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.
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Top ways to experience The Loop
The area
Address
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
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2,820 within 5 kms
Attractions
580 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,262 reviews
Excellent
746
Very good
414
Average
81
Poor
19
Terrible
2
kate b
Scottsdale, AZ123 contributions
Aug 2023
This is a great place if you just want some food but aren't picky about it. Excellent for families and was the perfect place for after-sports for kids gatherings. I felt the chicken cesar wrap and onion rings were too spicy. They also might use MSG based on the swelling of the ankles that followed. But kids will love it and parents can have a beer.
Written 5 August 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.
BradJill
Hong Kong, China159,170 contributions
May 2023
The Loop is the main part of downtown in Chicago situated between Lake Michigan to the east, the Chicago River to the North and West and W Randolph Road to the south.
It is where you find major commercial activity, historic skyscrapers, buildings and other structures, important entertainment venues, museums, galleries, public art installations, monuments as well as hotels, eateries, bars, coffee shops and retail shopping.
The Loop is a major area for tourism activity and a place that you will most likely spend significant time during holidays in the city.
It is where you find major commercial activity, historic skyscrapers, buildings and other structures, important entertainment venues, museums, galleries, public art installations, monuments as well as hotels, eateries, bars, coffee shops and retail shopping.
The Loop is a major area for tourism activity and a place that you will most likely spend significant time during holidays in the city.
Written 29 May 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.
Eva
Bothell, WA160 contributions
Apr 2023
The Loop is the business district that encompasses the financial district, jewelry district, fashion district and theater district. Lined with great restaurants and shops, it's the central point that is a must visit.
Written 16 April 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.
Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻
Los Angeles, CA8,273 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.
Jesus Z
Monterrey, Mexico37 contributions
Sep 2022
It's a great area.
You'll walk a lot so make sure you have comfortable shoes. There are a lot of bars, restaurants, shops.
You can rent scooters and bikes.
You'll walk a lot so make sure you have comfortable shoes. There are a lot of bars, restaurants, shops.
You can rent scooters and bikes.
Written 30 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.
kbharti101
Mumbai, India37 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.
TYPSUKR
Arlington, VA758 contributions
Aug 2022
Arrived downtown via the "el" train, and after going up the Willis Tower, we then set out on a self-guided walking tour of the Loop, with a focus on architecture, specifically Art Deco. In addition to the regular hustle-bustle of the downtown business district, there are a number of historic buildings from earlier eras, reflecting different architectural designs. The Loop is generally well-maintained and mostly pleasant to walk around.
Written 11 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, AR3,810 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.
annelb123
Lincoln, RI10 contributions
Aug 2022
The loop is ok during the day but some of the bars and restaurants closed kind of early, not sure if is due to residual covid or keeping crime down.
Written 16 August 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.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia17,664 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.
mrsdag
Overland Park, KS42 contributions
Is there a station accessible by elevator for a wheelchair?
traveltheworld012
Rochester, MN13,734 contributions
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.
allteal
Yulee, FL105 contributions
Is there a pass you can purchase for transportation around Chicago, trains etc..
jgbtravels
Louisville, KY3,446 contributions
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.
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Claim your listingTHE LOOP: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Loop
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience The Loop:
- Gangsters and Ghosts Tour in Chicago (From €31.99)
- Chicago Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour (From €50.27)
- Chicago Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours (From €80.32)
- Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food & Walking Tour (From €73.12)
- Private Al Capone Gangster Tour in Chicago (From €804.37)
- Hotels near The Loop:
- (0.21 km) The Blackstone, Autograph Collection
- (0.27 km) Hotel Blake
- (0.29 km) Le Méridien Essex Chicago
- (0.23 km) Hilton Chicago
- (0.27 km) Sentral Michigan Avenue
- Restaurants near The Loop:
- (0.00 km) South Loop Club
- (0.05 km) Jimmy John's
- (0.09 km) Buddy Guy's Legends
- (0.16 km) Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
- (0.10 km) Devil Dawgs
- Attractions near The Loop:
- (0.09 km) Buddy Guy's Legends
- (0.21 km) Fox in a Box Chicago
- (0.19 km) Jazz Showcase
- (0.10 km) Wabash Arts Corridor
- (0.15 km) SculpTours