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Chicago is a bustling metropolis renowned for its incredible modern architecture, range of fascinating museums, and impressive views over the enormous Lake Michigan.
The vibrant atmosphere makes it the perfect destination for a fun vacation or weekend getaway, and its sheer size means visitors are spoiled for choice when booking accommodation.
Let’s take a look at some of Chicago’s best areas for tourists to help you decide where to stay during your visit to The Windy City.
Chicago Loop for Central Sightseeing
Highlights: The Art Institute of Chicago, Grant Park, Willis Tower, Theatre District, Millennium Park, Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), Museum of American Writers, Buckingham Fountain, Offshore Rooftop Bar
The Loop, also known as Chicago Downtown, is the city’s very central financial and business district. Huge office buildings, including Willis Tower, comprise the iconic urban skyline and these are reflected in the famed Cloud Gate sculpture (better known as “The Bean”) that lies in Millennium Park.
Several more parks comprise the urban green space that lies along The Loop’s lakefront area, and there are many museums and art galleries here including the Art Institute of Chicago. Chicago’s Theatre District lies in the northern portion of the Loop and this area comes alive in the evening as people flock to see plays, musicals, ballets, and operas.
Where to Stay in The Loop
If you want to be at the heart of Chicago with plenty of sights within easy walking distance, the Loop is a great base. It has excellent public transportation links and a great range of accommodation options, including high-end hotels, midrange guesthouses, and budget hostels.
Here’s where to stay in the Chicago Downtown area:
- Hyatt Regency is the largest hotel in Downtown Chicago with 2,000 rooms and suites on offer and multiple event spaces.
- The Langham is a luxury hotel set inside a stylish skyscraper and boasts an elegant collection of fine art dispersed throughout its rooms and common areas.
- Central Loop Hotel is a high-end establishment with a business and fitness center onsite, making it a popular spot for business travelers.
- Congress Plaza Hotel has hosted guests since 1893 and is considered one of Chicago’s best hotels thanks to its impeccable service and incredible views of Lake Michigan.
- The Royal Sonesta is a luxurious hotel with copious business and event spaces, onsite eateries, fitness facilities, and rooms with either river or city views.
West Loop for Foodies
Highlights: Eckhart Park, French Market, WNDR Museum, Union Park, restaurants
West Loop was once Chicago’s industrial district but is now one of the coolest and most diverse neighborhoods. Immigrants have played a huge role in defining the culture of the West Loop, which has a trendy, friendly atmosphere and is home to a wide variety of incredible restaurants, bars, and pubs.
This is a great location for foodies to stay in because it’s where some of Chicago’s best eateries can be found. Be sure to check out French Market for fantastic international cuisine. Fulton Market District is another foodie hotspot that’s home to many eclectic stores and boutique hotels as well as fantastic restaurants.
If you want easy access to Downtown with great food and drink options, West Loop is a great place to stay. It has a good range of accommodation on offer to suit most budgets.
South Loop for Culture
Highlights: Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field Stadium, Jazz Showcase, Buddy Guy’s Legends, Chess Records
South Loop is a predominantly residential area that lies south of Downtown and right next to the Museum Campus. Tourists flock here to discover a range of fascinating cultural attractions, including the Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, and McCormick Place Bird Sanctuary. The Museum Campus also contains Soldier Field arena which is home to the Chicago Bears football team.
There are some excellent bars and clubs in South Loop, including the iconic Jazz Showcase, and the area has a great music scene. It also has some cool historic buildings, particularly in the Printer’s Row area. This was the hub of printing in the American Midwest during the 1880s and 1900s, and it continues to be home to several excellent bookshops.
Where to Stay in South Loop
If you want convenient access to Chicago’s museums, South Loop is a good place to stay. Some of the hotels here have incredible lake views but they tend to come with premium rates.
Hilton Chicago has been one of the city’s most revered hotels since it opened in 1927 thanks to its excellent facilities and enviable position overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan.
River North for Nightlife
Highlights: Bars, nightclubs, House of Blues, Navy Pier, Chicago Children’s Museum
River North lies just across the Chicago River from Downtown and is a trendy area with fantastic nightlife. There are excellent bars, lounges, and clubs here, but there’s also no shortage of great attractions. The House of Blues and the Museum of Broadcast Communications are must-visit spots for fans of music. Families should head to Navy Pier for mini golf, boat tours, old-fashioned rides, and the Chicago Children’s Museum.
Where to Stay in River North
If you’re planning on making the most of Chicago’s nightlife, it makes sense to stay in River North which truly comes alive at night. Plus, you’ll have easy access to Downtown and the Theatre District.
Best Western River North is a comfortable, recently renovated hotel with an indoor pool and onsite parking available.
Magnificent Mile for Luxury
Highlights: Chicago Water Tower, Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Richard H. Driehaus Museum, Chicago Riverwalk
Magnificent Mile, officially called Michigan Avenue, is a stretch of opulent buildings that lies within the large neighborhood of Near North Side. It’s something of a commercial hub and is home to many global luxury fashion stores. There are some stunning landmark buildings here, including the Chicago Water Tower and the John Hancock Center.
Michigan Ave is renowned for its opulent properties and you can stay in some of them but it will come with a high price. If your budget doesn’t stretch to the high-end hotels here, you could settle for having dinner and cocktails here for a taste of Magnificent Mile luxury.
