The Open Road Travel

Known as the “Windy City”, Chicago is a diverse city, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in America. When looking at the best areas to stay in Chicago, you will need to consider exactly what sort of trip you are planning to have.

That is why, in today’s article, I will be covering the best areas to stay in Chicago. I will let you know what the best attractions are, where abouts in the city they are located, and who each area will appeal to the most.

That should give you all you need to make an informed decision on where to stay in Chicago when you visit the city for yourself.

Settled in 1780, Chicago is the 3rd most populous city in the United States and 5th most in all of North America. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is known as the “Windy City”, due to the strong winds that build up across the water.

Chicago is recognised as an international hub for commerce, culture, education, finance, industry, technology, telecommunications, and transportation.

Regularly ranked as one of the best cities in America, it is also among the most popular with tourists, setting a record with 58 million visitors in 2018.

The windy city is incredibly diverse in multiple areas, including its population, landscape, and even its workforce and the jobs they perform. This has allowed it to become one of the major cultural centres of the United States.

It has played a vital role in either creating or developing numerous art forms, including comedy, film, food, literature, theatre, and visual arts.

It is particularly prominent in the music world too, with blues, drill, gospel, hip-hop, house, jazz, soul, and even electronic music all having strong roots in the city.

It is equally important in the sports world, where it has at least one team in all of the 5 major leagues in the country, the MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, and NHL. Many of these are among the most internationally followed teams in their respective leagues and each has won at least one championship.

Chicago is infamous for its bitterly cold winters, with the winds across Lake Michigan making it one of the coldest cities in the United States.

As a result, most people will prefer to visit between late May and mid-September. This is the warmest period in Chicago and is a time when you can guarantee you’ll enjoy everything you have planned, whether in the city or on the lake.

That said, Chicago is also famous for having one of the best Christmas displays in all of America. For anyone coming to get into the festive spirit, the lights and decorations are up from late November to mid-January, although things do start to die down after Christmas Day.

As we move on to our list of the best areas to stay in Chicago, I am now going to suggest a few options. Each will be ideal for some of the most common needs people have when travelling.

The Chicago Loop is located at the very heart of Downtown Chicago and is filled with many of the most popular attractions in the city. This makes it one of the best areas to stay in Chicago for tourists, as you will never be short of things to do or see.

Many of the iconic skyscrapers and buildings that form the city’s skyline are located here, such as the Marquette Building, Rookery Building, and the Federal Reserve Bank Of Chicago.

In the middle of them is the Willis Tower, which offers panoramic views of Chicago from its viewing platform on the 103rd floor.

Besides their architectural beauty, these buildings house things such as restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions. This makes it a perfect area to stroll around, with plenty of things to do and see within walking distance.

For those seeking the best area to stay in Chicago without a car, this is particularly true of the part of the district around Michigan Avenue.

Beyond the number of amenities you will have just a short walk from your hotel, it is surrounded by areas that have even more to offer.

On one side, you have Grant Park, a 320-acre park that lies along the shore of Lake Michigan.

Grant Park boasts some of Chicago’s best outdoor beauty spots, including the beautiful Buckingham Fountain at its heart, the Art Institute Of Chicago, and the Museum Campus, as well as stunning views over Monroe Harbour.

It even contains another park within it, Millennium Park. Designed to celebrate the new millennium, it is ranked among the top 10 most visited attractions in the US, with 25 million yearly visitors.

Millennium Park features a number of attractions that are particularly enjoyable for fans of art.

You have AT&T Plaza and its Cloud Gate, a huge metallic sculpture affectionately known as “The Bean”. There is also the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a modern bandstand that hosts events and concerts.

You then have a selection of other wonders to explore, including Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, Harris Theater, BP Pedestrian Bridge, Wrigley Square, Nichols Bridgeway, Chase Promenade, Boeing Galleries, Exelon Pavilions, McDonald’s Cycle Centre, and the McCormick Tribute Plaza & Ice Rink, the Park Grill.

The art isn’t exclusive to Grant Park either, as it extends onto Michigan Avenue itself. This is a great place to spot street art, as the Wabash Arts Corridor features some of the best murals in the city.

Some of the top art galleries and institutes in Chicago are located here as well. Establishments like the Museum of Contemporary Photography and Museum of Illusions give art fans plenty of options to explore.

Meanwhile, on the other side of Michigan Avenue, you have the Chicago Theatre District.

