Where to stay in Chicago?

Which neighborhood should you choose to stay in Chicago? This is certainly the question you are asking if you have decided to visit one of the largest cities in the United States, located in Illinois. By the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is packed with tourist attractions, museums, and must-see sites, but choosing the right place to stay will be essential for easily exploring the city To ensure you find the right neighborhood and the best hotel in Chicago to settle in, this guide will save you time!

Finding accommodation in Chicago can be exhausting when you don't know the city at all! Indeed, it spans 606 km², with over 200 neighborhoods, of which 77 are officially listed

Chicago stretches for dozens of miles along Lake Michigan and inland. The city is divided into three main areas: North Side, West Side, and South Side, including the Loop, the downtown area that I highly recommend you choose as your base. It is the most central part of Chicago, allowing easy access to all the tourist attractions, shops, and various places to stay in Chicago

Further north is Gold Coast, a posh neighborhood by the lakeshore. Here you'll find numerous restaurants and shops, as well as a beach and some points of interest. Nearby, you can discover the neighborhoods of Lincoln Park and Old Town, which are also excellent areas to target. Finally, just north of downtown lies the Magnificent Mile, a vibrant shopping district with an ideal central location.

I recommend staying in one of these 5 neighborhoods. For more information, the rest of this article highlights things to do and see in each neighborhood, the vibe, and the best available hotels! Additionally, I advise you to look into booking your accommodation as early as possible to benefit from better rates You can, for example, use Booking.com, which lists all the available accommodations for your stay dates.

If you don't have time or don't want to read the entire article, you'll find directly below my selection of 3 very good accommodations where to stay in Chicago ️

To stay in downtown Chicago in the Loop, the HI Chicago Hostel is a friendly and warm hostel. For €69 per night, you will stay in a mini studio of 20 m² with breakfast included ☕️

The Holiday Inn Express Chicago is located in the heart of Magnificent Mile and offers comfortable and modern double rooms starting at €101 per night, with breakfast included. A very good value for money for lodging close to downtown!

In Lincoln Park, the Chicago Getaway Hostel provides double rooms starting at €84 per night and dorm beds starting at €47. The value for money is really excellent.

The Loop neighborhood represents the nerve center of Chicago. It derives its name from the circuit formed by the subway lines surrounding the area and is often considered the economic and cultural heart of the city. The Loop is primarily Chicago's business district, bustling with skyscrapers like the Willis Tower and the historic Chicago Board of Trade building dominating the skyline. It's an excellent base if you want to access all the city attractions on foot and stay in a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood

This neighborhood also has remarkable historical heritage, as it is home to landmarks such as the Chicago Theatre and the Art Institute of Chicago, the latter renowned for its collection of classic and modern works. If you love art, Millennium Park is a must-see for its bean-shaped sculpture and Cloud Gate, nicknamed The Bean The Loop is also a great neighborhood to enjoy nightlife, given its numerous theaters and venues for shows, musicals, and concerts like the Auditorium Theatre.

Although this area is very lively during the week, the Loop is quieter on weekends. You will definitely encounter tourists visiting Chicago for the attractions, but also locals who prefer to enjoy green spaces like Grant Park, located right nearby. For shopping and grabbing a bite, State Street is a must-visit, hosting several major restaurant chains as well as local establishments ️

The HI Chicago Hostel is a hostel that offers good value for money. For €69 per night with breakfast included, the establishment provides a comfortable 20 m² room equipped with a kitchenette. If you're on a tight budget, dorm beds are also available starting from €29 per night. This beautiful historic establishment enjoys an ideal location just minutes away from all popular attractions

The Club Quarters Hotel Central Loop features a restaurant, a gym, and very beautiful modern rooms decorated with great elegance. Starting at €101 per night, this hotel boasts a central location in the Loop neighborhood close to all of Chicago's points of interest and Lake Michigan.

Located north of downtown Chicago, Gold Coast is one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in the city. It stretches along Lake Michigan and offers both historic and modern elegance, to discover if you have a comfortable budget to stay or while visiting the neighborhoods of Chicago

Historically, Gold Coast emerged in the late 19th century, following the Great Fire of Chicago in 1871. Wealthy entrepreneurs and industrialists of the era were drawn to its proximity to the lake and built beautiful homes there. While strolling, you can still see these houses, particularly on Astor Street, where they feature stunning Victorian and Beaux-Arts architectures.

This might not be the most touristy neighborhood in Chicago, but Gold Coast is home to pleasant tree-lined streets and upscale boutiques, jewelry stores, and Michelin-starred restaurants. For example, Oak Street is the epicenter of luxury shopping with brands like Hermès, Prada, and Jimmy Choo ️

One of Gold Coast's major strengths is also its proximity to Lake Michigan and its location just steps from Oak Street Beach for strolling, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the view. The access to the Lakefront Trail, a bike and pedestrian lane along the lake, is another highlight of this neighborhood Of course, deciding to stay in Gold Coast means preparing for a comfortable and substantial budget, so get ready!

