South Loop Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

South Loop featuring a city and a high-rise building
South Loop
South Loop
South Loop
South Loop showing night scenes and street scenes

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$154 per night from 18 Dec to 19 Dec
AU$154
18 Dec - 19 Dec
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! (9,650 reviews)
Perfectly located in the heart of the Magnificent miles.

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave Chicago IL
The price is AU$201 per night from 21 Dec to 22 Dec
AU$201
21 Dec - 22 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star historic hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,367 reviews)
Room was great and the hotel was decorated beautifully for the Christmas season. Made our stay even more magical!

Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025

Hilton Chicago
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$140 per night from 5 Jan to 6 Jan
AU$140
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,136 reviews)
A very cozy apartment. The only drawbacks are the rather modest set of dishes (no wine glasses or a standard pot for an electric stove). Other than that, the bathroom door hinges squeaked and the sink drained poorly. Everything else was OK.

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop
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$126 per night from 5 Jan to 6 Jan
AU$126
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,743 reviews)
The staff were amazing during check in/check out and with the valet. I loved the corner room and the vibe and aesthetic of it. The location was great. It was easy to get around on foot and walkable to public transit.

Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

2 out of 5
65 E Harrison St Chicago IL
The price is AU$145 per night from 24 Dec to 25 Dec
AU$145
24 Dec - 25 Dec
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,487 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on 6 Dec 2025

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
Bluegreen Vacations Hotel Blake, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Bluegreen Vacations Hotel Blake, an Ascend Collection Hotel

4 out of 5
500 South Dearborn Street Chicago IL
The price is AU$168 per night from 4 Jan to 5 Jan
AU$168
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this boutique hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,106 reviews)
There's a restaurant in the same building. I wouldn't have clicked on the breakfast rating if I'd known it only applied to free breakfast.

Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025

Bluegreen Vacations Hotel Blake, an Ascend Collection Hotel
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.

Other neighbourhoods around South Loop

South Loop featuring night scenes and street scenes

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
Chicago showing rides

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
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West Loop

Consider a visit to Milwaukee Avenue 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
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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.

River North


South Loop Travel Guide

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