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Things to do in The Magnificent Mile

Our most recommended things to do in The Magnificent Mile

Chicago: 360 Chicago Observation Deck Skip-the-Line Ticket

1. Chicago: 360 Chicago Observation Deck Skip-the-Line Ticket

Marvel at the views from 1,000 feet over Chicago’s legendary Michigan Avenue with this ticket to the 360 CHICAGO observation deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center. Save time with skip-the-line access to this popular attraction. Head up to the 360 CHICAGO observation deck to take in breathtaking views of Chicago’s lakefront and view the city skyline from above. Take a peek at 4 neighboring states from this height. Feel the thrill of a 40-second ride in one of North America's fastest elevators to the observation deck to experience what 'Travel & Leisure Magazine' voted one of the best views in America. Enjoy an interactive exhibit on the Ground Floor that highlights Chicago’s rich history and showcases 9 of the city’s culturally unique neighborhoods. On the 94th floor, explore the history and architecture of the magnificent city stretched out before you. To enhance your experience, download the Magnicity App for a guided tour right from your smartphone. The App includes an interactive viewfinder, unique facts, stories and recommendations. Enjoy a thrilling photo opportunity at CloudWalk, a breathtaking 3D mural with the optical illusion of walking in the clouds. Relax and take in the view at the 94th floor’s Cloud Bar which serves up iconic Chicago snacks, neighborhood-inspired Cocktails, and a local brew, Moody Tongue, on tap. By purchasing this timed ticket, you get to skip the ticket desk and present your barcoded voucher to security to be scanned - you may have to wait in a short line at security, then head directly into the Ground Floor Exhibits, and then on to the Elevator Line.

Chicago: Museum of Ice Cream Entry Ticket

2. Chicago: Museum of Ice Cream Entry Ticket

The world-famous ice cream attraction is now open in Chicago. Step into an ice cream wonderland that is bound to ignite your senses through a theatrical experience with unlimited ice cream treats as you journey through 14 installations. Ride on the pink Sprink-L line, put your golf skills to the test on the Putt-Putt course, or take a dip in a pool filled with millions of sprinkles. Come with an empty stomach and get ready to make unforgettable memories. When you finish your experience, be sure to explore the museum's whimsical shop. The Museum of Ice Cream is not a traditional museum — every installation is interactive. This means touching isn't only allowed, it's encouraged.

Chicago: Mob and Crime Bus Tour

3. Chicago: Mob and Crime Bus Tour

Experience Chicago’s underworld of criminals and gangsters on a luxury bus tour. Find out how some of the world’s most famous criminals, mobsters, and gangsters conned their way through the city. Ride comfortably in an enclosed, climate-controlled bus, as you see famous Chicago crime scenes that range from the 19th century through modern times. Unlike Chicago walking tours, this Mob and Crime Tour isn’t affected by the Windy City weather. Learn from a local expert tour guide giving interactive live commentary about Al Capone, the Untouchables, the Chicago Mob, John Dillinger, Terrible Tommy O'Connor, H. H. Holmes, the Chicago Black Sox, Leopold and Loeb, bank heists, Cap George Streeter, and more. Grab your camera for a drive-by shooting of the historic criminal courthouse, a Chicago architectural landmark where some of Chicago's most notorious cases were tried. You'll also view historic video footage, receive an informative pamphlet with photos, and can even take part in a crime quiz. Stake out crime scenes like the Biograph Theatre, Holy Name Cathedral, Clark Street Bridge, and other Chicago landmarks. See the site of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, one of Chicago's most notorious murder scenes. Get off the bus and walk the path that notorious Chicago gangsters John Dillinger and Hymie Weiss followed just before their deaths. Travel into the criminal past of Chicago's River North, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Loop, and Magnificent Mile neighborhoods.

Chicago: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

4. Chicago: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Experience the Windy City like never before with our hop-on, hop-off double-decker sightseeing bus tour! Marvel at the stunning skyscrapers of Chicago, including the iconic John Hancock Center, the towering Willis Tower, and the historic Wrigley Building. Our knowledgeable tour guides will provide you with fascinating facts and insights into Chicago's rich history as you explore the city's most impressive landmarks. Hop on and off as many times as you want to visit attractions such as the world-renowned Shedd Aquarium and Field Natural History Museum. Travel along the famous Magnificent Mile, considered one of the world's great avenues, and cross over the Michigan Avenue Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the Chicago River. With our convenient stops located throughout the city, it's easy to navigate your way around and explore at your own pace. Choose between a 24 or 48-hour ticket, and take your time discovering all that Chicago has to offer. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience - book your hop-on, hop-off bus tour today!

Chicago Crimes Night Tour

5. Chicago Crimes Night Tour

Uncover how some of the world’s most famous criminals, mobsters, and gangsters conned their way through the Windy City. Ride in an enclosed, climate-controlled bus, as you explore famous Chicago crime scenes ranging from the 19th century through to modern times. Learn about Al Capone, the Untouchables, the Chicago Mob, John Dillinger, The Lady in Red, Captain George Streeter, Frank "The Enforcer" Nitti, Bugs Moran, Johnny Torrio and more. Grab your camera for a drive-by shooting of historic and architectural landmarks, and stake out crime scenes like the Biograph Theatre, Holy Name Cathedral and St. Valentine's Day Massacre, one of Chicago's most notorious murder sites. Walk the path that notorious Chicago gangsters John Dillinger and Hymie Weiss followed just before their deaths. Travel into the criminal past of Chicago's River North, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Loop, and Magnificent Mile neighborhoods.