The Theatre District is home to playhouses and events venues that host some of the finest performances in the city. If you fancy a night out and have had enough of bars and restaurants, this is a great place to go to mix things up.

As an added bonus, those interested in the architectural and engineering feats in the city should take a trip to the Chicago Architecture Foundation to the north. Here you will find tours and exhibitions to truly help you appreciate the city’s development.

Stay In Chicago Loop If:

• You want everything within walking distance
• You want access to fabulous dining venues
• You want a great range of hotels, shops, bars, and amenities nearby
• You don’t plan to rent a car
• You want plenty of tourist attractions close by
• You are a fan of art or architecture
• You want to enjoy time outdoors, in parks overlooking Lake Michigan
  

Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop is a historic building, designed by world-famous architect Daniel Burnham. With mosaic floors and marble ceilings, surrounded by many of the city’s top attractions, it perfectly demonstrates Chicago’s history and culture.

Rooms are all pet friendly and feature a combination of traditional mahogany furniture with modern amenities, like flat screen TVs. With its beautiful views, fitness centre, and bike rental service, this is one of the best hotels in not just The Loop, but all of Chicago.

South Loop is located immediately south of the main Chicago Loop and features perhaps the greatest collection of bars and restaurants in the city.

This makes it the best area to stay in Chicago for couples, as there are countless options for romantic meals and drinks of an evening. In a similar vein, Lakefront Museum Campus Park has plenty to offer a couple in love as well.

With the beautiful views out over the marina and numerous street food stalls throughout the park, you can treat yourself to a picnic or stroll through some of the most scenic settings in the city centre.

Elsewhere in Lakefront Museum Campus Park you have attractions more suited to learning and education. The Museum Of Natural History And Science presents exhibits to help learn about the past, present, and future of our planet.

You also have the Shedd Aquarium, with a collection of sea-life to help us better understand our oceans. Then, just a short way from the museum, the Adler Planetarium and Doane Observatory can educate us on things a little further from home.

The park is even home to Soldier Field Stadium, where the Chicago Bears of the NFL play their home games. This all makes it the best area to stay in Chicago for young adults, as they can learn, drink, and catch a game or a show.

Soldier Field isn’t the only place for events in South Loop though, as it is also the location of McCormick Place. The largest convention centre in North America, it lies on the shore of Lake Michigan and features 4 interconnected buildings and one indoor arena.

Hosting numerous trade shows, conventions, meetings, and other events each year, staying in the south end of South Loop is incredibly convenient for anyone attending anything that occurs here.

The south end of South Loop is also where you’ll find Chicago’s Chinatown.

One of the largest Chinese enclaves in the United States, you will find many of Chicago’s best Chinese restaurants here, as well as the Chinese American Museum of Chicago and the iconic Nine-Dragon Wall.

This makes it a fabulous choice for anyone who is a fan of, or interested in, Chinese cuisine and culture.

Stay In South Loop If:

• You are travelling as a couple
• You want an educational experience
• You enjoy aquariums, museums, observatories, and planetariums
• You are attending a game or event at Soldier Field or McCormick Place
• You want to visit Chinatown
• You enjoy beautiful parks
• You want a great range of bars and restaurants to choose from
  

A 4-star hotel, situated inside a historic French Beaux-Arts building, The Blackstone is a stylish destination, surrounded by some of the most popular attractions in the city, just a short walk away.

Its on-site tapas restaurant serves Catalan and Mediterranean dishes, while the 24-hour gym, front desk, and site-wide Wi-Fi provide convenience throughout your stay.

The stylish rooms all boast 50-inch LCD TVs with streaming services, a desk, refrigerator, and marble bathrooms stocked with bathrobes, slippers, and amenities.

Some rooms even offer stunning views of Lake Michigan, completing what is a truly stylish and relaxing destination.

Just to the west of The Loop, West Loop and West Town are a pair of vibrant, multi-cultured neighbourhoods.

They are best known for having a number of fabulous restaurants serving cuisines from around the world, as well as cultural establishments like the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art and the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.

The main ethnic enclave in the district is Greek Town, the traditional hub of Chicago’s Greek community. Here you’ll find Greek bakeries, restaurants, and tavernas, as well as the National Hellenic Museum. This makes it ideal for those interested in Greek food or culture.

Perhaps the main reason many people choose to stay in this area though, is because it is the best area to stay in Chicago for nightlife. This is particularly true of the area around Wicker Park, as it is filled with live music venues, bars, and clubs.

