The Loop is the central business district of Chicago, Illinois, located at the center of downtown Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan. It is one of the 77 municipally-designated community areas of the city and serves as its primary commercial hub.
As the second-largest business district in North America after Downtown and Midtown Manhattan, the Loop houses the world headquarters and regional offices for numerous global and national businesses. The area features a high concentration of retail establishments, restaurants, hotels, museums, theaters, and libraries, along with many of Chicago's most famous attractions.
The district serves as a significant administrative center, hosting Chicago's City Hall, the seat of Cook County, offices for the state of Illinois, United States federal offices, and several foreign consulates. Additionally, the intersection of State Street and Madison Street within the Loop serves as the origin point for Chicago's street grid system, which has been adopted by cities worldwide.