Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park makes for a truly stunning setting for live music and performance.
Home to parks, top museums, excellent restaurants, luxury hotels and fascinating history—all in the city’s central business district—The Loop has everything you need to start a visit to Chicago on the right foot. Here are 25 can’t-miss spots in the Chicago Loop.
Where To Eat
120 N. Upper Wacker Drive / Website
This one-two punch of power dining spots from world-renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés—Bar Mar seafood-focused on the first floor, Bazaar Meat for steak lovers upstairs—has deservedly become the go-to place for expense account diners in the loop.
180 N. Upper Wacker Drive / Website
One of Bonhomme Group’s original hits is still going strong thanks to its smartly curated menu of eats and drinks and sumptuously decked-out interiors and expansive riverside patio.
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12 S. Michigan Ave. / Website
Located atop the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, this hot spot scores with breathtaking views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. Sip on creative cocktails paired with creative New American cuisine while enjoying the lushly decorated setting.
24 S. Michigan Ave. / Website
In prime location across from Millennium Park, this upscale yet amiable gastropub is known for its well-executed comfort food (poutine, fish and chips) and extensive whiskey collection.
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222 N. LaSalle Drive / Website
A swanky scene and classic steakhouse cuisine have made this lively spot a hit for business diners, visitors and locals alike.
See Also: The Ultimate Magnificent Mile Guide
What To See & Do
Georges-Pierre Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” (1884, oil on canvas, 81 3/4 inches by 121 1/4 inches), The Art Institute of Chicago, Helen Birch Bartlett Memorial Collection
111 S. Michigan Ave. / Website
Considered one of the finest museums in the world, this must-visit destination for art aficionados boasts masterpieces like Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” Monet’s “Water Lilies” and Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” among its collection of nearly 300,000 works.
The Joffrey Ballet's White City-themed production of The Nutcracker
Multiple locations
From cutting-edge drama at The Goodman Theatre to world-renowned Joffrey Ballet and Lyric Opera performances at the Lyric Opera House, Tony-winning classics produced by Broadway in Chicago and renowned classical music by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Loop is ground zero for the city’s world-class performance scene.
The recent exhibition REFRAMED: The Future of Cities in Wood is typical of the thought-provoking programming at the Chicago Architecture Center.
111 E. Wacker Drive / Website
This recently opened destination for all things architecture in Chicago features exhibitions and a variety of programs and tours—including the always-fascinating river tour aboard Chicago’s First Lady led by specially trained CAC docents.
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201 E. Randolph St. / Website
It’s hard to believe that this iconic attraction has only been around since 2004; with free concerts, world-famous public art like Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) and even a skating rink in winter, it’s become the undisputed heart of downtown Chicago.
233 S. Wacker Drive / Website
Boasting the highest views in the city from 1,353 feet in the sky—not to mention The Ledge, a glass balcony that extends four feet from the Willis Tower's 103rd floor—this is one of the city's prime attractions.
See Also: The Ultimate River North Guide
Where to Shop
111 E. Wacker Drive / Website
From books and housewares to unique Chicago souvenirs, this riverside destination is a one-stop shop for that just-right Windy City keepsake.
180 N. LaSalle St. / Website
Professional athletes and Chicago power players alike know ESQ as one of the city’s top spots for bespoke men’s clothing, whether for a wedding or just everyday wear. Be sure to check out the brand’s proprietary bamboo shirts.
111 N. State St. / Website
Formerly Marshall Field’s, this historic retail destination is one of the city’s last great department stores, with expansive collections of men’s and women’s fashions plus home goods and more. During the holiday season, festive window displays and the great Christmas Tree in the Walnut Room restaurant still draw crowds.
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51 S. Jackson Blvd. / Website
Established in 1996 by expert hatmaker Graham Thompson, this men’s hat shop in the historic Monadnock Building is renowned for its craftsmanship and eye for detail.
See Also: The Ultimate Gold Coast Guide
Where To Stay
12 S. Michigan Ave. / Website
A chicly contemporary hotel in a landmark 1893 building, this buzzing property boasts luxury amenities and top-notch dining in a can’t-miss location in the heart of the city.
17 E. Monroe St. / Website
One of the grandest of Chicago hotels, this Loop icon was established by legendary magnate Potter Palmer in 1873 and has welcomed a parade of A-list guests ever since.
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85 E. Wacker Drive / Website
The former London Guarantee and Accident building overlooking the Chicago River has been transformed into one of the city’s hippest hotel properties, including always-hopping social hub LH Rooftop.
See Also: The Ultimate West Loop Guide
Where To Relax
200 N. Columbus Drive / Website
Recently launched at the Fairmont Chicago, this nature-inspired facility boasts eight treatment rooms and a full menu of treatments like botanical booster facials and a lavender lymphatic massage.
17 E. Monroe St., 5th floor / Website
From massage and facials to nail services, hydrotherapy and more, this oasis inside the Palmer House is a favorite spot for self-care.
201 N. State St., 5th floor / Website
At this recently relaunched hotel spa just south of the river, you can indulge in specialized treatments like the Chicago Fire & Ice massage with heated and cooled stones; the Hydrafacial featuring Naturopathica vegan clean beauty products; couples treatments in a dedicated suite and more.
Hit The Town
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175 N. State St. / Website
This grand, century-old venue was the nation’s first large movie palace and now hosts must-see shows ranging from standup comedy stars to touring acts like Ed Sheerin and Bonnie Raitt.
85 E. Wacker Drive, 22nd floor / Website
Arguably the best and buzziest rooftop bar in the city, LondonHouse’s 22nd-floor aerie beckons with stellar views, an A-list scene and creative bites and libations.
39 S. LaSalle St., 2nd floor / Website
Tucked away on the Gray Hotel’s 2nd floor, this inviting space boasts a top-notch mixology program and a library-meets-lounge vibe that draws visitors and locals alike.
See Also: The Ultimate Pilsen Guide
Hidden Gems
78 E. Washington St. / Website
Millennium Park and the Art Institute get most of the attention on Michigan Avenue south of the river, but this stately 1897 structure (formerly the city’s main library) is worth a visit for its two magnificent stained-glass domes, gorgeously restored Grand Army of the Republic Hall and Rotunda, and robust free programming of exhibitions, performances and lectures.
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410 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd floor / Website
On the 2nd floor of the historic, recently restored 1887 Fine Arts Building (a hidden gem in itself), this indie bookstore and authors’ fave hosts regular readings and features an expanding selection of vinyl along with a curated repertoire of books across genres.
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77 W. Washington St./ Website
Surrounded by skyscrapers in the heart of the Loop is the Chicago Temple Building, home to Chicago’s oldest religious congregation. Along with a ground-level worship space, the building also features a literal chapel in the sky 400 feet above the city that was created in 1952 as a gift of the Walgreen family and is still in use today. Visitors can tour the magnificent space on Sundays after worship services, Wednesdays after 12:10-12:40 p.m. service, and Saturdays at 2 p.m.
Check out our Ultimate Chicago Neighborhood Guide here.
Photography by: Pritzker Pavilion photo by Norman Timonera; Bazaar Meat photo by Garrett Sweet; Beatnik photo by Wade Hall; Cindy’s photo by Nick Gerber; Gage photo by Tim McCoy; Joffrey photo by Cheryl Mann; CAC photo by Anna Munzesheimer; CAC Design Store photo by Tom Harris; LondonHouse photo by Nathan Kirkman; Vol. 39 photo courtesy of Kinship; Chicago Cultural Center photo courtesy of DCASE
