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Party Earth Review 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... ... read full review
400–1000 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago IL 60611
Red Line: Grand, Chicago
312-409-5560
24/7
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.
After a day of window-shopping at the swanky boutiques along the Magnificent Mile, grab a table at the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the John Hancock building – a classy cocktail and an unbelievable view of the twinkling city is the perfect way to end the day.
City socialites, fashionistas, businessmen, young professionals, European and Midwestern tourists, college students, suburbanites, and upscale couples, all ages.
Seasonal events include:
Tulips in May.
The Shopping Festival in late summer.
The Lights Festival in December.
Other highlights:
Myriad tours depart from various locations along the Mag Mile, including bus, boat, trolley, carriage, Segway, bicycle, and walking tours.
The John Hancock Observatory, on the 94th floor of the John Hancock building (875 North Michigan Avenue) offers panoramic views of the city, a multimedia tour, an open-air balcony, and a café.
More than a hundred restaurants along the stretch, including upscale options like Viand (155 East Ontario Street) and Bandera (535 North Michigan Avenue), and budget-minded options like the famous Billy Goat Tavern (430 North Michigan Avenue).
Most tours $20–$50/person. Old Water Tower is generally free, with an occasional charge for special exhibits inside. John Hancock Observatory tickets $25/adults.
Anything goes. Appropriate attire required for upscale restaurants.
Daytime for shopping and sightseeing, and nighttime for dinner and drinks.
Rush Street (one block west of the Mag Mile from Chicago Avenue northward) is a bustling nightlife district that draws many from the Mile when restaurants start to close.
Magnificent Mile User Reviews