Chicago Loop

Rivaled in the United States only by Manhattan’s Midtown in terms of size and scope, the Loop is Chicago’s buzzing, dynamic heart. Visit tourist destinations such as the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), popular landmarks such as Grant Park (which comprises Millennium Park, the Museum Campus, and other attractions), public artworks by artists like Pablo Picasso and Alexander Calder, the Chicago Theatre, the Chicago Cultural Center, and much more.

You’ll find the Loop on dozens of tour itineraries, from hop-on hop-off bus, bike, and Segway tours to themed walking tours. To see the Loop from the water’s edge, take a river cruise, which provides a speedy way to glimpse many of the Loop’s skyscrapers and other key sights.

• One of Chicago’s most famous landmarks, the Cloud Gate (nicknamed the Bean) is located in the Loop’s Millennium Park.

• Try Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza while in the neighborhood; it’s home to popular local chains like Lou Malnati’s, Gino’s East, and Giordano’s.

• The Loop has been featured in several blockbuster films, fromThe Dark Knight toFerris Bueller’s Day Off; and movie buffs may recognize local filming locations.

Located at the city center, the Loop is easy to reach by numerous forms of transit, including most El lines, commuter trains, many buses, water taxis, and more. The Loop is highly walkable and also is easy to explore by foot, car, and bike.

Visit the Loop during daytime hours, when commuters mingle with tourists and creatives, and when the area’s museums, boutiques, and monuments are most likely to be open. If you find yourself in the neighborhood after sundown, however, be sure to stick around: The Loop’s revamped downtown theater district, and its many bars and restaurants, make it an appealing place to wind down the day.

The Loop is host to many of Chicago’s top events and festivals. Head to the neighborhood to attend the Chicago Blues Festival, Lollapalooza, the Taste of Chicago, and more. In March, the Chicago River is dyed a vibrant shade of green to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Yes, the Chicago Loop is walkable and is a good destination for a walking tour. The 35-block area is on a grid, which makes it easy to navigate. It’s the heart of downtown Chicago, so you can walk between Chicago highlights such as the Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Millennium Park.

The Chicago Loop is part of downtown Chicago, but it doesn’t make up all of it. The Chicago Loop is bounded by the Chicago River to the north and west; Harrison Street to the south; and Lake Michigan to the east. Downtown Chicago extends beyond the Loop, and comprises River North, Gold Coast, Streeterville, and Lakeshore East.

Yes, the Chicago Loop is a good area for safety, tourist attractions, and ease of getting around. However, it’s full of skyscrapers and some Chicago residents feel that this area isn’t very homely or that there’s much of a community atmosphere. You’re sure to enjoy visiting the Loop but might prefer to stay elsewhere.

The Chicago Loop is both a 35-block downtown neighborhood and a 1.8-mile section of the Chicago Union Elevated Railway (the El) that loops around the area. It’ll usually be obvious from context whether someone is referring to the neighborhood or the railway line, but it’s always good to check.

Yes, the Chicago Loop is an expensive place to live and can be expensive for visitors as there are many upscale hotels and restaurants. However, you don’t need to spend a lot of money here. There are free parks with art installations (namely Millennium Park) and great views of the skyscrapers (including the Willis Tower).

Both the Chicago Loop and the Magnificent Mile are good neighborhoods to stay in but which you prefer depends on what you want to see. The Loop is closer to top attractions such as the Willis Tower and Millennium Park, but the Magnificent Mile has more restaurants and is livelier in the evenings.