Public transport and safety thoughts please

Question

Hi all, I’m coming to Chicago for 3 nights / 4 days in October after a conference. I’ll be with a friend so we are two women in our 50s. We are on a domestic flight into O’Hare and staying at the Westin River North. Given we will have a case each planning on an uber to the hotel. We plan to do a fair bit of exploring the city, and generally we do a lot of this on foot, but there may be times we want to get somewhere where public transport is an option. Just reading through some other posts there seems to be advice that some public transport may be a bit sketchy - and we would wish to avoid that! So it’s a bit of a general ask but are there any areas we should avoid whilst out on foot, and are there any public transport options to avoid?

I read the news that the troops may be deployed with interest as to the reasons why, I was in DC last September and the city felt clean and safe and I walked for miles and used the metro without issue.

Answer

Chicago is a vibrant city with lots to explore, and staying in the Westin River North puts you in a very central and generally safe area. Like any large city, there are some areas and situations to be mindful of, especially when using public transport or walking around unfamiliar neighborhoods.

General safety on foot:

The River North, Magnificent Mile, Gold Coast, and Loop areas are well-traveled, especially during daytime, and generally safe for tourists walking around. Stick to well-lit streets and busy areas at night.
Some neighborhoods farther south or west of downtown, such as parts of Englewood, West Garfield Park, and Austin, are known for higher crime rates and are best avoided unless you are traveling there with a specific purpose and local guidance.
Use common safety practices: keep belongings secure, avoid showing large amounts of cash, and stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Public transportation:

Chicago’s CTA system (trains “L” and buses) is extensive and efficient, but some precautions help ensure a smooth experience:

The Red, Blue, Brown, Purple, and Green lines are heavily used by commuters and tourists. During daytime hours, they are generally safe, particularly near downtown stations.
Late at night (after ~10 pm), some lines in outer neighborhoods can feel less secure. Use your best judgment and, if possible, stick to trains with more passengers.
Buses are generally safe in central areas, but if traveling at night, try to sit near the driver and other passengers.
Consider pre-planning your routes with apps like Google Maps or the CTA app to know exact stops and connections.

Other tips for a safe and enjoyable stay:

Uber or Lyft are widely used and can be more convenient at night or for longer distances, especially if carrying luggage or after a late evening out.
O’Hare airport is well-connected to downtown via the Blue Line, which is safe during daytime hours. You could use it if you want a budget option, but many travelers prefer a taxi or rideshare for convenience with luggage.
Be aware of city events or any heightened security notices. The news about troops may relate to city events, parades, or heightened security measures, but it does not generally affect tourists in the downtown core.
Carry a small water bottle and wear comfortable shoes for walking, as Chicago is very walkable in downtown areas.

Overall, with the Westin River North as your base, most attractions you’re likely to visit are in safe, walkable areas. Using public transport during the day is fine, while at night you might prefer taxis or rideshare for comfort and security. Staying aware of your surroundings and sticking to well-lit, busy streets will ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.