The Loop Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The Loop
The Loop
The Loop
The Loop
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
Fully refundable
The price is AU$229 per night from 29 June to 30 June
AU$229
29 June - 30 June
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! (10,232 reviews)
"The rooms were spacious and clean. Our room was not difficult to find. The building is old but historic. The place was well maintained and the staff were very helpful. Housekeeping only comes every other day unless requested. It worked for us. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on 9 June 2026

Congress Plaza Hotel
Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park

Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park

4.5 out of 5
200 North Columbus Drive Chicago IL
The price is AU$385 per night from 1 July to 2 July
AU$385
1 July - 2 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,187 reviews)
"Clean room, overall nice hotel, restaurant was nice for happy hour. Lobby smelled like an old lady and peltons in gym were broken. Overall lovely stay."

Reviewed on 9 June 2026

Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

2 out of 5
65 E Harrison St Chicago IL
The price is AU$204 per night from 1 July to 2 July
AU$204
1 July - 2 July
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (2,623 reviews)
"The room smells like old building"

Reviewed on 10 June 2026

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
River Hotel

River Hotel

4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive Chicago IL
The price is AU$195 per night from 5 July to 6 July
AU$195
5 July - 6 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,247 reviews)
"It was expensive, but it was the least expensive hotel I could find in Downtown Chicago. It's only a few blocks away from where The Architecture Tour starts, and it's right on The Chicago River where you can have a relaxing walk by the river. The only negative to this hotel, and it's not the hotel's ..."

Reviewed on 9 June 2026

River Hotel
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
71 E Wacker Dr Chicago IL
The price is AU$314 per night from 2 July to 3 July
AU$314
2 July - 3 July
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! (3,449 reviews)
"Perfect proximity to the Riverwalk and downtown Chicago. We left our bags with the front desk on the morning of check-in, as we got there around 11 am. No more than 30 minutes later, the lovely receptionist called me and offered a discounted early check-in with an upgraded room. We pounced on the ..."

Reviewed on 9 June 2026

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave Chicago IL
The price is AU$372 per night from 3 July to 4 July
AU$372
3 July - 4 July
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! (2,844 reviews)
"Clean room, quiet, friendly staff"

Reviewed on 9 June 2026

Hilton 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.

Our guide on where to stay in The Loop

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

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.

Lakeview

Known for its lively bars and lake views, there's plenty to explore in Lakeview. Top attractions like Wrigley Field and Lake Michigan are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Southport Station or Addison Station (Red Line) to see more of the city.



The Loop Travel Guide

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