Chicago is an exciting city with lots of energy and a large array of things to see and do. One section of town that offers some of Chicago’s most popular attractions and more than 50 fabulous landmark structures is the renowned Magnificent Mile. A glorious section in downtown between the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Oak Street, Magnificent Mile offers sweeping views, one-of-a-kind sightseeing tours, world-class shopping venues, and delectable fine dining. When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of stunning hotels with free parking in the area. If you would prefer a homier stay, an Airbnb vacation rental is your best bet. A vibrant bustling area, you won’t know where to begin. Plan your trip and continue reading for a well-curated list of the best things to do in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, Illinois.
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1. Get scenic views at the 360 Chicago Observation Deck
A dose of adventure in Chicago awaits you at the 360 Chicago Observation Deck. Immerse yourself in breathtaking panoramic views of Houston from here. Located atop a towering skyscraper, this observation deck offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the city’s stunning skyline and landmarks. Marvel at the architectural wonders, bustling streets, and winding river that meanders through the city.
Capture stunning photographs from various vantage points and soak in the beauty of Houston from a unique perspective. Whether it’s a clear day with endless horizons or a twinkling night with a sea of lights, the views from the 360 Chicago Observation Deck are bound to leave you mesmerized. Take advantage of informative displays and interactive exhibits that provide insights into the city’s history, landmarks, and notable points of interest. The observation deck also offers dining options to savor a meal or enjoy a refreshing drink while basking in the panoramic views.
2. Explore the architecture of Bloomingdale's Medinah Home Store
Situated in the historic Medinah Temple built in 1914, Bloomingdale’s Medinah Home Store is one of the main attractions in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. It is a restored building that retains much of its original plasterwork and sparkling stained glass. Bloomingdale’s Medinah Home Store’s distinctive interior enhances a wonderful shopping experience where visitors can browse a bountiful collection of household items such as colorful bed and bath wares, efficient housewares, and divine furniture pieces.
Bloomingdale's Medinah Home Store
Address: 600 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Website: Bloomingdale’s Medinah Home Store
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 7pm; Fri & Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
3. Browse through flawless Newberry Library
Erected in 1887, Newberry Library is a stately five-story granite structure not only offering rare books and manuscripts but a delightful architectural design. Before you enter, check out the exterior stonework of smiling and surly-looking faces carved into the cornice. Inside, notice the historic extra curvy lighting fixtures and lobby chandeliers designed to draw attention to the newly developed electricity invention of the time. Newberry Library hosts a wide range of fun exhibitions, informative seminars, entertaining lectures, and lively performances.
Newberry Library
Address: 60 W Walton St, Chicago, IL 60610
Website: Newberry Library
Opening hours: Mon: 8.15am - 5pm; Tue - Thu: 8.15am - 7.30pm; Fri & Sat: 8.15am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
4. Dine on tantalizing fare at Lawry's The Prime Rib
Lawry’s The Prime Rib is an institution in Chicago. This incomparable steakhouse housed in an alluring mansion setting offers top-quality prime rib served in elegant old-world style. The dining experience offers the original Spinning Bowl Salad that’s prepared tableside on a bed of ice and served on a chilled plate. Prime ribs are slow roasted on a slab of rock salt then hand-carved and served tableside. Lawry’s The Prime Rib takes their carving seriously with carvers training for six months before being allowed to serve at this quintessential establishment.
Lawry's The Prime Rib
Address: 100 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
Website: Lawry’s The Prime Rib
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5pm - 9pm; Sat: 5pm - 9.30pm; Sun: 4pm - 8pm
Price: 31-60 USD
5. Grab a refreshing drink at The Original Billy Goat Tavern
What eatery or bar can claim the inspiration for a classic skit from the American TV show Saturday Night Live? The answer is The Original Billy Goat Tavern. Opening its doors in 1934, The Original Billy Goat Tavern offers a rich and entertaining history. Named for an incident in which a billy goat tumbled off a truck and wandered into the bar, The Original Billy Goat Tavern is needless to say a colorful place to have a beer. The service is fast and friendly and the prices are affordable.
