Where to Stay in Chicago (13 Best Places, By a Local)

Ok, now scroll down for a deep dive into the pros (and cons) of each area of Chicago:

13 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Chicago

The center of downtown Chicago is known as “the Loop.” All train lines meet and form a “loop” in this part of the city, hence the name. The Chicago River and Lake Michigan border the Loop, and other neighborhoods are located around it. 

Popular neighborhoods like River North, Gold Coast, and Lincoln Park are in the north. Areas like Wicker Park and West Loop fall to the west. Neighborhoods like South Loop and Hyde Park are to the south.

Chicago Loop

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Loop Hotels: LondonHouse Chicago • L7 Chicago by LOTTE • Chicago Athletic Association • Pendry Chicago • citizenM Chicago Downtown

The Chicago Loop is commonly referred to as “the Loop” by locals and is the heart of downtown Chicago. This is where all train lines meet or “loop,” giving the neighborhood its name. It’s the best area to stay if you’re a first-time visitor. 

The Loop is where you’ll find top attractions like Millennium Park (The Bean!), Willis Tower Skydeck, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Other places like The Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, The Field Museum, and Shedd Aquarium are reachable, too. Basically, staying in the Loop allows you to be in the middle of it all. 

Additionally, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and smaller attractions and museums in or near the Loop to keep you entertained. 

I recommend staying at the LondonHouse Chicago for its terrific location overlooking the Chicago River and overall value for its price and modern amenities. The hotel has a scenic rooftop, fitness center, basic spa, and private parking available. Guest reviews highlight the beautiful views as well as comfortable beds and spotless rooms.

If you want to be in a location that’s truly central to everything, you can’t beat the L7 Chicago by LOTTE. It’s a stylish, yet comfortable hotel with touches of Korean hospitality and an on-site restaurant. I actually stayed here myself and think it’s a perfect hotel for first-timers. See my full hotel review for more details.

The Chicago Athletic Association is another beautiful hotel in the Loop with boutique decor and views of Millennium Park and Grant Park. It even has a scenic rooftop bar called Cindy’s.

Pros of Staying in Chicago Loop Neighborhood:

• Central location
• Walkable
• Close to shops, restaurants, and top attractions
• Some of the best Chicago hotels are located here
• Accessible by Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines

Cons of Staying in Chicago Loop Neighborhood:

• Noisy
• Crowded
• Expensive
• Touristy

River North

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best River North Hotels: Freehand Chicago • The Westin Chicago River North • The Langham Chicago

River North is where to stay if you want to be close to the city center and partake in some nightlife. I’d especially recommend River North to young professionals who want that vibrant city feel. However, it’s a good area to stay for anyone new to the city. 

River North is located just north of the Loop across the Chicago River. This area is full of trendy restaurants, art galleries, bars, and clubs. You’ll be within easy walking distance of the Loop, Magnificent Mile, and other popular areas.

The Westin Chicago River North is a good overall hotel choice with a great location in River North. Freehand Chicago is ideal for families and those visiting on a budget. It offers family and bunk-style rooms.

The Langham Chicago is also located in River North. It’s known as one of Chicago’s most luxurious hotels with features like floor-to-ceiling windows, a wellness spa, and elegant rooms with views. If you’re looking for luxury, this is the place!

Pros of Staying in River North Neighborhood:

• Central location
• Walkable
• Close to shops and restaurants
• Vibrant nightlife
• Close to the Chicago River
• Accessible by Brown, Purple, and Red Lines

Cons of Staying in River North Neighborhood:

• Noisy from nightlife
• Less local character

Magnificent Mile

👉 Best Area For Shopping | ✨ Best Magnificent Mile Hotels: Park Hyatt Chicago • The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago • The Drake Hotel

The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s most famous shopping street, located on N Michigan Avenue. It’s sandwiched between River North and Streeterville, and a great area to stay if shopping is a priority.

You’ll find countless name-brand shops and landmarks here. Luxury shops include The RealReal, Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, and others. Places like the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Water Tower Place Mall are here, too. Notable Chicago landmarks lie along the Magnificent Mile, including the Historic Water Tower and 875 North Michigan Ave (formerly John Hancock Center). 

The downside to staying near the Magnificent Mile is that it tends to be more expensive since it’s a touristy area. Park Hyatt Chicago is an expensive hotel here, but it’s luxurious, has a great location, and views of Lake Michigan. The Drake Hotel is another option. This historic, classically-decorated hotel sits right up against Oak Street Beach.

Pros of Staying in Magnificent Mile Neighborhood:

• Great shopping
• Central location
• Walkable
• Close to Lake Michigan 
• Accessible by the Red Line

Cons of Staying in Magnificent Mile Neighborhood:

• Can be pricey
• A bit touristy 

Streeterville

👉 Best Downtown Area For Families | ✨ Best Streeterville Hotels: Loews Chicago Hotel • Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile • Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

Streeterville is located just east of the Magnificent Mile. I recommend Streeterville to families who’d prefer to stay downtown. It’s closest to Navy Pier, which is a popular attraction for families, as it’s home to rides, the Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago’s Funhouse Maze, and other activities. 

Places like The LEGO Store Chicago, American Girl Place, the Museum of Ice Cream, and Maggie Daley Park are within walking distance of Streeterville. Other attractions like Millennium Park, 360 Chicago at the John Hancock Center, and the Museum of Contemporary Art are close by.

Loews Chicago Hotel is a good choice for families and offers all the modern amenities you need. It’s even pet-friendly. Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile is similarly good for families but a little more budget-friendly. However, all the hotels mentioned for Streeterville are highly rated and offer family rooms.

Pros of Staying in Streeterville Neighborhood:

• Central location
• Family-friendly attractions nearby
• Close to shopping and restaurants
• Accessible by the Red Line

Cons of Staying in Streeterville Neighborhood:

• Can be noisy from nearby nightlife and hospital 
• Can be pricey
• Less local charm

Lincoln Park

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Lincoln Park Hotels: Villa D’ Citta • Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago • The Willows Hotel • The Neighborhood Hotel Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is the best place to stay in Chicago for families. This North Side neighborhood is walkable, safe, and full of green space. Lincoln Park is also a nice choice for returning visitors who are familiar with the city and want a quieter, local vibe.  

Here, you’ll have access to attractions like the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago History Museum, and North Avenue Beach. My favorite part of the neighborhood is the charming residential streets and historic homes, perfect for strolling. For shops and restaurants, the crossroads of Armitage Ave and Halsted St are where you’ll want to go. 

The neighborhood is full of brownstones and a variety of vacation rentals. Hotels are pretty limited, though. Hotel Lincoln is the main choice if you want to be centrally located. However, ratings have declined over the last few years, with guests saying that the hotel feels rundown and outdated. 

Instead, Villa D’ Citta is a good choice with a pretty central location right on Halsted Street, making it close to shops, restaurants, and Oz Park. The elegant B&B is located in a historic home and offers family rooms, with breakfast included.

Apart from Villa D’Citta, Hotel Lincoln, and vacation rentals, the rest of the neighborhood’s hotels lie a little more north, bordering Lake View (which is still a cool neighborhood). You’ll find Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago, The Willows Hotel, and The Neighborhood Hotel Lincoln Park (apartment-style accommodations).

Pros of Staying in Lincoln Park Neighborhood:

• Walkable
• Local charm
• Lots of local shops and restaurants
• Great access to parks in Chicago
• One of Chicago’s safest areas 
• Accessible by Brown, Purple, and Red Lines

Cons of Staying in Lincoln Park Neighborhood:

• Not the most convenient public transportation access
• Farther from downtown Chicago 
• Limited hotel options

West Loop

👉 Best Area For Foodies | ✨ Best West Loop Hotels: Nobu Hotel Chicago • The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast • The Hoxton, Chicago

The West Loop is the place to stay if you want to experience Chicago’s foodie scene. It’s one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods and ideal if you’re visiting for an event at the United Center.

This neighborhood is located west of the Loop and is chock full of trendy, upscale restaurants and bars. You’ll find some of Chicago’s best restaurants, like Girl & The Goat and Au Cheval, along with Time Out Market. There are so many other amazing restaurants here, though.

The West Loop is home to stylish, unique hotels that match the neighborhood’s lively vibe.

Nobu Hotel is a modern luxury hotel with two restaurants (one is a rooftop bar) right in the Fulton Market District. Nearby is The Hoxton, Chicago, a cozy yet chic hotel with a rooftop pool and three restaurants and bars, including a fun speakeasy called Lazy Bird.

The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast is another highly-rated boutique hotel with a more relaxed atmosphere.

Pros of Staying in West Loop Neighborhood:

• World-class food scene
• Trendy and lively atmosphere
• Accessible by the Green & Pink Lines

Cons of Staying in West Loop Neighborhood:

• Can be pricey
• Limited hotel options 
• Farther from top Chicago attractions

Wicker Park

👉 Best Area For Young People | ✨ Best Wicker Park Hotels: The Robey • Wicker Park Inn • Hyatt Place Chicago Wicker Park • Ray’s Bucktown Bed and Breakfast

Wicker Park is a fantastic neighborhood for younger visitors who want a vibrant yet local atmosphere while still having easy train access to downtown Chicago. 

Wicker Park is located northwest of the Loop. You’ll find tons of things to do in this neighborhood. It’s home to cool restaurants, coffee shops, music venues, and vintage boutiques. The vibe is buzzing but not too touristy. It’s a part of town that many locals love to visit and explore. There are also cute residential streets to wander down. I love the houses along Hoyne Ave.

I recommend staying at The Robey to be in the heart of Wicker Park. This hotel provides great views and a boutique atmosphere, plus a restaurant and rooftop bar. Wicker Park Inn is a good option for couples since it’s on a quieter residential street but is still close to everything.

If a local experience is really what you’re craving, check out Ray’s Bucktown Bed and Breakfast. This one-of-a-kind B&B is located in the more neighborhood-y part of Wicker Park/Bucktown and reflects the artsy, eclectic vibe that this part of the city is known for.

Pros of Staying in Wicker Park Neighborhood:

• Local charm 
• Artsy, trendy atmosphere
• Lots of shops and restaurants to enjoy
• Vibrant but not too touristy 
• Accessible by the Blue Line

Cons of Staying in Wicker Park Neighborhood:

• Farther from downtown Chicago
• Can be noisy 

Gold Coast

👉 Best Area For Luxury | ✨ Best Gold Coast Hotels: Viceroy Chicago • Thompson Chicago • Ambassador Chicago

Gold Coast is an affluent neighborhood in Chicago’s Near North Side. Stay here if you want luxury, peace, and quiet, but still want walkability to shops and restaurants.

Gold Coast is a mix of quiet residential streets and commercial shopping areas. You’ll find picturesque brownstones on tree-lined streets. Luxury stores like Giorgio Armani, Chanel, and Hermes can be found around Oak Street near the top of the Magnificent Mile. 

On the other hand, Gold Coast has easy access to nature and scenery. The famous Lake Shore Drive hugs the eastern edge of Gold Coast. You can easily access Lake Michigan and Oak Street Beach from this neighborhood. 

Viceroy Chicago is a luxurious hotel with beautiful rooms and an attentive staff that’s right in the middle of shops and restaurants. It’s a great option for couples staying in Chicago. If you want quieter luxury, book a stay at Ambassador Chicago, which is on a residential street just a stone’s throw from the lake.

Pros of Staying in Gold Coast Neighborhood:

• Luxurious atmosphere
• Safe
• Centrally located
• Walkable
• Close to Lake Michigan
• Accessible by the Red Line

Cons of Staying in Gold Coast Neighborhood:

• More expensive
• Not much nightlife

Old Town

👉 Best Area For Comedy Shows & Location | ✨ Best Old Town Hotels: Claridge House • The Sono Chicago 

Old Town is a great area for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s home to top-notch comedy venues. The iconic Second City Comedy Club is located in the heart of the neighborhood. You’ll also find local comedy spots like Zanies and BATSU! Chicago. And, you can easily hop on a bus or rideshare to reach more comedy clubs in nearby Wicker Park.

Secondly, Old Town is conveniently located at the crossroads of popular places. Lincoln Park (neighborhood and park), North Avenue Beach, and the Lakefront Trail are within short walking distance. Downtown areas like the Loop, River North, and Magnificent Mile are easy to reach, too.

There aren’t many hotels in Old Town, but Claridge House is a good choice just a couple of blocks from the main drag on Wells Street. Meanwhile, The Sono Chicago is a small B&B with complimentary breakfast and en-suite bathrooms.

I also recommend looking into vacation rentals for your stay.

Pros of Staying in Old Town Neighborhood:

• Very walkable
• Convenient location
• Close to other popular areas
• Plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from
• Great area for comedy clubs

Cons of Staying in Old Town Neighborhood:

• Limited hotel options

South Loop

👉 Best Area For Museums & Stadium Events | ✨ Best South Loop Hotels: Homewood Suites • The Blackstone, Autograph Collection • Hilton Chicago

South Loop is located where it sounds: south of the Loop. Stay here if visiting museums is a top priority, or if you’re in town for an event at Soldier Field.

The South Loop is home to Chicago’s lakefront Museum Campus. Here, you’ll find the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium. The South Loop also puts you near the southern edge of Grant Park. So, you can easily access the Art Institute and Millennium Park. 

Soldier Field is located in the South Loop and is the home to the Chicago Bears football team. Many stadium concerts are held here, too. Homewood Suites is a good mid-range hotel choice for its proximity to Museum Campus and Soldier Field.

If you want something a little more upscale, The Blackstone, Autograph Collection is a historic 4-star property right across the street from Grant Park.

Pros of Staying in South Loop Neighborhood:

• Close to popular Chicago museums and Soldier Field
• Accessible by the Red, Orange, and Green Lines
• Close to downtown Chicago

Cons of Staying in South Loop Neighborhood:

• Not as walkable as other neighborhoods
• More limited hotel options

Hyde Park

👉 Best Area For History & Culture | ✨ Best Hyde Park Hotels: Sophy Hyde Park • Hyatt Place Chicago-South/University Medical Center • The Study at the University of Chicago

Hyde Park is a historic neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. I recommend Hyde Park to those who are less interested in tourist attractions and more interested in Chicago’s history and culture. 

The University of Chicago is located here. Its beautiful campus features Gothic-style architecture and is worth strolling around, especially in the fall. This also makes Hyde Park a good place to stay for prospective college students of the university. 

Other attractions in Hyde Park include the Museum of Science and Industry, Frederick C. Robie House, and the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. 

I recommend staying at Sophy Hyde Park, a highly-rated boutique hotel. It’s within walking distance of shops and restaurants and about a mile from the Museum of Science and Industry and the University of Chicago. If you’re a prospective student of UChicago, The Study at the University of Chicago is the perfect scouting hotel.

Pros of Staying in Hyde Park Neighborhood:

• Local charm and history 
• Attractions to explore 
• Vibrant local culture 
• Walkable areas
• Lots of shops and restaurants
• Accessible by the Green Line 

Cons of Staying in Hyde Park Neighborhood:

• Far from downtown attractions
• Limited hotel options 

Lake View

👉 Best Area For Sports & Local Charm | ✨ Best Lake View Hotels: Hotel Zachary • Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel • City Suites Hotel • Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago

Lake View is a more local neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side. It’s great for visitors catching a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field. It’s also good for returning visitors who want to experience a local side of the city with a relaxed but still lively atmosphere.

A handful of smaller neighborhoods make up Lake View. These include Wrigleyville, Boystown, Northalsted, Lake View East, and Central Lake View. Wrigleyville is the best area for Chicago Cubs fans since Wrigley Field is located here. Boystown is a great area for LGBTQ+ visitors, as it’s especially LGBTQ-friendly. 

Lake View is highly walkable, and there are cool places to explore. Check out Music Box Theatre and Southport Corridor. Or, simply walk down any of the main streets, like Broadway or Clark Street, and you’ll find restaurants and shops to browse. Lake Michigan borders Lake View, so you’ll have easy access to less crowded Lake Michigan beaches, too.

Need a hotel? Hotel Zachary is a highly-rated boutique hotel across from Wrigley Field and right by the train. Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel is another good option and features a mix of traditional hotel rooms, suites, and rooms with kitchenettes.

Pros of Staying in Lake View Neighborhood:

• Lots of shops, restaurants, and dive bars
• Famous live music venues 
• Walkable
• Safe 
• One of the easier places to drive in Chicago
• Accessible by the Brown, Purple, and Red Lines

Cons of Staying in Lake View Neighborhood:

• Farther from the city center 

Andersonville

👉 Best Area For Small Town Vibes | ✨ Best Andersonville Hotels: The Guesthouse Hotel • House 5863 – Chicago Bed and Breakfast 

I love visiting Andersonville when I’m craving small-town vibes and a more quaint, local feel. This neighborhood is located on Chicago’s far north side, about 30 minutes by car or 50 minutes by train from the Loop. 

It’s definitely a little out of the way. However, Andersonville is perfect for repeat Chicago visitors and people doing longer stays. It’s also ideal for those who want a more laidback and local experience while still having decent access to bigger attractions. 

