Chicago has many shopping areas, but the most spectacular is the "Magnificent Mile". This shopping and dining area is considered the Rodeo Drive of the Midwest. Along with the expected architectural treasures of Chicago lie some of the world's finest specialty stores.

Other shopping avenues include Water Tower Place on North Michigan. This area has a seven-level modern shopping emporium with Chicago-based Marshall Field's and Lord & Taylor.

A block away is the eight-level mall, Chicago Place. This houses Saks Fifth Avenue, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and Chiaroscuro. American Girl Place is a popular destination for young girls and their parents, where they can purchase American Girl dolls and accessories, have tea in the café, or view a show in the American Girl Theater.

At 900 North Michigan Shops are Blooming-dale's, Coach, Gucci, and teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland.

On nearby Oak Street one can find designs from Paris, Milan, and New York. Downtown Chicago features a different kind of shopping, with a remarkable diverse selection of bookstores.

Book lovers might like to pick up a copy of the "Greater Loop Book District's pamphlet", showing the location of more than 20 bookstores in the Loop. It is available at airports, bookstores, and all visitor information centers.

Newly refurbished State Street, located downtown, offers a seven-block shopping experience at such landmarks as Carson Pirie Scott & Company and the flagship Marshall Field's.

North of the bustling Michigan ave Armitage-Halsted-Webster shopping area. On North Orleans Street are the Merchandise Mart, the world's largest wholesale center, and the Chicago Apparel Center.