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
The price is AU$242 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
AU$242
18 Aug - 19 Aug
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! (8,994 reviews)
"The time of lake was awesome"

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

2 out of 5
65 E Harrison St, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$194 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
AU$194
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 ...
7/10 Good! (2,278 reviews)
"Was great for where it was but my wife and i did uber pretty much everywhere."

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$408 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
AU$408
5 Aug - 6 Aug
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! (2,021 reviews)
"Our stay worked for what we needed."

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

Hilton 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$222 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
AU$222
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! (2,598 reviews)
"Clean room, easy access to red line train as well as the river walk."

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 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$263 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
AU$263
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! (1,613 reviews)
Great family hotel
"The service is great but not excellent. Downstairs restaurant was great for breakfast. Pool is a great place for kids. It is open from early morning to late night. There is coin-operated laundry machine $3+ and dryer. The bills could be exchanged to coins at the lobby. It is an easy walking distance ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 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$349 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
AU$349
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (845 reviews)
"This apartment had some of the most spectacular views of the lakefront and the city that you will find. Apartment was spacious and a great value compared to hotel rooms. Check-in was a little difficult. Staff was helpful but not overly friendly."

Reviewed on 24 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

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