Kristian, Here is a CTA Map. You can catch the red line downtown at Grand or Chicago (the stops are on State Street). To get to Sam's get off at North/Clybourn. It's about a 2 block walk Northwest of the CTA stop. To get to Binnies get off at Belmont. Binnies is about two blocks southeast of the CTA stop. Both stores are in busy, safe neighborhoods. The Binnies neighborhood is called Lakeview and is full of restaurants, shops, etc. If you are going to eat on your trip go to Binnies. Sam's neighborhood is very suburban like, lots of strip malls. Cabs are readily available. A cab to Sams from dowtown will be about $5 each way, a cab top Binnies will be about $8 each way. Let me know if you need really detailed directions.