Downtown Chicago Travel Guide

Chicago

Downtown Chicago featuring a city
Downtown Chicago
Downtown Chicago showing a high-rise building and a city
Downtown Chicago which includes signage
Downtown Chicago which includes signage 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


Top hotels in Downtown Chicago

Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (8,974 reviews)
"Great location! Rooms are newly renovated and nice."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
The price is Rp2.842.026 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
Rp2.842.026
Rp3.746.006 total
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,820 reviews)
"Beautiful gilded age feel. Long wait for elevators is my only complaint"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG

Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG

3.5 out of 5
25 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
The price is Rp2.392.940 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp2.392.940
Rp2.809.074 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,345 reviews)
"My wife and daughter loved there was a Starbucks a short walk down the street, maybe 5 minutes, this was their morning routine. The restaurant was good, prices were in line with other spots in the area, however, I did not like being told the restaurant closes at 9:30, even though hours say 10. Not ..."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

3 out of 5
10 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is Rp2.271.162 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp2.271.162
Rp2.666.118 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,627 reviews)
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Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent 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 Rp2.849.893 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp2.849.893
Rp3.345.489 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,619 reviews)
"Wonderful breakfast and restaurant. Pool is small. No hot tub."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
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 Rp2.563.257 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
Rp2.563.257
Rp3.009.007 total
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,518 reviews)
"staff was very helpful and friendly"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

citizenM 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 Downtown Chicago

The Loop - Downtown featuring a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(187 area reviews)

Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan 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 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
Default Image

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

Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier 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
Magnificent Mile - River North which includes street scenes, signage and night scenes

Near North Side

4.5/5(248 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Near North Side. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

Near North Side


Downtown Chicago Travel Guide