A few first time visitor questions (for January)

Question

Hello all! Hubby & I have never been to Chicago and are considering a birthday trip in late January - yes, I know, COLD; that’s the thing about January birthdays LOL.

We’re used to traveling to cold places for our (same day) birthday, however, I am slightly concerned about just *how* cold Chicago might be comparatively? For instance, we’ve been to Paris many times in January and wonder how it compares? I know Chicago is windier and colder, but is it *that* much worse…? While I have waterproof boots, I am not sure they’d be good for tromping through slush (and living in FL I have little use for that kind of boot). I survived 24° in Amsterdam in these boots, but it wasn’t snowing either.

Our main objectives are museums — Art Institute, Griffin Industrial, Fields Natural History and the Shedd Aquarium. I see that the Art Institute, Aquarium & Fields are fairly close together with the Griffin being farther away. Considering a show but haven’t looked into what’s on yet.

So, my questions -

- I’ve read that River North is the best place for tourists to stay - is that correct? Since it will be so chilly, we of course want to minimize our outdoor time both in getting to/from attractions as well as having plenty of dining options nearby (without having to walk long distances if it is really cold).

-With it being so cold, is it advisable to simply take a taxi door to door to the museums or is taking the L/train fine?

-On the subject of transport - it seems the Industry museum is a bit tricky to get to - taking a train and *then* a bus or walk 25 minutes? Am I getting that right?

-While I am not ruling out large hotels, we generally love boutique-ish hotels with some charm (If you’re familiar with the Lombardy in DC, like that) so if you have any to suggest, please do. Otherwise, any hotel suggestions of your faves is appreciated.

Of course, I’d rather do this in nice weather to take advantage of other things like the architectural boat tour, and just walking in general, but sometimes, a winter trip is what it is! (And we like it better when visiting cities because it seems less crowded overall :-). Thanks in advance for any advice - appreciated :-)

Answer

Hi there! Chicago in January is definitely a cold experience, but it can also be a beautiful one with the right preparation. Here’s a breakdown of your questions to help you plan for your birthday trip:

1. How cold is it really? Chicago in January is typically much colder than Paris, especially with the wind chill. Average temperatures can range from 15°F to 30°F, but it often feels colder with the strong winds off the lake. Paris in January tends to hover around 35°F to 45°F, so yes, it can be *that much* colder in Chicago. Waterproof boots with insulation are definitely a good choice, and if you're concerned about slush, you might want to look for boots with a solid tread. You may also want to pack layers, thermal socks, and scarves to stay warm, as it can be windy and damp.

2. Best area to stay: River North? Yes, River North is a great area for tourists, particularly in winter. It’s centrally located with many dining options, art galleries, and proximity to museums. The area has plenty of boutique hotels, cafes, and restaurants within walking distance, so you won't have to deal with long walks in the cold. Plus, it's close to the Magnificent Mile, so you’ll have easy access to shopping, theater, and nightlife. Other good neighborhoods for staying in the city include the Loop (close to museums) and Streeterville (near Navy Pier and the lakefront).

3. Taxis vs. L train for getting to museums in winter? Given the cold weather, I would recommend taxis or rideshare services like Uber/Lyft over public transportation, particularly for the museums you want to visit. The L train is fine, but it involves more walking, and waiting for the train outside in the cold might be uncomfortable. A taxi or rideshare will get you directly to the door of the museums. However, if you do decide to take public transportation, the L is a cheap and reliable option, but you'll likely still need to walk a bit once you get off the train, especially if you're headed to the Field Museum or Shedd Aquarium.

4. Getting to the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI)? Yes, you’re right about MSI being trickier to get to. It’s located in Hyde Park, which is a bit farther south from downtown. To get there, you can take the Green Line of the L (at Roosevelt or Adams/Wabash stations) and then transfer to a bus or walk for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you could take a taxi or rideshare, which would be much more comfortable in the winter.

5. Boutique hotel recommendations? Since you’re looking for a more boutique-ish hotel with charm, here are some great options:

The Drake Hotel – An iconic, upscale historic hotel right on the Magnificent Mile, offering elegance and old-world charm.
The Langham – A luxurious, boutique-style hotel with a cozy atmosphere and excellent service.
The James Chicago – A sleek, modern boutique hotel in River North, known for its stylish interiors.
Hotel EMC2 – A quirky and artsy boutique hotel in Streeterville with a creative atmosphere, near museums and attractions.

6. Winter activities and tips for your trip? Since you'll be visiting museums, they’re perfect for winter trips as you’ll be indoors. The Art Institute and Field Museum are both excellent choices. You may also want to explore:

The Skydeck at Willis Tower (to see the city from above, though be prepared for possible crowds).
The Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon – a fun outdoor activity (though cold!) that’s not far from Millennium Park.
The Christmas Lights and Winter Wonderland at Lincoln Park Zoo (if it’s still going in early January).

7. Architectural boat tours in winter? Unfortunately, architectural boat tours on the river won’t run in January due to the cold weather. However, if you're interested in Chicago's architecture, you could consider an indoor tour like the Chicago Architecture Foundation's River Cruise aboard a heated boat if available. Otherwise, walking tours of the city’s architecture may still be available, but dress warmly!

Overall, Chicago in January can be magical, but it's definitely cold. Make sure to bundle up, but also take advantage of the great indoor activities the city offers, from museums to cozy dining experiences. You’ll love the quieter, less crowded atmosphere during winter, and I’m sure your birthday trip will be memorable!

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