Whether you've lived in Chicago your whole life or are new to the city, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover and amazing things to do. A recent thread on Reddit asked locals, "What's a Chicago 'life hack' everybody living here should know?" prompting a variety of responses. From tips for riding the "L" to the grid system to freebies from the Chicago Public Library, these are some of our favorite hacks.
RECOMMENDED: Unique habits people pick up after living in Chicago
- “Water taxi from Chinatown to Michigan Avenue for a cheap and beautiful boat ride.” - u/saintpauli. It’s one of the best things to do in Chicago, in our opinion.
- “If the car train is empty, do not get on. Pick a different car.” - u/rinklkak. 😬
- “Pedway, Lower Wacker Drive.” - u/mencival
- “Grid system. When you teach someone to fish, you feed them for a lifetime. When tourists ask directions, I point to a street sign and explain the grid system.” - u/Substantial-Art-9922. At the very least, learn which direction the lake is.
- “Chill outside Wrigley during concerts to listen to them.” - u/grhymesforyou. Who remembers Fall Out Boy last summer?
- “Better than a Chicago-style dog: a Polish, charred, with Chicago style toppings.” - u/salsation. Why not both?
- “Chicago Public Library has 3D printers, sewing machines, and craft spaces you can use for free (varies by branch).” - u/OrganicMasonJars
- “A lot of the city park field houses have nice gyms and pools with very low monthly fees.” - u/uptown_meanie
- “Layers.” - u/wauponseebeach. 🥶
- “You can bring food and unopened water bottles into Wrigley! Sometimes I buy a $9 ticket last minute off SeatGeek/Vivid/whatever and have lunch there during a workday.” - u/marcopolo22. BRB—taking an extended lunch break.
- “Cheap chicken Monday at the Jewels.” - u/Let_us_proceed. It’s hard to resist eight pieces for $6.
- “Utilize the CHI311 App. I have used it several times to get potholes filled, graffiti removed, or trees planted. All in all, they are surprisingly responsive.” - u/CollectionRegular900
- “The Chicago Parks department has countless activities and classes you can sign up for and they change each season.” - u/dreadmonster
- “Home Depot hot dogs.” - u/SeasonGullible616. IYKYK.
- “Don't move the lawn chair to park your car. Just don't.” - u/Muschina. We take no sides when it comes to dibs.
- “If the platform for the train is crowded, ride the train in the opposite direction for one stop, and then hop back on going in the direction of your original destination. Most of the time, you'll be able to get on no problem.” - u/Spanish4TheJeff
- “You don't actually have to take that shot of Malört.” - u/tangmang14. Debatable.