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Step 1
Window Shop along Michigan Avenue's "Magnificent Mile". Chicago's "Magnificent Mile," the section of Michigan Avenue just north of the Chicago River, features some of the best luxury shopping in the United States. Within they small area you'll find toy retailer, FAO Schwarz, Water Tower Place, 900 Michigan Avenue and Chicago Place, all filled with stores and restaurants.
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Step 2
Stop at Marshall Field's (now Macy's). The most recognizable department store in Chicago was Marshall Field's, from its inception in 1852 to its re-branding as Macy's in 2006. The main store, on North State Street in downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts, among other things, an original Tiffany glass ceiling and the ornate bronze clocks on the corners of the building.
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Step 3
Seek out Chicago's outlet malls. In addition to its luxury stores, Chicago offers a wealth of discount shopping opportunities. Among the favorite area outlet malls are the 120 stores at Chicago Premium Outlets, located in Aurora, about 45 minutes north of downtown Chicago; Gurnee Mills Outlets' 200 stores, located 45 minutes north of downtown; and Prime Outlets Huntley Mall, which offers 50 stores in Huntley, about 25 minutes northwest of Chicago.
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Step 4
Visit a suburban mall. Not all of Chicago's shopping is located downtown. The Greater Chicago area supports over a dozen large malls. Among the best of these are Town Square in Wheaton, Stratford Mall in Bloomingdale and Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie.
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Step 5
Treasure hunt at the Chicago Antiques Market. The Chicago Antiques Market sets up on West Randolph, between Ada and Ogden Streets on the last Saturday and Sunday of the month, from May through October. The market features hundreds of vendors and dealers, offering everything from fine art to furniture, jewelry and even fresh produce.
