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Shopping in Chicago can be a daunting task.
With so many great areas to choose from, it’s difficult to know where to get started! Each neighborhood in Chicago has its own culture, which influences the retail opportunities. Here are five neighborhoods every shopper should visit in the Windy City.
The Magnificent Mile
When people think of Chicago, a few iconic landmarks come to mind: The Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), The Bean in Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue. North Michigan Avenue, affectionately called the Magnificent Mile, offers 460 shops, and a trip to this location isn’t complete without a visit to Water Tower Place. This eight-level shopping plaza was named after the nearby historic Water Tower, which was one of the only buildings to withstand the great Chicago Fire of 1871. One could easily spend a single day exploring this place alone!
Where: Downtown
Water Tower Place
835 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
(312) 440-3166
Dining, shopping and sightseeing along the Magnificent Mile
State Street
State Street is lined with flagship department stores as well as popular boutiques and retail chains. State Street is located in the middle of the famous Chicago Loop. One of the most recognizable stores on State Street is Macy’s, which occupies the historic Marshall Field’s building. During the holidays, Macy’s continues the tradition of Marshall Field’s by decorating its windows with whimsical displays. It’s magical and well worth a trip during the year’s busiest shopping season.
Where: The Loop
Macy's
111 N. State St.
Chicago, IL
(312) 781-1100
The interior of Macy's on State Street
Armitage Avenue
Farther north in Lincoln Park, there are a myriad of unique boutiques. You might have the urge to stop in every shop, but if your trip must be kept short, try starting with All She Wrote for cute stationery and paper goods. For affordable high-fashion on consignment, visit Lori’s for a wide variety of shoes.
Where: Lincoln Park
All She Wrote:
825 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL
(773) 529-0100
Lori’s
824 Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL
(773) 281-5655
Exterior view of Macy's at Water Tower Place
Southport Corridor
Southport Corridor is akin to Armitage Avenue’s older sister. Although this area has the same trendy vibe as Armitage, it’s a bit more mature. Keep an eye out for Southport Grocery and Cafe, where shelves are stocked with locally produced finds, or you can visit the Krista K Boutique and find racks filled with upscale women’s clothing from emerging designers.
Where: Andersonville
Southport Grocery and Cafe
3552 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL
(773) 665-0100
Krista K Boutique
3458 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL
(773) 248-1967
Entrance to skyscraper housing the 900 North Michigan Shops upscale mall
Clark Street
Andersonville is unlike any other part of the city. At about 13 kilometers from the Loop, it’s a bit of a hike for both locals and tourists, but the eclectic charm of this section of the city is well worth the adventure. One shop that all visitors should stop by is Brimfield for mounds of aged flannel and timeless trinkets.
Where: Westport
Brimfield
5219 N. Clark St.
Chicago, Illinois
(713) 217 3501
The Clark Street Bridge in downtown Chicago
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