The Loop Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek
The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek
The Loop which includes street scenes and a city
The Loop featuring a bridge, a city and a river or creek
The Loop - Downtown featuring a river or creek and a ferry

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$292 per night from 14 Feb to 15 Feb
AU$292
per night
14 Feb - 15 Feb
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! (9,852 reviews)
Friendly staff. Clean room.

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave Chicago IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$271 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$271
per night
8 Mar - 9 Mar
Stay at this 4-star historic hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,613 reviews)
Outdated rooms and our heater stopped working overnight and the temp fell to 60's which felt freezing given it was zero outside with snow flurries But Matt the maintenance guy came quickly at 6 am thankfully and got it back up and running. Other than that, a truly beautiful hotel and the restaurant ...

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Hilton Chicago
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
71 E Wacker Dr Chicago IL
The price is AU$284 per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
AU$284
per night
20 Feb - 21 Feb
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,318 reviews)
Excellent room and really great location. Stayed during the snowstorm and it was still easy to get around. Helpful friendly staff team. Note: closest EL Train station (State/Lake) closed for redevelopment till 2029.

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
Hyatt Regency Chicago

Hyatt Regency Chicago

4 out of 5
151 East Wacker Dr Chicago IL
The price is AU$324 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
AU$324
per night
16 Feb - 17 Feb
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,465 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Hyatt Regency Chicago
theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel

theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
201 N State Street Chicago IL
The price is AU$271 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
AU$271
per night
22 Feb - 23 Feb
Stay at this luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Good hotel, helpful staff

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel
River Hotel

River Hotel

4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive Chicago IL
Fully refundable
The price is AU$145 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$145
per night
8 Mar - 9 Mar
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,990 reviews)
family room includes 2 rooms without doors, living room and only 1 window, and that comes back. Well, in general, the room is clean, there is an electric stove, oven, sink, overall everything for comfort is in room except Windows.

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Other neighbourhoods around The Loop

Beautiful fireworks

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
River North showing railway items, street scenes and a city

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
Chicago_NearNorthSide_137043_09

Near North Side

4.5/5(114 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Near North Side. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

Near North Side


The Loop Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia