Downtown Chicago

Chicago

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

The Wade

The Wade

4.5 out of 5
644 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is P8,619 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P8,619
P10,117 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,186 reviews)
"Everything was great. Thanks for an awesome experience."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 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 P10,736 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
P10,736
P12,603 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (8,929 reviews)
"Good for vacations"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 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 P9,169 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P9,169
P10,764 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,713 reviews)
"I love the room"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 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 P9,897 per night from Sep 4 to Sep 5
P9,897
P13,045 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
includes taxes & fees
Book a 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,855 reviews)
"Loved the Palmer House Hotel!!! The lobby, amazing decoration! I even took a picture of it to post on social. The bar and restaurant area, very popular and looked like everyone was enjoying themselves! The room, well, not the best, but this was an occasion where I booked last minute and through a ..."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 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 P8,681 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P8,681
P10,191 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,696 reviews)
"The only thing I didn't like is the bed. Too low for elderly and not firm enough."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

3.5 out of 5
198 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL
The price is P8,199 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P8,199
P9,625 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,642 reviews)
"Most hotels have terrible restaurants attached but this independent Australian cafe serves AMAZING coffee and food including fresh smoked salmon bagels which was my go-to. Anyone who has been to Australia knows they LOVE good coffee Down Under which is apparent here. The area is SO nice to walk to ..."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
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 showing a river or creek

The Loop

4/5(1 area review)

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 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 featuring wildflowers 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. Travelers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views, and popular shops.

Streeterville
Magnificent Mile - River North

Magnificent Mile

Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Magnificent Mile. Travelers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views, and popular shops.

Magnificent Mile
Magnificent Mile - River North which includes a city, night scenes and signage

Near North Side

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are a few top attractions in Near North Side. Hop around the city on the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) and check out the area's fascinating museums, panoramic lake views, and popular shops.

Near North Side


Downtown Chicago