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-metre) Ferris wheel. Get even higher at the Willis Tower Skydeck, a whopping 1,475 feet (450 metres) 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

The Wade

The Wade

4.5 out of 5
644 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is ฿4,894 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿4,894
฿5,745 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,210 reviews)
"The room and view were super nice. Even with not being on the waterfront side of the build we werent disappointed. Check in staff could be nicer but the bar staff was excellent. Nice and informative for travelers. The pier was i. Walking distance. Food and shopping all around and spotless insude ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

The Wade
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿6,096 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
฿6,096
฿7,156 total
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (8,995 reviews)
"Transportation by bus or subway is within a 5 minute walk, very easy. Hotel is across from a beautiful park. Lobby is nice but the hallways look very rough. It’s an old hotel with basic upgrades. Rooms were clean but shows it age. Beds were comfy. We checked our luggage upon arrival because our room ..."

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
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 ฿4,931 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
฿4,931
฿5,788 total
3 Sept - 4 Sept
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! (4,752 reviews)
"Great location. Nice size rooms. Breakfast was really good, only way to busy and crowded during that experience. They should extend the breakfast hours by an hour to reduce the over crowding. Overall good stay. Would return.."

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
The price is ฿5,620 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
฿5,620
฿7,407 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury 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! (1,881 reviews)
"Beautiful unique hotel, friendly staff and quiet for people who need to rest!"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
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 ฿4,638 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
฿4,638
฿5,444 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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! (3,738 reviews)
"Good 👍"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Freehand Chicago

Freehand Chicago

4 out of 5
19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL
The price is ฿3,413 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
฿3,413
฿4,577 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,237 reviews)
"Staff was able to get me checked in early,"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Freehand 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 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