Here is a list of 12 Places in Chicago that you should definitely check out if you love shopping:
1. The Magnificent Mile
Deemed Chicago’s premier commercial district, The Magnificent Mile, or The Mag Mile, is part of Michigan Avenue and is known for the many world-renowned stores that it houses. You would surely enjoy a visit to this area, even if you don’t end up buying anything, because of how well-maintained it is and how pleasant it is to walk around here. Moreover, not only would you find independent stores and boutiques here but also 3 shopping centers, namely the Water Tower Place, 900 North Michigan Shops and The Shops at North Bridge. The multitude of luxury stores here are a treat for those who have a keen interest in designer items while different popular restaurants are ideal for those who are looking for a good dining experience.
Address: Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL 60611, USAStores: Burberry, Chanel, Cartier, Aritzia, Topshop, Apple, Nike, Uniqlo etc.
Dining Options: The Signature Room at The 95th, Spiaggia, Tru, The Pump Room, Lawry's The Prime Rib, The Grand Lux etc.
2. Water Tower Place
Situated along the Magnificent Mile, Water Tower Place is a popular shopping center comprising eight storeys and numerous stores, restaurants as well as a theatre and the Chicago Sports Museum. Here, you would find ample options for clothing and accessories, most of which are mostly within a decent price range, cosmetic and skincare items, apparel for kids, toys, food items, and much more.
Address: 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United StatesStores: Macy’s, Forever 21, Lacoste, Morphe, PINK, Sunglass Hut, The Body Shop, Lego etc.
Dining Options: Starbucks, Auntie Anne’s, Do-Rite Donuts, Jojo’s Shake Bar etc.
3. Andersonville
Andersonville is located within west Edgewater in Chicago and is a neighborhood which is known for its Swedish heritage as well as many antique stores as well as locally owned businesses. It is a wonderful neighborhood to visit if you would like to find some vintage clothing, jewelry, artworks, gems, stones, books, comics, board games, home decor, and of course, delicious food. Most of the stores, galleries, or restaurants here are owned and operated by locals or feature their work, and by purchasing from them, you would not only find one of a kind items but would also be supporting them.
Stores: Tilly Vintage Boutique, Roost, AlleyCat Comics, Women and Children First, Brimfield, GreenSky etc.
Dining Options: Lost Larson, Gadabout, Octavia Catine & Kitchen, Bar Roma, M. Henry etc.
4. Oak Street
No bigger than a single block, Oak Street is the place to be if you love high-end designer goods. Situated in the Gold Coast neighborhood, this premier luxury shopping destination houses international and American designer stores and local boutiques which sell clothing, shoes, shoes, jewelry perfumes, and much more. Moreover, if you get tired of shopping and going from store to store, there are several restaurants in the vicinity where you would find some mouthwatering meals and desserts.
Stores: Prada, Tory Burch, Dior, Vera Wang, Saint Laurent, Furla, Paul Stuart, Escada etc.
Dining Options: Nico Osteria, Le Colonial, STK, Sprinkles Chicago, Carmine’s, Tavern on Rush, FIG & OLIVE etc.
5. Fashion Outlets of Chicago
There is nothing better than finding some amazing deals when you go shopping and one of the best ways of that happening is you going to outlet stores. Fashion Outlets of Chicago is a very popular outlet shopping center where you would find all sorts of brands selling items at highly discounted rates. The center comprises numerous high street as well as designer stores, sportswear stores, toy stores, as well as others selling jewelry, footwear, and other accessories. You are likely to find just about anything here and leave with multiple shopping bags in hand. If you need a break from shopping, there are different eateries where you can find everything, from meals and snacks to beverages and desserts!
Address: 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont, IL 60018, United StatesStores: Aerie, Aldo, Bath & Body Work, Coach Outlet, Disney Outlet, DKNY, J.Crew Factory, Longchamp etc.
Dining Options: Charleys Philly Steaks, Cinnabon, Godiva Chocolatier, Tapville Social, Tea Ninja, Sbarro etc.
6. Unabridged Bookstore
If you are someone who loves books and can never have enough of them, the Unabridged Bookstore is the place to be. An independent bookstore, it boasts of a wide variety of books, ranging from classics to contemporary novels, from children’s books to informative ones. In fact, it has an extensive collection of books surrounding the LGBT community. An interesting thing about this store is that there are a number of yellow, laminated cards spread out on the different shelves, listing out book recommendations for visitors. You would perhaps also be interested in paying a visit to its “travel room” in the basement.
