Tips for Safety in Chicago | Is Chicago Safe to Visit for Tourists

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  • Опубліковано 25 чер 2024
  • Safety tips for visiting Chicago. Is Chicago safe for tourists? The quick answer - yes!
    Enjoy this video, which provides tips and overviews of popular tourist neighborhoods, tips for staying safe at night in Chicago, public transportation safety tips, and more.
    Check out our companion blog post here:
    freetoursbyfoot.com/is-chicag...
    If you enjoyed this video, then please consider leaving Andy a Tip at www.buymeacoffee.com/andytour... (no account needed) or on Paypal at paypal.me/andychicagoguide?co...
    Want to book Andy for a private tour? Send him an email at andychicagotourguide@gmail.com
    Be sure to subscribe to our channel and click the bell notification so you are alerted as we create new ones. / @freetoursbyfoot-chica... CHICAGO?
    Join us for a guided walk or look for our travel tips to help plan your trip. Find out more at freetoursbyfoot.com/chicago-t....
    Thanks for watching our video! Let us know if you have any comments or questions below.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 118

  • @mnqlv
    @mnqlv Рік тому +44

    I visited Chicago twice and felt very safe the entire time. I stayed in the downtown area and I had a great time. I just applied the usual safety tips of anywhere I travel to and stayed with my group / my husband the entire time. Just be alert as you would in any big city!
    Chicago is a beautiful city with amazing people, sights, and food.

    • @LanaUSA212
      @LanaUSA212 Рік тому

      Not anymore ! Not since we are getting this progressive easy on crime mayor Johnson who will be starting in few months . He did not condone the teen riot that happened last weekend and he didn't say anything to victims of that riot. Next week they are planning another riot. As the couple visiting Chicago was getting beat and robbed up by a group of 100 black teenagers the police were just walking by and driving by and did nothing to stop them. Stay away from Chicago if you care about yourself and your safety. It's doomed

    • @zoey6088
      @zoey6088 7 днів тому

      100% agree with this. My partner and I experienced the same level of safety in all major touristy areas (the Loop, north side, Oak Park, and Hyde Park) anytime before midnight-ish. We took all the general precautions as well but otherwise we felt secure walking for miles.

  • @Inaky_Rivero
    @Inaky_Rivero Рік тому +1

    Thank you for this video !!!! I loved it !!!!!

  • @SarahBlantz
    @SarahBlantz Рік тому +9

    Andy could be giving a tour of literally anything and I would show up--- he's so good!

  • @MJPCK136
    @MJPCK136 11 місяців тому +1

    Thx for this great video! I can’t wait to visit your beautiful city Im this coming September ❤

  • @oregonfelder1
    @oregonfelder1 10 місяців тому +3

    Been using this channel for getting more comfortable around Chicago. I travel into the city from out of state for work. I come from a smaller town and learning how to interact and move through the city below the radar has been key to making each trip less stressful.

  • @samanthamoody932
    @samanthamoody932 Рік тому +1

    my favorite Chicago tour guide!

  • @sudarshanrijal3516
    @sudarshanrijal3516 9 місяців тому +2

    Very helpful video. I am visiting Chicago with family for the very first time.

  • @dennisdaniels2992
    @dennisdaniels2992 9 місяців тому +2

    Hi Andy, I'm Dennis Daniels from Cleveland, Ohio! Thanks for sharing your video about safety in Chicago!

  • @TasheaNashayJohnson
    @TasheaNashayJohnson Рік тому +6

    Had such a great time taking tours with you when I was there in the spring! There's so much more I want to do, can't wait to be able to come back.

    • @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698
      @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698  Рік тому +1

      Thank you! So glad we were able to be part of your trip. Multiple visits are definitely required.

  • @markfrurhauf1613
    @markfrurhauf1613 18 днів тому +1

    I have lived in Chicago longer than Andy is old and it is not as safe as it used to be you always have to be aware of trouble wherever you go but I still love Chicago ❤

  • @telboymusic
    @telboymusic Рік тому

    Thanks

  • @JanineAlexander-tz5pq
    @JanineAlexander-tz5pq 10 місяців тому +5

    Really useful, thank you. I'm visiting in October with my 70 year old mother so was a little wary.

    • @Minelaughter
      @Minelaughter 4 дні тому

      Should’ve went to the Southside. There’s a really famous Gardens complex called Parkway on 64th & King Drive, and another large park called West Garfield Park near Madison & Pulaski

  • @dennisdaniels2992
    @dennisdaniels2992 9 місяців тому +1

    Andy, I think Chicago has tons of architecture as well!

