Shopping · Chicago · United States
Shopping in Chicago
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Teemu08, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Chicago shopping centres on the Magnificent Mile's flagship stores and the luxury boutiques of Oak Street, with State Street's historic department stores in the Loop and independent shops in Wicker Park and Andersonville. Best souvenirs: Garrett Popcorn tins, Chicago flag gear and Architecture books and prints.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 5
- Markets
- 3
- Top souvenir
- Garrett Popcorn tins
Where to shop
Magnificent Mile
North Michigan Avenue from the river to Oak Street, with flagship stores, vertical malls and the Water Tower area.
Oak Street
A short Gold Coast block of luxury fashion houses and designer boutiques.
State Street
The Loop's historic shopping street, where Macy's occupies the former Marshall Field's building with its Tiffany mosaic ceiling.
Wicker Park
Vintage clothing, record shops and independent designers along Milwaukee Avenue and Damen Avenue.
Andersonville
Clark Street's independent bookshops and homeware stores on the North Side, next to the Swedish American Museum.
Markets
Green City Market
Farmers' market in Lincoln Park in the warmer months, indoors in winter.
Maxwell Street Market
A Sunday street market descended from the historic Maxwell Street market, now known for Mexican street food and bargains.
Christkindlmarket
German-style Christmas market in Daley Plaza from about mid-November to Christmas Eve, with mulled wine in souvenir mugs.
What to buy
Garrett Popcorn tins
Chicago Mix popcorn in a skyline tin travels well and is sold at the shops downtown and at O'Hare.
Chicago flag gear
The four red stars and two blue stripes of the city flag appear on everything from T-shirts to coasters.
Architecture books and prints
The Chicago Architecture Center shop sells books, posters and models of the city's famous towers.
A bottle of Malört
The infamously bitter local liqueur makes a memorable gift; check your home country's allowance for spirits.
Frango mints
Chocolate mints long associated with Marshall Field's, still sold in the State Street store.
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Garrett Popcorn Chicago Mix, Rainbow Cone and Malört. Garrett Popcorn shops on and around the Magnificent Mile and in the Loop; queues form on weekends. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| River North | $$$ | Galleries, steakhouses and late bars just north of the river |
| Streeterville and the Magnificent Mile | $$$$ | Flagship stores, lakefront high-rises, Navy Pier and 360 Chicago |
| Gold Coast and Old Town | $$$$ | Mansions on Astor Street, Oak Street boutiques and comedy on Wells Street |
| West Loop and Fulton Market | $$$ | Randolph Street's restaurant row in former meatpacking warehouses |
| Wicker Park and Bucktown | $$ | Vintage shops, record stores, music venues and The 606 trail on the Blue Line |
| Hyde Park | $$ | University of Chicago quads, Robie House and the Museum of Science and Industry |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in USD. Tip 18–20% of the bill at sit-down restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing, and a few dollars per bag for hotel porters. Counter-service tip jars are optional.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in January–February; the busiest months are June–August.
- June: Chicago Blues Festival — free concerts (usually June)
- June: Grant Park Music Festival — free classical concerts (usually June to August)
- September: Chicago Jazz Festival — free, in Millennium Park (usually around Labor Day weekend)
- November: Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (usually the Saturday before Thanksgiving)
- November: Christkindlmarket German Christmas market opens in Daley Plaza (usually mid-to-late November)
- December: Christkindlmarket (until about Christmas Eve)
Staying near the shops
$$$$ · Best for families, shopping, luxury and first-timers
Streeterville and the Magnificent Mile
Flagship stores, lakefront high-rises, Navy Pier and 360 Chicago
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Chicago?
Garrett Popcorn tins, Chicago flag gear, Architecture books and prints and A bottle of Malört.
+Where is the best shopping in Chicago?
Magnificent Mile: North Michigan Avenue from the river to Oak Street, with flagship stores, vertical malls and the Water Tower area.
+What are the best markets in Chicago?
Green City Market, Maxwell Street Market and Christkindlmarket.