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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$159 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
AU$159
21 Jan - 22 Jan
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! (9,790 reviews)
Really interesting place, great price for the location too. Staff was very friendly.

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave Chicago IL
The price is AU$272 per night from 2 Feb to 3 Feb
AU$272
2 Feb - 3 Feb
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,541 reviews)
Great staff, good location .

Reviewed on 14 Jan 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$283 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
AU$283
26 Jan - 27 Jan
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,250 reviews)
I had a great stay here for my birthday weekend. The room was nice and clean. I had the perfect view. I will be returning!

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
River Hotel

River Hotel

4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive Chicago IL
The price is AU$140 per night from 5 Feb to 6 Feb
AU$140
5 Feb - 6 Feb
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,932 reviews)
always upgrade us to river view!

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

River Hotel
Pendry Chicago

Pendry Chicago

4.5 out of 5
230 North Michigan Avenue Chicago IL
The price is AU$341 per night from 2 Feb to 3 Feb
AU$341
2 Feb - 3 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,141 reviews)
N/A

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Pendry Chicago
LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton

LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
85 East Wacker Drive Chicago IL
The price is AU$243 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
AU$243
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,526 reviews)
Clean accommodations and friendly staff.

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
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
Magnificent Mile - River North showing street scenes, signage and a city

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

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