The Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile
4.5
About
The Magnificent Mile is a prime hospitality, dining and retail destination in the heart of Chicago. This section of Michigan Avenue, running from the banks of the Chicago River to Oak Street, features more than 460 shops, from high-end boutiques like Gucci and Burberry to pocket-friendly department stores. Amid lots of shopping and fine dining options, don’t miss the avenue’s historic landmarks like the Wrigley Building and the Chicago Water Tower. You can also take a walking tour of the area to make sure you’ll cover all the must-sees or stay in a room with an impressive view of downtown Chicago. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Near North Side
How to get there
- Chicago • 5 min walk
- Grand • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,317 within 5 kms
Attractions
913 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- 2BEis2SKICharlotte, North Carolina1,389 contributionsOne of the best city walks anywhereWe caught a break with a very nice and sunny albeit it chilly February day and spent a lot of time walking all over. This is really a spectacular walk although by early afternoon, there were so many people out enjoying the nice weather that it was a little too crowded for comfort. Still, this is a really unique and special way to see Chicago and I highly recommend it.Visited February 2023Written 31 March 2023
- makeitso4uChicago, Illinois527 contributionsFun place to visitGreat area to shop and explore. Go ice skating in the winter or enjoy great concerts at Milineum Park. The Iconic Bean is there, art museum and so much more. Great during the day.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 April 2023
- t ePhoenix, Arizona31 contributionsA Million things to do and see!Fun non stop shopping and eating! Seemed like anything you'd like. It was hard to choose what store or restaurant to go to. Check out a map so you don't miss a place.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 3 June 2023
- Deborah W3 contributionsFun city to visitChicago is a clean interesting city with amazing food. We were only there for 3 days. We stayed at the Hilton Chicago and toured The Art Institute and The Chicago 360. The Art Institute has amazing art especially impressionistic paintings. Saw the whole city from the 90th floor of the 360. The shopping is great in that same area. We ate at Au Cheval where we had delicious hamburgers although the wait was long on a Friday night. We also had Chicago deep dish pizza at Lou Mahnati’s which was amazingly delicious - we called ahead and got right in.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 November 2023
- IrinaUnited States11,036 contributionsMagic MileThe Magnificent Mile is a bit quieter in winter months, when this grand avenue is not too busy with traffic, but the upscale shops are shining and welcoming customers to buy presents anyway, as was the case before Valentine's Day, when we visited the area. The Mag Mile was magic in the evening hours, as well -- all in lights, and subtle colors of shopping windows, hotels and restaurants. The avenue was still in winter decorations, which looked unusual, but very pretty! Love The Mag Mile.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 8 March 2024
- Rodney J1 contributionBusiness travelThis was business trip, so I didn't have high expectations. I was tired from my trip from the west coast, but the ray of sunshine from a clod Chicago winter day, was Alejandra at the front desk. She made me feel welcomed, like I was visiting an old friend. She was polite and knowledgeable about the hotel and the city. i know I'll have future visits to the Chicago area, due to my job and hope to see that smile next time.Visited March 2024Travelled on businessWritten 10 March 2024
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, Minnesota3,476 contributionsHigh End Shopping StreetThe Magnificent Mile is a stretch of Michigan Avenue running from the Michigan Avenue Bridge over the Chicago River to Oak Street. It is Chicago's premier shopping street filled with the finest department stores and high-end retailers. There are no shopping bargains to be found here. Shop here if you enjoy spending a lot of money. It is mostly tourists walking up and down the Magnificent Mile taking in the scene. I find most of it rather uninteresting not being much of a window shopper. However, it can still make for a good stroll and the area is clean and safe both day and night. The best aspect of the Magnificent Mile is the architecture that can be viewed near the Michigan Ave Bridge over the Chicago River including of the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower and the area near the Historic Watertower including nearby iconic John Hancock Center and Watertower Place.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 12 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
15,805 reviews
Excellent
9,912
Very good
4,389
Average
1,283
Poor
159
Terrible
62
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN3,476 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
The Magnificent Mile is a stretch of Michigan Avenue running from the Michigan Avenue Bridge over the Chicago River to Oak Street. It is Chicago's premier shopping street filled with the finest department stores and high-end retailers. There are no shopping bargains to be found here. Shop here if you enjoy spending a lot of money. It is mostly tourists walking up and down the Magnificent Mile taking in the scene. I find most of it rather uninteresting not being much of a window shopper. However, it can still make for a good stroll and the area is clean and safe both day and night. The best aspect of the Magnificent Mile is the architecture that can be viewed near the Michigan Ave Bridge over the Chicago River including of the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower and the area near the Historic Watertower including nearby iconic John Hancock Center and Watertower Place.
Written 12 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rodney J
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Business
This was business trip, so I didn't have high expectations. I was tired from my trip from the west coast, but the ray of sunshine from a clod Chicago winter day, was Alejandra at the front desk. She made me feel welcomed, like I was visiting an old friend. She was polite and knowledgeable about the hotel and the city. i know I'll have future visits to the Chicago area, due to my job and hope to see that smile next time.
Written 10 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irina
United States11,036 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
The Magnificent Mile is a bit quieter in winter months, when this grand avenue is not too busy with traffic, but the upscale shops are shining and welcoming customers to buy presents anyway, as was the case before Valentine's Day, when we visited the area. The Mag Mile was magic in the evening hours, as well -- all in lights, and subtle colors of shopping windows, hotels and restaurants. The avenue was still in winter decorations, which looked unusual, but very pretty!
Love The Mag Mile.
Love The Mag Mile.
Written 8 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mohammad Abbas S
Karachi, Pakistan8 contributions
Jan 2024 • Business
It was very cold but Chicago is equipped to handle the cold spells so no disruptions in my plans. Chicago is always a wonderful place to visit
Written 24 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
960lori
Windsor8 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Chicago Magnificent Mile did not disappoint. We were in awe the whole trip. We would definately think about going back
Written 22 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Big Mike
Manlius, NY434 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
If you have shopping to do and no budgets in mind then you have come to the right place. Every high end want can be fulfilled in one mile
Written 27 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah W
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Chicago is a clean interesting city with amazing food. We were only there for 3 days. We stayed at the Hilton Chicago and toured The Art Institute and The Chicago 360. The Art Institute has amazing art especially impressionistic paintings. Saw the whole city from the 90th floor of the 360. The shopping is great in that same area. We ate at Au Cheval where we had delicious hamburgers although the wait was long on a Friday night. We also had Chicago deep dish pizza at Lou Mahnati’s which was amazingly delicious - we called ahead and got right in.
Written 2 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mohanthomas9362
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We enjoyed the river architecture cruise, MJ the musical, the deep dish pizza and the food at the Girl and the Goat restaurant.
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
debra M
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
We stayed on the Magnificent Mile. It was fabulous. We felt so safe , I can’t lie we were nervous as all the news about Chicago is about crime. But, staying in the downtown core is so very safe. The police patrol the area, all the expensive boutiques have armed security guards, so as you can imagine there is no crime in this area. The flowers all over the downtown ore made the trio even nicer. It smelt so beautiful and people were very friendly. Well most were. I would avoid Tiffany’s at all
Costs. They are the most arrogant and ignorant store I have ever been in. We have been to Tiffany’s in many different cities, but this one on the Magnificent Mike is just deplorable. The staff ignore you, the staff are ignorant and they avoid you at all costs, unless you come in wearing designer clothes and LV hand bags. Truly out a damper on the overall feel of the Magnificent Mile. Would go back to Chicago and enjoy the downtown beach again and Rosebuds Italian restaurant, but would walk right past Tiffany’s. Avoid Tiffany’s and your trip will be exceptional!!!
Costs. They are the most arrogant and ignorant store I have ever been in. We have been to Tiffany’s in many different cities, but this one on the Magnificent Mike is just deplorable. The staff ignore you, the staff are ignorant and they avoid you at all costs, unless you come in wearing designer clothes and LV hand bags. Truly out a damper on the overall feel of the Magnificent Mile. Would go back to Chicago and enjoy the downtown beach again and Rosebuds Italian restaurant, but would walk right past Tiffany’s. Avoid Tiffany’s and your trip will be exceptional!!!
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frederick P
5 contributions
Aug 2023
We enjoyed our brief stay, saw the Air Show (great) took in a lake cruise, and enjoyed a set and great food at Andy's Jazz Club and Restaurant on E. Hubbard Street.
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda H
Richmond Hill, Canada173 contributions
How far is this from the airport? Is public transit available?
William W
St. Petersburg, FL1,088 contributions
There are two airports serving Chicago: O'Hare and Midway with O'Hare being the major one so I assume that is the airport you are referring to. It will take you slightly over an hour to get to Michigan Avenue. The Chicago Transit Authority has a site where you can enter a starting point and a destination and it will tell you what L train to take which is the Blue Line. I was going to give you the link but TA won't allow it so just do a search. It will also show you what station to get off at. You are going to have about a 5 minute walk to the station at the airport and then another 15 minute walk once you get downtown.
