South Loop Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A cityscape with tall buildings, including a prominent skyscraper with a spire.
A busy urban street with traffic lights, street signs, and buildings.
A city street at dusk with tall buildings, streetlights, and a bike lane.
A bronze statue of a mounted figure in a park with city buildings in the background.
A city street with a public parking entrance, a laundromat, and a multi-story building with a fire escape.

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!


Stay near popular South Loop attractions

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$321 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$321
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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 ...
Congress Plaza Hotel
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

2 out of 5
65 E Harrison St Chicago IL
The price is AU$275 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$275
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave Chicago IL
The price is AU$503 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
AU$503
6 Aug - 7 Aug
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 ...
Hilton Chicago
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$274 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$274
9 Aug - 10 Aug
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! (2,739 reviews)
"This hotel probably provides value. It is in a wonderful location. Our room was serviceable but had some issues: ---The toilet would not stop running unless the lid was off the tank. ---The toilet was not sealed tightly to the floor so it would rock when someone sat on it. ---The clock would lose ..."

Reviewed on 22 July 2026

Best Western Grant Park Hotel
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago

4 out of 5
2233 S Martin Luther King Dr Chicago IL
The price is AU$465 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$465
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,220 reviews)
"The front desk staff were professional and friendly."

Reviewed on 21 July 2026

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place 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$318 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
AU$318
20 Aug - 21 Aug
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 ...
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop
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.

Our guide on where to stay in South Loop

Find the best South Loop areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about South Loop
Learn more about South Loop

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.

Magnificent Mile

Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.

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.

River North

Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

Lincoln Park

Known for its ample dining options and fantastic lake views, there's plenty to explore in Lincoln Park. You can visit top attractions like Lake Michigan and Lincoln Hall, and jump on the metro at Fullerton Station or Armitage Station to see more of the city.



South Loop Travel Guide

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