Where to Stay near Soldier Field for Games and Concerts

The winning touchdown at a Chicago Bears game.

Hearing your favorite song live in concert.

Seeing international soccer stars in action.

Some of the most exciting experiences in Chicago take place at Soldier Field. Located right by Lake Michigan, just south of Grant Park and Museum Campus, Soldier Field is a must-visit for sports and music fans.

If you’re in town to see a big game or concert, choosing the right place to stay near Soldier Field can make your trip much easier and more enjoyable. Read our guide to learn more about the best areas to book a hotel, and how to make the most out of your visit to the Windy City.

Best Areas to Stay Near Soldier Field

### Best Overall: South Loop

If you’re in town just to see a Bears game or a concert, it makes sense to stay in the South Loop, the closest major neighborhood to the stadium. This neighborhood gives you convenient access to the stadium on event days.

The South Loop is walkable, and depending on your hotel’s location, you may even be able to walk to Soldier Field in 10 to 20 minutes. This can save you a significant amount of time before and after events, when rideshare prices soar and the surrounding streets become crowded with traffic.

The South Loop offers a good mix of hotels, restaurants, bars and entertainment. Why not enjoy a quick meal before the game, or relax at a bar afterwards without needing to take a rideshare there?

### Best for Sightseeing: The Loop

If you’re in Chicago for more than a night or two, consider staying further north in The Loop.

Right in the center of downtown Chicago, staying in The Loop places you near most of the city’s top attractions, including Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and Chicago Riverwalk.

You’ll be able to explore the city during the day while also having easy access to the stadium for a game or concert in the evening.

While most hotels in The Loop are slightly too far away for you to walk to Soldier Field, the area has excellent public transit access. Multiple CTA train and bus lines connect directly to the stadium, making it a breeze to travel to, even during busy events.

You’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to hotels in The Loop area. You’ll find historic luxury properties like Congress Plaza Hotel, modern business hotels, and everything in between.

### Best for Nightlife: River North

Love experiencing nightlife, restaurants, and bars while you’re traveling? Consider staying in River North.

While it’s located farther away (you’ll need to take a rideshare or public transit to the stadium), River North has a fantastic upscale dining scene, with plenty of entertainment options. It’s a good choice if your visit to Soldier Field is only one part of a longer trip to Chicago.

### Best for Convenience: McCormick Place Area

The area around McCormick Place, Chicago’s largest convention center, is another decent option. Located just south of Soldier Field, you’ll be able to walk to the stadium without having to worry about public transit or traffic.

This area is often quieter and less crowded than other central downtown neighborhoods, especially during major events. That comes with a downside, though: you’ll be further away from nightlife and popular sightseeing attractions than most other neighborhoods.

Hotels in this area cater towards convention-goers and people attending events at the stadium, and you may be able to find good hotel values during some weekends.

Getting to Soldier Field

How do you want to get to Soldier Field from your hotel? You’ll have a few options, depending on where you stay.

• Walking is the simplest, easiest way to reach Soldier Field, and it’s easy to do if you’re staying in South Loop and McCormick Place. As an added bonus, the lakefront is scenic and enjoyable to walk near.
• Public transit is a great option if you’re staying in The Loop, River North or neighborhoods that are further away. CTA trains and buses are reliable on event days and have multiple routes that stop close to the stadium.
• Rideshares will take you directly from your hotel to the stadium, but there’s a few things to keep in mind. One, there will be a lot of traffic when arriving at or leaving the stadium, so you’ll need to give yourself plenty of time. Two, surge pricing. During major events, rideshares prices can soar, leaving you with an unexpectedly high bill.
• Driving yourself to the stadium is expensive and time-consuming. Nearby streets get crowded during major events, and parking is pricey and stressful. If you have a car for your stay in Chicago, we highly recommend leaving it parked at your hotel and using one of the other options to save yourself time, stress and money.

Things to Do Near Soldier Field

There’s so much to do in Chicago. If your visit to Soldier Field is only one part of your trip, you’ll want to consider other nearby attractions too.

Soldier Field is located close to Museum Campus, home to The Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium, all of which are must-sees for science fans.

If you like being outside, Chicago’s beautiful lakefront trails offer 18.5 miles of scenic walking.

If you get hungry along the way, the neighborhoods surrounding Soldier Field have countless restaurants and bars to enjoy before or after events. There’s options for every budget, from casual pizza places to sports bars to upscale dining.

Tips for Booking Hotels

If you are planning on attending a Bears game or a major concert, here are a few of our top tips.

• Book early. Hotel prices will rise the closer you get to an event. That’s especially true if the Bears’ rival, the Packers, are in town, or if a popular band is playing.
• Compare hotel prices with transportation costs. Booking a discount hotel further away from the stadium may seem like it’s saving you money at first. But parking or rideshare fees can quickly add up. And taking public transit with multiple transfers can add a lot of unexpected travel time and frustration to your trip.
• Stay central. For most visitors, a centrally-located hotel provides you with the best overall value. You’ll get all the convenience you want, with access to the top experiences of Chicago.
• Consider your itinerary. Booking a hotel in the McCormick Place area or South Loop makes sense if your main goal is to attend a concert or game. But if you’re staying longer and looking to sightsee, booking a stay in The Loop may make more sense.

Ready to plan your trip to Chicago and Soldier Field? Located in The Loop with easy public transit access to Soldier Field, Congress Plaza Hotel’s spacious guest rooms are perfect for your next stay. Book your upcoming trip now.