  • @Jeremy-am
    @Jeremy-am Рік тому +6

    Thank you for this, I just moved here - it's very interesting living in the city

    • @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698
      @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698  Рік тому +1

      Welcome to Chitown!! It's a great time. I hope you are subscribed so you can keep up with all the fun.

    • @whatoh3407
      @whatoh3407 11 місяців тому

      Just went to a vintage fest in Pilsen. The DJ was amazing and everyone was so friendly, the clothes was amazing, although some of it expensive af. There was an amazing vibe!. I just wish I knew about it sooner.

  • @supernels100
    @supernels100 8 місяців тому +1

    I've been in Chicago before visiting again next week for an event

  • @scottmuhlbaier1945
    @scottmuhlbaier1945 Рік тому +16

    Just got back from Chicago. One safety tip is to take the (#6/10) bus from downtown to the very popular Science Museum even though it's tempting to take the Red Line down to the local neighborhoods & commute from there.
    The bus is an EZ trip which drops you off literally right in front of the museum and the shoreline... and it's a much safer option.
    FYI: I also took the walking tour with Bruce in Lincoln Park and it was terrific. I had no idea of the (sordid) history that took place right across from Lincoln Hall where I went to see a concert while there!

    • @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698
      @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for sharing this tip. So glad you enjoyed your tour of Lincoln Park with Bruce!!

    • @whatoh3407
      @whatoh3407 11 місяців тому +1

      I love my city but I hate the potholes and the red line.

    • @kfischek
      @kfischek 11 місяців тому

      So many of the areas you describe as so safe? Where were the 75 people shot during a recent weekend with 13 dead? And the hundreds of teenagers stomping cars with police powerless to act against them? Seems to be a problem...

    • @Laura_G
      @Laura_G 10 місяців тому +2

      ​@@kfischekhe stated in the video that the majority of violent crimes happen in residential areas that are miles away from the downtown scene. I agree that most of the crime occurs in the neighborhoods that have gang problems. The incident with out of control teens was a weird event that was like a flash mob. I've lived here for 15 years and always felt safe especially if you use common sense (be aware after dark etc - just like anywhere in the world)

  • @nabbit-hates-u-all67
    @nabbit-hates-u-all67 2 місяці тому

    I have been to Downtown and had no issues besides lots of people!

  • @buffalosolider206
    @buffalosolider206 Рік тому +3

    reminds me of Detroit in the 70s

  • @joshuafajardo5697
    @joshuafajardo5697 Рік тому

    Also avoid empty cars cause of broken acs & heaters

  • @susangla
    @susangla 8 місяців тому

    "...where families can come to Wrigley Stadium..."
    I suggest you voiceover that part to "Wrigley Field" like the sign says.

  • @somersfamily
    @somersfamily 10 місяців тому

    So is the area where they filmed the dark knight scenes safe ? I really wanna visit that area. Thank you for the vid( i thought i saw some of the areas in this vid, but could be wrong . Thanks again

  • @Legend90210
    @Legend90210 8 місяців тому +1

    I was there at the end of 2019 felt totally safe , much safer than new york

  • @TimE4Shelly
    @TimE4Shelly 6 місяців тому +1

    Can you make Tips for Safety in O block?

  • @biggip254eaglenation2
    @biggip254eaglenation2 4 місяці тому

    Headed to Bedford Park next month for work . Just wondering how safe the area is and if I should be able to venture out during the evening .

  • @brenemoj1814
    @brenemoj1814 Рік тому

    Lol @ being the only tourist in Wicker Park. Yes. Minus all of the ones from Michigan, Iowa, and Ohio that live there. Long term tourists.

  • @p.j.madcool2686
    @p.j.madcool2686 7 місяців тому

    Is Lansing, IL safe to visit?

  • @prankmonkey650
    @prankmonkey650 11 місяців тому

    Bring a vest.

  • @noegamboa9924
    @noegamboa9924 11 місяців тому +1

    It’s Wrigley Field not Wrigley Stadium

  • @azanpradhan458
    @azanpradhan458 4 місяці тому

    Is there a way to get in touch with you

  • @markfrurhauf1613
    @markfrurhauf1613 18 днів тому

    Have you been on Michigan Avenue lately people are getting jumped n beat by groups of punks what happened to the magnificent mile it used to be safe

  • @wi11abe
    @wi11abe Рік тому

    Do you think it is safe to go rockford to the bean at millennium park?