Chicago: Favorite Foods Guided Walking Tour

6. Chicago: Favorite Foods Guided Walking Tour

Combine an enjoyable walk around Chicago's downtown to see some of the city’s top sites with stops to sample some of the city’s famous tastes. On this 2.5-hour guided walk, you'll get to taste the foods Chicago is best known for doing right. Enjoy deep-dish pizza, the original Italian pastries, Chicago-style hot dog, and a classic Italian beef sandwich. Enjoy a VIP craft beer sample for an additional fee. Along the way, you’ll see some of Chicago's most iconic spots including Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, the Art Institute, and the famous Bean. By the end of the tour, your stomach will be full of delicious food and your head will be full of fascinating knowledge about Chicago. During the colder months, the tour makes use of the unique underground Pedway system that connects much of downtown and keeps you warm and cozy. On warmer days, you’ll walk at street level to enjoy the large promenades of the loop. The leisurely walking pace is suitable for people of all fitness levels.

Chicago: River North Walking Food Tour

7. Chicago: River North Walking Food Tour

Come enjoy the luxury and opulence of the Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast on this guided food tour, a tour through the historically affluent River North neighborhood. Explore the remarkable and historic River North neighborhood known for its extreme affluence, typified by the Magnificent Mile and the Gold Coast. Boasting Chicago's highest concentration of restaurants and art galleries, the River North neighborhood has become a favorite destination for foodies. You will taste foods from five unique restaurants and bakeries, and your food tour guides are experts not only at temporarily filling stomachs, but at plumping up tour-goers' local food knowledge too. This 3-hour walking tour offers a look into the history and culture of the neighborhood in between each of your 5 food tastings. While the stops are subject to change, we usually stop to taste at five of the following food places: • The Doughnut Vault (est. 2011): Food and Wine Magazine named it the best doughnut in America in 2012 • Lou Malnati's (est. 1971): Rudy Malnati is generally considered to be the inventor of Chicago deep-dish pizza • Xoco- (est. 2009): Top Chef Masters winner Rick Bayless is one of the best known chefs for Mexican cuisine in America • Iberico- (est. 1992): Serving you the most authentic tapas and regional specialties from all across Spain • Al's Beef- (est. 1938): Founder Al Ferrari invented the sandwich in Chicago's Little Italy back in 1938 • Fabcakes Bakery- (est. 2012): Delicious pastries inspired by the seasons Your informative guide will point out examples of historic architecture and beautiful public spaces that help make the River North neighborhood one of Chicago's most notable.

Chicago: Private 3-Hour Al Capone Gangster Tour

8. Chicago: Private 3-Hour Al Capone Gangster Tour

Experience amazing stories of true crime coming to life on this three-hour private tour. Visit many of the old venues where gangsters used to operate, including old speakeasies and historic hotels. Your expert historian guide will accompany you and your private group in luxury accommodation to historically significant locations in the city. View crime scenes immortalized in vintage news footage, the theater where the law caught up with Dillinger, and the restaurant where the North Side Gang riddled Al Capone’s motorcade with rounds from their Tommy guns. See the site of the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, and sit in Al Capone’s booth at the Green Mill. Finally, visit the location where Public Enemy #1 John Dillinger was assassinated by the FBI.

Chicago: Wine & Cheese or Beer & BBQ Thursday Evening Cruise

9. Chicago: Wine & Cheese or Beer & BBQ Thursday Evening Cruise

Cruise from the DuSable bridge and go up the main branch of the Chicago River to Wolf Point before heading back past the Chicago Riverwalk out onto Lake Michigan. Choose from a wine and cheese tasting or beer and BBQ meal experience. Hop aboard a spacious and comfortable ship and find a spot on the open-air decks or in the comfort of the climate-controlled interiors. Admire views of the city from the water as glide over the water. Select the wine tour to indulge in tastings of 4-6 different wines from “Picnic Wine & Provisions,” a Chicago-based wine boutique. Savor items from a buffet-style cheese table, with an expert on hand to advise on the wine and cheese pairings. Pick the Beer tour For tasting 4-6 beers from local breweries, while “Blackwood BBQ” provides each passenger with a a light meal of delectable BBQ samples, along with some mouth-watering sides. Purchase additional drinks at the onboard cash bar where full servings of the sampled beers or wines can be bought. Have the option to buy other local beers, spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks from the bar.

Chicago: Magnificent Mile Walking Tour

10. Chicago: Magnificent Mile Walking Tour

Start the tour by discovering how a dirt road known as Pine Street was transformed into a "Paris on the Prairie" and later into the Magnificent Mile - Chicago's premier shopping district. Hear the secrets and stories behind the striking buildings on North Michigan Avenue that have become architectural icons know around the world including the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building and 875 N. Michigan Ave. (formerly the Hancock Tower). Learn how the DuSable Bridge, built in the 1920s, transformed a warehouse and factory district into a commercial district. Find out how the street was further transformed with its wide avenue and Parisian style buildings, influenced by the world-renowned architect Daniel Burnham and the Plan of Chicago of 1909. Then, witness the street's final transformation into a high-end shopping and hotel district, becoming the shopping mecca that it still is today. Marvel at the vertical malls, skyscrapers, hotels, residential towers and buildings that were designed to embody the brands sold inside. Finally, enjoy admission to the Chicago Architecture Center included in the tour price where you can learn more about the various styles of architecture throughout Chicago. See an interactive model of the Downtown Buildings and models showing the development and many different styles of skyscrapers in Chicago.

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What people are saying about The Magnificent Mile

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 1,999 reviews

The best food walking tour!! We learned about Chicago while enjoying its main food choices. It is a must if you want to learn about hidden food gems in Chicago.

Guide was knowledgeable and was open to questions. Very informative ans a must do while in Chicago

It was scary at first but I had fun the whole time I was there with my husband

Loved it!!! No crowds or long lines!! Love Chicago in the winter!!

Great view and the bar/lounge was very comfortable.