Staying at Arlo Chicago means you’re already in a part of the city that makes exploring easy. Step outside, take a leisurely walk, or even a shorter rideshare, and you’ll hit one of Chicago’s most well-known shopping spots: Water Tower Place.
Water Tower Place is one of the original Magnificent Mile shopping malls, and it still plays a significant role in what there is to do on North Michigan Avenue. It’s retail, of course. But it’s also dining, live theater, and a space to get some warmth when those Chicago winters are in full force.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s inside and how it fits into your time on the Mile.
Water Tower Place Goes Up in Chicago
Water Tower Place opened in 1975 as one of the first urban shopping centers in downtown Chicago. It was designed to be a multi-use space that combined retail, residential space, offices, and a hotel all in one vertical, high-rise building. At the time, it was pretty ambitious. When it opened its doors, there was a shift in the Chicago shopping scene that brought shoppers over to North Michigan Avenue. It reinforced the Magnificent Mile as the major shopping destination it is today.
The building has gone through renovations and transitions over the years. And like many urban malls, it has faced some changes in retail trends and vacancy challenges. But it remains one of the most recognizable vertical malls in Chicago, and it’s a defining part of the Magnificent Mile street view.
What’s Inside?
Water Tower Place works best when you think of it in three layers: shopping, dining, and entertainment. Here’s what you can expect during your visit.
Shopping
Retail at Water Tower Place is practical and familiar. You’ll be able to browse stores you know, with some surprises along the way.
You’ll find recognizable brands, specialty shops, and family-friendly spots like American Girl and the Lego Store. It’s not over-the-top or exaggerated. It fills the middle ground of the Magnificent Mile shopping places and is accessible and easy to navigate.
The vertical layout makes it stand out from traditional shopping malls. You move upward rather than outward, and escalators bring you up floor by floor. It’s efficient once you get your bearings. You can hit up your favorite spots or just wander from place to place.
Dining
The dining lineup covers a variety of cuisines, which is great when you’re with a group that is looking for different options.
For sit-down meals, Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch offers sports-themed American classics that fit the Chicago energy well.
If you want something quick, you’ve got fast-casual options like Wow Bao for steamed buns and bowls, as well as a mix of cafes and quick counters that keep things simple.
And if you just need a sweet treat, try Muah Cotton Candy for a whimsical selection of cotton candy and fluffy ice cream.
Entertainment
This is where Water Tower Place separates itself from other Chicago vertical malls.
Inside, you’ll find the Chicago Sports Museum. It’s an interactive space packed with Chicago sports history, memorabilia, and exhibits. Chicago is a big sports city, so this seems like a fitting stop during your visit.
Then there’s the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, part of the Broadway in Chicago lineup. Touring productions rotate year-round. You can see a live show on North Michigan Avenue without heading into the Loop.
How to Get There From Arlo Chicago
From Arlo Chicago, it’s a bit of a walk. A simple one, but it’s about 20 minutes away on foot. Head north on Michigan Avenue. Stay on the main stretch. You’ll pass storefronts and walk right over the river for some beautiful city views.
If it’s winter and the wind is aggressive, you can grab a short rideshare, or you can take the bus. From Arlo Chicago, walk less than five minutes to the Michigan & South Water stop and catch the #146 bus north toward Berwyn. Ride about eight minutes, get off at Michigan & Chestnut, then walk four minutes to Water Tower Place. Door-to-door, it takes about 15 minutes and keeps you right on the Magnificent Mile.
How It Fits Into a Full Magnificent Mile Day
A visit to Water Tower Place works best as part of a bigger North Michigan Avenue itinerary.
The Magnificent Mile covers about 13 blocks along North Michigan Avenue. Within that mile, you’ll find more than 400 stores, hundreds of restaurants, and some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s dense, and it’s busy, in the very best way.
Just north of Water Tower Place is 875 North Michigan Avenue, formerly the John Hancock Center, where you can head up to 360 Chicago for skyline views. A few steps away is the historic Chicago Water Tower, known as one of the only buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire. Walk south for a bit, and you can explore The Shops at North Bridge. Continue east, and you’re not far from the lakefront.
Shopping ranges from global brands to high-end retailers and specialty stores. Dining runs the full spectrum, too, with over 200 restaurants to choose from. It’s easy to spend an entire day in this area, and it’s convenient from Arlo Chicago.
Plan Your Chicago Visit Starting at Arlo Chicago
Water Tower Place is still one of Chicago’s most reliable shopping malls because it offers more than retail. It combines dining, live theater, and interactive entertainment in a single vertical space.
If you’re staying at Arlo Chicago, it’s an easy spot to check out while exploring the Magnificent Mile. Book your stay at Arlo Chicago and keep North Michigan Avenue within easy reach. You’ll be able to experience shopping, theater, lakefront views, and a warm place to reset all within a short walk.