Transportation & Getting Around
Question
Arriving by Air
Answer
The Robey (our wedding venue and hotel) is in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, located between O'Hare Airport and downtown Chicago. If you're flying and able to arrive at O'Hare, we strongly recommend it! When you land, you can take a taxi or Uber/Lyft, of course—but we also recommend the CTA Blue Line from O'Hare. It's a short walk from the airport's main terminal and will get you to Wicker Park (and to The Robey's front door) in about 30 minutes. Hop on a train (they only go one direction so any one will work) and get off at the Damen stop. If you're coming from Midway Airport, definitely plan on taking an Uber or Taxi to the Robey or wherever you're staying.
Question
Arriving by Car
Answer
Chicago traffic is, in a phrase, the pits. But it's still a very car-centric city, so if you drive in there are a few parking options. If you're staying at The Robey, you can access their valet parking for $49 a night, including taxes and unlimited in and out privileges. Ask the hotel for more details when you make your reservation. Metered street parking is available up and down Milwaukee and Damen Avenues; however, it can be a bit expensive and annoying to update (also, don't ask anyone in Chicago about the street metered parking situation unless you want to hear a lot of complaining). Instead, we recommend using the Spot Hero app to find overnight parking that's reliable and easy to access.
Question
Getting Downtown
Answer
While we're thrilled to have our wedding in a Chicago neighborhood with plenty to see and do (visit the Things to Do section of our website for more info!), we're also thrilled that the neighborhood is a short train or car ride from downtown Chicago! If you're looking to explore downtown, here are some easy ways to get there: BLUE LINE Hop on the Blue Line at the Damen stop and board a train heading toward Forest Park. Take the train to the Clark and Lake stop, which will put you right by the Chicago River, a short walk to Michigan Avenue, and otherwise centrally located. TAXI Chicago is definitely not the taxi-rich city it used to be, thanks to the influx of Lyft an Uber. While you *may* be able to grab a taxi at the airport or downtown, you'll likely not hail one in the neighborhoods. UBER/LYFT You'll be able to snag an Uber or Lyft in Wicker Park in less than five minutes, most hours of the day/night. A ride downtown can cost anywhere between $15 and $35, depending on surge pricing.
Question
Exploring Other Neighborhoods
Answer
If you're hoping to see neighborhoods around Wicker Park, here's some ideas for you and how to get there! LOGAN SQUARE Northwest of Wicker Park is Logan Square, one of our favorite neighborhoods and places to eat and drink. Take the Blue Line toward O'Hare from the Damen stop, and get off at Logan Square. When you head up to the street, you'll be in the center of the neighborhood. OLD TOWN Home of Chicago's Second City improv theater and some popular bars and restaurants, Old Town is one of those neighborhoods that goes in and out of style and is very much IN right now. To get there from The Robey, take the North Avenue bus east (toward North/Clark) and get off at Wells. From there, just walk south down Wells. LINCOLN PARK Lincoln Park, home of DePaul University (go Blue Demons), offers some of the best lunch and dinner restaurants in the city, and some of Chicago's most beautiful (and expensive) homes. It also has the actual Lincoln Park itself, a beautiful green space next to Lake Michigan. To get there from The Robey, take the North Avenue bus east (toward North/Clark) and get off at Wells. Head north from there to explore Lincoln Park!