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 ¥17,228 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
¥17,228
¥20,224 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
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! (8,887 reviews)
"Everything was great loved the lication"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
citizenM Chicago Downtown
citizenM Chicago Downtown
4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥22,971 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
¥22,971
¥26,966 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
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! (3,296 reviews)
"Great!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

citizenM Chicago Downtown
Swissotel - Chicago
Swissotel - Chicago
4.5 out of 5
323 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥26,329 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
¥26,329
¥35,149 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
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! (2,357 reviews)
"Excellent hotel with great view of the Chicago River and Navy Pier..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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 ¥28,475 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
¥28,475
¥38,049 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
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! (2,683 reviews)
"This hotel has been one of the best hotels we’ve ever been to. The location, cleanliness and best of all the staff was excellent! We had a great experience dealing with the manager"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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 ¥33,950 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
¥33,950
¥44,096 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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! (1,792 reviews)
"Service is excellent, rooms are spacious, location is very convenient, close to all main attractions ! Very friendly staff , recommended"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥21,526 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
¥21,526
¥25,269 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
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! (4,324 reviews)
"Nice hotel. Only thing was we didnt realize the 2 bedroom suite did not have bedroom doors, but it was a nice room."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

River 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 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
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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, IL