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
$157 nightly
The price is $184 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$184 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and 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! (8,982 reviews)
"Great location! Quiet and comfortable room. Love the history and architectural charm of this classic Chicago Hotel! Exercise room was the best equipped I've used!"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
$198 nightly
The price is $229 total per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
$229 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,856 reviews)
"Pleasant experience. Accommodations were good. Surrounding area was convenient to shopping, eateries and p parks."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
citizenM Chicago Downtown

citizenM Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
$139 nightly
The price is $164 total per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
$164 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Total includes taxes and 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! (3,563 reviews)
"decent bedroom for good night sleep with all the techniques to control the light and window blinds."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

citizenM Chicago Downtown
Hyatt Regency Chicago

Hyatt Regency Chicago

4 out of 5
151 East Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
$234 nightly
The price is $275 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$275 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and 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! (3,294 reviews)
Wonderful resort will definitely be back again!
"Me and my wife stood for a little getaway and celebration of our anniversary. This hotel and staff is wonderful great attitude cleanliness was beautiful. Food was great. We had sushi from one restaurant for dinner and then the next morning we had a breakfast buffet in the main restaurant. The food ..."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Hyatt Regency Chicago
The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

4 out of 5
171 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL
$171 nightly
The price is $201 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$201 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,938 reviews)
Great Bar
"Great hotel and next to the theater we were going to, which was convenient. It was also easy to walk to other attractions. It felt very safe . And the bar was Great!! Honestly i would stay here again just for the bar! My bartender answered questions, gave delicious suggestions, and made a great drink! ..."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop
Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park

Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park

4.5 out of 5
200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL
$258 nightly
The price is $303 total per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
$303 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,827 reviews)
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Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park
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

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