JJust like any major city, Chicago has its own set of unwritten rules — and breaking them can quickly make you stand out as a tourist.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
We asked our Chicago community to share the things they wish visitors would stop doing, and the answers came fast.
1. Walking More Than Two-Wide
Walking three, four, or even five people wide, taking up the entire sidewalk. This is, without a doubt, the #1 pet peeve for locals. As one person put it, “It’s a side-WALK, not a side-WAIT.”
The golden rule is to walk no more than two-wide. If the sidewalk is crowded or someone is trying to pass, be mindful and switch to single file. And please, if you need to stop to check your phone or take a photo, step to the side. Don’t just freeze in the middle of pedestrian traffic.
2: Standing In Front of Train Doors
Standing directly in front of train doors as they open (or trying to squeeze on before people can get off) is a quick way to frustrate locals. The same goes for standing on the left side of the escalator.
The rule is simple: stand to the sides and let passengers exit before boarding.
As for escalators, there’s one sacred rule locals follow: stand on the right, walk on the left.
As one Chicagoan bluntly put it:
“If you don’t let people off before you get on… expect a shoulder check.”
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3. Calling Chicago “Chi-Town”
Using nicknames that make locals cringe is a quick way to stand out as a tourist. The biggest offenders? “Chi-Town” and even “The Windy City.” They’re not technically wrong, but these names are mostly used by visitors and old marketing campaigns from decades ago.
When in doubt, just call it Chicago — it’s a great name on its own. And if you want to sound a bit more like a local, refer to the downtown area as The Loop.
4. Only Seeing “Downtown”
Thinking Chicago is just the Loop, River North, and the Magnificent Mile is a common visitor assumption. Many tourists stick to downtown and never explore beyond it. One local shared their biggest pet peeve:
“A friend from Wisconsin once asked how far we were from the city while we were eating in Logan Square.”
The real soul of Chicago lives in its 77 unique neighborhoods. Set aside at least half a day to explore one outside the downtown core. Hop on the L and wander the vintage shops of Wicker Park, stroll past historic homes in Lincoln Park, grab incredible Mexican food in Pilsen, or explore the lively streets of Andersonville.
5. Putting Ketchup on a Hot Dog
It’s one of the most famous food “rules” in Chicago for a reason: ordering a Chicago-style hot dog and asking for ketchup.
A true Chicago dog comes loaded with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt — all on a poppy seed bun. In other words, it’s already doing a lot.
Locals will tell you to trust the process. The tomatoes add all the sweetness and acidity you need. And if you absolutely must have ketchup… just order a plain hot dog instead.
6. Thinking Lake Michigan Is the Ocean
First-time visitors often look out at Lake Michigan and assume they’re staring at the sea. With waves, beaches, and no land visible on the horizon, it definitely looks the part.
But locals will quickly remind you: it’s a lake — just a very big one. In fact, it’s one of the five Great Lakes and holds more water than most people can imagine.
7. Riding Divvy Bikes on the Sidewalk
Renting a Divvy bike or an e-scooter and cruising down a crowded sidewalk while ringing the bell at pedestrians is a quick way to annoy just about everyone.
Sidewalks are for walking. Chicago has plenty of bike lanes for a reason, and that’s where bikes belong. Riding on busy downtown sidewalks isn’t just frustrating for pedestrians — it’s also unsafe and often against the rules.
If you’re renting a bike, stick to the bike lanes. Your ride will be smoother, and you won’t get dirty looks from locals trying to walk.
8. Giving Your Luggage Its Own Seat
If you’re taking the train from the airport — especially on the CTA Blue Line — it might be tempting to drop your suitcase or backpack on the empty seat next to you.
But during busy times, those trains fill up fast with commuters heading to or from work. Locals expect seats to be for people, not luggage. The usual move is to keep your bag on your lap or place it on the floor between your feet.
It’s a small courtesy, but one that regular riders definitely notice.
9. Mistaking Directness for Rudeness
Visitors sometimes get caught off guard by how direct Chicagoans can be. Someone might give you a blunt answer, seem a little short, or even crack a joke at your expense.
But most of the time, it’s not meant to be rude. Chicago has a pretty straightforward communication style — people tend to skip the small talk and get right to the point. If someone gives you quick directions or a no-nonsense answer, they’re usually just trying to help.
And if a local teases you a little (especially about being a tourist), don’t take it personally. Around here, that kind of good-natured ribbing is often a sign you’re being welcomed into the conversation.
10. Eating at Chain Restaurants in the Loop
It’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing a meal at a familiar chain like TGI Fridays when you’re staying downtown in The Loop.
But Chicago is one of the best food cities in the country, and locals will tell you that sticking to chain restaurants means missing out on what makes the city special. Within a few blocks you can usually find great local spots, classic diners, neighborhood pizza joints, or family-run restaurants that give you a much better taste of Chicago.
If you’re visiting, skip the chains and try somewhere local — your meal will almost certainly be better.
