The Loop Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A river with yellow boats, a bridge, and tall buildings.
A yellow taxi driving on a bridge with red metal beams, surrounded by tall buildings and a cloudy sky.
A nighttime cityscape with illuminated buildings and a bridge over a river.
A river with a boat, a red bridge, and tall buildings in the background.
A river with a yellow boat, a bridge, and tall buildings in the background.

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”.


Stay near popular The Loop attractions

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$283 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
AU$283
13 Aug - 14 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 ...
8/10 Very good! (10,295 reviews)
"It was nice to be able to stay in a hotel that was closer to a 24-hour time than any have ever been in before. Checkin at 3:00 and check out at noon worked great for us to make the most of one night stay there. Expedia fail regarding parking options and pricing. However, I called the hotel directly ..."

Reviewed on 25 July 2026

Congress Plaza Hotel
River Hotel

River Hotel

4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive Chicago IL
The price is AU$345 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$345
9 Aug - 10 Aug
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 ...
River Hotel
The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

4 out of 5
171 W Randolph St Chicago IL
The price is AU$392 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
AU$392
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,704 reviews)
"Overall the hotel was clean and conveniently located. My only complaint was that they didn't have their breakfast restaurant open on Sunday, even though I had paid for breakfast through Expedia. They charge a resort fee, but there isn't much in the way of resort amenities."

Reviewed on 24 July 2026

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop
Hyatt Regency Chicago

Hyatt Regency Chicago

4 out of 5
151 East Wacker Dr Chicago IL
The price is AU$501 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$501
9 Aug - 10 Aug
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 ...
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

2 out of 5
65 E Harrison St Chicago IL
The price is AU$251 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
AU$251
16 Aug - 17 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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,711 reviews)
"The hotel is old with old amenities and is your basic 2 star hotel. It kind of reminds me of the places we would stay on a road trip when I was a kid in the 1970s and having a color TV in your room was a selling point. Even though the decor isn't vintage 1920s/30's, the function of the room still ..."

Reviewed on 25 July 2026

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St Chicago IL
The price is AU$425 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$425
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,541 reviews)
"The staff was extremely helpful."

Reviewed on 25 July 2026

Palmer House a Hilton 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.

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.

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).



The Loop Travel Guide

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