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The Magnificent Mile, Chicago

Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

Description

The Magnificent Mile is an upscale section of Chicago's Michigan Avenue, running from the Chicago River to Oak Street in the Near North Side. It is the city's main shopping district with a mix of mid and high-end stores. Landmarks include the Wrigley Building, the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, the Chicago Water Tower, The Drake hotel and the 100-story 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly the John Hancock Center).

Access & Transport

It is possible to walk there from the city centre across DuSable Bridge and there are several bus services running along N Michigan Ave. Both "Grand' and 'Chicago' subway stations (red line) are 5 mins from the avenue.

Instructions & Recommendations

Most shops open around 10h-11h and close at 18h-19h

Meta review

Although this is considered a must visit area by most travel guides and blogs, online reviews are very inconsistent. Some enjoy the shopping with the big fashion and jewellery brands, others are impressed by the architecture of landmarks such as the Tribune Tower and the Wrigley Building whereas a fair percentage of reviewers don't think the chain of stores are any different from those in a typical large shopping street in the US.

Environmental & Social

It is an urban and commercial environment with relatively high electricity consumption Slightly negative from a social perspective because of the heavy focus on commercial activities driven by big brands, chains, and advertising.

Conclusion

Although this flashes 'for shoppers only' there are a few buildings that are definitely worth checking out for anybody with an interest in urban architecture. If none of this is down your alley, then you can skip.

Key positive

Some striking skyscrapers

Great shopping area

Key negative

A lot of traffic

Standard high-end brands (i.e. nothing original in terms of stores)

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in October 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 20m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningNo

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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