The Magnificent Mile

Why we love it

The Magnificent Mile is one of the most famous shopping areas in the world — home to a dizzying array of popular stores, restaurants, attractions, and architecture all on one iconic street.

Insider tips

An endless array of shops and boutiques, massive shopping centers, luxury designers, restaurants, coffee shops, historic hotels, and iconic architecture combine to make a trip to “The Mag Mile” an unforgettable experience. Check out Water Tower Place, where you’ll find floors upon floors of only-in-Chicago stores, like the original American Girl Place.

While you’re browsing, take a moment to look upwards towards Chicago’s skyline-defining 875 N. Michigan (formerly the John Hancock Center). This is where you’ll find one of the city’s ultra-unique, thrill-riding observation decks. 360 CHICAGO gives you stunning panoramic views of the city and lakefront from 1,000 feet up, while TILT literally tilts you out and over the city from the 94th floor. Follow up the adrenaline rush with a little relaxation, a cocktail, and a bite at the Signature Room, located one floor up on the 95th (yep, more stunning views).

Back at street level, head for high tea at The Drake hotel’s historic Palm Court. A few of The Mag Mile’s many architectural gems include the Tribune Tower, whose facade incorporates more than 150 fragments from historic buildings and sites, like the Winter Palace in Beijing and the Great Pyramid in Giza. Across the street, you’ll see the iconic Wrigley Building and its gleaming white facade. From there, head down to the Chicago Riverwalk to board a bright yellow water taxi — a favorite mode of transport for Chicagoans.

Explore like a local

Browse the free City Gallery inside the historic Water Tower, one of the only buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire. See a show at Tony Award-winning Lookingglass Theatre Company, housed in the Water Tower’s Pumping Station. See if you can jump as high as Michael Jordan at the interactive Chicago Sports Museum.