Chicago Shopping Guide
If you like to shop, you've come to the right place! Chicago is one of the nation's premier shopping destinations with something for everyone. You'll find high-end boutiques, major department stores and quaint neighborhood shops all within easy reach by foot, taxi or public transportation. Below are a few of our favorite shopping districts in close proximity to downtown.
For something with that has a more hip, gritty and urban feel, head to Bucktown / Wicker Park. Centered around the intersections of North, Damen and Milwaukee Avenues, this is a thriving art district with numerous shops and galleries. To get to Bucktown / Wicker Park, take the CTA’s Blue Line train to Damen. You may also want to head to the Belmont and Halsted area. Numerous alternative shops, diners, tattoo parlors and restaurants line Belmont from Sheffield to Halsted, as well as on Clark Street. Additional shops and bars are located on Halsted, north of Belmont, in “boystown”. To get to the Belmont / Halsted area, take the CTA’s Brown, Purple or Red Line trains to Belmont.
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Central Camera Company 230 S. Wabash Avenue Chicago, IL 60604 312-427-5580 Loop/Architecture Tour Map It! Get Coupon! |
Central Camera Company has a history of tradition, service, and dedication to our customers. Founded in 1899, Central Camera is owned and operated by its 3rd generation. Our sales staff is dedicated to helping you. |
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Kilwin's Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream 1405 N. Wells Street Chicago, IL 60610 312-654-1962 Old Town Tour Map It! Get Coupon! |
Welcome to “Kilwins” – where we take pride in serving our customers the “old-fashioned” way. Noted for it’s originality - Old Town (Chicago) is a fabulous tourist attraction and venue for many Chicagoans with the aura of Kilwins completing the scenic route. We guarantee the finest in candies and ice cream with assurance that it will be the most scrumptious experience of a lifetime! |
The Magnificent Mile
You can’t say you shopped in Chicago unless you visit the Magnificent Mile! Stretching from the Chicago River to Oak Street on North Michigan Avenue (see Magnificent Mile Walking Tour), this famed avenue is known for it’s upscale retailers like Nieman Marcus, Ralph Lauren, Tiffany and Cartier. However, it’s also home to the likes of Apple, Banana Republic, the Disney Store, Crate and Barrel, and many, many others. The Magnificent Mile also contains three multi-level shopping malls. The Shops at North Bridge (520 North Michigan Avenue) is anchored by Nordstroms, Water Tower Place (835 North Michigan Avenue is anchored by Macy’s and American Girl Place, and The 900 Shops (900 North Michigan Avenue) is anchored by Bloomingdales. Bottom line, there truly is something for everyone on the Magnificent Mile! Oak Street
At the north end of the Magnificent Mile, you’ll find Oak Street (see Magnificent Mile Walking Tour). Officially part of the Gold Coast, this street is home to many high-end shops and boutiques, including Prada, Hermes and Barney’s. The bulk of the shopping is from Michigan Avenue to Rush Street, but be sure to explore Rush Street for additional shops.State Street
The State Street shopping district, which runs along State Street from Congress Parkway to Wacker Drive (see Loop / Architecture Walking Tour), is one of the city’s oldest and most famous. Founded in the late 1800’s by Potter Palmer and Marshall Field, the area remains a vibrant shopping thoroughfare. On State Street, you’ll find Sears, Macy’s (in the beautifully designed building by Daniel Burnham which once housed the famed Marshall Field’s department store), Nordstrom Rack, H&M, Old Navy and Borders Books. State Street has one multi-level shopping mall, called Block 37, located at 108 North State Street. In addition, there are numerous smaller retailers which line the street.Jewelers Row
Just to the east of State Street, on Wabash Avenue, you’ll find one of Chicago’s best kept secrets…Jewelers Row. Located on Wabash from approximately Adams to Madison, you’ll find several “jewelers malls”. Step inside and you’ll find numerous jewelers standing behind their glass cases selling fine jewelry of all types. This is definitely the place to get jewelry for a fraction of department store prices!River North Art District
If you’re looking to buy art, you’ll probably want to check-out the River North area. The River North Art District, which is centered around Superior and Wells Streets, contains numerous galleries of outstanding art. Even if you’re not buying, it’s fun to look!
Chicago's Neighborhoods
You’ll find great shopping in many of Chicago’s neighborhoods. For a taste of neighborhood shopping, head to Wells Street in Old Town (see the Old Town Walking Tour), or the Armitage and Halsted area of Lincoln Park. Both have areas have numerous quaint boutiques and cafes. To get to the Armitage / Halsted area, take the CTA’s Brown or Purple Line elevated train to the Armitage stop.For something with that has a more hip, gritty and urban feel, head to Bucktown / Wicker Park. Centered around the intersections of North, Damen and Milwaukee Avenues, this is a thriving art district with numerous shops and galleries. To get to Bucktown / Wicker Park, take the CTA’s Blue Line train to Damen. You may also want to head to the Belmont and Halsted area. Numerous alternative shops, diners, tattoo parlors and restaurants line Belmont from Sheffield to Halsted, as well as on Clark Street. Additional shops and bars are located on Halsted, north of Belmont, in “boystown”. To get to the Belmont / Halsted area, take the CTA’s Brown, Purple or Red Line trains to Belmont.