Where to Stay in Magnificent Mile
These are some of the best Chicago hotels in the Magnificent Mile:
- Four Seasons Chicago has a 5-star rating thanks to its impeccable service, spectacular views of the lake and skyline, and clean, modern design.
- The Peninsula Chicago is an opulent 5-star hotel with a full-service spa, an indoor swimming pool with cityscape views, multiple on-site eateries, and free WiFi.
- Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile is a stylish hotel with spacious rooms and suites that have floor-to-ceiling windows for epic views of Lake Michigan or the city skyline.
Old Town for History
Highlights: The Second City Comedy Club, Chicago History Museum
Old Town is one of the most historic parts of the city, having been established in 1850 by German immigrants. You can expect to see a mix of old and new architecture on tree-lined streets, with plenty of busy shops, restaurants, and bars to enjoy. The area’s biggest attraction is the renowned comedy club The Second City which helped to kickstart the careers of several of America’s best-known comedians including Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
The charm of Old Town makes it a popular place to stay for those who want to avoid the bustle of the very city center without missing out on lively nightlife. It’s a very walkable area with good public transport links.
Chinatown for Chinese-American Culture
Highlights: Ping Tom Memorial Park, Chinese American Museum of Chicago, The ART Gallery
Chinatown lies southwest of the South Loop along the Chicago River’s southern branch. It’s the center of Chinese culture in Chicago with more than a century of history to explore. Its core lies along South Wentworth Avenue, where ornate gates serve as an introduction to a busy street packed with gift shops, grocery stores, bakeries, and restaurants.
Visit the Chinese American Museum of Chicago to learn about the neighborhood’s past and present. For some peace and quiet, visit the serene Ping Tom Memorial Park where you can also take a water taxi for a scenic ride up to Downtown.
Hyde Park for Academia
Highlights: Museum of Science and Industry, DuSable Black History Museum, Jackson Park, Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum, Smart Museum of Art, Garden of Phoenix
Hyde Park lies in Chicago’s South Side and is home to several major academic and cultural institutions, including the University of Chicago, the DuSable Black History Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry. The area is sandwiched between two large green spaces – Washington Park and Jackson Park – so there are ample opportunities to get out into the fresh air when you stay here.
There’s a diverse mix of residents in Hyde Park, including students, families, and young professionals, which means there’s a great choice of local shops, bars, and restaurants to suit a variety of people. If you want to be surrounded by culture in relative quiet compared to the city center, Hyde Park could be a great place to stay.
Lincoln Park for Families
Highlights: Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Theatre On The Lake, North Avenue Beach
Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s greenest areas thanks to the sprawling lakeside green space that gives the neighborhood its name. There are several popular attractions here, including Lincoln Park Zoo, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and Lincoln Park Conservatory.
Many of the attractions in Lincoln Park are suitable for children and the copious green space and easy beach access make this a great area for families to stay in. There are some good hotels and guesthouses here — many of which are family-friendly.
Lakeview for Local Life
Highlights: Wrigley Field, The Vic Theatre, lakeside golf courses, Belmont Harbor
Lakeview is a relaxed neighborhood located north of Lincoln Park with gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. There are few major tourist attractions here, although Wrigley Field baseball stadium — home of the Chicago Cubs — draws many visitors on game days.
Stay in Lakeview for a slice of local life in Chicago. The restaurants and bars are unpretentious and welcoming. Plus, you’ll be able to make the most of Lake Michigan with the boating facilities on offer here.
Airport Area for Easy Access to Chicago O’Hare
Highlights: Schiller Woods, Lake Park Golf Course
Chicago O’Hare International Airport lies 19 miles northwest of Chicago Loop. If you’ll be in town for a very short stay, it makes sense to stay in one of the many hotels near the airport which are often cheaper than those in the city center. You can reach Downtown in around 50 minutes via the CTA Blue Line.
Wicker Park for Peace and Quiet
Highlights: Wicker (Charles, Joel) Park, Wicker Park Farmer’s Market
Wicker Park is a hip residential area known for its cool art galleries, live music and performance venues, and boutique stores. It’s named after a peaceful 4.75-acre park that lies at its heart and features a playground, sports grounds, and ornamental gardens.
There are some great coffee shops and restaurants in the area — most of which have more relaxed atmospheres than those in the heart of the city. This is a small neighborhood with a few charming boutique hotels and guesthouses to choose from.
Logan Square for Laid-Back Nightlife
Highlights: Logan Theatre, Illinois Centennial Monument, Logan Square Farmer’s Market
Logan Square is one of Chicago’s oldest neighborhoods and is renowned as a hub for the city’s creatives. Its streets are lined with attractive greystone buildings and there are plenty of cool eateries and bars to check out. Drop into Logan Square Farmer’s Market for fresh produce or tasty street food dishes, and hit up the local music venues after dark to experience a laid-back version of Chicago nightlife.
Gold Coast for Historic Architecture
Highlights: Charnley-Persky House Museum, Oak Street Beach, International Museum of Surgical Science
The Gold Coast was first established in the 1800s when wealthy businessmen built opulent mansions on the lakefront, and it remains one of the most glamorous parts of the city. Popular attractions include the historic Charnley-Persky House and the International Museum of Surgical Science.
Book accommodation in Gold Coast for a taste of the high life — you’re within easy walking distance of Old Town, River North, and the Magnificent Mile when you stay here.
Book Your Vacation Rental in the Windy City
All of these Windy City neighborhoods are very good bases for tourists who want to explore Chicago’s many attractions. Which area of Chicago will you book your stay for your visit to this lively city?
