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

Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is $125 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
$125
$147 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
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 rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (6,459 reviews)
"As others have mentioned, this place is daaaaated. It was probably a fancy hotel back in its time but it definitely older now. That being said, it's a great place location wise particularly given the price. The rooms are old but clean. The service is good. The heating is centralized and it was cold ..."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 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 $109 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
$109
$128 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
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! (2,701 reviews)
"Clean, but our room was the size of a big closet. I loved the refillable water bottles on the property, and the staff was fantastic, especially this one guy (I can’t remember his name), but he was great to us our entire stay. Overall, it's a great place to stay!"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

River Hotel
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 $99 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
$99
$116 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,928 reviews)
"Good deal. Small room. Pretty small lobby. Comfortable bed and pillows. Staff was great. Location was amazing. Easy walk to any of the downtown theaters. Lots of restaurants close by. Would stay again!"

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago
Holiday Inn Chicago Dwtn Wolf Point, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Chicago Dwtn Wolf Point, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
350 West Wolf Point Plaza, Building 2, Chicago, IL
The price is $143 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
$143
$168 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,018 reviews)
"Beautiful"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Holiday Inn Chicago Dwtn Wolf Point, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $189 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
$189
$254 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,513 reviews)
"The staff property were are great and met expectations. Many areas to shop or grab a quick bit to eat. Great for a stay when guest are in town and taking them sightseeing."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel
W Chicago - Lakeshore
W Chicago - Lakeshore
4.5 out of 5
644 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is $149 per night from Apr 15 to Apr 16
$149
$175 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 15 - Apr 16
Stay at this luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy breakfast, WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
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Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

W Chicago - Lakeshore
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

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Downtown Chicago, IL

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