South Loop Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

South Loop featuring a city and a high-rise building
South Loop featuring a city and a high-rise building
South Loop showing street scenes and night scenes
South Loop which includes night scenes and street scenes
Gen. John Logan Memorial which includes a statue or sculpture

South Loop is the place to go for jazz and blues, museums and some of the hottest new pubs and restaurants in town.

Just south of The Loop is where you’ll find the aptly-named South Loop. It’s conveniently located, being framed by Lake Michigan, Chinatown, the Chicago River and several top museums. South Loop was once an unsavoury spot, complete with rowdy bars and burlesque theatres, but the area has been transforming, and is now a fun place to visit. South Loop has a more laid-back and gritty flavour, compared to its neighbours. This does not amount to boring, though!


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best South Loop Hotel Deals

Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue Chicago IL
The price is AU$279 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
AU$279
21 Mar - 22 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (9,918 reviews)
Fantastic Location! Friendly staff, lots of history. Central Heating during the winter, so you’ll have to open a window to avoid getting toasted. Overall great bang for your buck and right next to several transportation options!

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave Chicago IL
The price is AU$260 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$260
1 Apr - 2 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this historic hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,662 reviews)
Room is a little tired but the hotel itself is in a great location, amazing gym, breakfast was good, Irish Bar was great and the coffee shop had an amazing selection

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

Hilton Chicago
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop

3 out of 5
55 E 11th Street Chicago IL
The price is AU$198 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
AU$198
25 Mar - 26 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,882 reviews)
💜

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop
Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop

3 out of 5
59 E. 11th Street Chicago IL
The price is AU$218 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
AU$218
16 Mar - 17 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,266 reviews)
Excellent

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop
Best Western Grant Park Hotel

Best Western Grant Park Hotel

2.5 out of 5
1100 S Michigan Ave Chicago IL
The price is AU$146 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$146
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,696 reviews)
Always clean always convenient great area to get around. Saw your appointments too and also sightseeing.

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

Best Western Grant Park Hotel
The Blackstone, Autograph Collection

The Blackstone, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
636 S Michigan Ave Chicago IL
The price is AU$276 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$276
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness centre, parking (surcharge) and on-site spa services. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
Room was very clean & staff was friendly

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

The Blackstone, Autograph Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Other neighbourhoods around South Loop

Chicago_NearSouthSide_6132399_02

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.

Near South Side
Beautiful fireworks

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).

Theatre District
The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

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.

The Loop
Downtown Chicago featuring a city

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.

Downtown Chicago
Blue Hour evening cityscape in West Loop neighborhood. Long exposure, nightscape architecture. Main street in Chicago, streets in Illinois.

West Loop

Consider a visit to Old St Patrick’s Church and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in West Loop. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Racine Station or Ogilvie Transportation Center.

West Loop
A view of the Chicago skyline from the rooftop of the Ace Hotel in the West Loop.

Near West Side

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

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.

Near West Side


South Loop Travel Guide

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