Address: 3251 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, United States
Featured Authors: Douglas Stuart, Jess Walter, Virginia Woolf, William Shakespeare, Gertrude Chandler Warner, Enid Blyton etc.
7. Lincoln Park
You cannot go to Chicago and take a trip to Lincoln Park, especially if you plan on doing some shopping. While the beautiful streets and Victorian-style houses add to the experience, it is the diverse stores and boutiques selling unique clothing, accessories, home decor, furniture, and other items that are the main highlight. You’ll find different art pieces, custom leather bags, handmade accessories and jewelry, and of course, restaurants and other eateries offering food from various cuisines.
Stores: Art Effects, Laudi Vidni, All She Wrote, Warby Parker, Dave’s Records, Elizabeth Grace etc.
Dining Options: Pequod’s Pizza, Galit, North Pond, Avli Taverna, mfk.restaurant etc.
8. Wicker Park and Bucktown
Looking for something quirky and unique? Pay a visit to Wicker Park and Bucktown in Chicago and find yourself surrounded by stores and boutiques selling one of a kind items. Here, you would find bookstores selling new or used books, thrift stores, floral boutiques, lifestyle stores, clothing stores, gift shops as well as eateries. If you are looking for something fun to give to others or something to remind you of your trip to Chicago, this is the place to be since you’d find all kinds of clothing items, shoes, jewelry, accessories, taxidermy, home decor, books, gardening equipment, vinyl and much more.
Stores: Reckless Records, Transit Tees, The Vintage Underground, Asrai Garden, Saint Alfred’s, Una Mae’s etc.
Dining Options: Amaru, Bodega, Cafe Istanbul, Cebu, Etta, The Delta, Fifolet etc.
9. Maxwell Street Market
If you are in the mood to find out what street shopping looks like in Chicago, make sure to visit Maxwell Street Market. You can put your bargaining skills to the test as you try to purchase something out of the wide range of products that are sold here. This mile-long market is known for selling all kinds of things like shoes, clothing, jewelry, furniture, collectibles, home decor, accessories, tires, and others. Most of these items are sold at a reasonable price and you can always bargain your way to a lower price too!
Address: 800 S. Desplaines St. Chicago, IL 60607
Items Sold: Clothing, footwear, accessories, home decor, furniture, jewellery, bags, collectables, tools, tires etc.
10. State Street and The Loop
The perfect shopping destination on a bright sunny day, State Street and The Loop are lined with multiple stores all selling different kinds of goods. Whether you want to buy clothes, accessories, electronic items, footwear, home decor, body products, books, or food items, they have it all. There are high-end stores, grocery stores, boutiques, eateries, health and beauty stores, footwear stores, and even some outlet stores here.
Stores: Anthropologie, Express, Foot Locker, Macy’s, Sephora, Target, Barnes & Noble, AT&T etc.
11. 57th Street Books
57th Street Books is not only known for its major collection of books but also for its overall setup; it has low ceilings and the racks are arranged in a manner that it appears to be a maze. At the store, you would come across a wide selection of science fiction, fiction, non-fiction, classics, magazines, informative books as well as children’s books. Furthermore, there are a lot of events organized at the bookstore wherein you’d have the opportunity to attend readings and interact with authors.
Address: 1301 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
Authors Featured: Jane Austen, Shakespeare, Kim Johnson, Munro Leaf, Nora Roberts, Sonali Dev etc.
12. Gurnee Mills
Gurnee Mills is the place to be if you are looking for heavy sales and discounts. The shopping center is situated about an hour away from Chicago and is your one-stop-shop since you’d find clothing, footwear, accessories, homeware, skincare products, furniture, stationery and so much more, all at cheaper rates. In other words, it is home to major brands, high street stores as well as department stores which offer a diverse variety of items.
Address: 6170 W Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031, United StatesShopping in Chicago is absolutely wonderful since there is a lot you can do and see. Make sure to set a few days aside to explore the different markets, stores, boutiques, shopping centers, and eateries that are spread out across the city.
Stores: Bed Bath and Beyond, H&M, Marshalls, Macy’s, Value City, Guess Factory etc.