Parking is the main reason not to drive in Chicago. Sure, there are stereotypical cab drivers, Hummers that take up whole blocks, streets that end or seem to reverse direction for no apparent reason, and pedestrians that casually cross intersections with no awareness that the light turned red a minute ago. But the absolute worst thing about driving in Chicago is that at some point you will get to your destination and will have to park your car. That being said, here are a few hints:

• The main thing to be aware of when parking in downtown Chicago is to Watch Your Time!
• There's metered parking on most downtown streets, but it's difficult to find one open. The rate varies from $0.25/5 minutes to $0.25/15 minutes and most only let you park in two hour increments. DO NOT let the time elapse. You'll get a ticket faster than you can say "wait, I'm right here" while running towards your car with a quarter in your outstretched hand.
• Read all street signs carefully before parking!!! If it says no parking between 4 and 6, move your car at 3:50. You WILL be towed. Tow trucks roam the alleys and streets like hyenas waiting for the eldest in the pack to drop.
• If your car gets towed you can find it on the City of Chicago's website.
• It's also important to keep track of the time if you valet park your car. Most of the rates are good for three hours, and are half-again as much after that.
• Avoid hotel parking garages: rates are upwards of $40/day!
• Parking lots are (generally) cheaper the further away from downtown you get, and River North has some relatively inexpensive lots. You could park a little distance away and then walk in or take a cab or bus.
• There is a huge lot underneath Grant Park with fairly reasonable rates for downtown Chicago.

Parking Links

• Parking Anytime
  Put in an address or neighborhood and see maps with both garage and street parking.
• Chicago Parking Maps
  Interactive parking maps for downtown Chicago and O'Hare & Midway airports