A European in Chicago

I am a single female traveller coming to Chicago in August. I am interested in design, modern art and music. Can anyone suggest interesting smaller art galleries and cool laid-back blues clubs?

Also which would be the hippest neighborhood to stay? Or at least I%26#39;d like to stay somewhere with a good public transport connections or walking distance to the hippest areas. You know, a place with street side cafes, funky vintage boutiques and used record stores.

I wanna avoid the obvious tourist traps and see where the locals hang out. Any ideas?

A European in Chicago

If you want to stay in a neighborhood rather than downtown, you%26#39;re fairly limited in terms of hotels. Try this - www.daysinnchicago.net or www.cityinns.com

www.transitchicago.com for public transit information. A CTA visitor pass might come n handy for your visit.

Music listings - www.chicagoreader.com

Art galleries - www.chicagoartgalleries.net/

A European in Chicago

Wicker Park / Bucktown is probably what you are looking for but as was mentioned, not a lot of places to stay. You can get to that neighborhood easily via the Blue Line.

if you can get a room in Lincoln Park at one of the few hotels there, I really recommend that area. It%26#39;s a nice neighborhood, with loads of bars, places to eat, smaller stores, great off-loop theatre. And good public transportation links.

If you stayed downtown you should look at River North. There are loads of smaller art galleries in that neighborhood.

Thanks every body for your invaluable advise and links! I%26#39;m sure I%26#39;ll have a great time!