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Top Things to Do in Downtown / The Loop

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Downtown / The Loop, Chicago

Top Things to Do in Downtown / The Loop

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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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285 results sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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Showing results 1-30 of 285

What travellers are saying

  • Katlangner
    Miami, FL29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I loved the collection at the Chicago Art Institute. I’m an avid art fan so I love visiting museums. I think this is my favorite museum in the US. The American and Impressionist collections are really exquisite. I highly recommend you visit if your in Chicago!
    Written 2 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brenna H
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Millennium Park in Chicago is a must-visit! The iconic Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) is even more impressive in person, reflecting the city’s skyline in a cool, surreal way. The park itself is spacious, with beautiful green areas, stunning art installations, and a great vibe. I loved walking around the Crown Fountain, watching the video projections and water spray. It’s a perfect spot to relax or snap some great photos. Definitely a highlight of Chicago!
    Written 5 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laurence P
    Newhaven, UK439 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very high and stunning views.
    One of the better viewing platforms we had in America.
    The information at the start gives all teh history you need to know.
    Written 26 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • badgerma1
    Chicago, IL22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I attended the tour of Graceland Cemetery and found it fascinating. Our tour guide, Robin S, was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. The group asked a lot of questions and it took a lot to stump her! For anyone who is a fan of “The Guilded Age”, this is a trip into Chicago’s version of that HBO show. It made for a perfect way to spend an afternoon for anyone intrigued by Chicago’s history or cemeteries in general. (Note in the photos that we even had a coyote sighting!)
    Written 7 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laurence P
    Newhaven, UK439 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lot better in real life than on pictures. Quite surprised at the size. Intersing to find out about the British designer too. Well worth stopping here for a hour.
    Written 26 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Roselyn S
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was incredible to walk in the windy city, it has different energy that u can feel. Its must see place of city and night with lights, it would be incredible
    Written 14 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jessica G
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Horribly interesting museum, worth the visit as it is a different kind of experience. Staff was very friendly :) Thanks
    Written 1 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Noraatc
    Sudbury, MA40,000 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We lived close to the River and admired its clear waters on every walk. Chicago River is unrecognizable now thanks to the very bold cleanup project of routing Lake Michigan water into the river and making it a shining beauty of Chicago. What a contrast from the dingy poisonous river of the old days to the glistening turquoise transparent waters of today!
    Written 21 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • The_Gallagher_7
    Cornelius, NC85 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing that such beauty and history are free for the observer. We enjoyed our walk through the building to see the treasures.
    Written 5 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Potomac_11
    Potomac, MD472 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This beautiful fountain is worth a visit. It sits between Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago, and is a great place to take a break with an ice cream, coffee, or beer,
    Written 9 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sanju_222323
    New Jersey17,351 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aside from Cloud Gate and Buckingham Fountain, The Chicago Theatre's red and yellow marquee is perhaps one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. At the northern edge of the Loop, The Chicago Theatre first opened its doors in 1921 as an extravagant movie theater and performance venue. Between the theater's unmistakable sign and its stunning façade, it's impossible to miss this stunning Chicago landmark.

    the theater has hosted such big names as Duke Ellington, Diana Ross and Prince, in addition to screening blockbuster flicks. The theater's historic appearance enhances the overall experience of catching an event here. Just remember, cameras and video cameras, including those on cell phones, cannot be used during tours or performances.

    It is a few blocks northwest of Millennium Park. Even if you don't have time to check out a show, be sure to pop in or schedule a tour to get a closer look.
    Written 23 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Amilcar Guzman
    Harwood Heights, IL1,065 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Top notch museum in the heart of downtown Chicago. Also a hidden gem in terms of historical greatness in the city. Amazing vibes!
    Written 20 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • doctorfoxtrot
    Taguig City, Philippines13,227 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A huge radius encompassing everything. From shops , restaurants, convenience stores , hotels , theaters , historical buildings. Seeing an upward train , it reminds you of typical downtown. Be wary however of occasional sketchy situations at certain areas specifically at night time .
    Written 12 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Irina
    United States14,350 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the very famous theatres in the Theatre District of Chicago Loop is James M. Nederlander Theatre -- an active participant of Broadway in Chicago program.

    I always look forward to visiting this theatre, that was designed by the renowned architects Rapp & Rapp, and built in 1926. The theatre was renovated in 1996-1998, and it has always preserved its historic, oriental looks indoors (the original name of the theatre was "Oriental"), and also the well-recognized marquee and blade sign, which since 2019 has "Nederlander" name on it . If you are in the area of Randolph Street, you can see this theatre at 24 W Randoplh from afar.

    The theatre has a lavishly and richly decorated lobby, a large, impressive auditorium with a capacity 2,253 seats. In the lower part of the lobby there's a bar, and multiple restrooms.

    We came to see the matinee play of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which is a long, 2,5 hours play with a 20 min intermission between the two acts. The author of the script book (published 2016) is J.K. Rowling, and the playwright is Jack Thorne.

    Our seats were at BALCLC (Balcony, Left Center), Row F, which is quite high on the steep elevation of the balcony, very distant from the stage, and seats are very small and tight. All this influenced the perception of the play, which was well-directed and performed by a large cast. The sets, costumes, illusions, magic and dance numbers were very good, from what we could see from that far and high up.

    The play was received very well, especially by younger viewers (I talked to some during the intermission), and the whole cast did their best to perform and make it interesting and exciting for the grateful audience.

    It was nice to visit James M. Nederlander Theatre again. I enjoyed its historic ambiance very much. The theatre was renamed several times -- from Oriental to James M. Nederlander (1922 -- 2016) -- who was a legendary American producer on Broadway, and the theatre preserves the historic grandeur and cultural importance in modern times.
    Written 23 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • worktotravel14
    Trenton, NJ3,909 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Chicago skyline is stunning. With most of the city located by the lake, take a walk there and take in absolutely spectacular views, set to what feels like Caribbean blue water.
    Written 30 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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