The Loop

Chicago
The Loop
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


Top hotels in The Loop

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 €102 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€102
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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! (2,922 reviews)
"Central location. Close to subway and within walking distance of all the attractions"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is €121 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€121
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
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! (6,457 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 28 Mar 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 €113 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€113
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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! (2,713 reviews)
"This was my 4th time staying there. I like everything about the property and the area. Also they have one of the nicest staff working there."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

River Hotel
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
The price is €189 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
€189
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this spa hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast, and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,152 reviews)
"We really enjoyed this historic hotel. It was walkable to our destinations including museums and restaurants. The staff was great."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown
3 out of 5
1 S Franklin Street, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €107 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€107
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,331 reviews)
"It was a nice hotel. Had people trying to finagle the manager multiple times, other than that it was fine."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
4 out of 5
71 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €173 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€173
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,894 reviews)
"The hotel has a perfect location, the view from the room is wonderful. The room was super clean and renovated."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

The Royal Sonesta 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 neighbourhoods around The Loop

Chicago which includes 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 of the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).

Theatre District
Downtown Chicago featuring 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 Grant Park and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Chicago
Shops at North Bridge featuring street scenes, cbd and a city

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 which includes wild flowers and general coastal views as well as a couple

Streeterville

Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Streeterville. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.

Streeterville
Magnificent Mile - River North

Magnificent Mile

Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.

Magnificent Mile
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West Loop

Consider a visit to Union Park 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

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