Lonely Planet Chicago (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Chicago emerged as a world-class city in the late 1800s because of the skills of its popular in processing the inherent wealth of America's Midwest..." (more)
Key Phrases: boxed text, Michigan Ave, Lincoln Park, Near North (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

When seeking a travel guide to Chicago, you want one penned by someone who understands the El's Orange, Red, and Purple lines, knows the architecture of Chicago like the back of his or her hand, and is willing to share extensive knowledge of the best places to eat. Ryan Ver Berkmoes's guide provides all this flawlessly--plus all the vital information on where to stay, what to do for fun (from theater and opera to dance clubs, bars, and sports), where to shop, plus the lowdown on history, wildlife, and climate (especially climate), politics, languages, special events, and where to do your laundry. Berkmoes goes beyond the stuff of standard guidebooks with his feel for the tone and attitude of this town. He calls it the most American of cities and lauds its Magnificent Mile and Art Institute, its kaleidoscope of ethnic neighborhoods, its mixes of blue-collar and yuppie and immigrant populations. He talks about Chicagoans' brash self-reliance, their lurking insecurity, and the pride in their growing population and dwindling crime. While dishing up all the relevant details, Berkmoes's guide resonates with the vitality, humor, and style of Chicago. --Stephanie Gold --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Sink your teeth into stuffed pizza, snag a fly ball at Wrigley Field, or belt out the blues – experience the real Chicago with our jam-packed guide. Expert author Ryan Ver Berkmoes steers you toward all the Windy City has to offer, from lazing on the lakefront beaches to tracing the trail of Al Capone's bullets to enjoying innovative theater and cuisine.

• special architecture section with walking tours designed to make you look way up
• colorful guide to the highlights of the Art Institute of Chicago
• hotels and restaurants to fit every budget, bars to wet every whistle
• 22-page map section, including public transit map

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications; 2nd edition (September 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 186450210X
• ISBN-13: 978-1864502107
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,036,548 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book is better than the climate!, January 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Lonely Planet Chicago (Paperback)

I moved to Chicago a few months ago, and so I was able to road-test this book extensively. I found it to be an invaluable resource to just about anything going on in the Windy City. You can feel that the author lived here for an extensive period of time. As with most big cities, things change fast in Chicago, so I am eagerly awaiting the second edition!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great guide to the Windy City!, July 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Lonely Planet Chicago (Paperback)

This thoughtfully written and informative guide answers all the questions that a traveler would have before setting off for Chicago. In fact, it would benefit someone who has lived in Chicago for many years. The author's knowledge of what it is like to live in Chicago - as opposed to simply knowing something about the attractions, restaurants, hotels, etc. - sets this guide apart from others.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the COOL guide to Chicago., March 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Lonely Planet Chicago (Paperback)

I'd choose this over any of the stuffy, expensive, "traditional" guides to Chicago because it offers lots of cool insight into the "real" Chicago that thrives under the surface and late into the night.