The Loop, IL

Chicago

The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek
The Loop which includes street scenes and a city
The Loop featuring a bridge, a city and a river or creek
The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek and a ferry
The Loop which includes hiking or walking and a river or creek as well as a large group of people

Bordered roughly by the surrounding elevated train circuit, this Chicago neighborhood has restaurants, galleries, parks and a giant silver bean.

The Loop neighborhood is Chicago’s exciting downtown. Ride just under 2 miles (3 kilometers) on the elevated L trains that have followed a rectangular loop over the city streets since 1897. Step off the train to visit restaurants, cultural attractions, shops, clubs and beautiful parklands. Shop along historic State Street and stroll on the Riverwalk north of the Loop for dining and entertainment.

Enjoy Chicago’s cultural scene in the Loop. See exhibits and programs at the Chicago Cultural Center during the day and choose from the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet or the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for evening performances. Attend a Broadway show at the Ford Oriental Theatre.

Venture out on the glass-bottomed ledge of the Skydeck on Willis Tower’s 103rd floor. At 1,450 feet (443 meters), this is one of the world’s tallest buildings. View up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) away across four states.

East of the Loop is Millennium Park, planned and opened around the year 2000. This vast space features the lovely Lurie Garden, which offers educational programs for children and adults. The Jay Pritzker Pavilionand theGreat Lawn performance space seats more than 10,000 people. Many events held here are free.

The park’s art is large and unique. Gaze at Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate, reflecting the city skyline and overhead skies on shiny steel plates. Because of its curved shape with concave underside, locals call this the Bean. The 50-foot (15-meter) towers of Jaume Plensa’s Crown Fountain project faces of Chicago citizens, with water appearing to spout from their mouths. Look for the current exhibits of modern and contemporary art in the outdoor Boeing Galleries.

Extending south along Lake Michigan is the rest of Grant Park. Stroll through this large park to enjoy its gardens, sculptures and the gorgeous Buckingham Fountain shaped like a rococo wedding cake. Enter the Art Institute of Chicago, filled with American and Impressionist art.

Between sightseeing outings, stop for authentic Chicago-style pizza across the Loop neighborhood.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


The Loop Hotel Deals

Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥19,840 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥19,840
¥23,291 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (8,974 reviews)
"The staff was fantastic—friendly, helpful, and attentive, which really made the stay more pleasant. The hotel itself, however, is clearly very old, and many features show their age. My room was small but nicely kept, and the lakeside view was absolutely stunning. The room door was very difficult ..."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 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 ¥25,627 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥25,627
¥33,781 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,851 reviews)
"Helpful staff, beautiful hotel in a great location!"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
citizenM Chicago Downtown

citizenM Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥19,972 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
¥19,972
¥23,446 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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! (3,556 reviews)
"Super fun place to stay in the heart of Chicago. The lights and shades are controlled by an IPad. One of the many features is the ability to change the color and intensity of the lights. There are also built in "mood" sound tracks to play to help you unwind, relax, or focus. The location couldn't ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

citizenM Chicago Downtown
Hyatt Regency Chicago

Hyatt Regency Chicago

4 out of 5
151 East Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥31,036 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥31,036
¥40,772 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (3,328 reviews)
"The property was excellent. The room was clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 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 ¥18,733 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥18,733
¥26,719 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (1,947 reviews)
"Bed comfy. Very quiet rooms. The room and bathroom were tiny but had good amenities. Great location."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 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 ¥34,450 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
¥34,450
¥44,778 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
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! (1,825 reviews)
So good we booked a second trip!
"So amazing we booked a Christmas trip while we were there! The only thing we could say negatively was the pillows were very uncomfortable and when we called for additional or firmer pillows there were none available. But the rest of the experience was so good we’ll try to bring our own pillows next ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 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 neighborhoods 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 the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).

Theatre District
Downtown Chicago showing 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
River North showing railway items, street scenes and a city

River North

Artistic spirit thrives here, with art galleries and a design district featuring luxury interior furnishings. Explore Kingsbury Park, enjoy vibrant nightlife on Hubbard Street, and visit the iconic Contemporaine Building.

River North
Navy Pier featuring general coastal views and wildflowers as well as a couple

Streeterville

Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Streeterville. Travelers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views, and popular shops.

Streeterville
Magnificent Mile - River North

Magnificent Mile

Upscale shopping district with luxury department stores, boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants, featuring landmarks like the Wrigley Building and Chicago Water Tower. The Magnificent Mile is easily accessible by public transit and seasonal trolley service.

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, IL