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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
