The Loop Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek
The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek
The Loop which includes street scenes and a city
The Loop featuring a bridge, a city and a river or creek
The Loop - Downtown featuring a river or creek and a ferry

Striking architecture, urban park space and countless entertainment options all make The Loop one of the most memorable spots in the city.

The Loop is another name for Chicago’s CBD but doesn’t the name give it a bit of an edge? If you’re wondering why they don’t just call it “downtown”, it’s because there’s actually a loop of elevated train that surrounds the region. Don’t miss Millennium Park, which boasts the famous “bean” you’ve seen in all your friends’ photos. You can smugly correct other tourists, too—the actual name of that structure is “Cloud Gate”.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best The Loop Hotel Deals

Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue Chicago IL
The price is AU$276 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
AU$276
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! (9,938 reviews)
Good: Clean; friendly staff. Bad: hot water stopped working at some point; safe was not working; lightbulb kept flickering; ice machine was broken on the 10th floor

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave Chicago IL
The price is AU$258 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$258
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! (2,676 reviews)
my stay was excellent, the staff and our room where fantastic.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Hilton Chicago
Hyatt Regency Chicago

Hyatt Regency Chicago

4 out of 5
151 East Wacker Dr Chicago IL
The price is AU$304 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
AU$304
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,485 reviews)
Nice place

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Hyatt Regency Chicago
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
71 E Wacker Dr Chicago IL
The price is AU$301 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$301
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,347 reviews)
Awesome

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
Swissotel - Chicago

Swissotel - Chicago

4.5 out of 5
323 E Wacker Dr Chicago IL
The price is AU$252 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$252
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,229 reviews)
F

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Swissotel - Chicago
Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago

Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago

4 out of 5
100 W. Monroe St Chicago IL
The price is AU$233 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
AU$233
20 Mar - 21 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,410 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago
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 The Loop

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
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
River North showing railway items, street scenes and a city

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
Navy Pier which includes wild flowers and general coastal views as well as a couple

Streeterville

Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Streeterville. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.

Streeterville
Magnificent Mile - River North

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.

Magnificent Mile
Chicago_NearNorthSide_137043_09

Near North Side

4.5/5(114 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Near North Side. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

Near North Side


The Loop Travel Guide

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