My Top 5 Favorite CTA Stations

As a commuter, I have visited several CTA stations and have developed some pretty strong opinions on them. I'm not just talking about annoying delays, which could be a whole separate blog, but about the stations themselves. I thought long and hard about which stations stuck out to me and made commuting a little bit more interesting. Here are my top five CTA stations ranked based on views, architecture, area, and overall vibe.

5. Morgan - Pink/Green Line

The Morgan Pink Line station is a newer CTA station. It is modern, clean, and surprisingly peaceful for being right by Fulton Market. I am honestly not the biggest fan of the West Loop, which is weird because I somehow find myself there quite a bit, but this station makes being in that area a little bit less hectic. I think this station almost kind of grounds the area. 

4. Chinatown - Red Line

Chinatown is one of those stations where you almost forget that you're on the Red Line. The view of the skyline from this station is just too good, especially at night. To the left is a photo I took from the Chinatown station this summer. The glistening lights from the buildings are beautiful and just what you want to see on your way home. Not to mention, there are endless awesome restaurants, bakeries, and shops all within steps from the Chinatown station. Next time you take a trip to Chinatown, definitely consider taking the train.

3. Armitage - Brown Line

I don’t take the brown line that often, but when I do, I always appreciate the views

and neighborhood. The Armitage Brown Line is one station that kind of looks like it belongs on a postcard. The buildings surrounding the station have such beautiful details and give the area a really charming vibe. I have only visited this station a couple of times, but I will say the overall vibe of this station made my wait for the train surprisingly relaxing.  

2.  18th Street - Pink Line

This station is so unique in its own way and full of personality. The art and murals inside the station add so much color and life, you really can’t find anything like it in any other train station. Every wall feels like its own story and holds so much creativity and culture, just what Pilsen is known for. Located just steps away from this station is one of my favorites, Panaderia Nuevo León. 18th Street is really one of those stops where the art, the food, and the neighborhood all blend together to make quite an experience.

1.  Damen - Blue Line

At number one, we have my beloved Damen. The wooden structure in this station is just gorgeous, it almost reminds me of an old house. I might be a little biased since the Damen Blue Line is one of my most frequented stops (I live about 10 minutes away), but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s truly one of the most interesting CTA stations. The view of the city from this station is also something you just can’t forget. North of the station, you’ve got Milwaukee Ave, filled with coffee shops and vintage stores. If you decide to head the other way, you run right into Division Street, where you’ll find endless delicious restaurants and cool bars. The Damen Blue Line stop is a classic in my opinion, and definitely worth checking out.