Michigan Avenue's Vertical Shopping Malls

900 North Michigan Shops: The most upscale of the Magnificent Mile malls is often called the “Bloomingdale’s building” for its most prominent tenant. There are about 70 stores, a 22,000-square-foot food hall called Aster Hall, and a chic salon named for well-known local hairdresser Mario Tricoci—book well in advance, as it’s always bustling. 900 N. Michigan Ave. tel. 312/915-3916. www.shop900.com. El: Red Line to Chicago.

The Shops at North Bridge: More tranquil than its retail-rich neighbors, this four-level shopping center is anchored by Nordstrom; specialty shops such as Eloquii and Clark Street Sports offer diverse options. 520 N. Michigan Ave. tel. 312/327-2300. www.theshopsatnorthbridge.com. El: Red Line to Grand/State. 

Water Tower Place: Chicago’s first—and busiest—vertical mall, this seven-floor building has about 100 mostly upscale stores, including American Girl Store. It connects to The Ritz-Carlton, should you want to shop ’til you drop. 835 N. Michigan Ave. tel. 312/440-3580. www.shopwatertower.com. El: Red Line to Chicago.