When visiting the Windy City, exploring the eight blocks that make up the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago should be on every visitor's vacation itinerary. There are both casual and fine-dining restaurants, luxury hotels, architectural wonders, and plenty of attractions to experience. Traveling around the Magnificent Mile is easy, whether you are on foot, in a rental car, or taking the Chicago Trolley to see all the sights in the area.

The Magnificent Mile Chicago has an array of activities, attractions, and festivals throughout the year, and there are seasonal events as well. During the spring, tulips line the streets along with art to celebrate City Beautiful. In the summer, visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of the gardens resplendent with colorful blooms along the Magnificent Mile.

Fall brings the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, which illuminates the city as it officially launches the city's holiday season. More than a million festive lights cast a warm glow along Michigan Avenue, and to end the event, fireworks fill the sky over the river. There is always something fun to do on the agenda on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago whether it is for someone traveling alone, couples, or the whole family.

Chicago Map

Shopping along the Magnificent Mile in Chicago is a dream come true for those who enjoy a selection of retail shops. Department stores include Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus. Designer jewelers found on the Magnificent Mile Chicago include Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Harry Winston. Numerous specialty shops, boutiques, home furnishings, men's clothing and women's apparel stores provide ample retail opportunities for fine shopping.

Restaurants abound along the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, and the choices of cuisine range from American to Vietnamese and from casual to fine dining. Atop the John Hancock Center, diners can enjoy the magnificent views from the Signature Room at the 95th floor, and there are fine restaurants available at city hotels including the Drake and the Omni Hotel.

Opportunities for live entertainment are just as varied, with performances at Drury Lane Theater, improv at the Lookingglass Theater, and continuous live music at the House of Blues.

Culture is a large part of the city's landscape, and parks, museums, monuments, and statues are easily accessible from the Magnificent Mile Chicago. The McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Architectural Foundation, and Loyola University Museum of Art each has plenty of interesting exhibits to choose from.

Hotel accommodations available in the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago area range from comfortable rooms to world-class establishments. Visitors can choose from established hotels including the Ambassador East, Hilton Suites Chicago, Comfort Inn & Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Doubletree Hotel in Chicago, Sheraton Chicago, Hyatt Regency, Wyndham Chicago, Trump International Hotel and Plaza, Ritz-Carlton Chicago, and the Drake Hotel.

Other fun things to do in and around the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago include visiting the Hershey's Store, where visitors can create their own chocolate gift, or strolling through Grant Park and riding the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier.