Chicago Pedway

The Basics

Built beginning in 1951, the Chicago Pedway provides a safe, convenient, and cozy way to navigate the city’s Central Business District—particularly when inclement weather strikes. The Pedway is accessible from many of the Loop’s most important locales, including the Richard J. Daley Bicentennial Plaza, Chicago Cultural Center, City Hall, and major downtown hotels, stations, and shopping centers. Numerous walking tours feature the Pedway. Use the network to easily access restaurants, shops, and other landmarks.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Chicago Pedway connects roughly 60 buildings and more than 200 businesses.

• The Pedway is a wide-ranging network of individual sections rather than a uniform system; it’s best for newcomers to explore it with a map in hand.

• Look for the 22 stained-glass windows opposite the Macy’s food court; they’re one of the highlight art installations to be found along the Pedway.

• Not all areas of the Pedway are accessible via elevator; wheelchair users and those with limited mobility may have difficulties in exploring it.

How to Get There

The Chicago Pedway can be accessed from numerous points in the Loop neighborhood. It connects to several major transit hubs, including Millennium Station and the Washington and Lake L stations. To find it, look for signs with a distinctive compass symbol. The Pedway itself is best explored on foot.

When to Get There

The Pedway includes a number of different sections, each of which has its own opening hours. Typically, the Pedway is open to visitors Monday–Friday, 7am–7pm, though hours of individual segments and businesses vary.

Highlight Pedway Eateries

The Pedway is home to a number of popular cafes and restaurants. You can dig into traditional barbecue dishes like pulled pork at Blackwood BBQ, visit a storied Chicago eatery at the circa 1905 Walnut Room located in Macy’s, and indulge in fancy brunch food at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe open for breakfast and lunch.

Ways to explore

While the Chicago Pedway isn’t exactly a tourist attraction, it’s a convenient way to move around downtown Chicago without contending with stoplights, traffic jams, or Chicago’s famously fierce winter weather. It spans 40 city blocks, or around five miles (eight kilometers). That means you could either spend 15 minutes poking your head inside, or several hours exploring the vast underground network—whatever you’d prefer. Because of its architectural quirkiness and history (ground broke on the Pedway back in 1951), this Chicago landmark is often included on guided walking tours through the city, especially those with an eye toward urban planning and design.

Accessibility

Parts of the Pedway are accessible to wheelchair users, but revolving doors and out-of-service elevators can pose challenges.

Age limits

None

What to pack

A map or guide (many people complain that the Pedway is confusing to navigate)

What to wear

The interior is climate-controlled, so you can strip off your bulky coat if visiting in winter. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Not allowed

Smoking or vaping

Amenities

Food courts, movie theaters, shops, department stores

Address

The Chicago Pedway can be accessed via multiple entrance points located throughout the city’s downtown district. A few common entrances are Millennium Station, Macy’s Department Store, and the Cultural Center.

Driving

Unless you’re coming from far away, driving to the Pedway doesn’t make much sense, since the underground network is designed for pedestrian commuters and visitors. Consider getting a rideshare or taxi to drop you nearby instead.

Public transportation

The Pedway spans multiple bus, train, and metro lines. Take the red line to Lake Station or the blue line to Washington Station, or get off at Millennium Station if coming in from further away. Plenty of CTA buses will also get you within walking distance.

Best times to visit

Avoid peak commuting times during the morning and evening if you’d like to see the Pedway at its least busy. The early afternoon or late morning are safer bets.

Best days to visit

Aim for a weekday, as some businesses and restaurants close on the weekends.

Best months to visit

Chicago sees the best weather during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. But if you come from November to February, the Pedway will keep you toasty.

Special events

Architecture buffs should visit in October, when the city hosts the annual Chicago Open House architectural festival. You’ll be able to explore over 150 landmarks across a dozen neighborhoods, utilizing the Pedway as needed.