Magnificent Mile

Chicago
Magnificent Mile - River North featuring modern architecture, skyline and a hotel
Shopaholics need look no further this glittering street packed with boutique and luxury shops, famous department stores and cafes.

The Magnificent Mile is the most famous place to go shopping in Chicago. The mile-long strip on Michigan Avenue runs between Oak Street and Michigan Avenue Bridge in Downtown. High-rise buildings on either side of the street hold offices, restaurants, hotels and hundreds of shops. Mingle with crowds of tourists and locals at any time of the day and year, who come to browse, catch-up over a meal and people-watch. It doesn’t matter if you come prepared to spend some serious cash, or just to window-shop and take home a souvenir. You’ll find it all here: clothes, jewelry, books, furniture and food for every budget.

The strip got its nickname in the 1940s, thanks to the exclusive commercial and residential dwellings that cemented it as a retail hub after the Great Depression. You can still see two of the historic buildings that survived the Great Fire of 1871: the Pumping Station and Water Tower. The Water Tower is now an upscale mall. Water Tower Place has a huge atrium, dozens of shops and a sizeable food court.

The Chicago Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building were both built here in the 1920s and stand out from the modern skyscrapers. Look up to see the ornate carvings at the top of the towers that give them their distinct style.

Stroll the strip by foot to get a feel for what’s there. Big name luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel have boutiques alongside affordable department stores such as H&M. There are five national department stores, and they have fabulous window displays, especially during the winter holiday season. There’s something for everyone along this vibrant strip, including candy stores and toy shops for the kids.

Foodies have plenty of options, as there are dozens of fine dining restaurants along the strip that cater to lunchtime business crowds and shoppers. There are numerous fast-food and café options, too. For a treat, check out the Cape Cod Room at the famous Drake Hotel, where locals and tourists have been coming since 1933 for fresh seafood. The Drake is just one of more than 50 hotels on the Magnificent Mile strip.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Magnificent Mile

Warwick Allerton - Chicago
Warwick Allerton - Chicago
4 out of 5
701 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is €93 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
€93
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,446 reviews)
JJ&C
"We arrived earlier than expected. Our room wasn’t ready. No big deal. I asked if any room was ready- and we were offered a suite. The extra $40 w/tax was so worth it."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Warwick Allerton - Chicago
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €217 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€217
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,514 reviews)
"The property was nice and clean. Great location for walking everywhere in Chicago. Would stay here again !"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel
The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
4.5 out of 5
909 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is €136 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€136
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,016 reviews)
"Magnificent Mile...that's all! Because the staff, aside from the breakfast waiter at the restaurant were not helpful. Even at checkout, we asked the front personnel to help us get a cab to the airport, she just nod and left hee post. We waited about 10 mins and luckily, a we were able to hail one ..."

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2024

The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
4 out of 5
540 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is €212 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€212
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
Good but not great
"Really enjoyed our stay. I was here for work. The location is fantastic. Fantastic service. The only downside was that the room was hot. The temperature would not go lower than 76 degrees. It is an older building so we understand. The staff and experience made up for it. We really enjoyed our ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Park Hyatt Chicago
Park Hyatt Chicago
5 out of 5
800 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is €441 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
€441
per night
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (962 reviews)
"very elegant"

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2024

Park Hyatt Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is €121 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€121
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (6,457 reviews)
"As others have mentioned, this place is daaaaated. It was probably a fancy hotel back in its time but it definitely older now. That being said, it's a great place location wise particularly given the price. The rooms are old but clean. The service is good. The heating is centralized and it was cold ..."

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Magnificent Mile

Navy Pier which includes wild flowers and general coastal views as well as a couple

Streeterville

Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Streeterville. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.

Streeterville
Downtown Chicago featuring a city

Downtown Chicago

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Grant Park and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Chicago
Magnificent Mile - River North which includes street scenes, signage and night scenes

Near North Side

4.5/5(248 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Near North Side. Top attractions like Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue are major draws. Catch the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

Near North Side
Shops at North Bridge featuring street scenes, cbd and a city

River North

Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

River North
The Loop - Downtown featuring a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(187 area reviews)

Grant Park and Millennium Park 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.

The Loop
Chicago which includes rides

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).

Theatre District


Magnificent Mile

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: