Chicago: Tourist Traps & Scams in Chicago 

We went on a tour of Norway and the guide was telling us how rough Aquavit was. Everyone else in the group was disturbed by it. And we just went, "Eh. It's milder than malort!" 🤣

Not a resident, just a frequent visitor. One thing I try to encourage people to do is get out of The Loop and head north of the river. There may be a few hidden gems, but The Loop is mostly Starbucks, Walgreens, Potbelly, and Dunkin. The true Chicago experience happens in the neighborhoods. Dive bars, breweries, independent coffee shops, and eclectic cuisine. It's a magical city and people who stick to The Loop and Mag Mile are doing themselves a disservice.

Don't cower and automatically reach for your change when a street person is aggressive asking for money; be like a Chicagoan and look 'em in the eye and say, No! and keep walking.

I went on a surprise trip to chicago recently and was blown away by how nice the city is

Pro tip: when visiting a tower (anywhere in the world), book lunch or dinner instead of paying for elevation, which typically is included with your reservation. Dinner for two (at Willis)is $100 vs $73 for elevation alone. Plus you usually get a VIP experience in the bargain and no waiting in lines. You’re welcome ☮️

I live in Chicago, here's my advice. NEVER text or have your phone out on the train or buses. The snatch and grab has gone up exponentially. Don't ever give "homeless" money, they look to see what you have and will snatch your wallet. Listen to your gut, if something feels off it probably is, always follow your intuition. If someone tries talking to you, just keep walking, don't engage, it's okay not to be friendly, after all they are not your friends.

If a dude comes up to you while eating at McDonald’s downtown and says he’s collecting money for a funeral don’t give him anything. I’ve been approached every time I’ve eaten in a McDonald’s downtown for years. I just put my hand up and stop them before they launch into their story now.

Downtown Chicago at night is perfectly fine, too many people still out and about and a surprisingly strong police presence

I think it's funny how people get so fixated on downtown Chicago. The real heart of the city is all the great neighborhoods.

The architecture tour on the river maybe the best tourist trap I’ve encountered. Spend the money and do it!

If going for lunch in Chicago (11am-3pm) always inquire if they have a special Lunch Menu! Most pizza parlors and other great restaurants have great lunch specials, but won't give it to you unless you ask for it. Locals know but visitors don't; and the restaurants want you to pay full price.

As a Chicago born and raised local, I can 100% vouch for all of this. Spot on Mark! John Hancock has a way better observation deck view than the Willis Tower, and skip out on Navy Pier all together.

As a Chicago native, and lived in the south loop until a couple of years ago, some comments: 1) The loop is dangerous at night? Empty, sure, but I never thought it was bad. Also, great architecture but not much else, so yeah, stay somewhere else, you'll have more fun. See the architecture from the architecture foundation's river tour. 2) Malort is delicious. Don't believe anybody who says otherwise. (Really, though, it's not as bad as people make it out to be. It's not good, by any means, but it's no worse than say, Fireball, and frequently an acquired). 3) I guess I've reached the point where I can tune the beggars out without thinking about them. The best ways to deal with a beggar is to ignore them. If you do decide to give them money/food/whatever, make sure you decide what you're going to give them before you talk to them, because it's inevitable that they will ask for more, whatever it is. But you can tell the local because they can have a conversation with someone while being yelled at for money without missing a beat. The beggers are mostly harmless, just loud, and you will be quickly moved on if you don't engage. People with the streetwise newspaper are generally better. 4) Navy Pier is great for the Ferris Wheel, Children's Museum, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Locals will go there. But yeah, we'll ignore most of the other things there, including the restaurants, but that museum is great if you have kids. 6) All taxis are required by local law to take credit cards. If their credit card machine isn't working, shrug and start walking away. You'll find it will magically start working with a sigh (the driver is just trying to get a fare off the books) 7) I've never actually seen a pick pocket here in my entire life nor really know anybody who's had their pocket picked. That doesn't mean be dumb, but it usually happens as a purse/backpack snatching instead. Also people test/break into cars all the time, so don't keep valuables in the open, or things that look like they might _contain_ valuables, like a backpack or suitcase. The various neighborhoods are probably _worse_ for that than the loop.

Go for a drink at the Hancock building at the 95th floor restaurant. No admission price and the food is excellent.

Many thanks. We're visiting in August. Appreciate your vlogs a lot because you always give great advise 🇬🇧

So the reason they ask you if you want appetizers at a Chicago style pizza place is that it can take an hour to get it. A lot of tourists get angry that it take so long.

“Do you have change for a 50?” Even if u do .. say u don’t

Most aggressive panhandlers. They will not leave you alone. Best to ignore them but if they will not let you go and it feels like they are robbing you, ham up your acting skills and tell them you'll "pray for them"--worked every time. (Native who lived in the west side and Northside)

Yeah, when I went to the Navy Pier, I had no idea how many tourists would be there. It was like looking at a sea of people, next to the ocean. It was still a great place to visit though, so don’t be discouraged from going, if you’ve never been.

Great video...I've lived my whole life in the Chicago area, so was interested to see what made the list. 100% agree about Navy Pier! I've never even heard of Malort though, so that truly must be something people pull with Tourists.

Great content! thanks for the info

The host is absolutely right about all of this

Hard pass on Malort!! I fell for that one on a business trip up there to Chicago in the 90s. I'd rather use gasoline for eye drops than ever taste that nasty stuff again. Do not pass on Portillos!! Take your Nexium and just go for it.

I always carry my wallet deep in my front pocket, That way a pickpocket must come very close to my private parts in order to get hold of it. And I'm sure I'll notice that 😁 At least I haven't been pickpocketed so far.

You can go to the bar at the top of the John Hancock building for free if you want to get a great view. They expect that you order something but it’s still less expensive than going to the Willis Tower or the JH observation deck. Also, I live in Chicago and I go to Navy Pier. It’s a beautiful setting and it’s fun. I avoid eating there because it is expensive. Except for the Rainbow ice cream cone which is totally worth every penny.

Thank you for this😊

When I was in Chicago I had one cab driver ask why I didn't give him the name of the hotel I was going to, the next one asked why I didn't give him the address.

I feel parking in general is a scam. I paid $70 for one day of parking and after I got in the parking deck, there were 0 available parking spots.

What a coincidence! I just got to chicago, and you’ve uploaded!

It is very easy to (politely) cut off panhandlers with the simple phrase "Sorry, I don't have any cash." Any more persistence can be countered with "I'm in a hurry, I have to go."

1:20 thats changed a lot over the last few years. I lived in River North in 2012 and back then, the loop was empty at night. But since then, they've built something like 90,000 apartments/condos in the loop.

Me and my partner came from NYC and Chicago was pretty nice for us. I definitely don’t recommend booking a hotel at the Loop, we booked a private room at a hostel in Lincoln Park and it’s way safer to walk around at night quiet and peaceful, there are bars and restaurants around the area too that stay open late.

I got scammed by a young girl outside the union station...She said she was stranded,hungry,pregnant...I talked to her for 10 minutes listening to her sob story and ended up giving her $20....I seen her 2 days later on my return trip home doing the same scam begging routine...SMH...

As far as the people who beg for money, before they ask you for a dollar, you ask them first. "Hey dude, could you please spare some pocket change?" It really cracks them up

Be careful texting or making a call while walking down a sidewalk, especially if you have a pricey cellphone. Kids will run up and snatch it out of your hand in the blink of an eye. Better to duck into a store or entryway to use your phone.

You stole my thunder right at the end....was gonna say food and drinks at a Cubs game! We love Chi-town!!!

Street scamers, also the "security guard" (in a mix-n-match "uniform") who lost his wallet and needs money... and then there is the shoe-shine scam........

Awesome video

Parking. The hotel that I stayed at a few weeks ago wanted $54 a night to park on site. I ditched the car and just Ubered and walked. Also, the price difference between Uber and Lyft was huge the night that I landed. Best to compare prices before selecting.

My last trip to Chicago I went to Giordanos and as an appetizer, we got a thin crust pizza while waiting for the Deep Dish since it takes longer to cook through. In 4 days I also experienced several extreme weather changes. Unfortunately my trip to the tower was fogged in, but Im sure I will be back there eventually

Thank you 👏🤩💕

i appreciate this so much. going to chicago next month. first timer

Nice video thanks for your information. I would like to ask a question were can sleep we're coming this Christmas

The children's museum at navy pier is absolutely something local families visit

Big fan of your videos and Chicagoan here. Are you local or just travel here a lot?!

The bus ticket thing and the do you have a $1 scams are common in Salt Lake City and other cities I've been to as well.

Just came back from a business trip in Chicago. First time there. Loved it. Fortunately, I did not fell in those traps.

Love this theme! Can you do one for Houston please?

Have you watched all about Saul and classic neighborhood bar scams. One of best series out there

If you come here and stay downtown the whole time you aren't seeing Chicago the real city is in the neighborhoods. Pilsen. Wicker Park. Bridgeport. Lincoln Square. Roscoe Village. Give downtown a look and see the museums but dig around while you're here. Greatest city in the world.

Many people now live downtown. Many former businesses are being turned into apartments. You can imagine how expensive they are?

When the Sears tower was just barely completed my dad took me there and we got on the elevator and went to the unfinished floor just below the observation deck for free.

I would extend to say that asking if the taxi takes credit cards is a universal advice...

You can always take that extra appetizer as a "takeout" back to the hotel to eat. The taxis in Chicago are wonderful and I prefer it to the Lyfts. I can see the meter running, I know the path they're taking. And sometimes you get good conversation. When ladies leave their hotels to go shopping, take a waist belt-type purse or a purse you can crossbody.

Yeah if you low on time in Chicago, skip Navy Pier for sure. It’s cool but too touristy and once you go once you don’t really need to go back.

As a local Chicagoan, these are good tips - especially the tip on staying nights in the neighborhoods. Except for the disdain for Malort of course ;)

🤔 Trying to find a balance here. I agree with most of the tips here. However, there are things you must do when visiting Chicago and they happen to be downtown: Architecture Tour (Chicago Architecture Foundation), by River and/or by foot. Must do it. Millennium Park (have you actually been to Chicago if you haven’t seen the Bean?). The Lake! Chicago is the Lake! Rent a bike and get on the bike trail by the lake. You’re welcome. Yes, the neighborhoods are cool but you can’t miss a few of the “traps” in downtown Chicago. Great video!!

Thanks. I'm going downtown to a sci-fi convention in February. Problem is there's not many good restaurants near the hotel. The hotel is next to a residential neighborhood so I feel a little safer to walk, but it's still winter.

I lived in Chicago for 13 years and enjoyed your video. If someone asks you for money for food, buy the food for them and give it to them.

With taxis, make sure they turn the meters on. I had a guy I used last minute as I was walking and got cold, and he got me into his cab. He never turned the meter on, and charged me probably double what he should have.

Derek from Means to Travel featured on a Malort scam! Pure gold!

Good video, good and important tips. Chicago used to be a breeze and fun to walk around, 2020 pretty much brought that to a halt. Keep your eyes open, don't avert your eyes if you feel uncomfortable as someone is walking in your direction. Act like you belong here. Chicago's downtown area is for tourists. Politicians and business owners know that. Tourists have money and generally aren't going to quibble about things. Getting a hotel room? Pick one north of the Chicago river. In the evenings you have more access to clubs and restaurants.

Also, make sure you're at the right station. If you're at Union Station and someone asks for a ticket (or a buck for a ticket) to Milwaukee, acceptable. If it's at any other station in Chicago, it's likely a scam.

I visited Chicago in last April. I do believe the biggest concern is the parking spots which are very expensive. The City of Chicago for eating and other attractions are kinda affordable overall. I'm not familiar with the cost of living as resident in the city.

Unos Due are 2 great ones

I'm from Chicago and the Sears Tower is a great place to get the views.

Deep Dish pizza is Tourist Pizza. Nobody here eats that crap regularly.

The same scam I hear is at Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York. Scammers will say I need money for a bus to some destination.

This guy uses old footage (Ford/Oriental Theater hasn’t been called that for years), Ditka’s in River North is closed, and contrary this dudes lousy taste buds, Malort is delicious. Chicago Handshake baby

I am a native Chicagoan and love Navy Pier, but you do have to be careful at night. I always keep a few dollars in my pocket , in case a beggar ask. They might really be hungry, or do not have fare to get home. But do not open your purse or wallet. That is just dumb.

I am local and I went to Navy Pier but as a little kid, especially in 4th of July which I liked but that memory is now faint

You can go up the Sears Tower for ‘free’ if you go to the bar/restaurant.

The one appetizer you should NOT ever skip is the calamari at Lou Malnati's! My wife and I will go, order a small deep dish with the calamari app. The dipping sauce is excellent for one and the calamari is excellent as well. Also, we end up with leftovers that we can both have for lunch the next day. So that is one people should not skip!

Mark, I've watched a lot of your videos, am originally from Chicago, and have spent a lot of time downtown. IMO, panhandlers are more proactive in downtown Chicago than any other American city i've visited or lived in (actually, Indianapolis would be in 2nd place for me)...even cities with larger transient populations than Chicago, like LA and Portland. But, I know you've traveled many more places than I have. What's your take on this?

