As with any major city, Chicago has its unsafe areas. If you're walking around in the daytime, it's safest to stay within the extended Loop area: along Michigan Avenue and Halsted to the east (as well as several blocks west along Randolph Street) and beginning at Jackson Boulevard in Greek Town. Visitors to Hyde Park and other far-flung neighborhoods will need to be alert even during daylight hours. A good rule of thumb when exploring historic neighborhoods, such as Little Italy, the Pullman District and Chinatown, is to stay on the beaten path. You should feel very comfortable shopping along Chicago's major streets but avoid wandering off too far.
Exercise special caution when passing the Cabrini-Green buildings on Division Street west of Larrabee Street until the river and the ABLA homes near Taylor Street. These infamous housing projects are gradually disappearing, but there's not much of interest there for visitors. Public transportation buses and trains are relatively clean and safe, though riders should exercise caution. For late-night travel, taxis are the safest way to get around. In all places, use common sense and be aware of your surroundings. Check with your hotel's concierge or front-desk staff if you're unsure about an area or travel route.
