The Loop is Chicago's official downtown area and a central hub for architecture enthusiasts. Many cruise ships explore this rich architectural legacy with the big city buzz. The Center River Cruise aboard First Lady Cruises offers an informative look at some important buildings from around town!
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustles of city life, head on down for some peace in Chicago's Loop. The Riverwalk is home not only to all-you-can-eat seafood restaurants with breathtaking views overlooking Lake Michigan but also award-winning art displays that will leave your jaw dropped!
From the iconic Chicago Cloud Gate to Maggie Daley Park, there's plenty for you at this side of town. The Millennium Park Campus also houses fantastic attractions like Lurie Garden and Crown Fountain. People come from all over just because it feels good being surrounded by beauty every day.
The Loop is a historic Chicago neighborhood bursting with iconic attractions. You can enjoy river cruises, Millennium Park (which features an incredible skyline view), or State Street for shopping - to name a few.
See the listings below.
Things to visit & do:
The historic Art Institute of Chicago is one of the top museums in America and a must-see for any culture vulture. The museum houses an impressive collection including masters such as Monet, van Gogh, and Picasso.
Dining and shopping options in Downtown Chicago reflect the city's dynamic character. Whether you're looking for an adventurous climb up to Willis Tower or want somewhere classic and sleek like The Ritz-Carlton, there are plenty of choices available here that will suit any taste - including vegan cuisine at Eataly's flagship store.
Grant Park is an expansive, three-hundred and nineteen-acre green space that borders Lake Michigan. The wide boulevards make for perfect strolling; there are numerous flower gardens, fountains (including one that sprays water 24 hours per day!), monuments to famous people who have lived here or worked at some point in their life as well as a skate park.
There's only one place that matters for outdoor music festivals in the Loop. The Petrillo Music Shell with seat front row overlooking Grant's Park on one side while having ample lawn space behind them along with high tech sound/lighting equipment ready at any moment - this venue indeed does provide everything you need from entertainment all day long without ever leaving downtown Chicago.
Transportation:
Located on the east coast of Illinois, just across from Lake Michigan and next to downtown Chicago. Drive here 45 minutes from O'Hare Airport, which serves various locations throughout this region and other parts around America or abroad.
Chicago's public transportation system, operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), is a cheap and easy way to get around town. The L train - short for "elevated" – provides access into downtown neighborhoods that have been revitalized in recent years because it runs above ground instead of underground as other CTA lines do.
The Lakeside Trail is a beautiful 19-mile long asphalt and concrete pathway which runs adjacent to Lake Michigan shoreline from Chicago's south side cultural center up through downtown. The best part about this trail? You can rent bikes or skateboard shoes at various points throughout town!
Schools:
The Chicago Downtown area is home to some of the best schools. The students can choose from Haines Elementary School, South Loop ES, and Jane Addams HTMHS for their education needs.
