Water Tower Place

Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place featuring street scenes
Water Tower Place showing shopping and street scenes


Enjoy endless shopping, see exhibits of sporting memorabilia and attend shows at a live theater at this huge shopping mall.

Water Tower Place is a vast retail and entertainment center, which has assorted clothing stores, a sports museum, a theater and restaurants. It occupies eight floors of a towering skyscraper and is one of the earliest examples of a U.S. vertical mall. Opened in 1976, Water Tower Place brought mid-range shopping to Chicago’s traditionally upscale Magnificent Mile commercial zone.

Ride the glass elevator to the atrium-style levels and visit over 100 stores. Browse for the latest styles in men’s, women’s and children’s fashion at the shops of popular clothing brands. Purchase casual, formal and sporting footwear. Peruse the electronics, health and housewares shops and specialty outlets, including luxury jewelers.

Take a break from your shopping spree and visit the variety of eating and drinking options. Enjoy a hearty meal at a full-service restaurant or pick up coffee, hot pretzels and sandwiches to eat on the go. Try everything from healthy salads to freshly baked pastries and barbecue ribs at the Foodlife urban food hall, which has more than a dozen different stands.

Have fun with interactive exhibits and revisit sports history at the Chicago Sports Museum. Try hands-on challenges and compare your performance with acclaimed Chicago sportspeople. Learn about sporting myths, team rituals and fan superstitions. See the large-size Super Bowl winner’s ring of Chicago Bears player William “Refrigerator” Perry and scan the inside of Sammy Sosa’s corked bat.

Book tickets for a show at the Broadway Playhouse. Watch performances of hit musicals such as Traces and Rock of Ages.

Located in the northern section of the Magnificent Mile, the mall is easy to reach via public transportation. Public buses stop outside the main entrance and an L train station is a 5-minute walk away. Visit nearby city attractions including the City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Water Tower Place is open daily. Find individual opening hours of the shops and restaurants listed on the mall’s official website.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Adventure & outdoor

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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

3.5 out of 5
198 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Congress Plaza Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

4 out of 5
600 N State St, Chicago, IL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Freehand Chicago

Freehand Chicago

4 out of 5
19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL
Freehand Chicago
Warwick Allerton - Chicago

Warwick Allerton - Chicago

4 out of 5
701 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Warwick Allerton - Chicago
The Whitehall Hotel, BW Premier Collection

The Whitehall Hotel, BW Premier Collection

3.5 out of 5
105 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL
The Whitehall Hotel, BW Premier Collection
The Chicago Hotel Collection - Magnificent Mile

The Chicago Hotel Collection - Magnificent Mile

4 out of 5
166 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL
The Chicago Hotel Collection - Magnificent Mile
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

3 out of 5
10 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG

4.5 out of 5
505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Water Tower Place

Water Tower Place offers a vibrant array of activities, including access to the renowned theatre scene and impressive art galleries. Visitors can explore nearby attractions, such as the iconic John Hancock Centre and the beautiful Chicago Riverwalk, making it an ideal spot for entertainment and culture in the heart of the city.

Shopping

Discover the vibrant shopping scene at Water Tower Place, featuring the Harry Potter Shop Chicago and Chicago Place Mall, both a mere 322m away, perfect for family and city vibes. If you're up for a drive, visit City Market, located 1.6km away, offering a lively public market atmosphere.

Recreation

At Wrigley Field, immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of baseball, just 6.4km away. Soldier Field offers an exhilarating sports experience, located 3.2km from Water Tower Place. For a cultural touch, enjoy a concert at Pegasus Players, situated 8.0km away, perfect for entertainment enthusiasts.

Adventure

Embark on the Salt Creek Trail, a scenic hiking path located 19.3km from Water Tower Place, where you can immerse yourself in nature's beauty. For family fun, visit Rainbow Falls Waterpark, situated 33.8km away, offering thrilling water rides and aquatic adventures for all ages.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Water Tower Place with a visit to the Chicago Theatre for captivating performances, or unwind at Dave & Buster's for drinks and games. For family fun, explore Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, offering adventure in a lively atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Water Tower Place

Water Tower Place in Chicago offers a vibrant mix of attractions for every type of traveller, from culture enthusiasts to families seeking fun. Explore iconic skyscrapers, the serene urban park, and bustling streets. Key points of interest include the historic Water Tower Place, the scenic Water Tower Plaza, and the impressive Tower Chicago, all within close proximity, making it an ideal spot for a delightful urban adventure.

  • Michigan Avenue: Known as the Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue is a bustling thoroughfare lined with high-end shops, restaurants, and iconic landmarks. Its vibrant city vibes make it a perfect place for shopping and dining, while also offering stunning views of the skyline.
  • Millennium Park: This urban park is a green oasis in the heart of the city, featuring beautiful gardens, art installations, and the famous Cloud Gate sculpture. With its outdoor family-friendly atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for picnics, events, and leisurely strolls.
  • Chicago Riverwalk: A scenic promenade along the Chicago River, the Riverwalk is perfect for leisurely walks or bike rides. With its family-friendly environment, visitors can enjoy waterfront dining, public art, and stunning views of the city’s architecture.

Best time to go to Water Tower Place

The best time to visit Water Tower Place is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.7°F (-3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Water Tower Place

To save money on your visit to Water Tower Place, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February, when accommodation prices are lower. Opt for a Monday stay to avoid higher Saturday rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, including eco-certified options, and consider booking flights and activities together for additional savings. Public transport is affordable, with options like buses and trains making it easy to explore Chicago. Look for instant deals and discounts to maximise your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Water Tower Place are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Water Tower Place is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Water Tower Place is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at Water Tower Place with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.