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
The price is AU$264 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
AU$264
27 Sept - 28 Sept
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! (10,342 reviews)
"Security here is very odd Beatrice Ruiz got into a very verbal argument with me and threatened to have my car towed while I was brining my bags down to the front entrance would not recommend staying here on that note hotel had a very odd smell to it"

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2026

Congress Plaza Hotel
River Hotel

River Hotel

4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive Chicago IL
The price is AU$299 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
AU$299
27 Sept - 28 Sept
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
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave Chicago IL
The price is AU$443 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
AU$443
27 Sept - 28 Sept
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! (3,168 reviews)
"The floor we stayed on was outdated and a bit run down and dingy. Staff were too concerned with VIPs to be helpful and accommodating to my disabled husband. The room wouldn't get cooler than 70 degrees and the ice machine was down our entire 5 day stay. Everything was overpriced and confusing."

Reviewed on 9 Sept 2026

Hilton Chicago
Hyatt Regency Chicago

Hyatt Regency Chicago

4 out of 5
151 East Wacker Dr Chicago IL
The price is AU$534 per night from 26 Sept to 27 Sept
AU$534
26 Sept - 27 Sept
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
L7 Chicago by LOTTE

L7 Chicago by LOTTE

4.5 out of 5
225 N Wabash Ave Chicago IL
The price is AU$426 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
AU$426
1 Oct - 2 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4,770 reviews)
"Truly a FANTASTIC place to stay! Super central and Alex the at the concierge desk went over and beyond and made our visit so special! Thank you so much! We will definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2026

L7 Chicago by LOTTE
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$398 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
AU$398
4 Oct - 5 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop
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 Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue 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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