This makes it ideal whether you want to spend your nights drinking, checking out the local music scene, dancing the hours away until the sun comes up, or a combination of all 3.

If you need somewhere a little quieter to recover during the day, Humboldt Park in the west is a great place to escape and relax for a while. Featuring gardens, playgrounds, ponds, sports fields, and green spaces, it is a perfect place to take a stroll and unwind.

The western part of the district is also the best place to stay in Chicago on a budget. Separated from Downtown Chicago by the Chicago River, it features more affordable rates on everything from accommodation to amenities.

Just a short journey back into the heart of the city, it is ideal for those looking to save a little money, without being cut off from the heart of Chicago.

Stay In West Loop / West Town If:

• You are travelling on a budget
• Nightlife is a priority during your stay
• You want to stay in a multicultural environment
• You are particularly fond of Greek cuisine or culture
  

The Crowne Plaza is a beautiful, high-rise hotel, available for a considerably more affordable rate than you would expect at first glance. Surrounded by numerous amenities and attractions, it is a great value and incredibly convenient destination.

Rooms feature large desks and tea and coffee making facilities. Meanwhile, the hotel itself offers a 24-hour fitness centre and on-site dining at the Dine restaurant, which serves American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Lincoln Park is one of the fancier, more affluent neighbourhoods in the city. This makes it one of the best areas to stay in Chicago for a vacation where you can relax and treat yourself to the finer things in life.

High-quality restaurants, hotels, and shops are found all around the area, including within the park itself. With many offering beautiful views of both the park and Lake Michigan, you can sleep and dine in a location that oozes style and sophistication.

Located just a short way north of Downtown Chicago, you won’t have any problems accessing the sites and attractions of the city centre. This is ideal for anyone who wants to do all the normal touristy things, while being able to retreat to a quieter area when you are done.

Despite the higher price tag, Lincoln Park is also perhaps the best area to stay in Chicago for families. This is because there are plenty of attractions and facilities that are ideal for those travelling with children.

For starters, you have one of the most popular attractions in the area, the Lincoln Park Zoo. A free zoo, surrounded by stunning gardens, you get to see countless species of animal, both exotic and domestic, all living in recreations of their natural habitat.

With its interactive farm, education pavilion, and a number of art installations and historic monuments, Lincoln Park Zoo is an incredible and enjoyable learning experience for the entire family.

A short way north of Lincoln Park Zoo, you also have the Lincoln Park Conservatory. A massive greenhouse that houses Chicago’s botanical gardens, you have the chance to see and learn about thousands of species of exotic plants.

Throughout the year, different events and exhibitions take place in the conservatory that provide unique experiences. With that in mind, make sure to check listings before you visit, as there may be something on you are interested in, even if you have visited before.

The area’s attractions aren’t all located within the confines of the park itself either.

To the west of the park, the smaller Oz Park is another outdoor destination, themed around the Wizard Of Oz. With its playground continuing the theme, it is the ideal spot to let your little ones have some fun and burn off some energy.

Meanwhile, to the east of Lincoln Park, on the shore of Lake Michigan, you have North Avenue Beach.

Whether you want to relax on the sand or rent a boat or jet ski and have some fun on the water, it is a great choice to take a break from the confines of the city for a while.

Stay In Lincoln Park If:

• You are travelling as a family or with small children
• You want to be right on the shore of Lake Michigan
• You want a beach vacation
• You want to visit the zoo or botanical gardens
• You are a fan of the Wizard Of Oz
• You want to stay in a more affluent area
• You like high-class hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops
  

The Hotel Lincoln is located just a short walk from Lincoln Park itself and is situated in a historic building that has recently been modernised.

This is clearly visible in the rooms, which feature both original local art and high-tech amenities like iPod docking stations and high-speed Wi-Fi.

The on-site restaurant provides a collection of stunning cuisine, while the rooftop bar allows you to sit back with a cocktail and enjoy stunning views of the city.

A summer bike rental service will help you to explore Lincoln Park at your own pace, while a business centre and dry-cleaning service are available year-round.

Chicago is a wonderful city, with something to offer for everyone. Whether you want to wake up to beautiful lake views of a morning, enjoy romantic days out, or drink and party every night, there is a part of the city that has you covered.

Hopefully, this article will have helped you determined the best areas to stay in Chicago, based on your own wants and needs. All that is left is to start getting everything booked, so you can look forward to experiencing it all for yourself.