Wondering where to stay in Chicago? Then you’ve come to the right place! There are plenty of great options for areas and places to stay in Chicago as it’s such a vast and action-packed city. Show
But where you choose to book your accommodations should depend on what you plan to do and see – with regular events, museums, the new Maxwell Street Market, a rich music scene, and much more, you’ll be busy during your visit. I should know – I’ve lived in Chicago for almost five years! Whatever you seek in Chicago, this guide details a variety of options for where to stay. And while you’re here, be sure to bookmark this guide to the best day trips from Chicago. Let’s dive in! Table of Contents
Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Thank you!  Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Chicago? Here are my top picks:
Okay, let’s do a deep dive of the best areas and neighborhoods in Chicago! 12 Best Neighborhoods & Places to Stay in ChicagoIn total, there are 77 neighborhoods in Chicago – each with its own distinct atmosphere and feel. Situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan, the city is organized by a grid layout with the Chicago River further geographically dividing it into the North Side, South Side, and West Side. Meanwhile, the central downtown area of the city is called “The Loop”. Let’s take a look at the best places to stay in the third most populated city in the US. The Chicago Loop👉 Best Area for First Time Visitors | ✨ Best Chicago Loop Hotels: Pendry Chicago • Viceroy Chicago • River Hotel Named for the elevated railway loop that circled the city in the late 19th century (it still does), The Loop is the most central downtown neighborhood of Chicago and the most obvious choice for many thinking about where to stay in Chicago. If you want to soak in tons of culture and vibrant city life, then The Loop will put you in reach of prominent cultural attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago (one of the world’s largest and oldest art museums) and The Chicago Theatre. Meanwhile, if you’re here for an event in Grant Park, like Lollapalooza or The Taste of Chicago, then you’ll be within walking distance. Additionally, this area is home to The Bean, officially known as Cloud Gate, located in Millennium Park, and the beautiful Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. For a different perspective, hop on the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s river cruise – you’ll get a great view of the Chicago River and the iconic Chicago skyline. Pros of Staying in The Chicago Loop:
Cons of Staying in The Chicago Loop:
West Loop👉 Best Area for Foodies | ✨ Best West Loop Hotels: Nobu Hotel Chicago • Hyatt House Chicago West Loop • Chicago Parthenon Hostel Located west of The Loop, as the name implies, the West Loop was once the meatpacking and warehouse district of Chicago that’s now a trendy and fun neighborhood. It’s a great choice if you’re wondering where to stay in Chicago and interested in other downtown Chicago neighborhoods. If you’re a foodie, then this will be a veritable smorgasbord for you. You can experience delicious dishes from all over the world in Restaurant Row, a truly world-class food scene. You’ll also love the French Market, where you can try all sorts of produce and creative pastries from around the world. If you’re a sports fan, then the West Loop is where to catch a Bulls or Blackhawks game during their respective basketball and hockey seasons. There is also Brooklyn Boulders for rock-climbing enthusiasts, the Arcade Emporium for gamers, and a variety of live music venues and pubs. Pros of Staying in West Loop:
Cons of Staying in West Loop:
South Loop👉 Best Area for Museum Enthusiasts | ✨ Best South Loop Hotels: Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago • The Blackstone, Autograph Collection • Hyatt Regency McCormick Place For museum lovers, the South Loop is a great choice for where to stay in Chicago. Here, you’ll see the lakefront Museum Campus – home to several top Chicago museums, including the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and Field Museum. The Shoreline Sightseeing Water Taxi’s Lake Route will take you to these popular things to do in Chicago. Soldier Field is here as well, so football fans can see a Bears game in the fall or winter, and live music fans can catch a show during the off-season. I also recommend going to various trade shows at McCormick Place Convention Center while you’re in the area. South Loop’s Motor Row District is also a must-see with many international restaurants, a theater, a brewery, and many other fun attractions. I also recommend heading to Prairie Avenue District and taking a walk along Millionaire’s Row– it’s home to gorgeous mansions that housed elite Chicago society members when the city was still new. Pros of Staying in South Loop:
Cons of Staying in South Loop:
