How to Navigate Chicago Without a Map

Getting around in a big city can be intimidating at first. You know where you want to go, but aren't sure how to get there. And horror of all horrors, what if you get lost? Here's how to navigate in Chicago without using a map, and how to re-orient yourself when you do (and you will) get lost.

Use the RTA Trip Planner.

The RTA Trip Planner is essential for navigating Chicago without a map. You can either go to the website for directions, or call a live representative. On the RTA website, you type in where you are and where you want to go (or choose from a list of major Chicago landmarks), and the Trip Planner will tell you how to get there using public transportation. It works very much like Mapquest, but instead of telling you how to drive, it tells you which bus or train to get on, an how to walk to your destination from there.

Should you ever find yourself lost in the city, you can call the RTA 24 hours a day. Simply tell the representative where you are and where you're going, and they'll tell you how to get there. Call 312-836-7000 (or call 836-7000 from any local area code).

What street numbers tell you.

Street numbers in Chicago are like little clues about where you are in the city. Addresses are assigned numbers based on their location from State and Madison downtown. The intersection of State and Madison is what's called a "baseline," meaning "one" in address terms. From the baseline, numbers increase going in all four directions.

Sound confusing? It's not, really. If you are traveling south on South Michigan Avenue, the street numbers will increase as you get farther from the baseline. If you are traveling north on South Michigan, the numbers will decrease as you move closer to the baseline. At the baseline, South Michigan becomes North Michigan Avenue as you keep traveling north, and the numbers will begin to increase.

Use street numbers as clues if you need to figure out which direction to travel in. If you need to go west on West Division, make sure you are traveling in the direction the numbers are increasing.

Look for the lake or the Sears Tower.

Two common and easily identifiable landmarks Chicagoans use to figure out which way to go are Lake Michigan and the Sears Tower.

Lake Michigan will always be east, no matter where you are in the city.

The Sears Tower will be south if you are on the North Side, and north if you are on the South Side. If you are on the West Side, the Sears Tower will be to the east. If you are in the Loop, the Sears Tower will be west.

Use bus signs to orient yourself.

The CTA bus signs often indicate which way a bus is traveling, i.e. "West to Austin." If you're wandering around aimlessly, start looking at the bus signs for clues. If a bus is headed west and so are you, walk in the direction of traffic on your side of the street. If the bus is headed west and you are not, use west as a compass point to orient yourself, and then head in the right direction.

Resources: http://tripsweb.rtachicago.com/