The north side of the Mag Mile is where we’re going to start because that’s where we’ll find Stan's Donuts and Coffee at 535 N Michigan Ave (they have multiple locations in the area). Their freshly made donuts and breakfast treats will make your mouth water and their coffee is sure to put some pep in your step.
While munching on your donut and sipping your coffee, make sure to purchase your tickets for your activities later in the day. We are going to take an awesome architectural tour with Shoreline Sightseeing, browse the Art Institute of Chicago, dine at The Purple Pig, and check out the Chicago skyline views at 360 Chicago, so make sure to book reservations and buy tickets for the smoothest transition from each activity to the next.
Right down the road from the Stan’s location, you will stumble on The Shops at North Shore Bridge, where you can find the best Magnificent Mile shopping. With over 50 well-known and established brands, it will be easy to wander for hours. Arriving around 10 AM, when they open Monday - Saturday, will help you beat the crowds and browse through your favorite stores without any competition.
With so many dining options within the shopping center, it won’t take long for those delicious scents to make you hungry for lunch. Of course, you can always dine at the shopping center, but we want to see and experience as much as we can on the Magnificent Mile, so we are going to head to Lou Malnati's Pizzeria! At Lou’s, they serve the kind of deep-dish pizza that both locals and tourists dream about. But don’t worry, they don’t leave out those who aren’t deep-dish fans as they also have an amazing thin crust pizza and other lower carb options. You’ll find this location on the ground floor of The Wrigley Building.
After lunch, it’s time to hop across the street to your Shoreline Sightseeing tour! This 60-minute tour is a top contender for the most interesting Mag Mile thing to do. It’s the perfect length to see Chicago’s brilliant architecture while learning about hidden gems and long-standing landmarks. Their Michigan Avenue dock will make it super easy to catch your reserved tour right after lunch.
After seeing Chicago from a new perspective, a pick-me-up is a must, and there is no better place for that than the World’s Largest Starbucks. So, grab a coffee, tea, refresher, frappuccino, or anything else that might be calling your name, and then get ready to continue exploring because we’ve still got so many things to do on Michigan Avenue.
Off we go to the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest museums to date, located at 111 S Michigan Ave. This is the place for inspiration and contemplation as you look at perfectly curated new and old works of art. After walking away from the art on the walls, take advantage of that inspiration and find the art that lives in many of the magnificent Mile’s stores– luxury stores to be exact.
With over 70 luxe shops on the Magnificent Mile, 900 Shops has art in many forms, and it’s our natural next stop. Go into stores like Gucci, MaxMara, Montblanc, Bloomingdales, and more. This will also bring us a little further north where we will be for the rest of the evening.
It’s time to take a load off and feel pampered by the wonderful food at The Purple Pig. This chic restaurant is known for its delicious pork (hence the pig in The Purple Pig) and wine. It is sure to feed your stomach, eyes, and soul– yeah, it’s that good.
Since you need to experience as much of the Mag Mile as possible, after dinner, we are going off to watch the sunset from 94 floors up at 360 CHICAGO. This observation deck is very intentionally named as it offers a 360-degree view of Chicago from its very own floor of the John Hancock Building. It’s hard to beat a sunset over this skyline.
Relaxed after watching a stunning sunset, we are heading to our last destination, a lively Irish pub called The Gage. This pub isn’t just known for its expansive list of beers, but its great view of Millennium Park. So, sit back and relax, because you just spent a full and exciting day in one of the most revered neighborhoods in the world– the Magnificent Mile.
The Mag Mile is known for being one of the most famous shopping districts in the world. It is a 13-block stretch that is home to over 460 stores, including flagship department stores and luxury brands, as well as independent boutiques and specialty shops.
The Mag Mile is a 13-block stretch of North Michigan Avenue, from the Chicago River to East Lake Shore Drive.
The Magnificent Mile is generally considered to be a safe, well-maintained neighborhood with a number of residents, businesses.
The two tourist locations are approximately 1 mile apart from one another. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from or about 10 minutes to drive from the Mag Mile to Millennium Park.
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What is that black building in the Chicago skyline? That's 360 CHICAGO's location, on the 94th floor of 875 N Michigan Avenue, the building formerly known as the Hancock Building. 1,030 feet above the Magnificent Mile, you will feel like you are in the heart of the city with Chicago Skyline views 360 degrees around with changing views due to the proximity to Lake Michigan. On a clear day, you can see as far as other parts of Illinois and our neighboring states of Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan.
360 is ideal if you are staying around Michigan Avenue, for example if you are North of the River, down near Navy Pier, or on the Magnificent Mile. In addition, 360 CHICAGO has easy transit access and is close to shops and restaurants.
Skydeck's location is on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, on Wacker Avenue, with an entrance on Jackson Boulevard. Willis Tower is the tallest building in Chicago at 1,353 feet high. You can experience 360 views of the city from a different perspective than 360 CHICAGO. You'll see the city at a height as you experience from a plane, with predominantly views from the west as well as the Chicago River, Wacker Drive, and parts of Lake Michigan. On a clear day, you can see as far as the surrounding states of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Located on the South Loop, it is an ideal location if you are staying on or near Wacker Drive. This area also has easy transit access and many shops and restaurants.
