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$226 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$226
2 Nov - 3 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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (9,384 reviews)
"This is a beautiful historic Chicago downtown hotel across the street from Grant Park. However, some of the rooms and hallways are in need of updating."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Congress Plaza 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$419 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
AU$419
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,098 reviews)
"Staff was excellent. Decor was very elegant and classy. Enjoyed my two nights here."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop
citizenM Chicago Downtown

citizenM Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$346 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$346
30 Oct - 31 Oct
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! (3,897 reviews)
"This hotel is right off of Michigan Ave with many restaurants, stores, and museums. Excellent location."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 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$376 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$376
30 Oct - 31 Oct
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! (2,000 reviews)
"I recently stayed at Palmer House, and overall, it was a decent experience. The location was convenient—close to local shops, restaurants, and public transportation—which made exploring the area easy and enjoyable. The room itself was clean and adequately furnished. Staff were polite and responsive, ..."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Hyatt Regency Chicago

Hyatt Regency Chicago

4 out of 5
151 East Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$488 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$488
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,410 reviews)
"Great experience"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Hyatt Regency Chicago
River Hotel

River Hotel

4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$371 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
AU$371
5 Oct - 6 Oct
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! (4,692 reviews)
"The room was perfect, I loved that the beds were in different areas. The check in experience was so easy and quick and the staff was incredibly kind and helpful. The coffee bar on the second floor was delightful!"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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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