South Loop Travel Guide

Chicago
South Loop which includes 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


Top hotels in South Loop

Best Western Grant Park Hotel
Best Western Grant Park Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1100 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹9,156 per night from 27 May to 28 May
₹9,156
per night
27 May - 28 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
7.8/10 Good! (2,464 reviews)
"Best Western-Grant Park and the most friendly staff on call most of the times. I did interact with one or two not so friendly members. But everyone else helpful and sweet which out weighed the others"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Best Western Grant Park Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is ₹11,816 per night from 13 May to 14 May
₹11,816
per night
13 May - 14 May
Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
7.6/10 Good! (6,705 reviews)
Great hotel to start Route 66 from
"A great hotel to start our Drive on Route 66. Perfectly located to see a lot of Chicago. Just need more lights in the room"

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
2 out of 5
65 E Harrison St, Chicago, IL
The price is ₹9,298 per night from 28 May to 29 May
₹9,298
per night
28 May - 29 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
6.4/10 (1,641 reviews)
"I loved the location close to other attractions."

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
Hilton Chicago
Hilton Chicago
4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹13,625 per night from 27 May to 28 May
₹13,625
per night
27 May - 28 May
Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews)
"It's a large hotel with history. Room is fair at this price."

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Hilton Chicago
Sentral Michigan Avenue
Sentral Michigan Avenue
4 out of 5
808 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, Chicago, IL
Fully refundable
The price is ₹11,949 per night from 27 May to 28 May
₹11,949
per night
27 May - 28 May
Enjoy a fitness centre, valet parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9/10 Wonderful! (356 reviews)
"The facility is fantastic. Really enjoyed the gym and pool. Our premium apartment was not the best. Although the corner suite offered a fantastic view the apartment was dirty and run down. Trains are very loud. Not sure that I would stay here again. For the same price you can book something in the ..."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

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 ₹12,735 per night from 28 May to 29 May
₹12,735
per night
28 May - 29 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,769 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel and staff!"

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

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 Grant Park.

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)

Grant Park and Millennium Park 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 Grant Park 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 Union Park 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