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Loop
Profile
Chicago’s beating heart, the Loop is where everything and everyone in the city intersects. Downtown Chicago is one of the largest commercial districts in the US, second only to Midtown NYC in terms of size (but in many ways, second to none).
The Loop’s architecture is legendary. There’s always more to explore, with an apparently endless supply of historic buildings on every corner. The 108-story Willis Tower, affectionately still called “Sears Tower” by many, is a defining face of the city’s skyline. Of course there’s Millennium Park, home of “the Bean,” where you can catch free outdoor concerts in the summer. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover lesser-known architectural gems all around—like the Carbide and Carbon building, adorned with gold accents and art deco charm.
During the day, the Loop is all hustle and bustle, with trains snaking between skyscrapers, and people converging from all over the world. But as the sun sets, a sleepy wave washes over the area. Walk or ride your way along the river to find high-end restaurants, cozy pubs, world-renowned theaters, and even a full-scale opera house. Everything you need is a few steps from home. But with a myriad of trains and buses fanning out to the rest of Chicago, it feels like the entire city is on your doorstep (because it kind of is).
If you work in the Loop, you can be at your desk before most people catch a train. And with a massive hive of L stops, buses, and commuter lines, you can quickly and easily go anywhere in town. If you love living close to work, but still want to satisfy your weekend wanderlust, Loop living might be right for you.
If you’re looking for nights and weekends of action and adventure at your doorstep, you may need to look outside the Loop. But again, with so many transit options it’s super simple to hop aboard, head out, and explore. This civic center isn’t exactly the place for cozy cottages and that “neighborhood feel,” but if you crave stunning city views, towering urban architecture, and access to a strong arts and culture scene, the Loop is hard to beat.
The Loop is a daily whirlwind of electricity. It’s waking up late on a snowy morning, yet still getting to work on time—with a hot coffee steaming in your hands, no less. It’s a spontaneous spin through an art gallery on your lunch break. It’s glimpses of gargoyles under bright beams of neon. It’s looking up on your walk to work to realize that, once again, Chicago’s architecture has taken your breath away.
Backstory
Chicago was all but destroyed by a devastating fire in 1871. But this city never lets anything keep it down. As Chicagoans rose from the ashes of the blaze, they came back stronger than ever, constructing the Loop as a world class nexus of commerce and transportation. The oldest train lines of the “L” have been in continuous 24/7 operation for well over a century.
Built on a dependable grid system, Chicago’s streets always alert you of your proximity to the city center, making it hard to get lost and easy to get used to. And unlike many other major cities, Chicago has a massive network of alleyways, which helps keep sidewalks clean and clear. Alleys have been integral to the city’s design since the 1830s, and today there are over 1,900 miles of these concrete connections, more than any city in the country.
Evidence of Chicago’s redevelopment is everywhere in the Loop, including Lower Wacker: a stretch of subterranean street that reminds us just how many layers there are to this town. Even after living here for years, you’ll still find new slices of history and architectural styles everywhere you look—from Corinthian columns to Postmodern panache. One of the area’s oldest buildings, the neo-gothic Fisher Building, is worth a closer look: the terra cotta facade is completely covered in a sprawling variety of engravings that, despite their age, never get old.
Local Fare
- Exchequer Restaurant & Pub: An after-work spot for a burger and beer, where the walls are covered in newspaper clippings and photos celebrating Chicago’s history.
- ROOF on theWit: Cocktails and wood-fired pizza — 27 stories above the street, with sweeping city views.
- Cafecito: A casual Cuban cafe with an addictive selection of savory sandwiches, their tasty little espressos will wake up both your taste buds and your heart rate.
- French Market: This eclectic collection of world cuisine is a fun lunch stop when no one can agree on what to eat. Look for lots of local vendors, from empanadas to sushi, as well as a selection of fresh produce.
- Beatnik on the River: When you’re feeling fancy, sip bubbles and enjoy Mediterranean fare by the river. It’s easy to lose an afternoon on their whimsical waterfront patio.
Things to Do
- Chicago Cultural Center: Enjoy free classical concerts throughout the year.
- Architecture Tour: No matter who you ask about Chicago, these tours always seem to come up. Explore the best of the Loops’ exteriors and interiors on a charming boat ride so that you, too, can recommend it to your friends.
- Chicago Theater: Prepare to pick your jaw off the floor every time you step inside the Chicago Theater, America’s first all-glam movie palace. Today it hosts a diverse program of arts, music, and comedy, all accessible via the theater’s breathtaking staircase.
- Drunk Shakespeare: Classically-trained actors knock back shots, then stumble through a Shakespearean play. No two nights are ever the same.
- The Art Institute of Chicago: Exhibiting work by Magritte, O’Keefe, Picasso, and countless others, there’s no doubt the Art Institute is one of the best museums in the country. Perched on the edge of Millennium Park, it also has one of the best locations.
Sights to See
- Millennium Park: Known as the ‘front lawn’ of Chicago, Millennium Park welcomes everyone. Skate the ice rink in the winter, or bring a picnic to the Summer Music Series when warmer weather arrives.
- Maggie Daley Park: Nestled right next to the lake, Maggie Daley Park is a vibrant patch of green, and a breather from the Loop’s packed streets. With a climbing wall, mini golf, and strollable gardens, it’s also a great place to bring visitors.
- The Riverwalk: Lace up those Nikes and hit the tarmac. The Loop’s Riverwalk, at 1.25-miles-long, is a great place for a lunchtime stretch of the legs. Not into running? No problem. Rent a kayak, reserve a table, or spend a sunny afternoon with friends at one of the Riverwalk bars, watching riverboats cruise by below.
Transportation
From the Loop, you can get anywhere in Chicago. The Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines all circle the Loop, making it easy to catch multiple trains from the same platform. The Red and Blue Lines also run 24/7, and if you need to make a journey to the suburbs, jump on the Metra. For everything else downtown, a short walk or bike ride will usually get you where you’re going — complete with gorgeous views of the river, the lake, and iconic architecture.