10 Best Shopping Malls in Chicago

A great place to start your Chicago shopping adventure is at the iconic Water Tower Place. Located along the Magnificent Mile, the building is historic because it’s one of the only buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Today, the 74-story building is home to more than 70 stores, an art gallery, and the Chicago Sports Museum.

You can definitely make a day out of visiting the Water Tower Place. There are quick bites and restaurants on site as well. Stores of interest for travelers with children are the American Girl Place and the Lego store. Check out the great selection of clothing stores, such as Eileen Fisher and Hollister, as well as specialty shops like Adidas..

If you are heading to the Magnificent Mile, be sure to include The Shops at North Bridge. This 4-story shopping mall has more than 50 stores as well as lunch and dinner spots. Nordstrom anchors the shopping mall and is the largest store in the mall.

The Shops at North Bridge has a number of beauty-themed stores, including MAC Cosmetics, L’Occitane, and Kiehl’s. Dining options include Eataly, Joe’s Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab, and several others. If you are traveling with your pup, The Shops at North Bridge is pet friendly. You’ll find treat stations and water for your pooch on the first 2 levels of the mall.

The Roosevelt Collection Shops is a great mall for those traveling with children, as well as couples. Located in the South Loop neighborhood, this open-air mall has a mixture of national and local retail shops. There’s also a play area, a movie theater, a koi pond, and fire pits to warm you up on chilly Chicago days. Stop by the Rooftop, a public park onsite, to take in sweeping skyline views of the city.

Depending on when you go, you might happen on some live music or even the South Loop Farmers’ Market. Shops include national chain stores like Ulta, Banana Republic, and the Container Store as well as locally owned stores and restaurants.

Block 37 refers to itself as more of a “lifestyle center” than a shopping mall. It’s got a great mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment located on a historic block. When Chicago was founded, the city was divided into 58 city blocks. Block 37 was one of those original blocks. It’s located in the Loop neighborhood in downtown Chicago.

The 5-level shopping center has a dine-in movie theater where you could order snacks, cocktails, or dinner. There are some national retailers here, but you can also find local shops to buy things like candles, crafts, or souvenirs. For exciting activities, check out the climbing gym, indoor golf, and the augmented reality experience.

The motto of the Jeweler’s Center at the Mallers Building is: “Where Chicago Buys Jewelry.” There are 180 jewelers throughout the 21-story building, so the motto is spot-on. The iconic jewelry shopping mecca has been in business since the roaring ‘20s. It’s located near Grant Park, not far from the waterfront.

You’ll feel like royalty walking through the marbled walls of the historic Art Deco building as you browse and shop for fine jewelry. Whether you are looking for a unique estate piece or a custom ring or necklace, you’ll find all your jewelry needs met at the Mallers Building.

If you are interested in luxury shopping, 900 N. Michigan is the place to get glamourous. The high-end shopping mall is located at the north end of the Magnificent Mile. 900 N. Michigan takes up the first 7 floors of a 67-story skyscraper. Sought after shops include Gucci, Bloomingdale’s, and Montblanc, to name only a few of the 70 stores.

900 N. Michigan is also home to the sprawling Aster Hall Chicago, a food hall spanning 2 levels. There are spas and personal styling if you are looking for pampering. Enjoy strolling by art installations throughout the space or try your hand at virtual reality golf.

While not in Chicago proper, the Woodfield Mall is a shopping destination not to be missed. Millions of people shop at this Illinois shopping mecca each year. It’s one of the largest shopping malls in the country. Woodfield Mall is located northwest of Chicago, about 27 miles outside the city in the suburb of Schaumburg.

Expect to spend an entire day or the majority of the day if you want to see everything. There are 300 stores, restaurants, and unique specialty shops to explore. If there’s a store you are looking for, chances are it’s in the Woodfield Mall. You’ll find national brands, as well as local and indie shops.

Southgate Market is one of those shopping malls where you’ll find familiar names. Located in the center of the South Loop neighborhood, this mall has 5-levels of retail and fast casual food options. If you are staying at a rental with a kitchen and need to grab some groceries at Whole Foods, this is the spot to go.

There are other national brands if you are looking for comfort food, or you can grab a coffee or sandwich. There’s also a craft supply store for those rainy days when you need to find an activity to do with children. And if you’re traveling with your furry friends, you can pick up supplies at Southgate Market as well.

If you want to shop like a Chicagoan, head to Old Town Square. The main hub in the shopping center is the Jewel Osco supermarket. Jewel Osco has nearly 200 stores in and around Chicagoland. If you are staying in a rental unit with a kitchen, this is a great place to stock up. Old Town Square is located near the Gold Coast neighborhood, just blocks away from the waterfront.

In the warmer months, locals and visitors to Chicago often flock to the shores of Lake Michigan. Old Town Square is just a few blocks from the lake and the Oak Street Beach. Grab all you need for a picnic lunch and head to the beach for the afternoon.

National, familiar shops make up much of the Lake Meadows Shopping Center. Located in Chicago’s South Side neighborhood, this open-air shopping center has free parking and is easily accessed via public transportation. You can get groceries, coffee, ice cream, and grab some sunblock at the pharmacy before heading to the beach.

You can purchase some snacks and food and head over to the nearby 31st Street Beach. Also known as the Margaret T. Burroughs Beach, you’ll find amazing views of the Chicago skyline with Lake Michigan in the foreground. There’s also a public fishing dock and a marina, if you want to just sit and watch the boats float by.