Chicago city guide for Neuroscience 2019
Here is some information to help make it easier for you to travel around Chicago during Neuroscience 2019. We have included some recommended sights to visit when you have some downtime too, to help you make the most of your stay.
Getting to your hotel
Use the Neuroscience 2019 interactive map to view the names, addresses of the SfN-contracted hotels, and directions between these and the convention centre:
If you are arriving by air, here are the options for getting from Chicago’s main airports to your hotel:
From Chicago O’Hare International Airport:
- Taxi: pick up a taxi outside of baggage claim at the lower levels of each terminal. (Cost: approx. $40 - $50 (+ a tip) to downtown Chicago).
- Airport Express: Go Airport Express carry out door-to-door bus services to and from the airport. Booking in advance is encouraged. (Get a 10% discount by quoting SFN) For more information, call 1-800-284-3826 or visit the website. They depart every 5-10 minutes starting at around 6:00 AM in the morning and will run until 11:30 PM at night.
- Subway: Chicago’s light rail system (the “L”), provides service from O’Hare Airport to stops throughout the city. The Blue Line takes you from O’Hare airport to downtown Chicago in about 45 minutes for around $5.00. View the official hotel list for the closest subway stations.
From Midway International Airport:
- Taxi: Pick up a taxi outside of baggage claim at the lower levels of each terminal (Cost: approx. $30 (+ a tip) to downtown Chicago).
- Airport Express: These depart every 5-10 minutes starting at around 6:00 AM in the morning and will run until 11:30 PM at night.
- Subway: Chicago’s light rail system (the “L”), provides service from Midway Airport to stops throughout the city. View the official hotel list for the closest subway stations.
Getting around the city and to the convention centre
Convention centre address
McCormick Place Convention Center
2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive
Chicago, IL
60616
Shuttle service
SfN provides a complimentary shuttle service between McCormick place and most of the official hotels. Take a look at the daily schedule for more information.
Metra
This is Chicago’s communter train system. It stops directly in the convention centre and there are Metra stations within walking distance to most of the official SfN hotels. There are additional trains scheduled during Neuroscience 2019, which are marked on the schedule with an *.
“L”
The Cermak - McCormick station is the closest stop to McCormick place. This is on the Green line.
Taxis
Taxis are available from the dispatch centre within McCormick place and discounted shared rides are available between the convention centre at downtown.
Car
Lot A is the designated parking location for SfN, located on Martin Luther King Drive. Rates for parking here are $23 for up to 16 hours and $36 from 16 to 24 hours.
Sights to see
Millennium Park
In the centre of downtown Chicago, Millennium park is popular with both locals and visitors for relaxing, sightseeing and attending events that are held here throughout the year. Open from 6am – 11pm daily and entrance is free. There are plenty of sights to see in Millennium park, including Cloud Gate (see below), Crown Fountain, Maggie Daley Park and Lurie Garden.
Cloud Gate
Located in Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean, is a rounded arch covered in 168 highly polished reflective stainless steel plates. Cloud Gate is one of the world’s largest outdoor art installations. It was created by artist Sir Anish Kapoor, who took inspiration from the qualities of liquid mercury.
360 Chicago Observation Deck
For breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan, be sure to visit the 360 Chicago Observation Deck in the Magnificent Mile’s John Hancock building. Along with a bar and café, this is also the location of Chicago’s highest thrill ride, TILT. This is an enclosed moving platform that tilts over Michigan Avenue from the 94th Floor.
Humboldt Park
In the West Side of Chicago, Humboldt Park is well-known for its Puerto Rican population, 219 acre park and fantastic restaurants and coffee shops.
North Avenue Beach
Located in Lincoln Park, North Avenue Beach is one of Chicago’s most popular beaches. A unique, ocean liner-inspired beach house is permanently docked on the beach and offers views of the horizon. Enjoy beach yoga, kayaking, paddle boarding and more on top of great restaurants and food stalls.
Grant Park
Grant Park to Chicago is what Central Park is to New York. Here you will find 319 acres of paths, lots open space along with plenty of landmarks including Buckingham Fountain, Maggie Daley Park and Millennium Park. Grant Park is also home to Petrillo Music Shell which hosts music performances during various events.
We hope you enjoy your time in Chicago! For the best places to eat, take a look at our restaurant guide. If you are planning your time at the conference, our recommendations of sessions to attend may help.
Don't forget to visit us on booth 1355!
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