The Chicago Loop is a hotspot downtown district with many popular surrounding neighborhoods, each offering unique attractions and activities. With the South Loop and West Loop also nearby, it can be challenging to know their differences and where to begin exploring.
This complete travel guide will cover the top things to do in each Loop location and the best places to stay with public transit directions.
What is the Chicago Loop?
The Chicago Loop is the city’s Central Business District. It’s the largest central business district in the U.S. after Midtown Manhattan, with a bustling area, including art museums, globally recognized tourist attractions, national businesses, retailers, and a diverse dining scene.
It’s referred to as The Loop because the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) L Line train tracks form a loop above it that circles around the area.
The Loop is surrounded by several neighborhoods. Two of the largest surrounding areas are referred to as The South Loop (also known as Near South Side) and The West Loop (also known as Near West). There isn’t a North Loop or East Loop neighborhood. These are referred to as the North Side and East Side of Chicago.
Where is the Loop in Chicago?
The Loop district is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. The Chicago River (north and west), Ida B. Wells Drive (south), and Lake Michigan (east) form a perimeter around the district.
Fun Things to Do in The Loop & Nearby: A Complete Downtown Chicago Travel Guide
As a massive bustling district with surrounding neighborhoods, there are plenty of things to do in The Loop and nearby. Below is a breakdown of the top attractions, activities, and places to stay with Chicago public transit directions.
What to Do in The Loop & Its Surrounding Neighborhoods
Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is one of the most iconic attractions for locals and visitors alike. It’s a 27-foot riverfront with a 3.4-mile-long walkway offering urban waterway and metropolitan views. In addition to scenic walking, it offers many onsite activities, including the ART on the MART illuminating art installation, architecture and dining boat tours, and the Ward A. Montgomery Park.
The Chicago Riverwalk is located within the River North neighborhood. It has multiple entrances and public transit options. The Millennium Metra station is less than a 10-minute walk to the main entrance via the Orange and Red Lines. The Wacker (Upper) & Michigan bus stop is a two-minute walk to the main entrance via Buses 134, 135, or 136.
Museum Campus
Museum Campus is a beautiful 57-acre lakefront park and home to three of Chicago’s most famous museums, giving it its name:
•Alder Planetarium: A space science center with two dome theaters, an award-winning digital platform, and more.
•Field Museum: A hub for scientific research, educational, cultural, and environmental exhibits.
•Shedd Aquarium: One of the first inland aquariums in the world, with over 100 animal species and programs for conservation and field research.
It’s located at 337 E Randolph St, overlooking Lake Michigan. The Museum Campus/11 St train station is an 11-minute walk via the Metra Electric (ME) and South Shore Line (SSL). The Roosevelt & Michigan/Indiana bus stop is a 13-minute walk via Bus 12 and 146.
Grant Park
Known as “Chicago’s Front Yard,” Grant Park is a must-see recreational destination. It has over 312 acres that host Chicago’s top events like the Lollapalooza Music Festival, the annual Taste of Chicago food festival, and the Chicago Marathon.
In addition to events, there are various outdoor activities like Buckingham Fountain, one of the world’s largest fountains with an illuminating water display, the 18-mile Chicago Lakefront Trail, and a skate park.
Grant Park is located at 331 E Randolph St (Columbus Drive), with many entrances along its 312-acre stretch. The Harrison Metra is the closest train station, taking you to the heart of the park via the Red Line, and is a nine-minute walk. The Museum Campus/11 St bus stop is the closest option, an 11-minute walk via the ME and SSL Line.
Fulton Market District
Credit: Fulton Market District
The Fulton Market District is one of the most popular things to do in The Loop neighborhoods. It has over 120 restaurants/retailers, 700+ hotels, and almost 4.5 million square feet of leased office space, with development plans to expand this vibrant area even further.
The Fulton Market District is within the West Loop, within the perimeters of West Madison Street (south), West Fulton Street (north), Ogden Avenue (west), and I-90/94 expressway (east). There are multiple entrances and public transit options.