The Original Billy Goat Tavern
Address: 430 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Website: The Original Billy Goat Tavern
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6am - 1am; Fri: 6am - 2am; Sat: 6am - 3am; Sun: 9am - 2am
Price: 10 USD
6. Shop 'til you drop at 900 North Michigan Shops
A shopper’s dream, 900 North Michigan Shops is a stylish and sophisticated mecca and has the best stores in the Magnificent Mile area. An architecturally impressive property, 900 North Michigan Shops provides over 70 luxury stores offering illustrious designer brands paired with an eclectic blend of charming boutiques. First-rate designer fashion brands, from Gucci to J. Crew, can be found at 900 North Michigan Shops. There are also lots of delectable dining choices for when you need to refuel.
900 North Michigan Shops
Address: 900 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Website: 900 North Michigan Shops
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
7. Stroll the enchanting Michigan Avenue Bridge
Your itinerary of sightseeing in Magnificent Mile is not complete until you have scheduled a visit to the enchanting Michigan Avenue Bridge. Also known as the DuSable Bridge, this is a must-visit if you want to admire one of Chicago’s engineering marvels. Built in 1920, the Michigan Avenue Bridge is a double-deck bridge and one of the first fixed-trunnion bascule bridges in the United States. The Michigan Avenue Bridge is adorned with many eye-popping sculptures and interesting plaques. Although Chicago and the surrounding area boasts 45 movable bridges, the Michigan Avenue Bridge is one of the more picturesque and definitely worth a look.
Michigan Avenue Bridge
Address: 333 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601
Website: Michigan Avenue Bridge
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Cruise through the mesmerizing Chicago River
After viewing the Michigan Avenue Bridge, take a thrilling cruise of the Chicago River to get a different perspective of Chicago. Board a top-of-the-line cruise vessel and spend a delightful afternoon on the water. All three branches of the Chicago River are explored and participants receive an in-depth tour of Chicago’s marvelous architecture and history. A professional guide provides interesting tidbits of some of this city’s hidden gems and you’ll come away feeling as knowledgable as a local.
9. Admire the spectacular view from the Adler Planetarium
Open to the public, the Adler Planetarium is the first planetarium constructed in the United States. Established in 1930 and funded by successful Chicago businessman Max Adler, the Adler Planetarium is committed to the study of astronomy and astrophysics and features fun interactive exhibits and high-tech sky shows. Expansive lakefront and cityscape views are a true highlight of a trip to Adler Planetarium so don’t forget your camera. Visitors can also drink in great views when dining at the on-site eatery Galileo’s Cafe.
Book Tours : Adler Planetarium
10. Visit the fabulous Richard H. Driehaus Museum
Just steps from Magnificent Mile, the Richard H. Driehaus Museum is a captivating and rare look at the grandiose homes built by the ultra-wealthy persons of America’s Gilded Age. The galleries display elegant pieces from the most notable designers of the late 19th and early 20th century. Richard H. Driehaus founded the museum to showcase his amazing collection of decorative arts, specifically Tiffany glass. Richard H. Driehaus Museum also hosts many compelling rotating exhibits.
Book Tours : Skip the Line: Driehaus Museum Admission Ticket
11. Take a delightful cupcake tour
Got a passion for cupcakes? Then this incredible guided tour is for you. This is an exciting walking expedition where participants visit no less than five scrumptious bakeries along Magnificent Mile. Participants have the opportunity to sample a myriad of colorful, moist, and flavorful cupcakes. This tour also features viewings of many of Chicago’s top attractions like the Wrigley Building and the John Hancock Center.
Book Tours : 2.5-Hour Cupcake Tour Of Chicago
Chicago's captivating Magnificent Mile
With Magnificent Mile dating as far back as 1871, this exhilarating section of Chicago is easily packed with plenty of historical sights along with alluring modern-day activities. Whether you’re an architectural buff wanting to photograph dazzling structures from a past era or a shopaholic on the hunt for the latest fashion designs, Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is a prime place to explore with lots of memorable things to do.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Chicago's Magnificent Mile
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