Magnificent Mile👉 Best Area For Big Shoppers | ✨ Best Magnificent Mile Hotels: The Peninsula Chicago • Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile Suites • Ivy Boutique Hotel If you like luxury shopping, then the Magnificent Mile, or North Michigan Avenue, is the perfect place to stay in Chicago. There are so many boutiques and high street stores that even longtime locals, like myself, haven’t had time to visit them all. This includes Water Tower Place, home of the American Girl Place, and other stores that you’ll only find in Chicago. When I first drove up North Michigan Avenue to see the Magnificent Mile, what really struck me was the sheer majesty of the buildings. In particular, the Chicago Water Tower (which amazingly survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871), Wrigley Building skyscraper, Tribune Tower, and John Hancock Center are breathtakingly colossal! While here, you’ll want to visit an observation deck, like 360 CHICAGO, to see the city from 1,000 feet up. Pros of Staying in the Magnificent Mile:
Cons of Staying in the Magnificent Mile:
River North👉 Best Area for Nightlife | ✨ Best River North Hotels: Hyatt Place Chicago River North • Home2 Suites By Hilton Chicago River North • Hotel Felix River North is an incredibly vibrant and lively Chicago neighborhood. Just north of The Loop and the Chicago River, this neighborhood is home to many fine restaurants, clubs, and bars. If you want a place to stay in Chicago that remains active into the early morning so you can go dancing and clubbing, then this is it. Revolutionary architecture, not to mention unique art galleries, are key features of River North. You can have a memorable experience by simply taking a stroll down the Chicago Riverwalk and taking in your surroundings, or by veering off the path to theMART, where you can visit design studios and take fun classes. River North is home to famous live music venues of many kinds as well. The House of Blues and Redhead Piano Bar are staples, and jazz lovers will enjoy the Tortoise Supper Club. Pros of Staying in River North:
Cons of Staying in River North:
Near North Side👉 Best Area for Tourist Attractions | ✨ Best Near North Side Hotels: 21c Museum Hotel Chicago • The Chicago Hotel Collection River North • Hyatt Place Chicago River North If you’re interested in a hip and trendy experience during your stay in Chicago, then consider staying on the Near North Side. Even though this area was destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire, it has been revitalized to the extent that visiting all of the cocktail bars, bistros, and boutique shops at Merchandise Mart can take days. You can spend a day or more at Navy Pier, going to the IMAX cinema, playing miniature golf, riding the Ferris Wheel, visiting the Chicago Children’s Museum, going through Chicago’s funhouse maze, and experiencing a boat tour. Walking up Rush Street from the Chicago River is always a fun idea as well. If you love music, then you should definitely go to the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. There is also a lot to do at night, with all the clubs in this area and pub-crawling options. Pros of Staying in Near North Side:
Cons of Staying in Near North Side:
Hyde Park👉 Best Area for College Students | ✨ Best Hyde Park Hotels: Sophy Hyde Park • Best Western Plus Hyde Park Chicago Hotel • Chicago Lakeshore Hotel Home of the University of Chicago campus on the west end, Hyde Park is great whether you’re a young college student wanting to visit independent restaurants and shops, or a history buff looking to take in the sites. I recommend taking a walk around the University of Chicago campus to see all the stunning Gothic buildings, the Court Theatre, the Smart Museum of Art (which is free to visit), and many more impressive sites. There are also all sorts of modern amenities set in this rich historic district. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the DuSable Museum (the first institution that devoted itself to African American culture and history) are in this neighborhood. Also, on the east side, you’ll find the Museum of Science and Industry, which is an epicenter of culture and knowledge for anyone who wants to experience it. Pros of Staying in Hyde Park:
Cons of Staying in Hyde Park:
Logan Square👉 Best Area for a Community Experience | 🏠 Apartments – Logan Square Modern Curated Pet Friendly • Hip and Trendy 2BR Apartment • Bright and Cozy 1BR Apartment Logan Square is a rapidly changing area in the northwest part of Chicago, populated by artists and young professionals. Cool new restaurants are taking the place of closed storefronts, and people who live or stay in this area get to enjoy the Logan Square Farmers Market every Sunday. In this area, you’ll see stately limestone houses, famous street murals, and the Illinois Centennial Monument. Espousing the local culture is the historic Logan Theatre, home of the Chicago Underground Film Festival, which is the longest-running underground festival of its kind. There are also many options in the way of food and spirits. Foodies will love the unique fusion restaurants, noodle places, or one of many deep-dish pizza restaurants that locals and tourists alike love. I also recommend Longman & Eagle for any whiskey you could possibly want. Pros of Staying in Logan Square:
