Chicago downtown - view from the Sears Tower

Chicago downtown is known also under the name Chicago Loop. It is the historical centre of Chicago. After Midtown Manhattan it is the second largest downtown in the United States.

The Loop is an official community area of Chicago.During years the downtown extended through the boundaries of the Loop. However, the term Loop is still used to name all the Chicago downtown, not just the official community area. Although, the Loop is, to some people, just that part of the downtown area where Chicago’s “L” trains are located.
Its boundaries are set by Chicago River in the west and north, Michigan Lake in the east and Roosevelt Road in the south. The area is 4.09 square kilometers (1.58 square miles) large. The population is over 16,000 people, with the population density a bit over 4,000 inhabitants per square kilometre.

There are mostly skyscrapers and high-risen buildings because of the lack of space. To the most notable belong the Home Insurance Building that is considered the first skyscraper and the highest building in the United States – Sears Tower. To other skyscrapers belongs 311 South Wacker Drive, AT&T Corporate Center, Aon Center or John Hancock Center.
Chicago downtown is also the part of the city where many of the government buildings are located, for example City Hall/County Building, the James R. Thompson Center, the Richard J. Daley Center, and multiple federal buildings.

The central role of this region is underlined also by the fact that Chicago's rational street numbering system originates here, at the intersection of State Street and Madison Street.

There are huge shopping possibilities in the area of Chicago downtown, with famous Marshall Field’s department store or original Carson Pirie Scott store. Also lots of hotels and restaurants are located here. Chicago's Downtown Theatre District is also found within this area.