Where to stay in Chicago: the best areas, with a walk through each
6 areas compared. Watch the streets before you book.
Chicago is a city of neighbourhoods spread along Lake Michigan, with a compact, walkable downtown at its heart. The 'L' trains run in a loop around downtown and out to the north and west sides, so most good bases are within 15 minutes of the lakefront and the big sights.
These are the six areas most visitors choose between. For each one you'll find who it suits, who should look elsewhere, what is on foot, and a walk through its streets before you book.
The best areas to stay in Chicago at a glance
| Area | Best for | Vibe | Getting around |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Loop | First-timers, Architecture, Museums | Historic skyscrapers, elevated trains and Millennium Park | All 'L' lines meet here; walk to the lakefront museums |
| River North | Nightlife, Food, Couples | Restaurants, galleries, rooftop bars and river views | Red and Brown lines; walk to the Loop over the river |
| Magnificent Mile & Streeterville | Shopping, Families, Lakefront | Flagship stores on Michigan Avenue and the lakefront close by | Red Line at Chicago and Grand; buses along Michigan Avenue |
| West Loop | Food lovers, Design lovers, Nightlife | Warehouse restaurants, Restaurant Row and Fulton Market | Green and Pink lines; walk or ride to the Loop |
| Lincoln Park | Families, Parks, Local life | Leafy streets, a free zoo and the lakefront park | Red, Brown and Purple lines; 15 minutes to the Loop |
| Wicker Park | Young travellers, Music, Vintage shopping | Indie music venues, vintage shops and dive bars | Blue Line to the Loop and O'Hare airport |
1.The Loop
- First-timers
- Architecture
- Museums
Walk through The Loop: video by Wind Walk Travel Videos on YouTube.
Downtown Chicago, inside the ring of elevated train tracks. It's home to Millennium Park and 'the Bean', the Art Institute, the Riverwalk and some of the world's most important skyscrapers.
Stay here if
- It's your first visit and you want the main sights on foot
- Architecture and museums are your priority
- You want the best train connections, including to both airports
Skip it if
- Quiet streets after office hours would feel empty to you
- You want a neighbourhood feel with local bars
Within a 10-minute walk
Millennium Park and Cloud Gate · Art Institute of Chicago · Chicago Riverwalk · Willis Tower Skydeck · Grant Park · Chicago Theatre
2.River North
- Nightlife
- Food
- Couples
Walk through River North: video by This Gemini on YouTube.
The lively district just north of the Chicago River, packed with restaurants, bars, art galleries and hotels. It's a short walk from both the Loop and the Magnificent Mile, and busy every night of the week.
Stay here if
- You want restaurants and nightlife on your doorstep
- You'd like the Loop and Michigan Avenue on foot
- You enjoy rooftop bars with skyline views
Skip it if
- You need quiet nights, especially around Hubbard Street on weekends
- You're on a tight budget
Within a 10-minute walk
Chicago River and Riverwalk · Merchandise Mart · Marina City · Hubbard Street bars · Gallery district · Navy Pier (a longer walk)
3.Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
- Shopping
- Families
- Lakefront
Walk through Magnificent Mile & Streeterville: video by GWE on YouTube.
Chicago's grand shopping boulevard on North Michigan Avenue, lined with flagship stores and historic towers, with the residential and hotel district of Streeterville between it and the lake. Navy Pier and the beaches are nearby.
Stay here if
- Shopping is high on your list
- You're travelling with children and want Navy Pier and the lake nearby
- You want upscale hotels in a central, safe area
Skip it if
- You want an independent, local neighbourhood
- You're looking for the lowest prices
Within a 10-minute walk
North Michigan Avenue · Water Tower · 360 Chicago observation deck · Navy Pier · Oak Street Beach · Museum of Contemporary Art
4.West Loop
- Food lovers
- Design lovers
- Nightlife
Walk through West Loop: video by Chicago POV on YouTube.
Former meatpacking warehouses turned into Chicago's hottest dining district, with Randolph Street's 'Restaurant Row', the Fulton Market area and stylish boutique hotels.
Stay here if
- Food is a highlight of your trip
- You like stylish boutique hotels
- You want a lively, modern neighbourhood close to downtown
Skip it if
- You want the lakefront and museums on foot
- You're on a budget
Within a 10-minute walk
Randolph Street Restaurant Row · Fulton Market · Union Station · Mary Bartelme Park · Greektown · United Center (a longer walk)
5.Lincoln Park
- Families
- Parks
- Local life
Walk through Lincoln Park: video by USA Thrill on YouTube.
A beautiful residential neighbourhood next to the city's largest park, home to the free Lincoln Park Zoo, a conservatory and lakefront beaches. Brownstones, boutiques and neighbourhood bars line its streets.
Stay here if
- You're travelling with children
- You want parks, beaches and a residential feel
- You'd like to experience how Chicagoans live
Skip it if
- You want to walk to the Loop sights
- You need lots of hotel choice: there are fewer big hotels here
Within a 10-minute walk
Lincoln Park Zoo · Lincoln Park Conservatory · North Avenue Beach · Armitage Avenue · DePaul University area · Lakefront Trail
6.Wicker Park
- Young travellers
- Music
- Vintage shopping
Walk through Wicker Park: video by Peaceful Explorations on YouTube.
A hip neighbourhood around the intersection of Milwaukee, North and Damen avenues, full of record stores, vintage shops, cafés, cocktail bars and music venues. The Blue Line runs straight to O'Hare.
Stay here if
- You want an independent, creative neighbourhood
- You love live music and bars
- You want a direct train to O'Hare airport
Skip it if
- It's a short first visit and you want the lakefront sights
- You'd prefer big hotels
Within a 10-minute walk
Milwaukee Avenue · The 606 trail · Wicker Park (the park) · Division Street · Bucktown · Flat Iron Building arts space
How to choose
For a first visit, the Loop, River North and the Magnificent Mile put the lakefront, museums and architecture on foot. The West Loop is best for food, Lincoln Park for families and parks, and Wicker Park for a younger, creative scene.
Getting around
The 'L' trains connect O'Hare (Blue Line) and Midway (Orange Line) airports with downtown, and a Ventra card or contactless payment covers trains and buses. The architecture boat tours on the river are one of the best ways to see the city.
Seasons
Summer is the best time for the lakefront, beaches and festivals, and the busiest for hotels. Winters are cold and windy, so a hotel close to a train station, or connected to indoor walkways, makes a big difference.
Where to stay in Chicago: common questions
What is the best area to stay in Chicago for first-timers?
The Loop or River North. Both are close to Millennium Park, the Art Institute, the river and Michigan Avenue.
Where should families stay in Chicago?
Streeterville, near Navy Pier and the lake, or Lincoln Park, with its free zoo and beaches.
Which Chicago neighbourhood is best for food?
The West Loop, with Randolph Street's Restaurant Row and Fulton Market.
Where should I stay in Chicago for nightlife?
River North for bars and clubs, and Wicker Park for live music and a younger crowd.
Is the Loop busy at night?
Parts of it are quieter after office hours, but theatres, restaurants and the Riverwalk keep the main areas lively in the evening.
Areas change over time. Check recent reviews and the exact location of your hotel before you book. Hotel links may earn Walking Atlas a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Keep exploring Chicago
The Chicago city guide has more 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Chicago city guide →