Water Tower Place

Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place showing street scenes
Water Tower Place showing street scenes and shopping


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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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

At Water Tower Place, visitors can indulge in a variety of activities, including exploring architectural boat tours, immersing themselves in cultural attractions, and enjoying thrilling Bulls games. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby galleries, while the vibrant entertainment options cater to all tastes, ensuring a memorable experience in this bustling area of Chicago.

Shopping

Water Tower Place offers a fantastic shopping experience with nearby gems like Chicago Place Mall, merely 322m away, radiating a vibrant city atmosphere. The 900 North Michigan Shops, also 322m from Water Tower Place, adds a family-friendly vibe. For a unique outing, City Market is 1.6km away, showcasing local businesses.

Recreation

Enjoy a thrilling game at Wrigley Field, immersing yourself in the energetic sports atmosphere. Indulge in live music at the House of Blues Chicago, where entertainment vibes elevate your spirits. For tranquility, visit Northerly Island Natural Area, perfect for relaxation amidst nature's beauty.

Adventure

Embark on an adventurous hike along the Salt Creek Trail, located 19.3km from Water Tower Place, where you can immerse yourself in beautiful scenery and outdoor vibes. Alternatively, enjoy thrilling water activities at Rainbow Falls Waterpark, situated 33.8km away, perfect for family entertainment and adventure.

Nightlife

In Water Tower Place, Chicago Theatre offers a cultural evening with romantic vibes, just 1.4km away. Dave & Buster's, a lively drinking pub 805m away, provides entertainment and romance. For adventure seekers, Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, located 1.3km away, guarantees an exhilarating experience.

*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 offers a splendid array of attractions, including iconic skyscrapers, serene urban parks, and historic buildings. Whether you seek cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, or a taste of city life, the area caters to all. Exploring the vibrant surroundings will undoubtedly enrich your visit to this remarkable destination in Chicago.

  • Michigan Avenue: Known as the Magnificent Mile, this bustling street is famous for its vibrant city atmosphere, lined with upscale shops, dining, and iconic architecture, making it a perfect spot for both shopping and sightseeing.
  • Navy Pier: A lively hub of entertainment, Navy Pier offers stunning views of Lake Michigan, a variety of attractions, and friendly locals. Enjoy leisurely walks, dining, and thrilling rides while soaking in the urban scenery.
  • Millennium Park: This expansive urban park is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Discover beautiful art installations, lush gardens, and seasonal events, all set against the backdrop of Chicago’s impressive skyline.

Best time to go to Water Tower Place

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.

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

For a budget-friendly visit to Water Tower Place, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Monday is the cheapest day to stay, while Saturday is the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and sort options from lowest to highest price. Look for package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Additionally, utilise Chicago's public transport system, which is cost-effective, and enjoy free activities around the area 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation at Water Tower Place with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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