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
Neighborhood: Near North Side
How to get there
- Chicago • 5 min walk
- Grand • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
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Restaurants
3,361 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,037 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- 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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 2, 2023
- IrinaUnited States14,335 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 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 8, 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 2024Traveled on businessWritten March 10, 2024
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, Minnesota6,511 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 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 12, 2024
- Uccman39North Brunswick, New Jersey227 contributionsAn underrated area to spend a dayA wonderful place to visit on a nice day. I stopped in Chicago for the day on my way out west. Chicago is an underrated city for shopping and beautiful lake views. Didn’t have time for the restaurants but would like to return soonVisited March 2024Traveled soloWritten April 3, 2024
- Taylor BChicago, Illinois8,479 contributionsChicago's answer to 5th Avenue and Rodeo DriveChicago's Magnificent Mile, or Mag Mile, is the upscale section of the city's Michigan Avenue north from the Chicago River to fashionable Oak Street, the main thoroughfare between Chicago's Loop business district and its high priced Gold Coast neighborhood. The Streeterville neighborhood is to the east while Rush Street and River North are to the west. The Mag Mile currently is Chicago's largest shopping area, occupied by retail department stores, restaurants, museums and hotels. It features some of the city's most famous and historic buildings, including the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Water Tower Place, the Chicago Water Tower, the Hancock building. Have an expensive cup of coffee at the world's largest Starbucks. Tourists can choose to stay at some of the most highly rated hotels in the country, including the Drake, Allerton, Peninsula, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Park Hyatt and Intercontinental. Going shopping? The Mag Mile features some of the world's most fashionable retail stores, including Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Armani, Ferragamo, Burberry, Saint Laurent and Ralph Lauren. Ready for lunch or dinner? You won't find a McDonald's or Wendy's or Burger King or Taco Bell on the Mag Mile. And some outstanding restaurants have closed, including Spiaggia, Tru, Pump Room, Cape Cod Room, Signature Room at the 95th, Grand Lux and Lawry's Prime Rib. But diners won't go hungry. Among the headliners are Maple & Ash, Purple Pig, Labriola, Michael Jordan's Steakhouse, RL, Gibson's, Steak 48, Pizzeria Uno and Duo, Rosebud on Rush, Beatrix, Eataly, Bandera, NoMi, Volare and Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab. Take your time and you're sure to find everything you are looking for.Visited May 2024Traveled soloWritten May 29, 2024
- london057Dublin, Ohio683 contributionsThis is the 5th and Madison Ave of ChicagoFirst of this is the 5th and Madison Ave of Chicago. Second they have high end shops 🏬. Third you can’t go wrong with any of those shops on the mile .Lastly, the East Side runs into the Gold Coast which is the Upper East Side of Chicago .Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 29, 2024
- Andy E3 contributionsExploring Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.Did a walking architectural tour with the Chicago Architecture Center. 90 minute tour covered development of Michigan Avenue, north of the Chicago River. Our guide, Ron Roman was knowledgable and covered all the highlights.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
15,828 reviews
Excellent
9,930
Very good
4,394
Average
1,283
Poor
159
Terrible
62
JillClardy
Redwood City, CA870 contributions
Sep 2021
“Magnificent” might be a bit hyperbolic, but we really enjoyed our strolls along Michigan Avenue for each of the 5 days that we were in town. The sidewalk is very wide and clean and lined with beautiful planter boxes overflowing with colorful blooms in mid-September. Many restaurants have pleasant outdoor patios, and in the evenings a few street musicians provide entertainment. We did encounter a few panhandlers, but nothing like what we see in San Francisco. We never felt unsafe, even after dinner when we were strolling back to our hotel. We’re not shoppers so didn’t really pay attention to the stores. We did notice some closed businesses, but don’t know if that is related to the pandemic or just normal turnover. There are quite a few universities and colleges in this area, so there was a constant presence of young students, which makes it even more lively.
Written September 12, 2021
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.
Rickardo
Sedona, AZ279 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Even small Mom & Pop places have sanitizing stations upon entering.
NOTHING here at supposedly the flagship of USA Starbucs....when I asked, they pointed me fully across the first floor to a single unmarked pump bottle on the counter where we ordered.....oh btw, four floors connected by escalators, dozens of people on every floor (way over the 25-40% capacity) and not a single sign about social distancing or safety.
NOT A WAY TO SET AN EXAMPLE!
NOTHING here at supposedly the flagship of USA Starbucs....when I asked, they pointed me fully across the first floor to a single unmarked pump bottle on the counter where we ordered.....oh btw, four floors connected by escalators, dozens of people on every floor (way over the 25-40% capacity) and not a single sign about social distancing or safety.
NOT A WAY TO SET AN EXAMPLE!
Written October 28, 2020
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.
Anjani
North Chicago, IL65 contributions
Dec 2019
The magnificient mile starts from beautiful bridge with great buildings, restaurants and shops on both sides of road. There are stores from big chain like Victoria Secret, Bloomingdale, Macy'sCrate and Barrel, Disney, Republic, Tiffany . Our most loved is Water Tower - four storied building with glass doors for elevator, shops and nice affordable food restaurants to satisfy all tastes of food. Millenium park and Navy Pier is exclusive places at walking distance.
Written January 15, 2020
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.
