Essex Travel Guide
Chicago
Popular places to visit
Wrigley Field
Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicago’s beloved baseball stadium.
Michigan Avenue
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
McCormick Place
Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.
Navy Pier
A ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainment district.
Millennium Park
A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape.
Chicago Riverwalk
Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.
Things to do
Skydeck - Willis Tower Admission
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket
Top hotels in Essex
Congress Plaza Hotel
Nice room, a bit disturbed I had to pay a safety fee of$25.00 for each day of my stay.
Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
We had a very pleasant stay overall. Wonderful location, nice room, very clean. Staff were consistently warm, attentive, and eager to help with anything we needed. Breakfast was another highlight. There was a great variety of options, with something for everyone, and everything we tried was fresh ...
Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
The location was great, near plenty of restaurants and shopping. The room was a great layout plenty of space.
Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
The bathrooms need updating. The shower floor is chipping. There are cracks between the wall and floor of shower. There is water damage on the base of bathroom door. Which is "bubbling" up. One can see that instead of replacing door. It has been painted over repeatedly. The wall socket near the nightstand ...
Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
It was ok
Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
Convenient location, good rooms, good wifi
Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Essex
Near South Side
Travellers choose Near South Side for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Cermak-McCormick Place Station or Roosevelt Station and check out top sights like Soldier Field.
South Loop
Soldier Field and Lake Michigan are a few top attractions in South Loop. Hop around the city on the metro at Roosevelt Station or Cermak-McCormick Place Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.
Theatre District
While you're in Theatre District, take in top sights like Michigan Avenue or State Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).
Near West Side
Live music, theatres and shopping highlight some notable features of Near West Side. Make a stop by United Center or Credit Union 1 Arena while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Polk Station (Pink Line) or Racine Station to get around town.
The Loop
Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan are a few top attractions in The Loop. Hop around the city on the metro at Washington Station or Lake Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.
Downtown Chicago
Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.