The Claridge House is located just steps from Oak Street Beach and many tourist attractions in Chicago. It offers elegant, bright, and comfortable rooms starting at €96 per night. Onsite, you will find 3 restaurants, a spa center, a bar, and a gym. This 4-star hotel presents very good value for money and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal if you're not sure where to stay in Chicago

The Ambassador Chicago is an excellent address located near many subway stations while enjoying an ideal position in Gold Coast. The offered rooms feature beautiful elegant decor in addition to being comfortable and well-equipped. Onsite, you can enjoy a restaurant, a bar, and a gym. For one night, you should budget at least €168.

Old Town is located north of downtown; it is the most historic part of the city, featuring historic buildings and an authentic atmosphere. It is one of the few neighborhoods in Chicago that partially survived the Great Fire of 1871, which is evident in the presence of brownstone houses and cottages dating back to the 19th century.

The main street, Wells Street, is filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants housed in these historical structures. Old Town is also home to Second City, a theater where numerous stars like Tina Fey and Steve Carell started their careers. It's also a must-see for comedy and performances! Every summer, the Old Town Art Fair takes place, one of the oldest and most respected art fairs in the United States. The event usually occurs on June 8 and 9, just before the start of summer in Chicago.

Despite its proximity to downtown, the Old Town neighborhood retains an almost village-like ambiance. You can easily appreciate its peaceful vibe while enjoying access to Chicago's main attractions. For leisurely walks, beautiful green spaces are nearby like Lincoln Park just a stone's throw away, which offers various activities. Old Town is a neighborhood that can suit everyone

The Hotel Lincoln offers a perfect location just 10 minutes walk from Lincoln Park and near public transport stops to reach downtown. The rooms are very nice and comfortable, and the hospitality onsite is charming. This 4-star establishment features 5 restaurants, a gym, and a bar. You should budget at least €108 for one night, including breakfast.

The Magnificent Mile, locally known as The Mag Mile, is one of the most iconic places in Chicago. Located on Michigan Avenue, between the Chicago River to the south and Oak Street to the north, it is a thoroughfare that has a worldwide reputation for shopping! ️ You will find luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, as well as other major stores such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Nike, and Zara.

Staying in this area will provide you with an ideal location! Gold Coast is to the north, the Loop to the south, River North to the west, and Lake Michigan to the east. Among the popular attractions to see, the Wrigley Building, with its white facades and clock, is stunning Next door, Tribune Tower is another iconic building made from stones sourced from famous monuments worldwide.

And of course, there's also the John Hancock Center, known as 875 North Michigan Avenue, which dominates the area at 344 meters tall. It's possible to access the observatory, 360 Chicago, for breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan. The Magnificent Mile area is also home to museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art nearby and numerous art galleries and theaters.

The Warwick Allerton Chicago is a 4-star establishment located near all the shops on Magnificent Mile and the main attractions downtown. For a small classic room of 25 m², you should expect to pay at least €118 per night. This hotel also features a gym, a bar, and private parking.

The Holiday Inn Express Chicago offers good value for money with modern and comfortable rooms at €101 per night with breakfast. It is a 5-minute walk from shopping malls and restaurants, as well as being close to major attractions! You will be welcomed by very friendly staff!

For those looking for a quieter corner, there's Lincoln Park! This neighborhood is located north of Chicago and is one of the largest and most beloved areas of the city. It features a residential atmosphere, green spaces, and a vibrant cultural life Quiet yet dynamic, staying in Lincoln Park is ideal for families visiting Chicago with children, or for those wanting to stay in a calm area.

Not surprisingly, this neighborhood takes its name from Lincoln Park, a vast urban park stretching nearly 5 kilometers along Lake Michigan. It is a true oasis of tranquility where you can engage in numerous activities: jogging, cycling, picnicking, or just relaxing by the water The park is also home to iconic attractions like Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the few free zoos in the United States, and the Lincoln Park Conservatory, a beautiful botanical garden in a greenhouse, as well as the small North Beach Avenue beach! ️

The Chicago History Museum is another important point of interest to visit to understand the history of Chicago, but if you prefer to enjoy simple pleasures, don't miss the chance to stroll along Armitage Avenue and Clark Street, which bustle with shops, restaurants, bars, and cozy bistros.

The Chicago Getaway Hostel is a youth hostel offering a very interesting value for money! Located right in the heart of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, it offers double rooms with shared bathrooms starting from €84 per night with breakfast included. The establishment also offers dorm beds starting from €47 per night as well as large suites. You'll stay in a quiet area just a 10-minute walk from the subway.

The Hotel Versey Chicago is a 3-star establishment offering comfortable, well-equipped, and pleasant double rooms starting from €93 per night. It is close to subway stations, restaurants, and bars in the neighborhood. Lincoln Park is also very close, and the staff is very welcoming!

And there you go, now you know which neighborhood to choose to stay in Chicago If you still don't know when to go to Chicago, I also have a dedicated guide that can help you complete your travel organization in the USA. See you soon for new articles, and until then, safe travels!