Living in the Chicago metropolitan area is like having access access to a treasure chest full of cool music venues and entertaining places to eat and drink. The biggest issue of course is parking. Where to park and how much to pay for parking are reasons why people use public transportation. Well, if you’re tired of taking that crowded train, you might want to consider driving. We’re here to help with a quick guide to finding parking downtown. Whether you’re going down for a show, work, or school, here are some tips to help you find that perfect spot.
House Of Blues – Honestly, one of the best tips for downtown parking is be prepared to walk. A 10-15 minute walk could be the difference between paying $9 and $29. That’s pretty much the case with parking at House Of Blues. It also doesn’t hurt to check out parking websites like Parkwhiz since it’s sometimes cheaper to pay for parking online ahead of time than at the gate. For a concert at House Of Blues on a Thursday night, you can find a spot online for as little as $9 if you’re willing to do a little walking. Chicago’s got plenty of well lit streets in the downtown area, and architecture perfect for your group’s nighttime stroll.
Chicago Theatre – Remember, the internet is your friend. Resources online can help you find cheaper parking spots so you can save money for those pre-show drinks. A place like parkopedia can help you find the spot you’re looking for. A spot like one for $6.50 an hour near our studio on Stetson, or something five minutes away for $8 an hour on Michigan Avenue. Keep an eye for out for garages and meters that have a special “evening” rate. Price is of course an issue in with parking in the city, but it’s a relief to know you have options if that one garage you’re considering is already taken. You deserve to have a magical night at the Chicago Theatre and a solid seat is a good start. Seeing My Morning Jacket there next month? You’ll want a good spot for that, believe me.
South Loop – Heading South, perhaps you’re in the mood for some blues, how about Buddy Guy’s Legends? That area conveniently has some cheap parking properties on streets like Balbo and Wabash. Legends is awesome, but that’s not all there is to do in the South Loop this summer. Let’s not forget that festival season is fast approaching. That means the Blues Festival, the Taste Of Chicago, and that little party called Lollapalooza. Don’t stand in line waiting for your train after that long day in the sun, try the 7th street parking garage on Wabash for ten hour parking at the price of $11, or an evening rate of $6. It was recently announced that Spoon are playing the Taste. So be ready for that. You wouldn’t want to pay for a Rainy Taxi, would you?
Parking Near A Movie Theater – Want to catch the latest movie that XRT’s “Regular Guy” reviewed? No problem. A 15 minute walk from Willis Tower is the Showplace Icon Theater. Like most movie theaters in the city, the Icon won’t save you money on tickets or popcorn, but it will save you on parking. That’s because parking at the theater is absolutely FREE. It’s the beacon of the Roosevelt Collection strip, which is a growing area with stores and restaurants. Not sure if you’re going to make it to the movie on time? Don’t sweat it, the Icon has several theaters with reserved seating.
GreenWay Self Park – Feel like going green? There’s a nice environmentally friendly parking garage on the corner of Clark and Kinzie. Not far from the shops on Michigan Avenue, this garage is also close to House Of Blues. In fact, it’s even got a decent HOB rate if you buy online ahead of time. However, the cool thing about this garage isn’t the location. GreenWay is Chicago’s first earth-friendly parking facility. Made from local and sustainable building materials, the complex has charging stations for Electric Cars as well as car-sharing programs like ZipCar and I-Go.