Shopping in Chicago

Whatever your pleasure, be it discounts and designers, antiques, art or the kitschy, it is available in the Second City.

Key areas

The best souvenir selection is at Accent Chicago, 875 North Michigan, or City of Chicago Store at the Chicago Waterworks Visitors Center, 163 East Pearson, and Tastes of Chicago, (tel: 1 800 568 8643) will ship authentic Chicago food like hot dogs, pizza and Eli's cheesecake anywhere in the USA.

Many antique shops and dealers are located in the Lake View, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood and Edgewater areas.

For music, search the back walls of the legendary Rolling Stones, 7300 Irving Park Road, for the best deals, Jazz Record Mart, 27 East Illinois Avenue, for jazz, Reckless Records, 3161 North Broadway, 26 East Madison or 1532 North Milwaukee Avenue for alternative, new and used sounds, and 2nd Hand Tunes, 800 Dempster, Evanston, for used records.

Markets

Between May and October, over 70 markets are held regularly throughout the city in different neighbourhoods, including Lincoln Park, Hyde Park, Bridgeport and Northcenter. Weekly night markets have also started at Logan Square and Argyle and Broadway between June and September between 4pm and 9pm. For a schedule of dates for the different markets, see www.cityofchicago.org/city.

Shopping centres

Find interesting architecture and a huge merchandise selection at Macy's (formerly Marshall Field's, the original store) on State Street. But no visit would be complete without a shopping trip on the Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Avenue). The street, crowded with upscale malls (Water Tower Place, 900 North Michigan Avenue, The Shops at North Bridge), fashionable boutiques and big name stores such as Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Nordstroms, is also a people-watching paradise.

For bargains, shop Filene's Basement, 1 North State or 830 Michigan, Mark Shale Outlet, 2593 Elston, or the Gap outlet, 2778 North Milwaukee, for clothes, Jewelers Row, 5 South Wabash, for discounted baubles and Crate and Barrel Outlet, 850 West North Avenue, for housewares.

Opening hours

Except for special sales or the holiday season, malls and regular stores hours are usually Mon-Sat 1000-2100 and Sun 1100-1800. North Side neighbourhood stores that cater to young people often open later. Chicago sales taxes are 10.25%, aside from food (2%) and pharmaceuticals (0%).

Souvenirs

Look out for Wrigley Field and other sports-related memorabilia and Al Capone themed souvenirs, particularly clothes and sportswear. Music CDs, such as jazz and blues, are also popular. As for food, pick up some Italian Beef, deep dish/stuffed pizza, Garret's Popcorn and Chicago-style hot dogs.

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Featured Hotels

Ritz-Carlton Chicago

The Ritz has always been a symbol of luxury and the Ritz-Carlton Chicago is no exception. An award-winning dining room, oversized rooms with a view, L'Occitane bath toiletries, state-of-the-art business facilities and 24-hour concierge service are some of the reasons its reputation is deserved.

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

At the Four Seasons, personal service, attention to detail and elegant appointments are basics. The opulent seventh-floor lobby has a French art deco look, while spacious guest rooms include 1940s French décor and, for viewing stunning city and lake vistas, some have leather window seats. Marble bathrooms are spa-like.

The James

Modern, sleek, compact and comfortable, The James is a nice departure from the big, glitzy chains. The narrow lobby has a clean and clubby look about it as does the adjacent, complimentary business centre and the J Bar. Rooms have minimalist decor, with platform beds and marble bathrooms, as well as a dining niche, plasma TVs and free Wi-Fi.

The Hard Rock Hotel

The staid 1929 Carbon and Carbide Building has been reinvented and is now a sleek hotel. The 383-room, 13-suite, contemporary venue pulsates with musically-themed excitement. Piped-in music and rock & roll memorabilia are everywhere. Cushy leather couches and open space give the lobby a feeling of warmth and comfort. Rooms with zebra wood furnishings are accented in greys, blues, chrome, wood, mirrors and rock'n'roll artwork. Matchless Downtown vistas, flat screen television, and state-of-the-art amenities are standard, as is the business centre and fitness facility.

Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown-Lakefront

Conveniently located between Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue, the modern Embassy Suites meets the needs of the business traveller. Its airy, 17-floor atrium lobby, with fountains and reflecting pool, is just the place to unwind after a busy day. Enclosed glass elevators reveal city and lake views, as do the comfortably furnished, two-room suites, which are standard.

Hotel Felix

One of the best deals in the central area of Chicago, the Felix is a modern hotel with an environmentally friendly rating and lashings of style. Plush rooms are kitted out in shades of cocoa and offer flat-screen TVs, contemporary bathrooms, and handy desk space. Unwind at the hotel's spa, or work out in their state-of-the-art gym. Service is brisk and efficient.

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