The Magnificent Mile

Parking is a nightmare and expensive but the sightseeing is worth the hassle a few times a year…

I am from Champaign, IL and also have plenty of family in Chicago so I have visited Chicago and The Magnificent Mile many times. The Magnificent Mile isn’t the same as when I was kid, but still very enjoyable. Tons of shops at various price points. Tons of eateries. Tons of hotels. My last visit was for business so I stayed at a hotel on The Mile. Very nice. I stopped by a few shops. Ate out alot, of course. I felt completely safe walking around. There was a big police presence, I noticed. Very easy to get around — no worries about getting lost.

A rather classic shopping district. Though went through some drastic changes in the years. Can be a great & welcoming area in the city. Especially with a few of it’s main shopping malls.
Probably the most exquisite area in the city.

When in Chicagoland, you have to shop the Magnificent Mile! Not only is this area brimming with shops that would most likely make you knock over a wall in your house just to build a whole new closet for all the things you can buy here but it is also filled with restaurants, cafes, candy shops, etc. Also, I find it quite interesting to people watch while you sip on some delicious beverage.
If you are into architecture, visit the Magnificent Mile for that. You will truly be amazed. During this visit, I mostly walked up and down to marvel at the beautiful buildings and once in a while a shop would catch my attention with their window displays or sale ads and I would go in. There are so many shops to visit and they range from super expensive and high quality to cheap and mediocre but they all coexist. Shoppers, workers and onlookers are constantly flooding the streets but it’s all part of the MM fun!
I did notice during this visit that there are less homeless people around and they weren’t begging as aggressively as they used to.

I first heard of The Magnificent Mile in Chicago about 6 years ago. I thought that it was related to track and field. Was surprised to find out that it was a world class shopping destination.
Our hotel was close by to the Magnificent Mile. So, everyday I would walk along this stretch of road in order to burn off some of the calories from all the eating we were doing. Did not help much cause I still gained 7 pounds from that trip.
Anyways, back to the topic at hand. The Magnificent Mile is lovely. Of course, there are tons of first class stores one can shop at to their heart’s content. There are also a multitude of fine restaurants to dine at as well. Everywhere you look is wonderful. The architecture of the many buildings and the beautifully landscaped street is a sight to behold.
When in Chicago, don’t forget to take a walk along The Magnificent Mile. I believe it earned it’s nickname.

This is one of my favorite parts of visiting Chicago. I love the people cruising the streets and the excellent shops and atmosphere along the Magnificent Mile. My favorite new discovery is Topshop, where I found a ton of jewelry for half price! I feel like there’s something for everyone at Magnificent Mile, and even if you dread shopping, you owe it to yourself to check it out!

So much shopping within a mile!!! Totally overwhelmed by this city so I highly suggest printing a map out online so you know where you definitely need to stop at!!! So many different and great stores within the mile. It just sucks they have a 9.25% sales tax :(

Instead of posting a TL;DR review, let me give you a simple, quick, and clean breakdown on ‘The Magnificent Mile’.
Architecture is on point.
Shopping addicts PARADISE — high end shops and clothing lines, and to quote ‘The Trump,’ HUGEEEEE mall in size.
If you’re in a hotel, try and save yourself parking hassle by walking here. You’ll be walking for a bit so wear comfortable shoes, and find a nice anywhere to plant that bum (fellas this advice is for you).
Other than that, enjoy The Mile!

Have you been to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills? Basically the same — high end shops plus some restaurants and other stores but no fancy weird cars. If you like shopping, come check it out. If you like people watching, come here as well (like I did). If you like eating, lots of great restaurants nearby. Parking must be a hassle but luckily I walked everywhere.

If you’re up for taking a very pretty city stroll at night, this is your spot. I felt like I was near times square in NYC because of all the lights and decorations from all the department stores.

There was a rerun show that I used to watch as a kid called «The Flying Nun!» For those of you who likes classic 50s, 60s film and TV sitcoms, The Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave) should remind you of this show. It starred Academy Award winner, Sally Fields. It was her 2^nd sitcom after «Gidget» aired by ABC.
Though I have been to Chicago several times, this was my first here at «The Mag Mile.» I don’t know if that term is right, but seems everyone here called it that. There are endless of high end brand name stores like LV, Burberry, Gucci and more. It is like the Beverly Hills of Rodeo Drive, but with skyscrapers! So if you like shopping till you drop, this is the place for you. But if you also like architecture like me, The Magnificent Mile will not disappoint, particularly the art deco style! I can walk here all day, just admiring how beautifully erect they are, and how much history they have too!
Just to note, landmarks that should not be missed are: The John Hancock Building, Chicago River, Wrigley’s Field, and of course, a few renowned brand name stores like Tiffany.
Until then, Cheers! :p

Day 152 — Still lost. Less afraid. I think I’m in Crate and Barrel, but I went up what felt like 12 sets of escalators. I’ve fashioned myself a makeshift hut underneath the clearance patio furniture and wrapped myself in a burlap table runner for warmth. Every 3 or so days I have to relocate in order to avoid the natives who shout things like, «you need to leave» but their accents and native dialect make the English language almost unrecognizable. I’ve been successfully fending them off with an assortment of corkscrews and expensive silverware.
I remember at some point seeing an Apple Store during my travels. What I wouldn’t give for an apple or two right now. I’ve been sustained by drinking low fat olive oil and bread dipping sauces. Every once in a while a stray bird makes his fateful way into the store and I feast like a king.
I hear whispers of a life outside Crate and Barrel. The Water Tower Place. H&M. Nordstrom. Amazing places of wonder and high prices. Places I once knew. Had once experienced. But alas, I’m here. If this message gets out to anyone, send help…

