Shopping on Chicago's Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is both a high-end shopping destination and the cradle of contemporary architecture. Luxury boutiques, restaurants and prestigious hotels share its sidewalks with some of Chicago's most iconic buildings.

The Magnificent Mile is lined with some of the city's largest malls, but it doesn't get much bigger than the Mall at Water Tower Place. It's more for the variety of choices than the competitive prices that we head to this giant tower with our feet on Chicago's chicest avenue. The Water Tower Place mall is simply the biggest in Chicago! Its hundred or so stores are spread over eight floors. There's something for every taste and budget.

Classic souvenirs

You'll see dozens of cotton T-shirts and sweaters emblazoned with the city's name in giant letters or the silhouette of its famous skyline dominated by the Willis Tower. You'll also find them on a variety of smaller, more affordable items: pens, eyeglasses, mugs, lighters, snow globes, notebooks, and more.

Baseball and American Football Apparel and Accessories

A great idea for teens and young adults, local baseball and football team T-shirts, shorts and caps never go out of style. Chicago's most popular teams even produce socks and boxer shorts! These apparel items are produced under the official label of the American league in each sport, and there are even some for children (including toddlers) and girls. Similarly, large supermarkets like Walmart sell baseball bats and balls. Some souvenir shops even sell balls autographed by local stars. Original and very local.

Luxury Clothing and Accessories

Chicago's open-air temple to consumerism stretches along a stretch of Michigan Avenue known as the Magnificent Mile. It's a must-see with its huge malls, chic boutiques and souvenir shops. It's a chance to check out the clothing departments of America's top ready-to-wear brands: Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Bebe, etc. While the clothes are generally quite expensive, you can also choose from the more affordable accessories to pack a real "Made in the U.S.A." gift. Scarf, belt, hat, socks... And why not a sexy, stylish undergarment from Victoria's Secret?

To find bargain prices on the big brands, you'll have to leave the city center and look for the factory outlets in the suburbs. But even here, the discounts can be disappointing (-75% is advertised, but since we're already struggling to find items at -15%, we're a little skeptical... ).

Finally, a reminder: never bring back fakes sold on the street, and use your good faith: if real Louis Vuitton bags were sold for $15 on the sidewalk, we'd know about it...

Local delicacies

It's hard to pack a Chicago-style hot dog or deep-dish pizza, but why not offer Relish, the sweet and sour cucumber puree used to make Chicago dogs? It's also a great accompaniment to sandwiches, hamburgers, vinaigrettes... You'll find it in large supermarkets and delicatessens.

Almost every attraction, even the smallest, has its own souvenir shop, and you'll find that prices can vary widely. To make sure you get a good deal, visit the City of Chicago Store, located at 163 East Pearson Street in the Chicago Convention and Visitors Bureau. This is the official store of the City of Chicago.

Supermarkets are a good place to buy souvenirs. Especially the giant of the genre, Walmart, which is present in even the smallest towns. Look for a larger, better stocked "Supercenter". These giant supermarkets usually have a mini "local souvenir" section. Also check out the clothing, especially T-shirts and caps in the colors of the local baseball or football team (a guaranteed hit with teenagers!). You'll also find T-shirts and sweaters that say "Chicago" or, more broadly, "USA. Since Walmart is the world's largest retailer, the prices are unbeatable.