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$317 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
AU$317
4 Aug - 5 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! (8,957 reviews)
"Absolutely classic building in a perfect central location by the lake and near city center. Older building with tons of character. On a busy street, so factor that in if you are sensitive to road noise. Restaurant on main floor had okay food but terrible service. A good value for price of room in ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
citizenM Chicago Downtown

citizenM Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$280 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
AU$280
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! (3,434 reviews)
"Loved citizen M will seek out another one when we travel again"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

citizenM Chicago Downtown
Swissotel - Chicago

Swissotel - Chicago

4.5 out of 5
323 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$331 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$331
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,495 reviews)
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Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

Swissotel - 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$397 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$397
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,762 reviews)
"This place has the best view and is right in the heart of where you want to be in Chicago. The staff were awesome. The room was plenty big and had everything we wanted in a room. The hallways were a little dirty, could have been vacuumed. Overall, the property was in good condition and the gym was ..."

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$348 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
AU$348
22 Aug - 23 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! (1,800 reviews)
"Lovely hotel right in the heart of the Loop. Staff was fantastic."

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
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$461 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
AU$461
3 Aug - 4 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! (1,826 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 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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