South Loop Travel Guide

Chicago

South Loop which includes a city and a high-rise building
South Loop
South Loop
South Loop
South Loop featuring street scenes and night scenes
South of downtown Chicago, this neighborhood features cultural activities, sports and convention centers and a great dining and nightlife scene.

The South Loop offers waterfront access and some of Chicago’s most popular attractions. Tour cultural sites, watch professional football or enjoy the breeze blowing in over Lake Michigan as it fills the sails of hundreds of boats.

Spend several days exploring the attractions of Museum Campus. Field Museum is named for Marshall Field. See the extraordinary science and natural history exhibits initiated by this major city benefactor more than 120 years ago. The collection now includes more than 30 million specimens.

Nearby in Shedd Aquarium are animals from 80 water habitats of the world, including the Amazon River, Great Lakes, Caribbean Sea and vast oceans. Enhance your kids’ experiences with a submarine ride, play time in a penguin suit or a gentle touch of a sturgeon and a stingray.

From the ocean depths, move to the reaches of outer space at Adler Planetarium. Numerous exhibits and shows provide insight to space exploration and space bodies. On select days the Doane Observatory offers viewing of the sun or night stars. In summer, bring swimsuits to the 12th Street Beach south of the planetarium.

Find a different culture at one more Museum Campus location, Soldier Field. Here the Chicago Bears play professional football from August through December.

If you’re in Chicago for a convention, you’ll likely visit McCormick Place, one of the nation’s largest convention centers. Stroll to this impressive set of buildings to enjoy lake views and shop or dine inside. Its southern grounds include McCormick Bird Sanctuary, where millions of birds stop during spring and fall migrations.

North of Museum Campus is the large Grant Park with beautiful gardens and the impressive centerpiece, Buckingham Fountain. Attend a summer concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, with free seating on the Great Lawn.

Find great restaurants and clubs across the South Loop area. Be sure to sample Chicago deep-dish pizza. Purchase a CityPASS for discounted access and VIP entry to multiple venues, giving you more time to enjoy popular South Loop attractions.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in South Loop

Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is ฿3,401 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
฿3,401
฿3,992 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Apr - 3 Apr
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! (8,643 reviews)
"Excellent service, the facilities are very comfortable, clean, and the view is beautiful. Definitely a nice place worth visiting again."

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hilton Chicago
Hilton Chicago
4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is ฿5,652 per night from 1 May to 2 May
฿5,652
฿7,632 total
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 4-star historic hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,738 reviews)
"We enjoyed our visit to this hotel. It’s in a great location. Has parking on site. Many things are within walking distance. It’s great that they have 2 pools (indoor and outdoor). I would definitely recommend this hotel if you’re staying in Chicago."

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2025

Hilton Chicago
Best Western Grant Park Hotel
Best Western Grant Park Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1100 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is ฿2,744 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
฿2,744
฿3,221 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,502 reviews)
"Great location, friendly staff, and awesome bakery in the lobby area"

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2025

Best Western Grant Park Hotel
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
2 out of 5
65 E Harrison St, Chicago, IL
The price is ฿2,722 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
฿2,722
฿3,195 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
6.8/10 (2,090 reviews)
"The extreme heat of the hotel was hard to deal with. Radiator heat, so hot! I know it’s an old building but goodness. There was no microwave or no small frig, for ppl traveling from outta state, those things help."

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2025

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
Sentral Michigan Avenue
Sentral Michigan Avenue
4 out of 5
808 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, Chicago, IL
The price is ฿4,015 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
฿4,015
฿5,710 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness centre, valet parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (680 reviews)
"Our family celebrated Christmas at this hotel. It was beautiful and clean. I will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2025

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop
Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop
3 out of 5
59 E. 11th Street, Chicago, IL
The price is ฿4,159 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
฿4,159
฿4,883 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,861 reviews)
"Duing our 5 night stay, we had one light housekeeping visit, the day before we left. Our reservations were for 3 people, there were only bath linens for 2. We had to request the extra set of towels, and coffee for each morning in the room. The complimentary breakfast was excellent, and very popular. ..."

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2025

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop
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 South Loop

South Loop which includes street scenes and night scenes

Near South Side

Travellers choose Near South Side for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Cermak-McCormick Place Station or Roosevelt Station and check out top sights like Soldier Field.

Near South Side
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
The Loop - Downtown featuring a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(187 area reviews)

Michigan Avenue and Art Institute of Chicago 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
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Near West Side

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Live music, theatres and shopping highlight some notable features of Near West Side. Make a stop by United Center or Credit Union 1 Arena while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Racine Station or Polk Station (Pink Line) to get around town.

Near West Side
Downtown Chicago featuring a city

Downtown Chicago

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Chicago
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West Loop

Consider a visit to Milwaukee Avenue and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in West Loop. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Racine Station or Ogilvie Transportation Center.

West Loop

South Loop Travel Guide