Some cities have shopping streets that are only good for shopping; while others have main streets that are a distillation of the city's ethos. Chicago's Magnificent Mile is the latter. It is not only a shopping street that can satisfy the desire of “buying”, but also the best route to the city's style. All the way from Lake Michigan, boutiques, old buildings, art exhibitions, theaters, cafes, high-rise scenery ...... In this short one-mile road, Chicago puts its sophistication, vintage, pioneering and a sense of life, all handed to you to see. So don't get the wrong idea that this street is just a “middle class consumer's paradise”, it can actually be very fun and culturally interesting - the point is how to shop. In this article, we have compiled a set of recommended routes for shopping and savoring, from fashion trends to landmark stores, from city stories to cultural experiences, so that you can not only reap the spoils, but also feel the core of the charm of the city of Chicago.
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One of the most special things about Magnificent Mile is that it makes “shopping” very pleasing to the eye. Every building and store you pass may be a landmark.
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Tribune Tower, for example, is a gothic building with stone fragments from all over the world embedded in its walls, including the Great Wall, the pyramids, the remnants of the Taj Mahal - it's no exaggeration to say that standing in front of this building is like looking at an exhibition of stone spanning five continents. And right on its first floor, into the Apple flagship store, with a glass wall design that makes you walk in and try out the latest models.
On the other side of the street, the Water Tower is one of the oldest buildings on the entire street, it survived the fire in 1871 and now stands like a watchman at the busy street entrance. The neighborhood is home to many international brand stores, such as the flagship stores of Burberry, Tiffany, and Nike, but it's more like entering one “museum you can enter” after another than shopping.
If time permits, drop into Water Tower Place, where you'll find not only a wide variety of stores, but also the Lookingglass Theatre upstairs, where you can improvise a night out with a show.
It's perfectly reasonable to “stop and snap” on the Magnificent Mile because there are just so many great corners and window views.
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The Wrigley Building, a pure white landmark, is one of the most photographed angles on Magnificent Mile, especially at sunset, when the building glows a warm golden color. A little further north, you can see the DuSable Bridge, under the bridge is the Chicago River, on the bridge is the traffic, many people will stand here for a while to gawk - because here you can see the best interpretation of “Chicago is architecture”.
If you're tired of wandering, we recommend stopping at Café Crèmerie (near Superior Street), a small espresso store with excellent desserts and a much more relaxed atmosphere than the chain stores. If it's spring or summer, there are also a few outdoor coffee tables where you can just order a black coffee and watch the people go by.
If you're looking for a shot of the Chicago skyline, consider entering the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck (located in the John Hancock Center building), which offers a 94th floor view of the city and Lake Michigan. Don't forget to experience the “tilting glass” - it's the kind of thrill that makes your calves tense up.
While many people shop only by the window displays, there are a number of small, well-hidden cultural spaces along Magnificent Mile that you can spend a half hour in and refresh your knowledge of Chicago.
For example, in the 900 North Michigan Shops (also an upscale shopping mall), there are small galleries or cultural exhibitions, sometimes by local Chicago artists, sometimes by traveling photography exhibitions from abroad. These exhibitions are free of charge and not too crowded, so they're perfect for “walking around for a while”.
In addition, near the north end of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, although not in the main line of the avenue, but as long as to the east turn a corner can be reached, very recommended to spend 1-2 hours to stroll around. It is one of the most experimental contemporary art museums in the country, with a great sense of space and often immersive or interactive exhibitions.
Even if you're “turned off” by contemporary art, this gallery won't be intimidating. The curation often incorporates lifestyle issues or technological mediums, often making you feel more “renewed” than shopping.
After all the shopping, culture and photography, it's time to give your body a break. The good thing about the Magnificent Mile is that you don't need to “find a restaurant” because there are so many great places to stop along the way.
For lunchtime, we recommend Eataly Chicago - an Italian market-type dining space with coffee and desserts on the first floor and a restaurant area on the second floor, where you can find pizza, pasta, and espresso - and no reservations are necessary, so it's perfect for impromptu decisions.
For a more formal dinner, RPM Italian or The Purple Pig are popular restaurants that even locals love to go to, the former for funky modern Italian food, the latter leaning towards small plate sharing Mediterranean style, so remember to book in advance.
As for accommodations, The Gwen, The Peninsula Chicago, and InterContinental Chicago are all highly rated hotels located along Magnificent Mile, with Chicago street views from their windows. The advantage of staying here is that you can go out for a second nighttime stroll in the evening without having to travel.
Chicagoans have a saying about Magnificent Mile: It's not just a street. It's a stage. From the first light of the morning sun on the high-rise buildings to the window lights that light up the crowds at night, it's never resting, and it's never monotonous. On this boulevard, you can be a spectator or a protagonist. After browsing the boutique stores, standing along the Chicago River watching the boats, stumbling upon street performers playing the piano, sitting in a cafe listening to strangers chatting, or even just looking at the crowds walking by, you may leave a quiet sentence in your heart - so, this is Chicago.
