Pick up information and maps from the Chicago Tourism Council , in the lobby of the Chicago Cultural Center at the entrance on 77 E Randolph St (Mon-Wed 10am-7pm, Thurs 10am-9pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm; tel 312/744-6630 or 312/346-3278, ). There are also information centers in the Historic Water Tower, 800 N Michigan Ave on the Magnificent Mile (Mon-Sat 9.30am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm) and in the Illinois Market Place Visitor Information Center at Navy Pier, 700 E Grand Ave (Mon-Thurs 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm).

Chicago's new main post office , the largest in the world, is at 433 W Harrison St (Mon-Sat 8am-5pm; tel 1-800/275-8777; zip code 85907). The Loop Station is at 211 S Clark St (Mon-Fri 7am-7pm).