Magnificent Mile

Streeterville, Chicago – Spanning from the Chicago River at the south end to Oak Street at the north, the Magnificent Mile (“Mag Mile”) is a popular stretch of North Michigan Avenue constantly abuzz with fashionistas, foreigners, families, and finance types out shopping, strolling, or snapping photographs of some of the city’s most famous architecture.

Wealthy urbanites and day-tripping suburbanites alike hit up shops that include everything from Gap and Crate & Barrel to upscale boutiques like Bulgari and Hermès, while tech-savvy professionals line up outside the Apple Store.

Moneyed couples – and vacationers ready to splurge – settle in for Sunday brunch at Nomi or venture up to The Signature Room on the 95th floor of the famous John Hancock Tower, before joining the throngs of tourists who crowd the Tower’s 94th-floor Observatory for panoramic views of the city.

Flanked on the south end by the 20s-era Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower, the Mag Mile is home to some of the most famous architecture in the city, most notably the Old Water Tower at Chicago Avenue, which is one of the only buildings in the area to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

When the stores and attractions close at night, hungry tourists and budget-minded locals flock to Gino’s East for Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza, while well-dressed friends, businessmen, and socialites enjoy a meal at one of several upscale restaurants, or an expensive bottle of wine at the RL Restaurant before a relaxing nighttime river cruise.

With its enduring history, diverse shopping, and celebrated restaurants, the Mag Mile is indeed one of the most magnificent (technically only .8) miles in Chicago.    ← read less