Juan Diego
Medellin, Colombia3 contributions
Donde es navy peer
Sergio Gatica
Mexico City, Mexico9 contributions
Se encuentra en la Ciudad de Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Matthias B
Rothrist, Switzerland9 contributions
wo geht man zuerst hin beim 1. Besuch in Chicago ? Städtereise vom So. bis Do. im September 2019 zu dritt. Wo übernachten?
Matthias
Jojofa2014
Montreal, Canada100 contributions
Hello , If you are a first time visitor to Chicago, the «architecture boat tour» is a MUST. Many different companies offer a boat tour on the river. The boat goes up and down the river from the Michigan lake to the inside of down town Chicago. You get a great view of the architecture of Chicago and you get to cruise under the many bridges of Chicago witch is so unique to this town.
Do this the first day,it will give you the feel of Chicago and the guides often give you tips on the things to do and see in Chicago.
I prefer staying down town; anywhere near the river. Everything is pretty much walking distance after that.
Have a nice trip. I loved this city !!!
fingerhold
Cypress, CA129 contributions
I am staying at Marriott on the MM. How do I get to United Center? Do they have a bus like near the loop?
Ramson
Bethany, OK39 contributions
Yes Chicago has a wonderful transit system. Practically front door service. From Michigan take the Madison street Bus west to the United Center you can’t miss it
sanrOb1472
Yorkville, IL17 contributions
Hi, Sandra. What would you like to know about this attraction? which hotels would provide a view of the magnificent Mile parade from their hotel room?
GodsButterfly007
Chicago, IL6 contributions
Hilton Hotel on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois
Amanda M
Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia6 contributions
Are there buses that go to the premium factory outlets at Aurora? The transfer service on here is too expensive
Robertson;Mrs.a... R
Palm Coast, FL412 contributions
Very sorry but I cannot answer this question.
Amanda M
Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia6 contributions
Are there buses that go to the premium factory outlets at Aurora? The transfer service on here is too expensive
Dar Lee
Charleston, SC270 contributions
Metro BNSF line to Aurora Route 59 Station will be as close as you can get to the outlet malls on public transportation. Then I would suggest you catch an Uber from the train station to the outlet mall. Hope this helps!!
Pazar
Merseyside59 contributions
We are in our late 60's and my mobility is poor ( I have Parkinson's). We only have 2 nights and 1 full day in Chicago......don't really want big stores,museums.....like to visit quirky little shops, bars, restaurants.Any suggestions as to where to stay that's near to a pretty area to visit? Not too much walking, please.Thanks.
Litedoc
Chicago, IL32 contributions
I would say choose Wicker Park and enjoy the Division Street area or the area around North Ave Damen Ave and Milwaukee
Don't miss nearby Wicker Park and Bucktown, the eclectic area Vanity Fair pegged "a square mile of sassy boutiques." This shopping district encompasses the busy 6-corner intersection of Milwaukee, Damen and North Avenues, as well as Division Street.
beautiful accesories at at Stitch and Michelle Tan, menswear at Apartment No. 9 or RSVP Gallery or there are big-name designers like Nanette Lepore, Joe's Jeans and Marc Jacobs.
Get gifts and home decor at Asrai Garden, or Eskell
vintage at Vintage Underground, Store B Vintage
Consider staying at the Wicker Park Inn. And it’s worth your while to take Uber or a Lyft if your next stop is five or six blocks away.
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Claim your listingThe Magnificent Mile - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Magnificent Mile
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience The Magnificent Mile:
- Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour (From HK$380.12)
- Chicago Favorites Food & Walking Tour plus FREE Bike/Kayak Rental (From HK$625.63)
- Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour (From HK$359.78)
- Chicago Pizza Tour (From HK$586.60)
- Big Bus Chicago Sunset Tour (From HK$351.96)
- Hotels near The Magnificent Mile:
- (0.05 km) Warwick Allerton - Chicago
- (0.06 km) Omni Chicago Hotel
- (0.15 km) The Peninsula Chicago
- (0.11 km) Homewood Suites By Hilton Chicago Downtown/magnificent Mile
- (0.15 km) AC Hotel by Marriott Chicago Downtown
- Restaurants near The Magnificent Mile:
- (0.02 km) 676 Restaurant & Bar
- (0.14 km) Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken - Streeterville
- (0.15 km) Pierrot Gourmet
- (0.15 km) Beatrix
- (0.15 km) The Lobby
- Attractions near The Magnificent Mile:
- (0.04 km) Antique Coach & Carriages
- (0.20 km) Richard H. Driehaus Museum
- (0.24 km) The Escape Game Chicago
- (0.21 km) EJ Concierge Ride
- (0.16 km) MileNorth Hotel