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

Swissotel - Chicago
Swissotel - Chicago
4.5 out of 5
323 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$368 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
AU$368
includes taxes & fees
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,043 reviews)
"The hotel is nice. The amenities are good."

Reviewed on 12 Apr. 2025

Swissotel - Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$200 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
AU$200
includes taxes & fees
16 Apr - 17 Apr
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! (8,670 reviews)
"The Congress Plaza Hotel is an obviously old building, but they have done their best to update it. The room and bed were comfortable, clean, and well organized. There are of course some parts of the hotel that have maintained the old nostalgic feeling, but I didn't find anything off-putting or overly ..."

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$217 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$217
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,045 reviews)
"It’s a hotel. Nothing particularly awesome nothing really awful. Reasonable early check in and late check out."

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2025

River Hotel
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$318 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$318
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,629 reviews)
"I loved the art, the bar, the area around the hotel, the fact its right next to the theatre, and how friendly everyone was!"

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2025

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop
citizenM Chicago Downtown
citizenM Chicago Downtown
4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$217 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$217
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,905 reviews)
Good, but some setbacks.
"The shower head was broken in my room. When the room was cleaned, the towels were replaced however the bed was was made."

Reviewed on 11 Apr. 2025

citizenM Chicago Downtown
L7 Chicago by LOTTE
L7 Chicago by LOTTE
4.5 out of 5
225 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$299 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$299
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Book a stay at this boutique hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,096 reviews)
"Fast friendly service. Every request was met in minutes. No long wait on anything."

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2025

L7 Chicago by LOTTE
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 which includes 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
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

The Loop Travel Guide

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