  • @carolinaramirezramos8817
    @carolinaramirezramos8817 Рік тому

    may be an obvious question but.... how to take the share ride? and... I will be going to an event on Allstate Arena and it will end late at night, what would you recomend to safely going back home?

    • @whatoh3407
      @whatoh3407 11 місяців тому

      Wait around looking for an uber. Or follow the crowd to the train thats a block away.

  • @Beatle911
    @Beatle911 11 місяців тому

    I'm planning to go to Chicago in Sept for "All Out" which will have about 12,000 people at the United Center.
    How screwed will I be at night if I stay by Wicker Park and surrounding areas in terms of safety when I go back from the pink to blue line?

    • @dom7098
      @dom7098 6 місяців тому

      Wicker Park is an expensive and safe area. However, the blue line does get a bit seedy late at night. Getting from UC to wicker park shouldn’t be too expensive with rideshare.

  • @tooba1819
    @tooba1819 Місяць тому

    I think crime got worse after the pandemic, but so it did everywhere else. My rule of thumb is to go out in a group of 3 or more, and never carry around an expensive item/ purse, never wear earbuds. Otherwise, I think there is some oversaturation of crime reports in the news. I.e., if you’re in a densely populated area, you’ll see a higher crime rate.

  • @Jimmy06blue
    @Jimmy06blue 11 місяців тому

    Is the downtown part of Chicago where like all this drawbridges is it safe to visit?

    • @whatoh3407
      @whatoh3407 11 місяців тому +1

      Yupp some people call that area "the loop" because the trains loop around. Its safe around all the beautiful drawbridges. The only unsafe areas in Chicago are the south side and west side and they're miles away from the downtown area.

    • @Jimmy06blue
      @Jimmy06blue 11 місяців тому

      @@whatoh3407 ok thanks

  • @acro7
    @acro7 4 місяці тому

    hate that this amazing city is plagued by crime. i want to go so bad and see the city and try all the food

    • @Earth1218
      @Earth1218 3 місяці тому

      Go. Don’t be afraid. You can confidently walk around downtown and the other neighborhoods he mentioned. Enjoy one of the most beautiful major cities in the U.S.
      Like any big city, there is crime. And like any big city, that crime happens in specific neighborhoods that are easy to avoid.

  • @alexolvera1336
    @alexolvera1336 Рік тому

    Is Lasalle st a safe place to stay near the Willis building

    • @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698
      @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698  Рік тому

      Yes you are still in the downtown area, though it’s less populated at night. Following the tips here you should have no trouble. We have a video guide for Willis Tower, I hope you get to visit that attraction!

    • @lynnstevens9666
      @lynnstevens9666 Рік тому +3

      If you call it the Sears Tower, you'll sound more local.

  • @papagen00
    @papagen00 10 місяців тому

    just stay inside the Loop and you'll be fine.

  • @Sa-xu6ze
    @Sa-xu6ze Рік тому

    Can we swim in June at the beach????

    • @whatoh3407
      @whatoh3407 11 місяців тому

      Sure but its probably freezing lol

  • @judidimartino8434
    @judidimartino8434 Рік тому

    How DO you blend in? What to wear....?

    • @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698
      @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698  Рік тому

      Hi Judi! I have a video on this channel all about Safety that should cover what you need. Check it out!

    • @Jessical0716
      @Jessical0716 10 місяців тому

      @@freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698this is the only video I could locate on your channel specifically designated to safety and I didn’t hear specific tips on “blending in” - are you able to provide a link to the video you were referencing above?

  • @felipemenegueti536
    @felipemenegueti536 Рік тому +1

    Hello, andy. I am going to chicago this year and I am looking for a place to stay in forest park, because it is close to university of Loyola campus where I doing an internship. Is that a good neighborhood to stay ? Is there a better place to stay near this area ?

    • @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698
      @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698  Рік тому +4

      Hello, Felipe! Thanks for saying hi. Yes, Forest Park is a fine place to stay. I would recommend that you stay within walking distance (5-10 minutes) of the CTA Blue Line Forest Park station if you can. Explore Oak Park to the west if you'd like another excellent living area, or consider finding a place anywhere near a CTA Blue Line stop, even one closer to the Chicago Downtown. It all depends where you'll be spending most of your time. CTA Blue Line makes it easy and fast to get back and forth. Hope that helps. -Andy

    • @felipemenegueti536
      @felipemenegueti536 Рік тому +1

      Thank you for the tips, Andy. It helps a lot.

  • @joebeermaster5495
    @joebeermaster5495 11 місяців тому

    No we know it is unsafe like Philadelphia it is not a 1920s thing.

  • @michaelsiengo1
    @michaelsiengo1 10 місяців тому

    You can have Chicago and you’re hot dogs I ain’t ever going there

  • @gabypesantez9679
    @gabypesantez9679 Рік тому +2

    yeah plz be careful. Don't go there by yourself specially if you are a woman. There are many crazy people on the trains and avoid turning into a wrong street. The environment and people change from one street to another

    • @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698
      @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698  Рік тому +3

      With common sense and following the tips in this video, I think anyone will find that downtown Chicago is a beautifully clean, safe, and walkable city. -Andy

    • @lunmendes
      @lunmendes Рік тому

      I’m from Brazil and I’m now in Chicago for the Marathon. I agree with you Gaby, there’s a lot of crazy people on the trains, I had to change the trains a lot of times because i was not confortable. Very sad. Despite that, the city is really amazing. 😊😊

    • @dco8886
      @dco8886 Рік тому

      Thank you. My company wants me to go there for work a few days and I straight up said “no, I don’t feel comfortable alone in that violent city” lol. I’m a 100lbs 4’9” woman….yeah no thank you. I’ll quit first lol

    • @AJ.911
      @AJ.911 Рік тому +1

      @@dco8886 from which city?

    • @whatoh3407
      @whatoh3407 11 місяців тому +1

      @@lunmendes yea thats something the people of Chicago have been complaining about for a while now. It never used to be like this and they've tried different methods like having cops on trains and stuff. The cops on trains usually don't do shit or are on there phones in 1 cart. I mean idk wtf else they could do.

  • @conniemann4944
    @conniemann4944 Рік тому +2

    Can you give examples in how to actually LOOK like you belong? I’m sure hubby and i and 2 boys will be looking around as we have never been there an will probably look lost! lol

    • @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698
      @freetoursbyfoot-chicago9698  Рік тому +2

      When we say look like you belong, it’s more of an awareness than anything else. Don’t stop in the middle of sidewalks or crosswalks when gazing at tall buildings, for example. Be mindful and aware and you’ll have a great time!! As Fran Lebowitz says, “Pretend it’s a city!”

    • @whatoh3407
      @whatoh3407 11 місяців тому

      I would say plan ahead. Don't look lost as you walk from point A to B. You can stop and take pictures and all that but then look like you know where you're going right after. Even though there's tons of lost tourists in the city so idk why this is a big deal haha. Maybe on the trains.

  • @vincentpatitucci1018
    @vincentpatitucci1018 5 місяців тому

    Chicago is safe but, one bad apple can ruin the entire bunch.

  • @Xydonus
    @Xydonus 10 місяців тому

    Don't say Chicago is safe if you have to then list off several 'exceptions' and have practically safe-zones.

    • @Jessical0716
      @Jessical0716 10 місяців тому +2

      Well then you can’t say that ANY large city is safe. Even Nashville, TN (which I wouldn’t have expected) has already that they recommend tourists avoid. Hell, even the city I’m currently living in has areas that even LOCALS avoid 😂

    • @fundifferent1
      @fundifferent1 8 місяців тому +1

      @@Jessical0716 yeah it's funny seeing people who have never left the back woods trying to explain to people how "the big cities" are dangerous because [proceeds to name regular things about cities that people who live in them and travel to them often have the skills to navigate safely] as if everyone traveling is as travel/city/safety illiterate and inexperienced as they are.

    • @Earth1218
      @Earth1218 3 місяці тому

      @@fundifferent1Yes! Perfect response. It’s obvious that many people who make statements like this have never lived in a big city and don’t know how reality works. P.S., if you live in a coastal community, don’t walk off a pier in the middle of the night. If you live in the mountains, don’t speed through the switchbacks and drive off the side of a cliff. If you live in a city, don’t visit the few neighborhoods where nearly all the crime happens. 🙄

  • @wolfen337
    @wolfen337 11 місяців тому +1

    Chicago is hell on hearth!

