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
The price is AU$242 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$242
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (8,921 reviews)
"Took water awhile to get hot for shower, and parking is ridiculously expensive. Other than that enjoyed staying at hotel"

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$350 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
AU$350
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,835 reviews)
"The property if beautiful and historic. The main room is incredible. The rooms are well taken care of, you can just tell they are a little dated with a slight smell. I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
citizenM Chicago Downtown

citizenM Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$281 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
AU$281
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (3,526 reviews)
"It is a compact space- efficient property. Good but stiff king size bed, bathroom with a high quality shower. Love the windows and the tech associated features to it each room. amenities are early accessible. The bar and rooftop are awesome. Cleanliness is good. I guess it would’ve been nice to have ..."

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

citizenM Chicago Downtown
Hyatt Regency Chicago

Hyatt Regency Chicago

4 out of 5
151 East Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$423 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$423
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,318 reviews)
"Area"

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

Hyatt Regency Chicago
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$369 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$369
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,936 reviews)
"Transport access walking distance to take train to midway airport was easy and convenient"

Reviewed on 7 Aug. 2025

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop
Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park

Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park

4.5 out of 5
200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$529 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$529
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,824 reviews)
"Large room on quiet property. Hotel restaurant was excellent."

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park
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
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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