Cons of Staying in Logan Square:
Lincoln Park👉 Best Area for Outdoorsy Travelers | ✨ Best Lincoln Park Hotels: Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago • Hotel Lincoln, part of JdV by Hyatt • Chicago Getaway Hostel For anyone wondering where to stay in Chicago to enjoy the spring or summer, Lincoln Park may be ideal. Located on the north side of the lake, it’s close to public transit and the lakefront trail. The area contains a giant park with plenty of greenery (including a historic indoor botanical garden), a pavilion, and a lily pond – a great backdrop for a picnic! Here, you’ll find the Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park Conservatory, North Avenue Beach, and Lincoln Park Zoo. Theater buffs can enjoy a performance at the famous Steppenwolf Theater Company or the more quietly acknowledged Theatre on the Lake, and music lovers can hear live Chicago-style blues nightly until 4 am at Kingston Mines. There are also plenty of great eateries to enjoy in Lincoln Park while visiting Chicago, most notably Alinea – it’s at the top of Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago and one of the best restaurants in the world. Pros of Staying in Lincoln Park:
Cons of Staying in Lincoln Park:
Lakeview👉 Best Area for Peace and Quiet | ✨ Best Lakeview Hotels: The Willows Hotel • BEST WESTERN PLUS Hawthorne Terrace Hotel • City Suites Hotel For people who are looking to have a peaceful, relaxing vacation, Lakeview is a fantastic choice for your stay in Chicago. Just north of Lincoln Park, it’s known to be safe, quiet, and relatively peaceful, with a few boutique hotel options. Being low-key doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of things to do though! There are many casual eateries, street festivals in the summer, and performance art venues. You can also walk over to Lake Michigan and experience the lakefront trail, boat harbor, tennis courts, and more sites that can be a part of a great day outdoors. See our full guide to the best things to do in Lakeview for more. If you’re a baseball fan, then Wrigleyville (part of Lakeview) is a great place to stay in Chicago during baseball season, as it’s a legendary sports town that is home to Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs. Pros of Staying in Lakeview:
Cons of Staying in Lakeview:
Gold Coast👉 Best Area for Luxury Lovers | ✨ Best Gold Coast Hotels: Thompson Chicago • Ambassador Chicago, part of JdV by Hyatt • Claridge House The Gold Coast is one of the richest and most luxurious neighborhoods in the United States. Here, you can enjoy an overall affluent atmosphere, as well as fine dining restaurants and high-end boutiques that are frequented by the rich and famous. If you take a stroll along one of the streets of this upscale neighborhood, you’ll likely see stunning architecture in the form of historic mansions and hotels. In particular, the Astor Street District is known for its impressive 19th-century homes. You can also go shopping on Oak Street, the most lavish shopping street in Chicago. If you want to go to a very unique museum, then head to the International Museum of Surgical Science – there is no other comparable museum in the country. You’ll see all sorts of quirky items in the gift shop and you’ll learn a lot – especially if you’re a future doctor or interested in health science. Pros of Staying in Gold Coast:
Cons of Staying in Gold Coast:
Wicker Park👉 Best Area for Hipsters | ✨ Best Wicker Park Hotels: Hyatt Place Chicago Wicker Park • The Robey • Wicker Park Inn If you like unique, artsy areas, then you might want to consider a stay in Wicker Park. It’s a great area for people who are on the unconventional, eclectic side, with indie music venues, speakeasies, unique art galleries, and more. To see this entire cool area from above, I recommend using the 606, a repurposed rail line for pedestrians. Wicker Park is also the place to stay in Chicago for travelers who want to experience indie culture. It’s full of thrift stores and bookstores, and it has a flourishing gallery scene. It’s also the home of the Around the Coyote Fall Arts Festival if you happen to be there in September. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love this area for the artisan drinks at the Violet Hour, noodle joints, trendy Chicago coffee houses, and other small eateries that are some of the best-kept secrets of the area. See my guide to what to do in Wicker Park for more info. Pros of Staying in Wicker Park:
Cons of Staying in Wicker Park:
Tips for Staying in ChicagoChoose the Right Time to TravelTiming your visit to Chicago is everything. This is a popular tourist destination, and even more people visit during federal holidays and school breaks. It may be smart for you to try to schedule your visits around these times. See my full guide to the best time to visit Chicago for more info. Also, unless you love cold weather, avoid Chicago during the winter – Chicago winters are notoriously harsh! No matter what season you’re visiting, be sure to check out our Chicago essentials packing checklist to prepare for your trip! Choose the Right Chicago NeighborhoodAlthough many people would recommend that you stay around the Chicago downtown area to be close to the action, it really comes down to what you want. Each neighborhood in Chicago has its own distinct flavor. Choose the Chicago neighborhood that you would enjoy the most. Be Prepared to Use Multiple Modes of TransportationIn addition to public transportation, try out the Chicago Pedway (overhead bridges and underground tunnels for pedestrians), the bike-share program, a rental with Discover Cars, a water taxi, or even all of the above. Public transportation can be less than efficient if you stray from the city center. Be Prepared to Not Get to EverythingChicago is a massive city – there is no way you can see and do everything in one short trip. It’s better to aim to visit two or three attractions per day, while leaving time to enjoy the city and its food. Remember, you can come back! Plan Your Chicago BudgetChicago is famous for being an expensive city, but that doesn’t mean you can’t manage to visit Chicago on a budget. See Nilani’s guide to doing Chicago on the cheap for money saving tips on where to stay, eat, and play on the cheap. FAQs About Where to Stay in ChicagoWhere do people usually stay in Chicago?It is most common for people to stay in the Chicago downtown area or in surrounding neighborhoods, such as River North, Near North Side, West Loop, and South Loop. Where should I stay in Chicago as a tourist?As a first-time visitor to the Windy City, The Loop is a great choice when deciding where to stay in Chicago. The Loop is the center of much of the city’s action, and you’ll have easy access to public transit to go to other parts of the city as well. What is the safest part of Chicago to stay in?The safest parts of Chicago to stay in are The Loop, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and River North (west of The Magnificent Mile). Although it’s always best to be careful no matter where in Chicago you are. What places should I avoid in Chicago?Unfortunately, there is a high crime rate in some parts of Chicago, most notably West Garfield Park and East Garfield Park on the West Side, and Washington Park on the South Side. If you want to go to these places, try doing so in broad daylight and with other people. Is it safe to stay in Downtown Chicago?Generally speaking, Downtown Chicago/The Loop is a safe place to stay. There are pickpockets, but you should be fine as long as you’re vigilant about your belongings and surroundings. It may also be a good idea to leave valuables in your Chicago hotel room while out and about. *** Thanks for reading my guide to where to stay in Chicago – I hope it helps you pick the best neighborhood and area for you. And don’t forget to check out our list of the 33 best things to do in Chicago for more great vacation inspiration. The Windy City is sure to be wonderfully memorable regardless of where you stay – have fun! Nilani Thiyagarajah is a freelance writer and editor in Chicago, Illinois. Nilani enjoys exploring the Windy City whenever she has free time. Having grown up in Cincinnati, Ohio, she enjoys seeking and finding all of the best-kept secrets that any area has to offer. Nilani loves traveling and learning about new cultures and plans to do a lot more of it in the coming years! What part of Chicago is best for families?Best Neighborhoods in Chicago for Families. Beverly.. Edison Park.. Forest Glen.. Hyde Park.. Lincoln Park.. What is the safest area to stay in Chicago?What is the safest part of Chicago to stay in? The safest parts of Chicago to stay in are The Loop, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and River North (west of The Magnificent Mile). Although it's always best to be careful no matter where in Chicago you are.
Is Chicago good for families?Is Chicago good for kids? From tots to teens, there's something for every child in the Windy City – without the aloof attitude or supersized footprint that make some big cities feel like no-fly zones for tiny tourists. Research the many kid-friendly happenings in town at Chicago Parent and Chicago Kids.
What part of downtown Chicago should I stay?The best location to stay in Chicago, especially for first-time visitors, is the Loop, popularly referred to as Chicago Downtown or Chicago Loop. Located at the center of town, the Loop is where everything happens, and you can easily navigate your way to other parts of the city from there.
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