The Loop, Chicago, IL

Named for the elevated train that encircles it, The Loop is without doubt the central business district of the city – but that’s not to imply the neighborhood has no social scene to offer.

Home to government employees, business people, and laid-back art students from the Chicago Art Institute, The Loop is packed during the week with fast-moving professionals and college kids, who fill the area’s restaurants and cafés at lunchtime.

Out-of-towners from the resident hotels make their way to Willis Tower, the tallest building in the western hemisphere, or join active locals seeking greenery to marvel at the outdoor oasis and center of activity that is Grant and Millennium Park.

State Street, a less-opulent version of the Magnificent Mile, offers countless blocks of budget-friendly shopping for the young college crowd, while the burgeoning Theater District that runs down State and Randolph Streets guarantees varied performances year round.

Although The Loop is relatively quiet at night since the majority of Chicago’s downtown bar scene is north of the Chicago River, summer concerts in Grant Park offer excellent evenings of listening to music and gazing at the iconic Chicago skyline.