Water Tower Place

Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place showing street scenes
Water Tower Place showing shopping and street scenes


Enjoy endless shopping, see exhibits of sporting memorabilia and attend shows at a live theatre at this huge shopping mall.

Water Tower Place is a vast retail and entertainment center, which has assorted clothing stores, a sports museum, a theater and restaurants. It occupies eight floors of a towering skyscraper and is one of the earliest examples of a U.S. vertical mall. Opened in 1976, Water Tower Place brought mid-range shopping to Chicago’s traditionally upscale Magnificent Mile commercial zone.

Ride the glass elevator to the atrium-style levels and visit over 100 stores. Browse for the latest styles in men’s, women’s and children’s fashion at the shops of popular clothing brands. Purchase casual, formal and sporting footwear. Peruse the electronics, health and housewares shops and specialty outlets, including luxury jewelers.

Take a break from your shopping spree and visit the variety of eating and drinking options. Enjoy a hearty meal at a full-service restaurant or pick up coffee, hot pretzels and sandwiches to eat on the go. Try everything from healthy salads to freshly baked pastries and barbecue ribs at the Foodlife urban food hall, which has more than a dozen different stands.

Have fun with interactive exhibits and revisit sports history at the Chicago Sports Museum. Try hands-on challenges and compare your performance with acclaimed Chicago sportspeople. Learn about sporting myths, team rituals and fan superstitions. See the large-size Super Bowl winner’s ring of Chicago Bears player William “Refrigerator” Perry and scan the inside of Sammy Sosa’s corked bat.

Book tickets for a show at the Broadway Playhouse. Watch performances of hit musicals such as Traces and Rock of Ages.

Located in the northern section of the Magnificent Mile, the mall is easy to reach via public transportation. Public buses stop outside the main entrance and an L train station is a 5-minute walk away. Visit nearby city attractions including the City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Water Tower Place is open daily. Find individual opening hours of the shops and restaurants listed on the mall’s official website.

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Things to do near Water Tower Place

Water Tower Place offers a vibrant array of activities, including engaging theatre performances and captivating art exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy an invigorating aquatic workout, immerse themselves in the lively blues scene at Blues Chicago, or take an architecture boat tour to appreciate the city's stunning skyline. Additionally, explore various area attractions to make the most of your stay in this bustling hub of culture and entertainment.

Shopping

Chicago Place Mall, located 322m from Water Tower Place, offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of business and family vibes. Similarly, 900 North Michigan Shops, also 322m away, combines entertainment with a city atmosphere. City Market, a public market 1.6km away, captures the essence of local business.

Recreation

Experience the thrill of Wrigley Field, just 6.4km away, where you can soak in the vibrant sports atmosphere. For an evening of entertainment, the House of Blues Chicago, located 1.3km away, offers fantastic live music. Lastly, unwind at Northerly Island Natural Area, 4.8km away, with its serene surroundings.

Adventure

Explore the Salt Creek Trail, a scenic hiking path located 19.3km from Water Tower Place, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure amidst nature. For a family-friendly thrill, head to Rainbow Falls Waterpark, situated 33.8km away, offering exciting water rides and entertainment for all ages.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife around Water Tower Place. Enjoy a romantic evening at Chicago Theatre, just 1.4km away, or have fun at Dave & Buster's, 805m away, where entertainment and drinks await. For an adventurous twist, visit Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, located 1.3km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Water Tower Place

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or travelling with family, Water Tower Place in Chicago offers a plethora of attractions to explore. From iconic skyscrapers to serene urban parks and historic buildings, there’s something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the vibrant city atmosphere while enjoying a variety of experiences that highlight the rich heritage and modern charm of the area.

  • Michigan Avenue: Known as the Magnificent Mile, this bustling street is a shopper's paradise lined with high-end boutiques, restaurants, and stunning architecture. A stroll along Michigan Avenue offers a vibrant city experience, showcasing the energy of Chicago.
  • Navy Pier: This iconic jetty features attractions, restaurants, and stunning views of Lake Michigan. With its lively atmosphere and friendly locals, Navy Pier is perfect for a leisurely day out, offering everything from boat rides to outdoor entertainment.
  • Millennium Park: A family-friendly urban park that boasts beautiful gardens, art installations, and the famous Cloud Gate sculpture. It's an ideal spot for outdoor activities and enjoying city life, making it a must-visit for tourists.

Best time to go to Water Tower Place

The best time to visit Water Tower Place can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Water Tower Place falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Water Tower Place falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.7°F (-3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Water Tower Place

To save on your visit to Water Tower Place, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your stay for a Monday will also help you avoid higher weekend rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare prices and identify budget-friendly hotels, including eco-certified options. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can lead to further savings. To navigate the city affordably, utilise the public transport system or explore on foot, as many attractions are within walking distance.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Water Tower Place are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Water Tower Place is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Water Tower Place is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, chosen location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results by price, starting from the lowest, to easily identify the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices based on hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make savings by combining your hotel reservation at Water Tower Place with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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