The Loop
The Loop
4.5
About
This 35-block district in downtown Chicago is the commercial core of the city and home to some of its most iconic buildings and artworks.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience The Loop and nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Neighbourhood: Downtown / The Loop
Often visitors' first stop in Chicago, The Loop is a good starting point to sample the city's energy and flavor. This central business district boasts Michelin-rated restaurants, upscale hotels, premier shopping, and enough arresting architecture to keep your camera busy for hours. You won’t find too many photo galleries of downtown Chicago without a shot of Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. A stunning skyline coupled with cultural attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago present a Downtown where work and play peacefully coexist.
How to get there
- Harrison • 2 min walk
- Harold Washington Library – State/Van Buren • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,021 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,024 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,263 reviews
Excellent
747
Very good
415
Average
80
Poor
19
Terrible
2
doctorfoxtrot
Taguig City, Philippines13,722 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
A huge radius encompassing everything. From shops , restaurants, convenience stores , hotels , theaters , historical buildings. Seeing an upward train , it reminds you of typical downtown. Be wary however of occasional sketchy situations at certain areas specifically at night time .
Written 12 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN8,591 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
The Loop refers to downtown Chicago and specifically to the area marked by the L Trains (elevated trains) that circle around the city. This is the financial, commercial and entertainment heart of the city. It is also filled with hotels, restaurants, and bars and much that can be enjoyed by visitors including the Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, taking an architecture by boat along the Chicago River, or visiting nearby Grant Park and Millennium Park. The area is generally safe although some caution is needed at night, and you should remain aware of your surroundings after dark.
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia20,819 contributions
Apr 2022
The Loop refers to two things:
1. it is the most central part of downtown Chicago encircled by the Chicago river on north and west and Lake Michigan to the east, down to the Field museum on the south.
2. It is the iconic elevated train system on massive metal structures above the streets circling that area. Consider it ugly or not, it is worldwide unique and seen in so many movies. The only downside is it is not free like in Miami.
The Loop area boosts with prime city attractions such as the Willis tower, Millennium park with Cloud gate, Art Institute, Buckingham fountain....to name just a few.
Plan at least a whole day to visit it properly.
1. it is the most central part of downtown Chicago encircled by the Chicago river on north and west and Lake Michigan to the east, down to the Field museum on the south.
2. It is the iconic elevated train system on massive metal structures above the streets circling that area. Consider it ugly or not, it is worldwide unique and seen in so many movies. The only downside is it is not free like in Miami.
The Loop area boosts with prime city attractions such as the Willis tower, Millennium park with Cloud gate, Art Institute, Buckingham fountain....to name just a few.
Plan at least a whole day to visit it properly.
Written 22 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻
Los Angeles, CA9,077 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
I first visited downtown Chicago as a wide eyed California kid, when we came east to visit family (and fondly remember the Carson Pirie Scott and Marshall Fields of the 60's).
Whenever I visit, I make sure to wander through The Loop as I recall the stories my parents told of growing up there. They, too, rode the L and went to the Chicago Theater.
I was last in the city about two years ago, and was happy to see things have improved much since the early post pandemic era. May this continue.
Whenever I visit, I make sure to wander through The Loop as I recall the stories my parents told of growing up there. They, too, rode the L and went to the Chicago Theater.
I was last in the city about two years ago, and was happy to see things have improved much since the early post pandemic era. May this continue.
Written 2 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jgbtravels
Louisville, KY4,874 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Unfortunately Covid and perhaps the protests have led to a number of businesses being closed on State Street just south of Macy’s (Formerly Marshall Field’s). There seems to be many empty storefronts along this area. However, it’s a bit better along Michigan Avenue where you can enjoy the architecture. Hopefully as restrictions are lifted these empty storefronts will be occupied as more tourists visit the area and more workers return to The Loop. Other than visiting the Art Institute and the Contemporary Museum of Photography we didn’t spend much time in area this visit.
Written 26 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kbharti101
Mumbai, India48 contributions
Aug 2022
Must visit when in Chicago. Lot of Bars and Restaurants, and options for Public transport. Numerous busses, and multiple train lines. Buying a Ventra Card should be the first thing on your to do list when you arrive Chicago. Buy it from any train station and start using the busses and trains. Saves a lot of money. Ventra Card (must buy).
Written 14 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Razorfish
Little Rock, AR5,491 contributions
Jul 2022 • Business
My wife and I made our first trip to Chicago this past July on a business conference that I attended. We stayed in the North Loop on the River, which was a very central location for restaurants and tours. We went to the Art Institute, Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, Willis Tower Skydeck, and a Cubs and White Sox game. Overall, it was a great trip.
Written 1 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JeffBreedlove
Atlanta, GA4,640 contributions
Jun 2019
Love the Loop. We especially enjoyed the walks along the river. This is fun and safe way (at least the the daytime) to explore Chicago. There are so many photo ops and so many ways to enjoy the Loop that it deserves several visits.
Go Enjoy!
Go Enjoy!
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
slstraveller
Panama City, Panama145 contributions
Feb 2020
Really nice city, loved Chicago!
I had a good weather for be winter, had a nice walk around and enjoy the great architecture. Is amazing the mixes of the building designs. Easy acces by train. I really enjoyed my stay
I had a good weather for be winter, had a nice walk around and enjoy the great architecture. Is amazing the mixes of the building designs. Easy acces by train. I really enjoyed my stay
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irina
United States14,692 contributions
Dec 2019
To the south from Chicago River, across from DuSable Bridge and N Michigan Ave, lies the downtown part of Chicago - known as the Loop. It is a very exciting place to visit, even in winter months. We were there last December, 2019 - a great time to enjoy this bustling city and its vibrant life. The Loop is commonly referred to as a business part of town. You can visit its famous shops (classic Macy's on State St, shops mall at Block 37, and many others), enjoy its theaters with 'Broadway in Chicago' program - i.e. pre-Broadway run of the latest plays and musicals, visit various types of excellent old and modern restaurants, admire contemporary outdoor art by famous artists (Calder, DuBuffet, Picasso, Miro, and many others), visit a grand Chicago Symphony, or spend a day (or more!) at the Art Institute of Chicago - a real gem of a museum ... There's so much to see and to enjoy! Willis Tower is one of constant attractions in the Loop.
It's very convenient to move around the area, using a well-developed Chicago Railway system (CTA), or the underground Pedway system, highly usable during cold or rainy days.
We stayed in a historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel (built in 1871), that is right in the center of the Loop, close to all the main attractions of the city, it was a party time in the lavishly decorated hotel, hosting a lot of guests from different parts of the world.
The east part of the Loop, that is close to Lake Michigan is probably more enjoyable in warmer weather - but I still managed to take some photos in Millennium Park, with stunning skyline views of the city.
I can talk about Chicago forever, because I love it. So, if you you are into a non-stop life-style of a big, modern city - the Loop is just the right part of Chicago to visit, to explore, to enjoy and to remember! ...
It's very convenient to move around the area, using a well-developed Chicago Railway system (CTA), or the underground Pedway system, highly usable during cold or rainy days.
We stayed in a historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel (built in 1871), that is right in the center of the Loop, close to all the main attractions of the city, it was a party time in the lavishly decorated hotel, hosting a lot of guests from different parts of the world.
The east part of the Loop, that is close to Lake Michigan is probably more enjoyable in warmer weather - but I still managed to take some photos in Millennium Park, with stunning skyline views of the city.
I can talk about Chicago forever, because I love it. So, if you you are into a non-stop life-style of a big, modern city - the Loop is just the right part of Chicago to visit, to explore, to enjoy and to remember! ...
Written 29 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a station accessible by elevator for a wheelchair?
Written 15 July 2019
Unfortunately, many stations are not equipped with an elevator. The following CTA 'L' train stations are NOT wheelchair accessible. Users of wheelchairs and those who cannot ascend long flights of stairs should not attempt to utilize these inaccessible stations, many of which are in the downtown "Loop."
BLUE Line — Addison, Austin, Belmont, California, Chicago, Cicero, Clinton, Damen, Division, Grand, Harlem, Irving Park, LaSalle, Monroe, Montrose, Oak Park, Pulaski, Racine, Washington, Western
BROWN Line — LaSalle/Van Buren, Randolph/Wabash, State/Lake
GREEN Line — Adams/Wabash, Austin, Madison/Wabash, Oak Park, Randolph/Wabash, Ridgeland, State/Lake
ORANGE Line — Adams/Wabash, LaSalle/Van Buren, Madison/Wabash, Randolph/Wabash, State/Lake
PINK Line — Adams/Wabash, LaSalle/Van Buren, Madison/Wabash, Randolph/Wabash, State/Lake,
PURPLE Line — Adams/Wabash, Central, Dempster, Foster, LaSalle/Van Buren, Madison/Wabash, Main, Noyes, Randolph/Wabash, South Boulevard, State/Lake
RED Line — Argyle, Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, Clark/Division, Harrison, Jarvis, Lawrence, Monroe, Morse, North/Clybourn, Sheridan, Thorndale, Wilson
YELLOW Line — All stations on the Yellow Line are fully wheelchair accessible.
Go to the website for wheelchair travel and search Chicago public transportation for more information. I copied the above information from the website for you. Trip Advisor does not allow website links to be posted here.
Written 17 July 2019
Is there a pass you can purchase for transportation around Chicago, trains etc..
Written 20 October 2016
Yes. The Chicago Transit Authority sells day passes for $10 and three day passes for $20. Google the CTA for more info. By the way, Chicago now uses a Ventra Card that costs an additional $5 but you can cash it in at one ad the stations before you leave I believe. Or you can keep it if you are coming back to Chicago in the future. You tap in to use it at the turnstiles. This is very similar to the Oyster Card used in London. Oh, the day pass is good for 24 hours from the time you first use it. Just google the CTA for videos of how to use it and fares, etc.
Written 20 October 2016
Showing results 1-3 of 3
Related Stories
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing