The Loop Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek
The Loop
The Loop
The Loop - Downtown featuring a river or creek and a ferry
The Loop

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$185 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$185
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (9,538 reviews)
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Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
citizenM Chicago Downtown

citizenM Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$205 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
AU$205
20 Nov - 21 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,020 reviews)
Great breakfast

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2025

citizenM Chicago Downtown
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$228 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
AU$228
24 Nov - 25 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,045 reviews)
What a fun hotel.... Most hoping place in town.

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Pendry Chicago

Pendry Chicago

4.5 out of 5
230 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$347 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
AU$347
8 Dec - 9 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,122 reviews)
I really enjoyed my stay. The staff were so kind and welcoming. The only complaint that I have, is the elevator, it was not working and it was causing so much traffic to go to our rooms.

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2025

Pendry Chicago
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
71 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$263 per night from 14 Dec to 15 Dec
AU$263
14 Dec - 15 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,059 reviews)
Clean room, super nice, walkable distance to everything

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2025

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
River Hotel

River Hotel

4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$143 per night from 7 Dec to 8 Dec
AU$143
7 Dec - 8 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,780 reviews)
Staff is helpful and nice, hotel location is great and the room are clean and quiet.

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025

River 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 The Loop

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
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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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
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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


The Loop Travel Guide

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