Some of our guests who have visited both towers say, "Once you are at the top of any Chicago Observation deck, it's just high! The difference in feet isn't noticeable.
360 CHICAGO offers stadium seating for sunset viewing on the west side.
360 CHICAGO TILTTILT is Chicago’s highest thrill ride it allows guests to grab onto the handlebars, lean forward, and hold their breath as the glass tilts to move 8 people 1,030 feet over Michigan Avenue. Guests actively participate in experiencing the movement and views from the glass.
Skydeck The LedgeThe Ledge is a glass box that extends out 4.3 feet from Willis Tower. Guests step into the glass box, look down to experience what 1,353 feet above feels like. There is a timed 60 (or 90 seconds for groups) to walk on the Ledge and take some fantastic pictures.
This answer is it's really up to you! It depends on what you like to do and what you are interested in.
For a major attraction, 360 CHICAGO has a relaxed vibe, it includes a lot of seating, so you don’t feel rushed, and you can take your time. Your ticket allows you to stay as long as you like. With a general admission ticket, visitors have access to CloudBar- the highest bar in Chicago, to absorb the magnificent views and order snacks and drinks (alc. or non-alc). It's open day and night for all ages.
There are weekly events, including Yoga, and regular rotating art exhibits. The observation deck is a popular location for photographers because they have the space for tripods, that you can bring and set up any time of day or night.
On the ground floor, there is a new multi-media concourse with videos, stories and models highlighting Chicago (and the John Hancock Tower) history and facts. A downloadable app is available for interactive learning that you can use during or after your visit.
Skydeck features regular fitness events and interesting antenna lighting events on a regular basis.
There are lots of interactive displays, exhibits and engaging activities for kids, such as fact sheets, coloring pages, and scavenger hunts. The observatory level area does have a time limit for some of the activities on the level.
Justin on Google said, "There are many fun stations to take pictures and many interactive and informative facts on the wall. Our kids were entertained."
A Reddit guest said: "Skydeck recently updated their museum area, and it's pretty cool."
Here is the current pricing for these two observation decks as of April 2024.
Adult 12 & up - starting at $30 - includes timed entry with a skip-the-ticket desk line for one price regardless of day, time or season and you can stay as long as you want, as well as access to CloudBar.
Child (3-11) - starting at $20 -and includes all the above.
Additional tickets are available for a TILT ticket, or a Sip & View (includes a drink) or Sip, TILT, &. View ticket. Each ticket includes the general admission.
Children under 3 are free
Buy a Chicago City Pass and get 48% off your 360 Chicago Admission ticket, including four more top Chicago attractions. It's valid for 9 days with instant access on mobile.
Adult (12 & up) from $32-$44 -prices vary based on date, time, and season, including general admission and access to The Ledge.
Child (3-11) - from $24-$36
Expedited entry - from $45-64 per person for expedited entry - timed entry with the express line to elevators
Kids under 3 - are free
At Skydeck, you can also buy a Chicago City Pass and use the discount on your Skydeck admission ticket as well as four other top attractions.
The best way to evaluate value is to research the options for yourself and read reviews from past guests. Draw your own conclusions based on your preferences and what you define as good value. What's clear is guests agree; the view from both observation decks is fantastic!
Learn more about 360 CHICAGO here
Learn more about Skydeck here.
Regardless of the observation tower you choose, enjoy the views and your time in Chicago!
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360 CHICAGO offers four different event spaces so you can choose the option best suited for your event.
The smallest and most intimate event space available may be the most majestic. You and 29 of your guests will be treated to a magnificent view of the Magnificent Mile. There’s no better place to enjoy lunch and some drinks than 94 floors above Michigan Avenue.
This moderately-sized private event space is perfect for events ranging from 30 to 125 guests. With breathtaking views of the Chicago lakefront and beaches, don’t blame us if everyone is paying attention to the view instead of the occasion.
For larger meetings and events, this premium event space includes the Skidmore room along with an additional 950 square feet, providing enough room to accommodate up to 175 guests. Along with the views of the lakefront, your guests can be amazed at the view of the Gold Coast from 94 floors up.
If it’s 360-degree views that you want for your event, the entire 94th floor is available. Enjoy views of Lake Michigan, Willis Tower, and every other landmark within view while you booze and schmooze with coworkers, friends, and/or family.
With an allowance of up to 550 guests, a full buyout provides a truly unforgettable event for you and the rest of the attendees.
You’ve said yes to the dress, now let us take care of the rest.
What could be better than saying “I Do” to the love of your life while eye-to-eye with the Chicago skyline? If you’re ready to have the most-talked-about wedding of your friends and family, we’d love to marry you.
Whether you’re planning a killer party or just want to have some fun over the weekend, 360 CHICAGO is the right place for you! Beautiful views, a bar 94 floors in the sky, a thrill ride like no other, you really couldn’t ask for more. For more information, check out our hours and pricing.
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