The main draw in the South Loop is the Museum Campus. Map. As you venture south and west into the Loop it can get a little deserted at night.
The Museum Campus is comprised of the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium. Admission to any of these can be very expensive. There are some free days for Illinois Residents otherwise your best bet is either CityPass: Access to five Chicago Attractions on the Cheap or Go Chicago Card: see top attractions on the cheap.
Getting around in the South Loop is easy. You can take the CTA, pedal a Divvy Bike, take, Uber or walk. You can also take the Shoreline Water Taxi to/from Navy Pier to the Museum Campus.
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Free and cheap things to do:
The Chicago Public Library also offers free music, dance, film, lectures, kids activities and other events year round. The main Chicago Library, Harold Washington Library Center is located at 400 S. State Street at Congress Drive.
Free things to do at Northerly Island
Take a free Art Tour of Grant Park
Downtown Chicago Farmers Markets Thursdays starting June 25.
Downtown Chicago Farmers Markets Saturdays starting June 20.
Free fireworks at Navy Pier Wednesdays
Free fireworks at Navy Pier Saturdays
Clark House Museum free on Wednesdays
Glessner House Museum free on Wednesdays
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum free tour M-F 1PM
Museum of Contemporary Photography always free.
Dining and drinking
Hotels
Chicago on the Cheap Hotel Guide
Where to buy groceries in the South Loop:
Binny’s Beverage Depot, 1132 S Jefferson St, (312) 768-4400. Full service liquor store.
Jewel-Osco, 1224 S Wabash Ave, (312) 663-0580. Full service grocery store.
Target, (Loop), 1 S State St, (312) 279-2133. Typical Target that sells groceries.
Trader Joes, 1147 S Wabash Ave, (312) 588-0489.
