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

Warwick Allerton - Chicago
Warwick Allerton - Chicago
4 out of 5
701 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥17,866 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥17,866
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and in-room massages. Our guests praise the ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,568 reviews)
"Nice historic property with fresh, clean visual renovations. Lobby bar and social area is comfortable and inviting. Mattress, pillows, and sheets were fine. On the harder side. Older bathroom fixtures, narrow doorways, plain theme. Lobby on 2nd Floor creates congestion at elevators and entrance."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Warwick Allerton - Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥22,044 per night from May 13 to May 14
¥22,044
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! (6,683 reviews)
"Quaint gem"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
4.5 out of 5
909 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥29,208 per night from May 28 to May 29
¥29,208
per night
May 28 - May 29
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"It was close to everything"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥23,467 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥23,467
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! (2,858 reviews)
"Great location walkable to the sights in Chicago. Hotel was clean and quiet. Room was not very big but adequate for one person."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

River Hotel
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
3 out of 5
243 E. Ontario, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥23,149 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥23,149
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 3-star 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! (2,199 reviews)
"Is very good place and location is great"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
4 out of 5
600 N State St, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥27,253 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥27,253
per night
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,243 reviews)
Embassy Suites at 600 N State in Chicago
"The Valet Parking was extremely quick and the Attendant was very courteous and professional. When we called down two days later the car was ready and waiting for us. Check-in was quick and easy and adding our Hilton Honors was not a problem at all. The 4th floor suite was comfortable, modern, and ..."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
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