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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The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

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Best Lodging Options Near Water Tower Place

The Wade

The Wade

4.5 out of 5
644 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
The Wade
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
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
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
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
Freehand Chicago

Freehand Chicago

4 out of 5
19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL
Freehand Chicago
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile - Medical

Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile - Medical

3 out of 5
201 East Walton Place, Chicago, IL
Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile - Medical
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

While visiting Water Tower Place in Chicago, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including catching a show at nearby theaters, indulging in diverse dining options, and exploring the vibrant shopping scene. This iconic destination offers a blend of entertainment, culture, and retail experiences, making it a perfect spot for tourists looking to immerse themselves in the city's lively atmosphere.

Shopping

At Water Tower Place, you'll discover great shopping options like Chicago Place Mall and 900 North Michigan Shops, both just 0.2 miles away, offering family-friendly vibes. For a unique experience, check out Green City Market, located 1 mile away, showcasing local products and a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy at Wrigley Field, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy live music at the House of Blues Chicago, just a short walk away. For a peaceful escape, visit Northerly Island Natural Area, where you can unwind in nature and recharge your spirit.

Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating hike along the Salt Creek Trail, located 12 miles from Water Tower Place, where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure. For a splash of fun, visit Rainbow Falls Waterpark, situated 21 miles away, offering thrilling rides and family-friendly entertainment.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Water Tower Place is vibrant and diverse. Catch a show at the Chicago Theatre, enjoy the thrill of Bally's Casino, or relax with friends at Dave & Buster's for drinks and games. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere perfect for an exciting night out!

Find the best attractions near Water Tower Place

Water Tower Place in Chicago offers a vibrant mix of skyscrapers, urban parks, and bustling streets, making it a prime destination for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can explore the iconic Water Tower itself, enjoy reviews and information about the area, and take in the lively atmosphere surrounding this landmark. Whether seeking shopping, dining, or leisurely strolls, there's something for everyone within and around this popular location.

  • Michigan Avenue: Experience the bustling energy of Michigan Avenue, known for its iconic shopping, dining, and vibrant atmosphere. Stroll along this famous street and enjoy the mix of historical architecture and modern skyscrapers, all while soaking in the dynamic city vibes.
  • Navy Pier: Discover the beauty of Navy Pier, a lively hub featuring stunning waterfront views, art installations, and family-friendly attractions. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the pier, indulge in local cuisine, or take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a panoramic view of the city.
  • Millennium Park: Immerse yourself in the green oasis of Millennium Park, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy art, gardens, and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, all set against the backdrop of Chicago's impressive skyline.

Best time to go to Water Tower Place

Visitor numbers around Water Tower Place is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Water Tower Place can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Water Tower Place falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Water Tower Place falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 during your visit to Water Tower Place, consider traveling between December and February for lower accommodation rates. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to compare room rates and filter for eco-certified hotels. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and allow you to earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Enjoy free entry to Water Tower Place and explore nearby attractions without spending a dime!

  • 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 narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort 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.