The Morgan Metra takes you to the heart of Fulton Market via the Green and Pink Lines. The Grand & Aberdeen bus stop is a nine-minute walk to the center of the district via Bus 65.
Union Park
Credit: Gray Area
Union Park is a nearly 14-acre municipal park with many outdoor recreational activities for all ages, including:
•A fieldhouse with a stage and meeting rooms
•Baseball fields
•Basketball courts
•Playground
•Swimming pool
•Tennis courts
The park also hosts special events throughout the year, like Night Out in the Park concerts, movie screenings, and the Pitchfork Music Festival.
It’s located at 1501 W Randolph St. The Ashland Metra is only a minute’s walk via the Green or Pink Line. The Ashland & Lake bus stop is also a minute walk via Bus 9 and X9.
WNDR Chicago
Credit: WNDR Chicago
The WNDR Chicago is a top-rated immersive art museum with over 15 multi-sensory installations, summer camps, and special events year-round. It’s perfect for a creative date night, group friend outings, and families.
It’s located at 1130 W Monroe St. The Racine Metra is a nine-minute walk via the Blue Line. The Madison & Racine bus stop is a three-minute walk via Bus 20.
Where to Eat in The Loop & Its Surrounding Neighborhoods
Time Out Market Chicago
Credit: Time Out Market Chicago
Go on a food travel journey around the world at Time Out Market Chicago. It’s a massive 50,0000 square-foot food court with over 15 eateries, three world-class bars, a rooftop terrace, and a wall video installation. Enjoy delicious, diverse cuisine like coastal Indian, Ethiopian, German-American, and more.
Time Out Market Chicago is located within the Fulton Market District. The Morgan Metra is a three-minute walk away from the dining hall via the Green or Pink Line. The Hasted & Fulton Market is the closest bus stop, a four-minute walk via Bus 8.
VU Rooftop Bar
Credit: VU Rooftop Bar
Grab a handcrafted cocktail with stunning 22-story sky-high views at VU Rooftop Bar. They have a locally driven ingredient and beverage program serving breakfast, weekend brunch, dinner, and after-dinner menus. From green curry mussels to ube-infused cold brew vodka espressos and cranberry bread pudding, you can dine any time of day overlooking downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan.
VU Rooftop Bar is located at 133 E Cermak Rd within the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place. The Cermak-McCormick Place Metra is a four-minute walk via the Green Line. The Michigan & Cermak bus stop is a two-minute walk via Bus 1, 4, or X4.
Roots Handmade Pizza
Credit: Roots Pizza
You’ve likely heard of Chicago’s deep-dish pizza. But have you ever tried Quad Cities-style pizza with hand-tossed malt crusts? Roots Pizza not only offers unique pizza cuisine, but it also has a rooftop with scenic views of Printer’s Row historic buildings, where you can enjoy draft beers al fresco.
Roots Pizza is located in the Printer’s Row neighborhood, west of The Loop. The Harrison Metra is a five-minute walk via the Red Line. The Dearborn Street & Polk Street bus stop takes you to the entrance via Buses 22 or 62.
Restaurant Row
Credit: Bar Siena
Did you know the West Loop has a dedicated culinary location? Known as Restaurant Row, this downtown area is a food hub with more Michelin award-winners than any other city, speakeasies, family-owned bakeries, and more. From American steakhouses to adult arcade bars and wineries with puppy patios, Restaurant Row has something for all tastebuds.
Restaurant Row is stretched along W Randolph Street, between Halsted and Ogden Avenue, with various entrances. The Morgan Metra station takes you to the heart of Restaurant Row via the Green or Pink Line. The Halsted & Lake is the nearest bus stop to the Morgan Metra, a five-minute walk via Bus 8.
