South Loop Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

South Loop featuring a city and a high-rise building
South Loop
South Loop
South Loop
South Loop showing night scenes and street scenes

South Loop is the place to go for jazz and blues, museums and some of the hottest new pubs and restaurants in town. 

Just south of The Loop is where you’ll find the aptly-named South Loop. It’s conveniently located, being framed by Lake Michigan, Chinatown, the Chicago River and several top museums. South Loop was once an unsavoury spot, complete with rowdy bars and burlesque theatres, but the area has been transforming, and is now a fun place to visit. South Loop has a more laid-back and gritty flavour, compared to its neighbours. This does not amount to boring, though!


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best South Loop Hotel Deals

Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
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! (8,974 reviews)
"Great location! Rooms are newly renovated and nice."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$299 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
AU$299
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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! (2,040 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Hilton 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$173 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
AU$173
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,270 reviews)
Great for the center
"Excellent and in the centre"

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
Best Western Grant Park Hotel

Best Western Grant Park Hotel

2.5 out of 5
1100 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$214 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
AU$214
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,567 reviews)
"I like the valet parking option and price."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Best Western Grant Park Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop

3 out of 5
55 E 11th Street, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$230 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
AU$230
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,617 reviews)
"The location is great, walkable to sights and dining. Great views if facing lake side, property well-staffed and felt very safe, front desk and other staff excellent. The only downside is I didn't feel the beds were as clean as they could be - I switched rooms after initial room given due to liquid ..."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop
Sentral Michigan Avenue

Sentral Michigan Avenue

4 out of 5
808 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$352 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
AU$352
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (856 reviews)
"Great stay!"

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Sentral Michigan Avenue
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 South Loop

South Loop featuring night scenes and street scenes

Near South Side

Travellers choose Near South Side for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Cermak-McCormick Place Station or Roosevelt Station and check out top sights like Soldier Field.

Near South Side
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
The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan are a few top attractions in The Loop. Hop around the city on the metro at Washington Station or Lake Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

The Loop
Default Image

Near West Side

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Live music, theatres and shopping highlight some notable features of Near West Side. Make a stop by United Center or Credit Union 1 Arena while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Racine Station or Polk Station (Pink Line) to get around town.

Near West Side
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

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

South Loop Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: