Water Tower Place Tours

Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place showing a fountain
Water Tower Place which includes street scenes
Water Tower Place featuring 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.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Water Tower Place

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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Reviews of Water Tower Place

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
425
5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
345
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
58
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

walked to American girl store with our 3 granddaughters. they will remember this forever

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Same stores as other malls-like botiques better

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Be careful if you get motion sickness! The elevator made me a little nauseous but worth it for the view.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Surprisingly empty...not a lot of shoppers.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

we really enjoyed american girl doll store and lego store, but the other stores did not interest my two 10 year old daughters.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Not what it used to be, but still worth a quick trip...

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Water Tower Place

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 in Chicago offers a variety of activities and attractions, including theaters showcasing live performances and art galleries featuring local and international artists. Visitors can enjoy shopping in the mall's extensive retail space, dine at diverse restaurants, and explore nearby attractions like the iconic John Hancock Center and the picturesque Lake Michigan waterfront, making it a vibrant hub for entertainment and culture.

Shopping

Experience the vibrant shopping scene at Water Tower Place, where you can explore the Chicago Place Mall, only 322m away, and the 900 North Michigan Shops, also 322m from your location. For a unique experience, visit City Market, located 1.6km away, showcasing local businesses and flavors.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Wrigley Field, a historic stadium just 6.4km away, perfect for catching a game. Enjoy live music at House of Blues Chicago, located 1.3km away, for an entertaining night out. For relaxation, visit Northerly Island Natural Area, 4.8km away, offering serene nature trails.

Adventure

Embark on an adventurous hike along the Salt Creek Trail, located 19.3km from Water Tower Place, where stunning scenery awaits. For family fun, dive into excitement at Rainbow Falls Waterpark, situated 33.8km away, offering thrilling water slides and entertainment for all ages.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Water Tower Place with a visit to the Chicago Theatre, offering a mix of romance and culture just 1.4km away. For a fun night, head to Dave & Buster's, 805m away for drinks and games, or explore Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, an exciting adventure zone 1.3km away.

*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, including iconic skyscrapers, urban parks, and lively streets, perfect for cultural exploration and family experiences. Visitors can explore the historic Water Tower Chicago and enjoy the surrounding Water Tower Plaza, making it an ideal spot for sightseeing and relaxation. Whether you're looking for shopping or enjoying the city's architecture, there's something for everyone in this bustling area.

  • Michigan Avenue: Known as the Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue is a bustling street lined with upscale shops, restaurants, and stunning architecture. Just a short walk from Water Tower Place, it offers a vibrant urban atmosphere that showcases the heart of Chicago's shopping and dining scene.
  • Navy Pier: A popular destination for both locals and tourists, Navy Pier features a beautiful waterfront, amusement rides, and cultural attractions. Stroll along the pier to enjoy scenic views of Lake Michigan and a friendly, lively ambiance perfect for families and groups.
  • Millennium Park: This expansive urban park is a must-visit for its iconic sculptures, gardens, and open spaces. Perfect for families, Millennium Park hosts free events, concerts, and art installations, making it a delightful escape in the heart of the city.

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 trip to Water Tower Place, consider visiting between December and February for lower accommodation rates, especially on Mondays. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and eco-certified options. Combining your hotel stay with flights and activities can lead to significant savings through package deals. Additionally, take advantage of public transportation, which is affordable and convenient for exploring Chicago. Look out for great rates and instant savings to make the most of your travel 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 gives you the flexibility to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily arrange your search results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you’ll find a selection of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Water Tower Place with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia