It’s an advice column where Chicago can ask questions about navigating life transitions, relationships, family, finances and more.
Dear Ismael,
With summer in full swing, what’s a good way to get family, friends, and tourists out of the Loop and into nearby neighborhoods, providing them with a more local, interesting experience and (ideally) contributing back to the city’s community?
— Avondale Tour Guide
Tour guide
When I have someone visiting, I plan my itinerary based on how many times my friends and family have been to Chicago.
The trick is to start strong with classic landmarks and experiences, let the unfamiliar expenses and walking wear you down a bit, and then slowly work your way into Chicago’s best kept secrets of charming, budget-friendly neighborhood attractions.
Yes, I advocate spending some time in the loop, but hear me out.
Providing tourists with value for their money
It’s important to remember that people are saving hundreds, even thousands, of dollars to experience things they can’t get back home, like huge skyscrapers, the River Walk, and of course, deep-dish pizza. Especially for first-time visitors, try not to give off a city chic vibe and give out-of-towners a taste of what tourism is all about.
The Chicago Architecture Boat Tour is a top recommendation for any tourist (or even local) to experience, and before closing, we knew visitors would really enjoy grabbing a drink at The Signature Room and enjoying the view of the Chicago skyline for just $14.
It’s also good to encourage tourists to be curious and discover things for themselves. When my friend bought tickets for the Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Tour, I nearly turned into a city snob. In my mind, I was thinking, “Are you serious? That’s embarrassing.” Thankfully, I kept my mouth shut and actually enjoyed the tour a lot.
Chicago knowledge makes tourists look pretentious
Tourists love to brag when they return home, not just through photos posted on social media, but through the “Chicago cred” they gain by reviewing neighborhoods, bars and restaurants that the average Loop tourist doesn’t know about.
My friends will tell you that they love staying at my place in Pilsen because it means they can claim roots here in some way, not just a temporary, dreary hotel room. And it’s a great way to give them a local experience. Let them stay at your place, or if your place can’t accommodate a large group, let them stay at a nearby Airbnb. That way, they can wake up and have brunch in your neighborhood, and unwind with a drink at a nearby bar after a long day downtown.
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Introduce a local celebrity, even if they’re not famous to you. In my case, I took some friends to my favorite snack bar, Neveria El Sabor de Mexico, and introduced them to one of my favorite owners, Juana. My friends still ask about her from time to time.
Based on their interests, I also directed my friends to other businesses that energize the local community, like Semillas Plant Studio, a Latino-owned store where you can buy plants or create your own floral arrangements, and, if you’re looking to save money on a lazy day, the National Mexican Museum of Art, which is free to enter.
I’ve found that the more I visit, the more open I am to starting and ending my days in that area. Once you get a feel for your area, get lost and explore other areas that you may not be as familiar with.
Take off your tour guide hat and admit that you don’t know much about a particular place that you were interested in. That might make the tour guide more willing to explore with you.
Email someone in Chicago at someoneinchicago@suntimes.com.
