The Subway is easy, just go down the stairs and walk to one of the vending machines and put your money in to select and get your Transit card. I have not been on it recently but the last time I rode it was $2.50. but it seems to always go up which is why I do not ride it every day anymore. Shopping is great especially along Michigan Avenue north of the river, Oak Street between Michigan ave and Rush street and parts of State Street in the Loop
nothing to cold