Xamot Tomax
Fort Wayne, IN7,475 contributions
Aug 2021
Michigan Avenue is where we spend at least some of our time while visiting Chicago. This street is packed full of restaurants and shopping, many of which are higher end. Therefore, you can expect the prices for shopping and dining to be on the higher end. Although you will spot some cheaper chain restaurants, which are good for those on the go, we try to get at least one really good meal at a higher end restaurant. Remember the old adage, “You get what you pay for”. However it’s still definitely worth seeing even if you’re not doing any shopping or dining. Even taking a leisurely stroll and enjoying the sights and architecture can still be rewarding in itself.
Written January 17, 2022
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.
Zach G.
Essexville, MI57 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
An avenue with tons of stores, restaurants and things to do! Great selection of stores along this part of Michigan Ave. - high end to average brands. Water Tower Place is always a nice area to be at, couple other ‘malls’ such as 900 N. Michigan with good stores. I also won’t forget to mention the amazing John Hancock Building is along here.
Definitely a great part of Chicago for shopping and dining - highly recommend this as part of your trip to the city.
Definitely a great part of Chicago for shopping and dining - highly recommend this as part of your trip to the city.
Written February 17, 2020
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.
Lauren Butterfield
Denver, CO497 contributions
Mar 2020
I was walking around here over the weekend and it's a great pace to go shopping as well as to people walk. The shopping is a bit overpriced so beware of that and probably isn't affordable for the average person.
Expect traffic to be very heavy around here so you won't get down Michigan Avenue too fast.
They apparently have Christmas lights around the holidays so I bet that's gorgeous!
Expect traffic to be very heavy around here so you won't get down Michigan Avenue too fast.
They apparently have Christmas lights around the holidays so I bet that's gorgeous!
Written March 16, 2020
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.
ELGee2011
Chicago, IL21 contributions
Jan 2020
The "Mag Mile" is a stretch of city street that goes from the Chicago River north on Michigan Ave. It's shopping and sightseeing all in one. Take your time and enjoy the wide sidewalks. Know that it gets crowded on weekends and holidays.
Written February 13, 2020
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.
johnjT5799BX
Baltimore, MD111 contributions
Mar 2021
Even visiting in March the Mag Mile is wonderful - save in times of COVID. Shops have closed or dramatically reduced hours and it feels like a lot of the luster & ambience has been masked (pun very much intended). If you're planning a trip to Chicago, hold off until this pandemic is less of an ominous presence.
Written March 3, 2021
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.
El Turista John
New York City, NY5,371 contributions
Sep 2020 • Solo
Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is a stretch along North Michigan Ave filled with plenty of shops, restaurants, and beautiful architecture. Well worth a stroll, and if you need a quick pick me up head over to the fantastic Starbucks Reserve Roastery at 646. I really enjoyed the fact that the mile was peppered with the “Duck Derby” art installation in support of the Special Olympics. Head on over, the Magnificent Mile is just that!
Written October 2, 2020
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.
Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,479 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
Chicago's Magnificent Mile, or Mag Mile, is the upscale section of the city's Michigan Avenue north from the Chicago River to fashionable Oak Street, the main thoroughfare between Chicago's Loop business district and its high priced Gold Coast neighborhood. The Streeterville neighborhood is to the east while Rush Street and River North are to the west. The Mag Mile currently is Chicago's largest shopping area, occupied by retail department stores, restaurants, museums and hotels. It features some of the city's most famous and historic buildings, including the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Water Tower Place, the Chicago Water Tower, the Hancock building. Have an expensive cup of coffee at the world's largest Starbucks. Tourists can choose to stay at some of the most highly rated hotels in the country, including the Drake, Allerton, Peninsula, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Park Hyatt and Intercontinental. Going shopping? The Mag Mile features some of the world's most fashionable retail stores, including Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Armani, Ferragamo, Burberry, Saint Laurent and Ralph Lauren. Ready for lunch or dinner? You won't find a McDonald's or Wendy's or Burger King or Taco Bell on the Mag Mile. And some outstanding restaurants have closed, including Spiaggia, Tru, Pump Room, Cape Cod Room, Signature Room at the 95th, Grand Lux and Lawry's Prime Rib. But diners won't go hungry. Among the headliners are Maple & Ash, Purple Pig, Labriola, Michael Jordan's Steakhouse, RL, Gibson's, Steak 48, Pizzeria Uno and Duo, Rosebud on Rush, Beatrix, Eataly, Bandera, NoMi, Volare and Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab. Take your time and you're sure to find everything you are looking for.
Written May 29, 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.
How far is this from the airport? Is public transit available?
Written August 29, 2019
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.
Written August 29, 2019
Se encuentra en la Ciudad de Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Written April 14, 2019
wo geht man zuerst hin beim 1. Besuch in Chicago ? Städtereise vom So. bis Do. im September 2019 zu dritt. Wo übernachten?
Matthias
Written February 12, 2019
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 !!!
Written March 9, 2019
I am staying at Marriott on the MM. How do I get to United Center? Do they have a bus like near the loop?
Written January 25, 2019
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
Written January 26, 2019
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?
Written January 5, 2019
Hilton Hotel on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois
Written August 6, 2019
Are there buses that go to the premium factory outlets at Aurora? The transfer service on here is too expensive
Written October 26, 2018
Very sorry but I cannot answer this question.
Written October 26, 2018
Are there buses that go to the premium factory outlets at Aurora? The transfer service on here is too expensive
Written October 26, 2018
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!!
Written October 27, 2018
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.
Written August 16, 2018
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.
Written August 16, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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