Chicago is a vibrant and charismatic city that is one of the finest tourist destinations of the American mid-west. It is a city of culture and fantastic sights, from the world-famous Sears Tower and the Art Institute of Chicago to the eclectic neighborhoods and lakeside parklands; there's something for everyone in this cosmopolitan city.

If you're planning a holiday to Chicago, deciding where to stay can be tricky. The city is massive and varied, with expensive central districts, trendy neighborhoods through to downright dangerous locations, all relatively close to each other.

This will article detail the best districts in Chicago, and help you choose the best one for your trip.

 

 

Chicago lies on the western side of Lake Michigan, with the Chicago River passing through the downtown area – known as The Loop. This central location is where most visitors try to be based, but the limited supply of accommodation and high prices mean that visitors are often based further out.
The top 5 districts of Chicago are: 1) Navy Pier 2) Magnificent Mile 3) The Loop 4) Lincoln Park and Old Town 5) River North

The map below shows the main tourist areas of Chicago

Key: 1) Navy Pier 2) Magnificent Mile 3) The Loop 4) Old Town 5) Lincoln Park 6) River North 7) Gold Coast 8) Wicker Park 9) Logan Square 10) West Loop

The map below shows the location of hotels and rental rooms in Chicago. By altering the date to your trip, the map will display current prices and availability:

Booking.com

Deciding where to stay when it comes to visiting Chicago may come down to what you want out of your holiday. Are you looking for a more cultural experience with some of the best museums in the country? Or are you wanting to be right in the heart of all the action, with world-class dining and entertainment at your fingertips? Regardless of what you would enjoy on your next vacation, there is a district that's right for you.

Navy Pier
The Navy Pier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chicago. Located on Lake Michigan, this pier is home to a Ferris wheel, an Imax theater, and many restaurants and shops. If you're looking for a more relaxed holiday, Navy Pier might be the perfect place for you. Not only is it next to the hustle and bustle of the city, but it offers a relaxing escape from the busy streets.

Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is one of the most well-known districts in Chicago. This mile-long stretch of Michigan Avenue is home to high-end shops, restaurants, and hotels. So if you're looking for a luxurious holiday, the Magnificent Mile is the perfect place to stay. You'll be right in the heart of all the action, with plenty of opportunities to indulge in some retail therapy.

 

 

The Loop
The Loop is the central business district of Chicago and is home to many of the city's best-known attractions. If you're looking to be right in the thick of things, then this is your place. The Loop features many of the top treasures of Chicago, such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute, and tons of delicious eateries and bars. Plus, other parts of the city are just a quick subway ride away!

Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is known for being one of the most family-friendly areas in Chicago. Surrounded by streets filled with trees and gorgeous brick homes, this picturesque district is home to Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago History Museum, and many theaters and live music venues. If you're looking for a place to stay, that is still close to the action but further away from the louder areas of the city, Lincoln Park should be at the top of your list.

River North
River North is one of the most popular areas for visitors to stay in Chicago, especially if you’re traveling for business. This district is right next to the heart of downtown and features many of the city's best restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Many business travelers also stay in River North because of its close proximity to the financial district. So, if you're looking for a place to stay that is centrally located and full of things to do, River North should be your go-to.

West Loop
One of the newer, trendier parts of the city is called the West Loop. The west loop is home to many hip restaurants and bars, as well as art galleries and shopping. This area is perfect for those who want to be close to the action but also have a more relaxed holiday. The west loop is also home to some of Chicago's best hotels and right down the road from the United Center, which is where you can find a Chicago Blackhawks or Chicago Bulls game!

Hyde Park
Hyde Park is the perfect place to stay if you're looking to be close to the University of Chicago. This district is full of college students and young professionals, so it has a very different vibe from other areas of the city. Hyde Park is also home to many great shops, restaurants, and bars. If you want to experience the elegance and greenery of Chicago, Hyde Park should be at the top of your list. Make sure to stroll down the streets and enjoy the beautiful homes of this historic area.

Wrigleyville
Wrigleyville is an up-and-coming area of Chicago that is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination. This district is home to Wrigley Field, which is where the Chicago Cubs play baseball. You'll find new hotels, shops, bars, and restaurants in this area of the city, which is perfect if you're looking for a holiday full of drinking and sports.

Bucktown
Known as the artsy district of Chicago, Bucktown is home to many art galleries, shops, and restaurants. This area is perfect for those who want to experience the more creative side of Chicago. You'll find a lot of locally owned businesses in this district, as well as some of the best coffee shops in the city.

Always choose the location in Chicago you want to be based in, before looking for accommodation. This may sound obvious, but it is all too easy to be sucked in by an amazing discount or outstanding reviews, without really considering which area you will be staying in.

If you're looking for a luxurious holiday, the Magnificent Mile is the perfect place for you. This area is full of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. With so many options to choose from, you'll have plenty of opportunities to experience the city.

If you're not interested in shopping and want to see the cultural side of Chicago, you'll want to consider staying in The Loop, which is the central district of Chicago and is home to many of the city's best-known attractions. For example, in one block, you can find the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the Willis Tower.

If you're looking for a place to stay that is full of business travelers, the best place for you is River North. This area is home to many of Chicago's financial institutions and corporate offices. You'll also find plenty of restaurants and bars in this area, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day of meetings.

There are a few areas of Chicago that you may want to avoid, depending on your interests. For example, if you're not interested in nightlife and bar-hopping, Wrigleyville is probably not the place for you. Additionally, if you're looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday, Bucktown may be too artsy and busy for your taste.

When it comes to dangerous parts of town, there are a few areas that you should avoid at night, such as the area around the United Center and some parts of River North. However, Chicago is generally a safe city, so you'll be fine as long as you use common sense and stay in well-lit areas.

If you're looking for a place to party, the best place to stay in Chicago is Wrigleyville. This district is home to many bars and nightclubs, as well as Wrigley Field, which is where the Chicago Cubs play baseball. You'll find new hotels, shops, bars, and restaurants in this area of the city, which is perfect if you're looking for a holiday full of drinking and sports.

If you're looking for a relaxing vacation, the best place to stay in Chicago is Hyde Park. If you want to experience the city's elegance and greenery without spending too much money, visit Hyde Park. This area is home not only many college students but also young professionals with tons of great restaurants or bars to enjoy with affordable prices to fit any budget.

The area near the airport is called O'Hare. This neighborhood is home to many of Chicago's corporate offices, as well as the city's international airport. You'll find plenty of hotels and restaurants in this area, making it the perfect place to stay if you have an early flight or need to be close to the airport. However, it is far away from the downtown area, so you'll need to take a taxi or bus to get there.