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$315 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
AU$315
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! (8,913 reviews)
A Gem on Michigan Ave
"I was surprised at how nice my room was in this older building. The view of Buckingham fountain and the lake was the best. I was able to watch navy pier fireworks. Just an absolute pleasure and I will return!!!"

Reviewed on 21 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$316 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
AU$316
4 Aug - 5 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$388 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
AU$388
3 Aug - 4 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! (2,476 reviews)
"The rooms were great, the view was overlooking the river and Navy Pier. Clean, Quiet, and close to all the main tourist shopping and restaurants downtown."

Reviewed on 22 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$395 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$395
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! (2,748 reviews)
Superior Stay
"The location was superior, right on Wacker overlooking the river. The room was spacious and the price was reasonable. Being a 1/2 block walk to the Magnificent Mile, it allowed me to have my business meeting while my wife could shop."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
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$459 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
AU$459
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! (1,818 reviews)
"Nice hotel. I would recommend adding a pillow top to the bed"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

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

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

4 out of 5
171 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$423 per night from 27 July to 28 July
AU$423
27 July - 28 July
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! (1,892 reviews)
"Great place to stay! Definitely stay there again!"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop
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

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: