Water Tower Place Tours and Activities

Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place featuring street scenes
Water Tower Place which includes street scenes and shopping


Enjoy endless shopping, see exhibits of sporting memorabilia and attend shows at a live theatre 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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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
Freehand Chicago

Freehand Chicago

4 out of 5
19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL
Freehand 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
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
citizenM Chicago Downtown

citizenM Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
citizenM Chicago Downtown
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, explore the vibrant Chicago Riverwalk, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Enjoy nearby waterfall hikes for some scenic beauty, and partake in various water sports for a thrilling experience. Additionally, indulge in water fun activities to make the most of your trip. This bustling area offers a mix of culture and adventure, making it a delightful destination for tourists.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Chicago Place Mall, only 322m away, offering a mix of family and business vibes. Similarly, 900 North Michigan Shops, also 322m away, features entertainment alongside shopping. If you're up for a drive, visit City Market, located 1.6km from Water Tower Place, for a vibrant public market experience.

Recreation

At Wrigley Field, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of a live baseball game, just 6.4km from Water Tower Place. Enjoy live music and delicious cuisine at House of Blues Chicago, only 1.3km away. For family fun, laugh your heart out at Second City, situated 1.6km away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of hiking along Salt Creek Trail, located 19.3km from Water Tower Place, offering stunning scenery and an adventurous atmosphere. For family fun, visit Rainbow Falls Waterpark, 21.6kms away, where you can enjoy exhilarating water rides and entertainment for all ages.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night at the Chicago Theatre, just 1.4km from Water Tower Place, where culture and romance blend beautifully. For some excitement, visit Bally's Casino Chicago, 0.6.4km away, or unwind at Dave & Buster's, 805m away, for drinks and entertainment in a lively atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Water Tower Place

Water Tower Place in Chicago offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including stunning skyscrapers, urban parks, and art museums. This bustling area caters to culture enthusiasts and families alike, providing an enriching city experience. Visitors can explore local reviews and discover more about Water Tower Place and downtown Chicago, ensuring a memorable vacation filled with diverse activities and sights.

  • Michigan Avenue: A vibrant street located 644m from Water Tower Place, Michigan Avenue is the heart of Chicago's shopping and dining scene. Experience the bustling city vibes as you stroll past iconic architecture and visit high-end boutiques.
  • Navy Pier: Situated 1.6km away, Navy Pier offers a picturesque waterfront experience with stunning views of Lake Michigan. Enjoy urban art installations, friendly people, and a variety of entertainment options, including rides and restaurants.
  • Grant Park: About 3.2km from Water Tower Place, Grant Park is a beautiful urban oasis perfect for families. This expansive park features lush gardens, outdoor activities, and hosts numerous events, providing a perfect blend of city and nature.

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 on your visit to Water Tower Place, consider travelling between December and February for lower accommodation rates, as opposed to the pricier months of June and September to October. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Take advantage of free nearby attractions like Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, and Grant Park. For transportation, walking is an ideal way to explore the area. Additionally, use Expedia's search tool to find great rates and consider booking packages for further savings on flights and activities.

  • 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 Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Water Tower Place is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the most affordable options and special offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Water Tower Place with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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