Greektown
Credit: Greektown Chicago
West Loop has a historic Greektown neighborhood where you can enjoy authentic Greek cuisine and immerse yourself in the culture. From traditional restaurants with outdoor terraces to bars with Cypriot treats and casual gyro cafés, there are various dining experiences to choose from here.
Greektown is located within the perimeters of W Madison Street (north), S Green Street (west), I-90 (east), and S Halsted Street (south), with multiple entrances and public transit options. The UIC-Halsted Metra station takes you to the middle of Greektown via the Blue Line. The UIC-Halsted Blue Line station bus stop is the nearest option to the UIC-Halsted Metra station, a three-minute walk via Bus 8.
Where to Stay in The Loop & Its Surrounding Neighborhoods
Marriott Marquis Chicago
Credit: Marriott Marquis Chicago
The Marriott Marquis Chicago has the largest convention center in the U.S., making it perfect for work travelers and business events. They offer scenic lakefront views of Lake Michigan and downtown with notable amenities. These include a two-story American restaurant, the Great Room, a fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a convenient one-mile location to the Museum Campus.
The Marriott Marquis Chicago is connected to McCormick Place on 2121 S Prairie Avenue. The Cermak-McCormick Place Metra is an eight-minute walk via the Green Line. The Cermak & Prairie bus stop is a two-minute walk via Buses 3 and 21.
The Blackstone Hotel
Credit: The Blackstone Hotel
The Blackstone Hotel has been a historic luxury hotel since 1910. It hosted multiple celebrities and politicians, like Teddy Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, and Al Capone. They offer top-notch amenities like the award-winning Mercat a la Planxa restaurant, lavish presidential suites, and a Crystal Ballroom for weddings.
The Blackstone Hotel is located at 636 S Michigan Avenue, right outside Grant Park. The Harrison Metra station is a five-minute walk via the Red Line. The Balbo & Michigan bus stop is across the street via Buses 2, 6, 26, 28, and J14.
Le Méridien Essex Chicago
Credit: Le Méridien Essex Chicago
A branch of Marriott Bonvoy, Le Méridien Essex Chicago is a luxury hotel with floor-to-ceiling window accommodations, an in-house bistro, and a meeting room that also hosts wedding events.
Le Méridien Essex Chicago is located at 800 S Michigan Avenue, also overlooking Grant Park. The Harrison Metra station is a seven-minute walk via the Red Line. The State & Polk bus stop is a four-minute walk via Buses 29, 62, and 146.
The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast
Credit: The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast
The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast is a top-rated option if you’re looking for an alternative to hotels in the West Loop. They’re a historic three-story boutique bed and breakfast with 11 uniquely themed rooms, a basement wine bar, and an intimate wedding venue.
It’s located at 108 N May St near the bustling Fulton Market District and Restaurant Row. The Morgan Metra is a nine-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line. The Madison & Aberdeen bus stop is a three-minute walk via Bus 20.
The Emily Hotel
Credit: The Emily Hotel
The Emily Hotel is not your ordinary boutique hotel. They have a rooftop cinema club on the fifth-floor terrace, an 8,000-square-foot event space, and a sushi speakeasy-style restaurant with a 90s hip-hop theme.
It’s located at 311 N Morgan St, conveniently in the heart of the Fulton Market District. The Morgan Metra is only a three-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line and is the closest public transit option. The Grand & Aberdeen bus stop is a nine-minute walk via 65.
Nobu Hotel Chicago
Credit: Nobu Hotel Chicago
If you want the peak of luxury hospitality, the Nobu Hotel Chicago should be your go-to choice. It has an upscale yet minimalist Japanese design throughout the building. From serene steam rooms to premium suites with cityscape views and rooftop Japanese cuisine dining by renowned chefs, it’s truly a unique stay experience in the West Loop.
It’s located at 155 N Peoria St near the Fulton Market District. The Morgan Metra is only a four-minute walk via the Green or Pink Line. The Halsted & Lake bus stop is a five-minute walk via Bus 8.
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