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$259 per night from 3 July to 4 July
AU$259
3 July - 4 July
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! (8,893 reviews)
"This is the second time my husband and I stayed at Congress Plaza. This year we had a lake view. It’s not that much more than a standard King. The view of the Lake and Buckingham Fountain is beautiful. We love the location, an easy walk to Millenium Park. We also love the lobby, a throw back to the ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
citizenM Chicago Downtown
citizenM Chicago Downtown
4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$252 per night from 1 July to 2 July
AU$252
1 July - 2 July
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! (3,170 reviews)
"The location is wonderful, the bar/restaurant area was very good. Food and pricing well worth it. The outdoor terrace was my highlight. Room super cute and clean, Loved the remote shades. A few downsides, need 24 hour notice for a room cleaning. (I did not pay attention to the details, but was accommodated ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jun. 2025

citizenM Chicago Downtown
Swissotel - Chicago
Swissotel - Chicago
4.5 out of 5
323 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$329 per night from 30 June to 1 July
AU$329
30 June - 1 July
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! (2,220 reviews)
"Friendly, helpful staff. Fireplace in bar, nightlight in bathroom, rheostat on lamp in room, elevators security with going to specific floor although elevator got stuck twice and did not room, so got on different elevator. Enjoyed chicken black bean quesadilla and cheesecake. Offer of $15 bar credit/daily. ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jun. 2025

Swissotel - Chicago
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
2 out of 5
65 E Harrison St, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$178 per night from 7 July to 8 July
AU$178
7 July - 8 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7/10 Good! (2,204 reviews)
"The property was one had block to Grant Park. Lots of dining options. Clean rooms. Walkable to the cities sites. No parking at the hotel but there is a lot and garage across the street that was VERY expensive."

Reviewed on 13 Jun. 2025

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$286 per night from 22 June to 23 June
AU$286
22 June - 23 June
includes taxes & fees
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! (4,234 reviews)
"Great location and super friendly staff. The bed was amazing. The room was nice but not outstanding. The TV was not so great. Overall a great choice for a Chicago stay."

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

River Hotel
L7 Chicago by LOTTE
L7 Chicago by LOTTE
4.5 out of 5
225 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$377 per night from 29 June to 30 June
AU$377
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,496 reviews)
"I stayed at this hotel last week. The location is very convenient, the room is very modern and spacious, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. I will definitely return to this hotel if I visit Chicago again."

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 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
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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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