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

River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is $136 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
$136
includes taxes & fees
$116 per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
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! (3,946 reviews)
Important review
"While their rooms are great. I have stayed with this location years ago and same.. rooms are great but in 2025 their front desk service / billing has changed. I stayed with them for 4 days extended stay same room. My advice for anyone reading this its best to book through any third party that you ..."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2025

River Hotel
L7 Chicago by LOTTE
L7 Chicago by LOTTE
4.5 out of 5
225 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is $193 per night from Mar 27 to Mar 28
$193
includes taxes & fees
$164 per night
Mar 27 - Mar 28
Book a stay at this boutique hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,949 reviews)
"Loved it! Great staff up front, beautifully designed room, lovely view and a killer price. Definitely staying here again."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025

L7 Chicago by LOTTE
Swissotel - Chicago
Swissotel - Chicago
4.5 out of 5
323 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is $224 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
$224
includes taxes & fees
$191 per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
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! (1,989 reviews)
"The staff were helpful and kind. It is such a beautiful hotel. The views from our room were breathtaking."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2025

Swissotel - Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is $147 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
$147
includes taxes & fees
$125 per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
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! (8,610 reviews)
"Very dated on the hallways. Rooms are somewhat modern with quirks and features. Clean in the rooms nice bed and bathroom."

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
citizenM Chicago Downtown
citizenM Chicago Downtown
4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $119 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
$119
includes taxes & fees
$102 per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
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! (2,833 reviews)
"Great technology forward hotel room"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025

citizenM Chicago Downtown
Hilton Chicago
Hilton Chicago
4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is $214 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
$214
includes taxes & fees
$183 per night
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 4-star historic hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,718 reviews)
"The whole experience in the hotel was fun, enjoyable and memorable. I will definitely return."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2025

Hilton 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 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

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The Loop, IL

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