    • @whatoh3407
      @whatoh3407 11 місяців тому +5

      Have you been to Birmingham Alabama? Or Florida? The water is literally heating up in Florida.

    • @wolfen337
      @wolfen337 11 місяців тому

      I do what I do best, I take scores. You do what you do best, try to stop guys like me.

    • @whatoh3407
      @whatoh3407 11 місяців тому +1

      @@wolfen337 lol what a loser

  • @steveolive9991
    @steveolive9991 Рік тому +4

    I never used to think twice about jumping on the L and going to downtown Chicago -- mostly on the Magnificent Mile and the surrounding areas. Ever since the pandemic there's been increased crime: violence, carjackings, smash n grabs of stores (mostly jeweler stores) in that area. I don't think this guy is paying attention to the local news, as most Chicagoans will attest to, as crime is the top issue in this year's Chicago mayor's race (2023).

    • @fundifferent1
      @fundifferent1 8 місяців тому +1

      yet somehow literal millions of people ride the L and go all around downtown every single day and have no problem. Your math ain't mathing....

  • @vickireynolds8309
    @vickireynolds8309 3 місяці тому

    safe thing to do is not go

  • @bondemupazanyini4706
    @bondemupazanyini4706 Рік тому +3

    Obviously he will hyper the city bcz he is looking for customers. Chicago is a hell. Violence now moving from South side to the city. Be smart y’all. So many other better places to visit

    • @AJ.911
      @AJ.911 Рік тому +3

      Like what cities? Am looking for a walkable city with fine public transportation but can't find one

    • @whatoh3407
      @whatoh3407 11 місяців тому +3

      @@AJ.911 you won't. This guy is just having a fear boner. The city is safe and the pockets of violence are miles away from the downtown area. The only thing I would advise is to avoid the red line lol. Its relatively safe just ehh.. lol

    • @AJ.911
      @AJ.911 10 місяців тому

      @@whatoh3407 avoiding red line, do u recommend north or south?or inside loops? I mean safe areas to live

    • @whatoh3407
      @whatoh3407 10 місяців тому +1

      @@AJ.911 north is a little more expensive and crowded. Loop is decent. South of loop is nice until you pass 35th street.
      Look into the West Loop, South Loop those area are growing and developing nicely. They have like 60 new residental buildings planned with commercial stores at the bottom. You'll have busses and trains you can walk to and maybe a small grocery store nearby. Bigger stores like Target, Jewel, Home Depot are a good 10 min drive away. Thats all I got lol. Good luck tho our city is beautiful and has lots to offer! :D

    • @fundifferent1
      @fundifferent1 8 місяців тому

      "The south side" is "the city". The fact that you distinguished the 2 like that points to the actual problem.

  • @fumanchu9701
    @fumanchu9701 Рік тому

    Quick answer - NO

  • @davidcopperfield408
    @davidcopperfield408 5 місяців тому

    No.

  • @LanaUSA212
    @LanaUSA212 Рік тому +30

    Here is the best and one and only tip for safety in Chicago : Do not visit Chicago under any circumstances!

    • @rnettles6241
      @rnettles6241 Рік тому +3

      Tip #2
      Don't visit Chicago.

    • @LanaUSA212
      @LanaUSA212 Рік тому +3

      @@rnettles6241 Yes!❤️ And tip #3 No Chicago !

    • @shawnkelley3695
      @shawnkelley3695 Рік тому +4

      I'm sorry, ...my house is a 2010-- Wicker Park/ Humboldt Park [North Ave and Western Ave] Humboldt Park-- HUGE park, sailing/ boat's [North Ave and Division Ave ] Puerto Rico flag Division Ave-- California Ave, Campbell Ave(Western Ave)....North Ave and Damen Ave AnD Milwaukee Ave -- HUGE great foods, shop's (hotels!)...

    • @YouilAushana
      @YouilAushana Рік тому +1

      *_We are the initiated. Aren't we, Bruce?_*

    • @LanaUSA212
      @LanaUSA212 Рік тому

      @@shawnkelley3695 you mean the hotels that are occupied by illegal immigrants and all the parked cars that were destroyed by 400 teenagers who took train from south side few days ago? Oh how great ! NOT. Chicago is a dump and our new Progressive mayor , whois refusing to fight, the crime will soon finish destroying it. Go ahead and visit the Chicago , just don't expect police to be there for you if you or your property are being attacked by the thugs or criminals or both . Good food is only good if you can be safe while eating it !