From Tiffany diamonds to bargains at Filene’s Basement, Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile offers shoppers a vast array of merchandise and prices. And if you prefer to keep your credit card holstered, window shopping and people watching are also a worthwhile alternative investment.

The Magnificent Mile is a mile-long stretch of North Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and the Chicago River. Frommer’s 1999 Chicago guidebook suggests beginning a shopping tour at the Drake hotel, which houses Georg Jensen at 959 North Michigan Avenue. This shop features sterling silver and gold jewelry and flatware by the famous Danish silversmith. Another must-see at the Drake is Chanel at 935 North Michigan Avenue, the famous French fashion house known for beautiful suits and other apparel once designed by Coco Chanel.

A few doors down, at 919 North Michigan Avenue, Bally of Switzerland offers fine leather goods including accessories, handbags, and shoes. Close by is Bulgari, at 909 North Michigan Avenue, which sells fine jewelry and timepieces by the legendary Italian jeweler.

The Bloomingdale’s Building, with its famous department store tenant, is an upscale mall at 900 North Michigan Avenue. It is also home to Gucci on the ground floor, designer of Italian leather shoes and goods, and Cashmere Cashmere on the fourth floor, among other trendy boutiques.

If children are in tow or on your gift list, visit Warner Bros. Studio Store on the second and third floors of Water Tower Place or the Disney Store on the fourth floor of the block-size mall at 835 North Michigan Avenue. For educational games and PBS videos, try the WTTW Store of Knowledge on the seventh floor, named after the local PBS station.

Bargain-hunters will want to shop at Filene’s Basement, 830 North Michigan Avenue.

Marshall Field’s department store, a familiar landmark to Chicagoans, is also worth a visit. A smaller version of the flagship store is housed in Water Tower Place with a similar array of merchandise and the delicious Frango mints.

Antique lovers may want to visit the flagship Marshall Field’s store at 111 North State Street. Enjoy the Victorian antique jewelry department and antiquarian bookshop.

Ready for something to eat? Choose from among a dozen restaurants and
cafés inside Water Tower Place or visit Plaza Escada at 840 North Michigan Avenue, where a small fourth-floor café offers a satisfying lunch and dessert menu.

For a special treat, try an elegant afternoon tea complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and pastry in the 12th floor lobby of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Water Tower Place. The Palm Court at the Drake also serves high tea; to make reservations, call (312) 787-2200.

Tiffany & Co. carries fine jewelry and tabletop accessories. The store at the corner of North Michigan Avenue and Chicago Street has the signature clock and spacious main floor identical to those of the New York store.

Glassware, cookware, and furniture are for sale at Crate and Barrel at 646 North Michigan Avenue. This is another store that got its start in Chicago.

Just further down the block, at 600 North Michigan Avenue, is the Original Levi’s Store, where jeans come in all fabrics and shades. Women can have their jeans custom fitted there.

Men can choose from several clothing stores on the Magnificent Mile. Among them:

• Bigsby and Kruthers, at 605 North Michigan Avenue, is a Chicago-based chain that carries designer fashions, sportswear, and accessories.

• Eddie Bauer, at 600 North Michigan Avenue, carries casual outdoor wear, a dressier AKA line, and outdoor travel accessories.

• Paul Stuart Clothiers at 875 North Michigan Avenue (the John Hancock Center) carries fine tailored menswear and accessories.

To round out a day of shopping, visit Hammacher Schlemmer, a fun gadget shop in the Tribune Tower at 445 North Michigan Avenue, which carries such toys for grownups as a giant backyard chess set and a stand-up snowmobile.

Ready to be pampered? Georgette Klinger Salon, on the third floor of Water Tower Place, offers facials, massages, and soothing scalp treatments in addition to manicures and pedicures. You can make an appointment by calling (312) 787-4300.

Pampering is just not for women, however. At Truefitt and Hill, a British-owned barbershop on the sixth floor of 900 North Michigan Avenue (the Bloomingdale Building), men can relax while barbers wearing bow ties administer haircuts and lather shaves. Manicures and massages are also available. For an appointment, call (312) 337-2525.