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.

Plan a trip to see Water Tower Place

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Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
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Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

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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 is a vibrant destination offering a mix of major attractions and area highlights. Visitors can enjoy premier shopping, dine in diverse restaurants, and explore nearby theaters and art galleries. The iconic Water Tower itself adds historical charm, while the lively atmosphere provides endless entertainment options, making it a must-visit spot for tourists looking to experience the best of the Windy City.

Shopping

At Water Tower Place, enjoy shopping at Chicago Place Mall, just 0.2 miles away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. 900 North Michigan Shops, also 0.2 miles away, combines entertainment with shopping. If you're up for a drive, City Market, located 1 mile away, showcases local businesses in a bustling setting.

Recreation

At Wrigley Field, immerse yourself in the excitement of a live baseball game. The House of Blues Chicago offers vibrant live music experiences, perfect for unwinding after a busy day. For a serene escape, visit Northerly Island Natural Area, where you can enjoy peaceful nature trails and picturesque views.

Adventure

Explore Salt Creek Trail for an exciting hiking experience with beautiful scenery, located 12 miles from Water Tower Place. For family fun, head to Rainbow Falls Waterpark, 21 miles away, where you can enjoy thrilling water slides and entertaining activities for all ages.

Nightlife

In Water Tower Place, Chicago Theatre offers a romantic cultural experience just 0.9 miles away, while Dave & Buster's, located 0.5 miles away, combines drinks with lively entertainment. For a thrilling adventure, check out Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, situated 0.8 miles from the heart of the action.

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

Find the best attractions near Water Tower Place

At Water Tower Place in Chicago, you'll find a mix of attractions including iconic skyscrapers, urban parks, and historic buildings. This vibrant area is perfect for those seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and a taste of city life. Don't miss exploring the famous Water Tower Place and nearby Water Tower Plaza to fully enjoy your visit.

  • Michigan Avenue: Known as the Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue is a bustling thoroughfare filled with luxury shops, restaurants, and historic architecture. Stroll along this vibrant street to experience the heart of Chicago's city life and indulge in world-class shopping.
  • Navy Pier: A popular destination for both locals and tourists, Navy Pier features stunning waterfront views, entertainment options, and family-friendly attractions. Enjoy a leisurely walk, dine at diverse eateries, or take a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
  • Millennium Park: This urban oasis offers beautiful gardens, art installations, and outdoor events. Famous for the Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately known as The Bean ), Millennium Park is a perfect spot for families to relax and enjoy Chicago’s vibrant outdoor culture.

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, plan your trip between December and February for the lowest hotel rates, avoiding Saturdays for the best deals. Book your accommodations through Expedia, where you can filter prices and combine your stay with flights for added savings. Consider joining Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and future cash rewards. Utilize public transport options like buses and trains to save on travel, and explore free nearby attractions to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • 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.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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