Water Tower Place Tours

Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is the heart of shopping in the Windy City and Water Tower Place is what keeps it beating. While the Magnificent Mile was originally home to the city’s most exclusive and expensive stores, the opening of Water Tower Place brought more affordable retailers to the famed shopping area. The eight-level mall covers over 700,000 square feet and features more than 100 shops, including Macy’s and the flagship American Girl Place store. One of the first vertical malls in the world, Water Tower Place is part of a 74-floor skyscraper of the same name that also includes a Ritz-Carlton hotel and luxury condominiums. After riding the escalators up from the ground level, take the glass elevators the rest of the way to the 8th floor and work your way down.

After you shop ‘til you drop, grab a bite to eat at one of Water Tower Place’s several dining options, including Mity Nice Grill, Wow Bao, and Foodlife, a cafeteria style collection of 14 different kitchens with something to suit every palate. For dessert, swing by the Godiva Chocolatier or the Sacred Grounds Bakery & Café.

Practical Info

Water Tower Place is located at 835 N. Michigan Avenue and is just a short walk from many downtown Chicago hotels, as well as the John Hancock Center and the Historic Water Tower. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Note that the hours for Macy’s, American Girl Place, restaurants and specialty shops may vary.

The nearest stop to Water Tower Place is the Chicago/State stop on the Red Line. From there, head east on Chicago Avenue to Michigan Avenue and then north one block on Michigan. Numerous bus routes run north/south along Michigan Avenue, including the 145, 146, 148 and 151.

835 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA

Mon–Sat 10am–9pm; Sun 11am–6pm

5 Tours & Activities to Experience

Chicago City Minibus Tour with Optional Architecture River Cruise

103 Reviews
Explore Chicago's iconic landmarks on this 2-hour sightseeing tour led by an expert guide. Board a comfortable, large-windowed minibus with a small group of twelve people or less. This ensures an intimate touring experience as you enjoy downtown and some North side neighborhoods. You will have a chance to get out and visit several locations such as the 1888 skyscraper called The Rookery, with its Frank Lloyd Wright designed lobby and the unparalleled skyline views from Museum Campus. Listen as your guide talks about the historical and cultural factors that make Chicago unique. The city tour ends at Millennium Park, home of the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, commonly referred to as "the bean." Opt to upgrade your tour with a popular 75-minute open-top boat tour on the Chicago River that focuses on the city's renowned architecture. Pick-ups from most downtown Chicago hotels are included.
Learn More

Duration: 2 hours

From

US$40.50

Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

106 Reviews
Don’t spend time figuring out what to see in Chicago and how to get there — this hop-on hop-off tour provides a mapped-out itinerary of the city's top sights. With 14 strategically located stops, the tour allows you to explore the Windy City at your own pace. See the world-class Art Institute and landmark skyscrapers, while live commentary on board gives you insight into the city's colorful history. Don't forget to snap a selfie in front of the shiny steel bean in Millennium Park!
Learn More

Duration: 8 hours

SPECIAL OFFER

From

US$65.00

~~US$69.00~~ US$4.00 savings

Chicago Grand Tour and Admission to 360 Chicago (formerly John Hancock Observatory)

83 Reviews
This Chicago grand tour covers four hours of sightseeing with admission to 360 Chicago (John Hancock Observatory). Get oriented to the Windy City on a coach tour that takes you along a scenic route on Lake Shore Drive, and past North Side and South Side highlights including Museum Campus, Lincoln Park, Washington Park, Grant Park and Wrigley Field. Finish on the 94th floor of the Hancock Center, one of Chicago's tallest landmarks, for panoramic views of the Magnificent Mile from the open-air observation deck.
Learn More

Duration: 4 hours

From

US$31.95

Chicago North Side Tour

3 Reviews
Explore the North Side of Chicago on this guided sightseeing tour by coach. During this 2-hour tour, experience the bustle of the Loop, the central business district and one of the financial centers of the country. Visit State Street, an important thoroughfare in Chicago's history and the Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue. Learn about the history and culture of the city from your local guide; upgrade your tour to include a Chicago River cruise.
Learn More

Duration: 2 hours

From

US$49.95

Chicago Grand Half-Day Tour

344 Reviews
Get the perfect introduction to the wealth of sights in the Windy City during this 4-hour Chicago day tour. Discover the many landmarks spanning both the city's North Side and South Side, enjoying a scenic ride along Lake Michigan on Chicago's Outer Drive along the way. You'll also have the chance to admire the city's Washington and Grant Parks, explore inside the Lincoln Park Conservatory, see Adler Planetarium and visit the iconic Wrigley Building. This Chicago in a half day tour also includes transport between all sites and tour narration.
Learn More