Loop, Chicago guide

The Loop is Chicago’s busy downtown core, named after the circular train line that serves this bustling neighbourhood. All roads — and trains — eventually lead to this cauldron of urban energy, packed with skyscrapers, leafy parks, and some of the top museums and restaurants in the city. From epic riverside walks to one of the best performing arts scenes in the Midwest, here’s our travel guide to the Loop.

Loop highlights

Parks and plazas

Home to the famous ‘Cloud Gate’ sculpture (aka ‘The Bean’) and an acoustically perfect bandshell designed by Frank Gehry, Millennium Park is a year-round playground for locals and visitors alike. Follow the Skybridge east to kid-friendly Maggie Daley Park. Or walk west a few blocks to check out Picasso’s 15-metre-tall giraffe in Daley Plaza.

Top theatres

Chicago’s world-class performing arts scene is anchored in the Loop. Over the past century, scores of Broadway-bound productions have debuted here, and touring musicals tend to park in the theatre district for months at a time. In a category of its own is the iconic Chicago Theatre, whose nightly acts are advertised on its massive marquee.

Riverfront bliss

The Loop is bordered on the north by the Chicago Riverwalk, a beautifully landscaped pedestrian path that hugs the Chicago River. Grab a gelato and enjoy the stroll, or pause for a pint at the beer garden towards the eastern end of the path. During the warmer months, hop on a water taxi for a scenic cruise.

Things to do in Loop

Museums and culture

As the city’s former library, the Chicago Cultural Center is a stately building that only looks intimidating. All of the programming — from exhibitions to films and live music — is free. Don’t miss the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome, located in Preston Bradley Hall. And make time to stop into Buddy, the Cultural Center’s gift shop featuring works by local makers.

Family-friendly things to do

There’s no shortage of things to do with the family at Millennium Park. Not far from ‘Cloud Gate’, you’ll find the Crown Fountain, which has become the city’s biggest splash pad for cooling off during the summer. And Maggie Daley Park boasts an impressive network of playgrounds, a climbing wall and even a mini-golf course.

Nightlife

When the sun sets, the Loop empties of office workers and welcomes crowds heading to events in the theatre district and beyond. Between the jazz clubs, dive bars and hotel lounges, you’ll find lots of variety. Though there isn’t exactly a club scene to speak of here, plenty of spots maintain extended hours catering to post-event crowds.

Shopping

State Street is the Loop’s primary shopping strip, a holdover from the mid-19th century when elegant department stores were on every corner. For a glimpse of Victorian-era glamour, stop into Macy’s and look up at the Tiffany ceiling. Up the street is Block 37, an indoor shopping centre with familiar chains. State Street is also home to discount shops with bargains on brand-name labels.

Events

In summer, al fresco concerts at Millennium Park draw locals carrying blankets and picnic baskets to lounge on the great lawn. And the Riverwalk’s intimate Tiny Tapp stage hosts musical acts most nights of the week. The biggest event in winter is the European-inspired Christkindlmarket, which takes over Daley Plaza with a traditional Christmas market.

Restaurants

Whether you’re craving a Chicago-style hot dog or reservations at a fine-dining institution, you’ll find it in the Loop. At night, cosy dining rooms light up to serve the theatre-going crowd. During the warmer months, a rotation of food trucks park along Daley Plaza. For a memorable meal, dine at The Berghoff, one of the best restaurants in the Loop.

FAQs about Loop holidays

Is the Loop expensive?

With all its free things to do in Millennium Park and surrounding plazas,the Loopis one of the most affordableneighbourhoodsin Chicago for enjoying events and activities. Shopping is also affordable, given the range of options and discount stores. Even souvenirs are slightly less expensive on State Street than on Michigan Avenue.

Is the Loop safe?

The Loop is one of the safestneighbourhoodsin Chicago, especially during the day and early evening, when crowds flood the streets. Late-night solo wandering isn’t advised, and some blocks of the South Loop can be a little rougher. As a rule, walk in a group or get around by taxi or rideshare.

When is the best time to visit the Loop?

Busy year-round,the Loopis always exciting to visit. In the warmer months, footpaths spill over withtravellerstaking in the sites between shopping. Winters can be bitterly cold but festive. In November, Macy’s on State Street unveils its famous holiday windows, and Christkindlmarket takes over Daley Plaza.