Shopping

The fact that Chicago has a city-appointed Director of Fashion tells you that this is a great place to shop for haute couture. If you want to dress for success there is one destination: The Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue. Along an eight-block stretch over 460 stores offer luxury items and fashion bargains to suit most budgets. Another area worth exploring is Oak Street, a renowned concentration of designers and salons.

Chicago is equally famous for its art and antiques dealers which are congregated around the River North Gallery District. And on Sunday mornings don't miss the Maxwell Street Market, with over 500 stalls selling everything under the sun. Get there early and don't be afraid to bargain.

Malls and department stores are open from 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday; 12pm to 6pm Sundays. A GST of 8.75% is levied on most products and is added at point of purchase, not on the price tag.