Essex Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Wrigley Field
Chicago’s world-renowned baseball ground, Wrigley Field is an iconic stadium where you can learn about the all-American sport and even catch a game.
Michigan Avenue
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
McCormick Place
Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.
Navy Pier
A waterfront entertainment strip with fun diversions for both young and old, with shops, restaurants and even a Ferris wheel.
Millennium Park
One of Chicago’s main focal points, where locals and visitors flock to see the striking art, architecture and landscape on show.
Chicago Riverwalk
Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.
Activities
Skydeck - Willis Tower Admission
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour
Our pick of the best Essex Hotel Deals
Congress Plaza Hotel
The location can't be beat especially for the price. My biggest issue was the inability to control the room temperature at all. It was very mild and even warm during our stay and we couldn't even crack a window. The beds were comfortable and the staff was kind. It is a on older hotel and the hallways ...
Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
This is a great hotel. Excellent staff, cleanliness is superior and the location is perfect. I will be staying there again!
Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Great staff
Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
Very clean rooms, polite staff.
Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
It was ok
Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
Drinks where good The view of the room was very nice
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Essex
Near South Side
Travellers choose Near South Side for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Cermak-McCormick Place Station or Roosevelt Station and check out top sights like Soldier Field.
South Loop
Soldier Field and Lake Michigan are a few top attractions in South Loop. Hop around the city on the metro at Roosevelt Station or Cermak-McCormick Place Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.
Theatre District
While you're in Theatre District, take in top sights like Michigan Avenue or State Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).
Near West Side
Live music, theatres and shopping highlight some notable features of Near West Side. Make a stop by United Center or Credit Union 1 Arena while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Polk Station (Pink Line) or Racine Station to get around town.
The Loop
Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan are a few top attractions in The Loop. Hop around the city on the metro at Washington Station or Lake Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.
Downtown Chicago
Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.
