Downtown Chicago, IL

Chicago
Downtown Chicago which includes a high rise building and a city
The heart of the Midwest’s glittering metropolis has many offerings, from shopping and dining to parks, museums and exciting contemporary public art.

Filled with some of America’s best museums, parks and art, Downtown Chicago is a tourist’s playground. Downtown, sometimes called the Chicago Loop, shows visitors Chicagoan hospitality and attractions. Stroll along the lakefront, go shopping, learn about art, history and culture or relax in the area’s famous restaurants.

No matter the weather, Downtown Chicago’s incredible collection of museums offers unlimited ways to spend an afternoon. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago’s renowned Impressionist collection and stand in awe before Edward Hopper’s famous painting Nighthawks.

Gape at Sue, the large Tyrannosaurus rex at the Field Museum of Natural History. See piranhas, turtles, otters and seals at the Shedd Aquarium or fly high on Navy Pier’s 196-foot (50-meter) Ferris wheel. Get even higher at the Willis Tower Skydeck, a whopping 1,475 feet (450 meters) in the air.

Spend time outside in the area’s manicured public parks, featuring diverse gardens and public art. Watch the spectacular light show at Buckingham Fountain, an art deco construction that is one of the biggest fountains in America. Take Chicago’s classic tourist selfie in front of the reflective curves of Cloud Gate, “the Bean,” near the shores of Lake Michigan.

Shop, dine or stroll along the Magnificent Mile, a commercial district popular with tourists and locals. Catch a Chicago Bears game at Soldier Field or play on Grant Park’s fields.

Downtown Chicago is located on Chicago’s eastern border, along Lake Michigan. Drive here in 45 minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, which serves various locations throughout the region and the world. Downtown Chicago is the most frequented part of the city and is quite safe. Parking can be expensive and difficult to find, so walking is best for exploring this bustling district.

At the end of a long day of museums and touring, nothing can beat a picnic under the Frank Gehry-designed arches of Millennium Park as the sun sets behind Chicago’s iconic skyline.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Downtown Chicago Hotel Deals

Hotel Felix River North/Magnificent Mile
Hotel Felix River North/Magnificent Mile
4 out of 5
111 W Huron St, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥21,305 per night from May 9 to May 10
¥21,305
per night
May 9 - May 10
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a 24-hour health club, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
A lil too cozy
"I was doing a 4/20 event and booked so I had somewhere to shower. The room was small and tight, literally my only complaint. It was nice and quiet, hot showers, good water pressure, just a lil too cozy when the door is literally at the foot of the bad!"

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Hotel Felix River North/Magnificent Mile
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥21,658 per night from May 13 to May 14
¥21,658
per night
May 13 - May 14
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (6,643 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on May 2, 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥24,572 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥24,572
per night
May 12 - May 13
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! (2,836 reviews)
"Great location at reasonable cost. Staff human but responsive. Valet parking worth it. River facing room is fun."

Reviewed on May 2, 2024

River Hotel
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
4 out of 5
660 North State Street, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥27,549 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥27,549
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,885 reviews)
4/20-4/22 Weekend
"I love how quiet this hotel is. The walking proximity from my room to the elevator is not very far. However, I’m not a fan of the open shower — it should have an extra curtain in between its entrance & the toilet area so that nobody can create extra spills. Also, the flooring between the carpet & ..."

Reviewed on May 4, 2024

Eurostars Magnificent Mile
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
3 out of 5
243 E. Ontario, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥23,723 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥23,723
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,192 reviews)
"Nice staff, tasty coffee in the morning in the lobby, most importantly, great location, it is near Navy Pier, Mag Mile and boat tour agencies. Room is uniquely designed and clean."

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago
Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago
4 out of 5
111 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥21,664 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥21,664
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,035 reviews)
"Different attractions are within walking distance."

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago
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 Downtown Chicago

The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(9,481 area reviews)

Grant Park and Millennium Park 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
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
Shops at North Bridge showing a city, central business district and street scenes

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 featuring general coastal views and wildflowers as well as a couple

Streeterville

Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue 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

Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Magnificent Mile. Travelers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views, and popular shops.

Magnificent Mile
Magnificent Mile - River North showing night scenes, a city and signage

Near North Side

4.5/5(12,034 area reviews)

Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue are a few top attractions in Near North Side. Hop around the city on the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) and check out the area's fascinating museums, panoramic lake views, and popular shops.

Near North Side


Downtown Chicago, IL