The Magnificent Mile is pretty much Chicago’s Rodeo Drive minus the movie stars, Royce Rolls, Beverly Hills, and California weather. It has a sh*t load of well known brands and pretentious designer labels on the strip. It has all the qualities I dislike in malls and shopping centers. In general, malls and shopping centers give me a headache and it’s definitely not my spot to hang out at.
I’m not into buying a bunch of worthless superficial junk to display my economic status. Plus, I’m not easily brain washed by companies’ advertisements and the value I put on these material possession is sh*t. I seriously rather spend my cash on making it rain with a gold chain, bad b*tches by my side, stacking my cash on that a$$, and poppin bottles of Crystal. Like I said, I’m not easily influenced by the media.
Anyway, I did enjoy walking down Mag Mile despite my dislike for material possessions. The architecture is definitely beautiful once you cross the Riverwalk. It’s definitely a better walk than Rodeo Drive cause you don’t get those snooty pretentious LA folks staring you down when you drive by in your car bumping A$AP Rocky’s F*ckin Problems. Seriously. What’s their problem? I love bad b*tches. That’s my problem.
Lastly, the building that really stood out was the Burberry store. The outside of the store is designed like their signature «check» pattern. It was tacky as F*CK. It reminded me of how people wear all these designer brands and make sure the labels are showing on every article of clothing or accessories. There’s a fine line between classy and tacky. Unfortunately, the Burberry building crossed the line to tacky.

This is like 5^th Avenue or Yorkville in Chicago. There are plenty of high end stores and some museums and also an art gallery on one of the side streets.
Considering I’m not an avid shopper, it wasn’t the best for me.
Pros:
–Drop your shoppo-​maniac here while you tour the city
–Lots of food options esp. the Purple Pig
–Right on the river
Cons:
–pricey stores
Verdict: Nothing too different than other downtown areas, but A-​OK.
#Shopping#Boredguy

I walked up and down the magnificent mile during my first visit to Chicago. Even though it was super cold, it was a good experience. There are great stores, and the stores are HUGE. Much bigger and more expansive selection than regular versions of the same stores. I was able to find stuff I hadn’t previously seen in other locations. The architecture along the way is pretty to look at, and it was nice to get a feel of the hustle and bustle of Chicago, even if it was a little touristy.

I love walking up and down this stretch of Chicago. Lots of shops, in different price ranges. it just depends on what you may be looking for. Lots of great photo ops for those that love taking those selfies. Personally, i don’t like to shop here, instead i love people watching and seeing everyone taking in what Chicago has to offer with its beautiful architecture.
Be advised though that the sales tax is slightly higher here at about 9% (might be higher?) Street parking is available and it is metered.

What can I say that many reviewers haven’t said already?
Yes, there are dozens of high end stores for those of you who want to window shop like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s with your croissant and strand of pearls… will I get a thrashing for a NYC comparison here? You know what I mean. Nothing but love for Chicago.
Yes, there is beautiful architecture with historical significance that should light a fire under the ass of even the droopiest Huckleberry Hounds in your caravan of fellow tourists.
For me? It’s a point of reference. When I’m many miles from familiar territory, it’s always good to have a home base of sorts. After cruising the Magnificent Mile, it gave me a good idea of the 5 w’s going on around me (who, what, when, where and why). After walking 30 miles
In three days, it still served as my reference point.
Also, it was safe passage to/​fro my late night solo expeditions to photograph the sights in Millennium Park. Have you ever seen the skyline reflection in the Bean just before the park closes? Sure, there may be a few too many cops along the «Mile», but it was a relief to see them after being trailed by a few people who looked like they wanted more than their picture taken.
As far as those stores, most are over-​priced and out of my league; I could do without them. But the sights, particularly the architecture, along Magnificent Mile are up there with Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Walking along the Siene in Paris or walking in the Piazza San Marco in Venice. Why didn’t anyone tell me before?
It took me way too long to get to Downtown Chicago! If you’re reading this, it’s not too late for you. Put on your tourist hat, don your fanny pack, clean off Granny’s glasses, because you’re gonna Mag Mile this sunnavabitch!

Though I have been starting to work out more lately, shopping is my preferred method of burning calories. The Magnificent Mile is a long stretch of shopping to make any woman happy & her credit card happy as well. From Forever21 to Topshop to Tiffany’s to Chanel, Magnificent Mile has a shop for everyone’s budgets & taste. While I did go to a couple malls in the area I didn’t go into the individual shops in Mag Mile. But I enjoyed the beautiful buildings architecture & the lights all lit up at night. The edges of Magnificent Mile also house of course notable eateries but also the NBC building & the Chicago Tribune building.
If you’re looking to do some serious shopping in Chicago, you’ve come to the right place!

Yes it’s a tourist trap. Great people watching. My nieces and nephew loved it & were simultaneously impressed, overwhelmed & intrigued. Beautiful views of the water, skyscrapers & interesting mix of people. Parking garage prices were ridiculous but expected. We didn’t do any serious shopping as I would need to scope it out in advance.

If you were to see one part of Chicago to get a feel of the city, this would be it. Think of it as the downtown core, and the happen’ part of town.
Parking here does exist, but obviously it’s metered.
One understands why this place is called the Windy City. It gets quite cold in the winter. While there are plenty of architectural landmarks to check out (from the Wrigley Buliding on the S end to the Chicago Water Tower on the N end), you do have to stick around outdoors to enjoy the area.
While some may call this area a shopping district, I’d say it’s more of a stroll to breath in the atmosphere.