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 ¥20,745 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
¥20,745
¥24,351 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
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! (8,879 reviews)
"stayed in the city for a festival, very enjoyable."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
citizenM Chicago Downtown
citizenM Chicago Downtown
4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥20,208 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
¥20,208
¥23,722 total
Jul 1 - Jul 2
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! (3,166 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 Jun 11, 2025

citizenM Chicago Downtown
Swissotel - Chicago
Swissotel - Chicago
4.5 out of 5
323 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥21,512 per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
¥21,512
¥29,484 total
Jun 30 - Jul 1
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! (2,216 reviews)
"I will definitely go back"

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Swissotel - Chicago
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥24,760 per night from Jun 25 to Jun 26
¥24,760
¥29,067 total
Jun 25 - Jun 26
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! (4,245 reviews)
"Great view! Simple and clean.. next to everything you could want!"

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

River Hotel
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Hyatt Regency Chicago
4 out of 5
151 East Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥26,679 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
¥26,679
¥35,550 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
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! (3,245 reviews)
"Room, service and restaurant were top notch."

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

Hyatt Regency Chicago
Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown
Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown
4 out of 5
10 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥18,644 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
¥18,644
¥26,117 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the bar and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,829 reviews)
"I loved this property! Staff was exceptional!! They were kind, knowledgeable, and helpful. The room was clean. The bathroom amenities were nice and the coffee and tea setup was lovely. The only reason for the 4 instead of 5 was that the pull out bed in the king room was only suitable for children ..."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown
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