Getting around

Navigating Chicago’s streets

Word to the wise: For up-to-the-minute information on what’s on where, pick up a free copy of the weekly Chicago Reader (from stores and street boxes) or buy the daily RedEye newspaper (from newsstands).
Chicago’s downtown grid layout numbers street addresses relative to the corner of Madison and State Streets in the Loop. For example, addresses east of State Street are E. 52nd Street, those west are W. 52nd Street, and the same applies in respect of north and south for streets relative to Madison. Words like Avenue and Street are generally omitted in speech unless needed for clarity.

Each block is 100 addresses wide, with 800 addresses or eight blocks forming a larger city block a mile wide (except within the Loop itself, where blocks are more compact). This regular format extends well into the metro area, so you’ll find the grid layout in villages far outside Chicago.