"State Street, that Great Street" is a saying before the 1960s. Changes in retail and suburbanization took away from all cities, and gentrification brought a little back. Avoid conversation/eye contact with any obvious scamming street people, in any city. Your donations to them may be used for drugs and alchohol, and you are adding to the problem. The Sears Tower is okay to see once. I parked across the street (mistake), went to the top, had a snack at the lower level, and had a parking charge of over $50.00 for this lunchtime excursion (parking is probably more expensive now). The museum area along Lake Michigan south of Grant Park (Natural History, Aquarium, and Planitarium) is worth seeing, as you can hike between all three once you get there.

You want to go across the river (north) if you are staying in the loop. Rush street etc.

Don't forget to go to Rainbow Cone at Navy Pier!

There are some great Hotels in Lake View and a Great retro Motel in Andersonville -Edgewater Neighborhood right off of Peterson Ave

I should be visiting the US to do route 66 starting from Chicago in a couple of years and the more I hear about malort the more I want to try it as I love licorice and aniseed

God I hate Chicago. It sucks so badly.

Ditka's went out of business. Best steak is at Harry Carry's Italian Streakhouse.

Using a debit card in a cab. They take your pin and give back another card. Heard it happen to two friends in Toronto. Avoid cabs parked by Union Station.

That comment about Union station and people asking help with the tickets man I see everyday I work right above Union station 🤣🤣🤣

With all the condo building, they are more people downtown then 30 years ago. Feed them have and extra sandwich or water

@8:15 The Hat good food🔥🔥🔥

Lived here my whole life and disagree with most of your points.

Willis/Sears tower tourist trap is similiar to Seattle's Space Needle. Views are great but paying 40 bucks to go up, lol not really worth it

Another scam in Chicago is the rent 😂

I got home from Chicago yesterday, and I too could only eat 2 pieces of Chicago Style pizza.

My hidden gems of Chicago shortlist: Clark Street in Lincoln Park Wicker Park/Bucktown Belmont Harbor/LSD Bike trail Paulina Street in Lakeview Argyle Ave in Uptown Pilsen Bridgeport Chinatown South Loop Polish area (Northwest side neighborhoods) Little Italy The Purple Pig Forno Rosso pizzeria Irish Southside - Beverly area Smoque BBQ Muslim area of Albany Park Old Irving Park Little Village

I love visiting Chicago. Great food and museums. The aquarium is a must see. Great blues bars. I just hate driving there. The Dan Ryan has always been a nightmare. Go Pack Go!

I’m not from Chicago but my wife and I go frequently as she grew up there. I always like to come home to Des Moines with a bottle of Malort to get people… 😅

The Berghoff is a must while not what it used to be, I still have a bottle of their special bourbon that would be bought by Herman when first made and had it bottled. Cheeseburger Cheeseburger isn’t really a tourist trap. The Drake a great place if you want to spend the money. Neighborhood bars and up north great. Great Greek food.

4:51 ima local & I grew up in Navy Pier all the time it is very touristy tho and fun activities and fun conventions all the time up stairs in the convention room like the Christmas festival amazing memories

8:42 pregame before the game or have a couple shots before goin in slam a few beer in the car or uber lol. love ur videos been in kind of a binge watching ur stuff lol came from ur rome video

Ellen Gill 0 seconds ago I lived downtown for years and a lot of people do. Lots of condo buildings. Never been asked to buy someone a bus ticket. A lot of homeless people really do need the dollar. Navy Pier is great. Shakespeare Theater is there. I always take friends and relatives who come in to the pier to go on the Sea Dog or the Windy or see a show. Never disappointed. You can just take a walk too. Great views. Just don't eat on Navy Pier. There are better restaurants on North Clark.

The true scam is calling that tomato soup in a bread bowl “pizza”

be careful out there mark

Good information about Chicago

If someone is asking you to buy candy to support their team and there is no sign or uniform, don't do it. If someone hands you a CD of their music, don't take it because they will then hound you for money. There are fake homeless people downtown as well. I had someone ask me for money and then I saw drive off in a Lexus two blocks away. Families, keep your kids with you at all times. Don't let them run away from you. The sidewalks are not their playground. This is a great way to attack them or use them to attack you. Plus, it makes you look bad to the locals. Don't be afraid to ask for directions, but expect several routes to be given to you. Walk fast when going down Michigan or State. Walking slow annoys the locals. Plus, you are giving yourself away as a tourist. Go into the neighborhoods to really see the city. Depending on what you are looking for, you can hit neighborhoods and get everything you need. You are looking for a late millienial vibe, go to Wicker Park or Bucktown. There are tons of overpriced shops and eateries. If you want to try new beers and stuff, go to Ravenswood. Cool art with a Latin twist, go to Pilsen. Want to learn more about Black History, go to Bronzeville and Hyde Park. The Obama kissing rock on 53rd street in Hyde Park.