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The Magnificent Mile

N Michigan Ave (Chicago River to Oak St) · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

Running along Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Street, the Magnificent Mile packs more than 400 retailers, flagship department stores, vertical malls like Water Tower Place, and luxury boutiques, into one walkable, architecture-lined corridor. Landmarks punctuate the stroll: the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, the white terra-cotta Wrigley Building, and the 1869 Chicago Water Tower that survived the Great Fire. Come at dusk when the avenue lights up, and detour to the riverside plazas at the south end.

  • #shopping
  • #michigan avenue
  • #landmarks
  • #walking
  • #downtown

Good to know

General shopping guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Vendor hours are their own thing

    Market stalls and independent sellers keep shorter hours than the building around them, and quiet days end early.

  • Bring a tote and a little cash

    Smaller sellers do not all take cards, and bags are rarely free.

  • Weekdays browse, weekends buzz

    Pick the weekday for a proper look at the shelves and the weekend for the atmosphere.

  • Ask about shipping

    If something will not survive the suitcase, plenty of sellers will send it home for you.

What's around here?

The closest stops to The Magnificent Mile, ordered by straight-line distance.

  • Tours
    Quirky Fun

    Chicago Crime Tours

    $25–$50

    Guided bus tours through Chicago's Prohibition-era mob history and notorious crime landmarks.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    Art lover

    Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

    Under $25

    One of the world's largest contemporary art museums, steps off the Mag Mile, bold exhibitions, free for under-18s.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Date Night

    360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

    $25–$50

    Lake-and-skyline views from 1,000 feet up, plus TILT, the glass ledge that leans you over Michigan Avenue.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Tours
    Local Gem

    Wendella Sightseeing Boats

    $25–$50

    Family-run since 1935, classic river and lakefront cruises from the Michigan Avenue dock.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Chicago's First Lady

    $50+

    Ninety minute Chicago River cruise narrated by Chicago Architecture Center docents past the city's landmark buildings.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Chicago Riverwalk

    Free

    A 1.25-mile waterfront promenade of patios, wine bars, and skyline views along the Chicago River.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing