Follow these tips from a long-time Chicago resident while enjoying your stay in the Windy City:

1. Don’t be afraid to use public transportation. If you’re confused about where to go or what to do, simply ask the attendant at each rapid transit station. If you’re planning to go by bus, ask the driver if his route goes by your destination prior to boarding. Once on the bus, if you’re not familiar with the route, stay close to the front and request that the driver alert you when you’ve reached your destination.
   
   
2. That said, try walking whenever possible! With its grid system, Chicago is a great walking city and many attractions are within walking distance of the Chicago Sheraton Hotel & Towers. Addresses are numbered outward from baselines at State Street, which runs north and south, and Madison Street, which runs east and west.
   
   
3. Apply the same “be aware of your surroundings” advice as you would in any big city. For example, don’t advertise the fact that you’re from out of town. A simple rule: Do not wear conference attendee information (such as a badge) when you exit the host hotel.
   
   
4. If someone on the sidewalk tries to hand you a circular/newspaper, don’t reach out and take it just to be polite. If you do, the person handing you the item may request money for what you’ve “accepted.”
   
   
5. When in doubt, ask! Chicagoans are friendly people and will generally go out of their way to assist visitors.