Downtown Chicago

Chicago

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

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

Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is RM492 per night from 26 May to 27 May
RM492
RM578 total
26 May - 27 May
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! (8,792 reviews)
"Accessible"

Reviewed on 11 May 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 RM691 per night from 26 May to 27 May
RM691
RM811 total
26 May - 27 May
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. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,031 reviews)
"I would definitely stay here again. Everything is comfortable and clean. Wish I had more time to explore the area more."

Reviewed on 10 May 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
3.5 out of 5
198 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL
The price is RM727 per night from 20 May to 21 May
RM727
RM854 total
20 May - 21 May
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! (2,208 reviews)
"Alicia was always accessible, friendly and helpful. The hotel was reasonably priced and gave more bang for the buck than nearby hotels commanding 2 to 3 times the nightly rate. They allowed us check in before 3 pm and got us our room early so we could enjoy the full day without hauling our luggage ..."

Reviewed on 11 May 2025

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
Warwick Allerton - Chicago
Warwick Allerton - Chicago
4 out of 5
701 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is RM482 per night from 26 May to 27 May
RM482
RM673 total
26 May - 27 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and in-room massages. Our guests praise the ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,856 reviews)
"Love it !"

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

Warwick Allerton - Chicago
The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
4.5 out of 5
909 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is RM675 per night from 26 May to 27 May
RM675
RM922 total
26 May - 27 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"We had classes at the John Hancock Center. This hotel was directly across the street! The staff were nice. Dining was a little confusing as there is one entrance for breakfast and a different entrance for the same restaurant for dinner. I would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 11 May 2025

The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
Fully refundable
The price is RM512 per night from 27 May to 28 May
RM512
RM601 total
27 May - 28 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,142 reviews)
"The Staff were amazing and very friendly! The riverside view was beautiful. Super close to all kinds of restaurants. Very safe area. Good prices for the location."

Reviewed on 11 May 2025

River Hotel
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 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
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
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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 which includes wild flowers 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. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.

Streeterville
Magnificent Mile - River North

Magnificent Mile

Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.

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

Near North Side

4.5/5(248 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Near North Side. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

Near North Side


Downtown Chicago