The main drag is filled with unique local shops and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to be if you just want to browse and window shop. Think home stores, bookstores, antique shops, bakeries, and more. Some of my favorite spots are Five Elements Home, The Understudy Coffee and Books, and FOLK.

Andersonville doesn’t have a ton of hotel options, but The Guesthouse Hotel is a beautifully decorated suite-style hotel nearby. I also recommend looking into vacation rentals.

Pros of Staying in Andersonville Neighborhood:

• Charming local atmosphere
• Tons of independently owned shops, restaurants, and businesses 
• Not far from Chicago beaches
• Very walkable 

Cons of Staying in Andersonville Neighborhood:

• Pretty far from downtown Chicago 
• Farther from top attractions and museums around Chicago
• Limited hotel options

Tips for Staying in Chicago

Pick a Neighborhood Based on Your Planned Activities & Attractions 

One of my top Chicago travel tips is to select your must-see attractions, figure out where these activities are located, and decide where to stay accordingly. My list of 70+ things to do in Chicago is a great resource to get you started. 

For example, the Chicago Loop and other downtown neighborhoods put most visitors in a good spot to see the popular main attractions. But visitors who are more interested in things like vintage shopping, cafes, and neighborhoods might choose somewhere like Wicker Park or Andersonville. And if a family-friendly vacation with trips to the park, zoo, and lake are on your agenda, Lincoln Park might be a better choice.

Choose the Right Time to Visit

The best time to visit Chicago is between late spring through the fall. These times of year offer the most enjoyable weather for exploring the city. Summer can get hot, but it’s my absolute favorite time of year. Choose the right season to maximize your itinerary in Chicago. 

… But Consider the Off-Season, Too

Despite the warmer months being more pleasant overall, that’s not to say that the off-season doesn’t have its perks. The reality is that Chicago is an expensive city, and hotel rates tend to be highest during the summer. Not to mention the most crowded. 

If you can handle the cold, it’s worth considering visiting Chicago during the winter. November temps usually aren’t too bad, and December brings holiday festivities. January and February are the quietest and coldest months in Chicago, but that means much cheaper hotel rates and uncrowded museums and attractions. 

Just pack accordingly if you visit in winter. Things like proper layers, a warm coat, hat, and gloves, etc. See my Chicago packing list for more ideas.

Take Public Transportation Most of the Time

Public transportation is pretty reliable and extensive throughout the city. I encourage you to use it to get around Chicago during the day. However, use ride shares if you plan on being out late at night just to be safe. 

Note that taking the train is a great way to go to and from the city and the airports. Hop on the Blue Line to reach Chicago O’Hare and the Orange Line to get to Chicago Midway. This is also a great tip for visiting Chicago on a budget.

Book Restaurant Reservations Ahead of Time

Book restaurant reservations as early as possible for peace of mind. This is especially important if you want to dine at popular Chicago restaurants like Girl and The Goat, Monteverde, and others. 

Explore Beyond the Loop

Chicago has tons of exciting things to see, do, and experience downtown. But I believe the best of Chicago lies beyond the Loop in different neighborhoods. I highly encourage you to venture beyond downtown and explore Chicago neighborhoods beyond the ones in this guide. 

📚 Related Reading: 60 Things to Do in Chicago

Want More? Listen to My Chicago Podcast Episode!

If you liked this post, you’ll love my Chicago episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming Chicago”). 

I talk about where to stay in Chicago at minute mark 09:53. Here are the hotels I mention in the episode:

• LondonHouse Chicago
• Chicago Athletic Association

The host, Betty, and I also discussed the best things to do in Chicago (04:21), public transit & getting around Chicago (16:54), Chicago travel tips and nightlife (25:24), why more people should visit Chicago (01:50) and all the other common questions about travel to Chicago.

Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in Chicago.

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Chicago for first-timers?

The Chicago Loop, River North, and Magnificent Mile are the best areas to stay in Chicago for first-timers because all these areas are in downtown Chicago. These neighborhoods are centrally located and within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and top attractions.

What are safe areas to stay in Chicago?

Lincoln Park and Gold Coast are safe areas to stay in Chicago. However, staying in downtown areas like the Chicago Loop, River North, and Magnificent Mile are generally safe for visitors because these areas are touristy. 

When is the best time to visit Chicago?

The best time to visit Chicago is in the summer and fall. These seasons bring good weather and lots of festivals and events to the city. 

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I hope you found this guide helpful and feel better prepared for your visit to the Windy City. Read my 5-day Chicago itinerary for more planning tips.