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

Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave Chicago IL
The price is AU$287 per night from 13 Jan to 14 Jan
AU$287
13 Jan - 14 Jan
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! (2,417 reviews)
Check in staff were great and room was clean. Worst part was house cleaner knocking at door at 1030am, after being up till 2am night before have a good time at football game. Hot tub amazing and our view!

Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025

Hilton Chicago
Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop

3 out of 5
59 E. 11th Street Chicago IL
The price is AU$142 per night from 8 Jan to 9 Jan
AU$142
8 Jan - 9 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,169 reviews)
Property was clean and staff was friendly. Could of had more options for the included breakfast

Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue Chicago IL
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (9,730 reviews)
Room was very clean and bed and pillows were comfy. Enjoyed my stay. Will revisit next time in Chicago!

Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026

Congress Plaza 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$132 per night from 14 Jan to 15 Jan
AU$132
14 Jan - 15 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,782 reviews)
Only one elevator works.

Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop
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$126 per night from 7 Jan to 8 Jan
AU$126
7 Jan - 8 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,671 reviews)
Affordable

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025

Best Western Grant Park Hotel
Bluegreen Vacations Hotel Blake, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Bluegreen Vacations Hotel Blake, an Ascend Collection Hotel

4 out of 5
500 South Dearborn Street Chicago IL
The price is AU$167 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
AU$167
21 Jan - 22 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this boutique hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,123 reviews)
My stay at the blue-green hotel was a lovely. It was nice. The rooms were clean, the employees,the staff were very nice to us. The staff made our stay even more enjoyable by just being nice. I recommend this hotel with stay here again

Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025

Bluegreen Vacations Hotel Blake, an Ascend Collection Hotel
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
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
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 Polk Station (Pink Line) or Racine Station to get around town.

Near West Side


South Loop Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia