Indian petroglyphs that might be 1500 years old. There are also a number of buses that run up and down Michigan Ave, so its very easy to get around. Antoinette Harris, founder and owner of travel blog Frolic & Courage, considers the "City of Love" a superb option for women traveling solo due to its cuisine, cultural attractions and hands-on activities of all sorts. Yes! Travel tip: Caf recommends that travelers always use ride-sharing apps like Uber, Gojek and Grab rather than hailing cabs off the street, since the apps' tracking features make them much safer to use for solo female travelers in foreign countries. I am a typical tourist and plan to be out sightseeing most of the day, so close to transport links would be good and I also like to do a bit of shopping. Is Chicago Safe for Solo Female Travelers? - Be My Travel Muse But its a beautiful place to visit and weekend hangouts. Daina Cohen, editor at WorldlyKnown.com, says, "Singapore is a fantastic destination for solo women travelers because of its vibrant, yet safe culture and exciting sights." These are just a few of the reasons to visit Chicago and the city is one of the best places to visit in Illinois. The shows dont usually start until 10 pm or later, leaving you to choose between a dodgy walk or a pricey taxi back to your hotel. But don't forget to enjoy yourself. But if your friends are busy, you just broke up with your partner and you're not feeling a family vacation, you don't have to wait to embark on a new adventure just go solo. In myblog, you will find itineraries and tips & tricks for your travels. ), Chicago could easily take days to explore. Discover the right pair for every type of adventure and terrain. These narrated boat tours are the top thing to do in Chicago and they absolutely live up to the hype. Its free to enter and the building itself is gorgeous.