Chicago Forum: chinatown

Be prepared - the Chinatown stop is a bit sketchy. I wouldn't even consider it at night. A cab should be reasonable...

is it driveable? Parking? thanks

http://tripsweb.rtachicago.com/

your hotel is at 323 east wacker drive

I lived in Chinatown for a while, and I frequently visit there to see friends, eat, walk around, etc. I don't own a car, so I almost always take public transportation. My experience and observation has been that the Chinatown "El" statiion is in a very safe localtion and that there's no need to be concerned about your safety. Chinatown is a very safe neighborhood and there are always lots of people walking around.

However, if you want to drive instead, it's easy and parking is rarely a problem. There's a large public parking lot at the corner of 22nd St. (Cermak Rd.) and Wentworth St. - smack dab in the middle of the Chinatown business/restaurant section. Chinatown Place Shopping Center also has parking, and there's a parking garage at 23rd and Wentworth (above the U.S. Post Office).

Some people make the trip to Chinatown by taxi, and that works well - going. Coming back from Chinatown by taxi, however, is another story. For some strange reason, it's almost impossible to find a taxi waiting for passengers.

From State St. you can also take the "62 - Archer" bus to Chinatown. It's about a 15 minute ride. There are two bus stops in Chinatown, one at Wentworth Ave. and the other at Cermak Rd. - both "in" Chinatown and it's a few steps walk to stores, restaurants, etc.

Enjoy your visit to Chicago!

I haven't taken the el to Chinatown at night but I have during the day and wouldn't hesitate to use it then, the ride is really quick from the downtown area and IMO beats driving or taking a cab. The el station is actually right next to the big main parking lot so in terms of walking distance to restaurants, shops, etc. it is almost negligible.