From the Magnificent Mile to smaller boutiques, Chicago has some of the best shopping in the Midwest.
If you’re near Chicago and looking for some great places to shop, you don’t have to go very far. Shopping in Chicago is one of the best experiences you can have. Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, the city stores are something to see. You can find almost anything you’re looking for in Chicago, and, around the holidays, storefronts have larger than life decorations that are worth viewing in and of themselves. When you’re in the city, you’ll find almost any big name store you’re looking for, as well as chic boutique stores that you can’t find anywhere else.
The Mag Mile
The Magnificent Mile, sometimes called the Mag Mile, is a piece of North Michigan Avenue known for its shopping. Most notably, there are three shopping centers that tower over the street, and they house over 200 stores for your shopping pleasure. Most famous is the Water Tower Place, which holds stores like American Girl Place and Macy’s, as well as Forever 21, Banana Republic, and Abercrombie & Fitch.
There are also several restaurants, making Water Tower Place the perfect destination for lunch or dinner as well as a trip into a few stores. The Shops at North Bridge contain over 50 stores in a four-level, six-block long shopping center. Stores here include Nordstrom, White House Black Market, and Luis Vuitton, among others. This shopping center is huge, making it perfect for a whole day of browsing. The 900 Shops include many chic stores such as Gucci, Bloomingdale’s, and Williams-Sonoma. It’s a great place to find just what you need for any occasion.
Oak Street
If the Mag Mile can’t quench your thirst for high-end retail, try nearby Oak Street. Oak Street stories are notoriously expensive and designer quality. Oak Street takes up about one block on the very north side of Michigan Avenue, where Michigan ends and Lake Shore Drive begins. This is where you’ll find smaller shops such as kate spade, Ultimo, and Hermes of Paris. Beware, though, that these shops are not for the frugal shopper.
Wicker Park
Wicker Park is quickly becoming one of the most artsy neighborhoods in Chicago. Not only will you find great boutiques in Wicker Park, but you’ll also find some awesome restaurants. On a nice summer day, there’s nothing better than taking a peek inside a few cool stores and taking a seat on a restaurant patio for lunch.
Wicker Park is the perfect mixture of old and new, with businesses that have been around for quite some time and new, bohemian retailers that cater to a new generation of free spirits. The feel of the neighborhood has been described as “gritty,” which is a perfect adjective. This is a great place for people who want to feel like they’ve really seen the city, not just the tourist portion of it. Come here for great food, a great vibe, and one-of-a-kind merchandise.
