The City has unique history and some of the most interesting and beautiful architecture around. Not only that, you can see the rich history by going to the most Instagrammable places in Chicago. In this post, you’re going to find the most Instagrammable restaurants, bars, and places in Chicago.
Chicago is my home town. I unabashedly believe it is the best city in the world. As someone who is well traveled, no matter what, the Windy City always calls me back.
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Map of the Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago
The Most Instagram Worthy Spots in Chicago
Be sure to save this post for all the most Instagrammable places in Chicago. The city is constantly changing with new places popping up.
I’m also constantly going back and forth from my hometown for events, and to see my loved ones. Whenever I find a new Instagrammable spot in Chicago, I will definitely be adding it here.
1. Bar 360
If you want breathtaking views and delicious cocktails, book a table for sunset and watch the Willis Tower and the rest of the city come alive at night. This is one of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago.
Ride The Tilt at the Hancock which feature glass boxes that move forward so you’re literally hanging off the edge. It’s one of the main attractions of Bar 360.
Photo Tip: The best time for photos is around sunset. You need a ticket to the Hancock and the admission for the Cloudbar comes with it. Go during the week for the best undisturbed photos.
2. Signature Lounge
The women’s bathroom has the most amazing views in all of Chicago. It’s located on the 94th floor and a great spot to enjoy sunset. It’s oddly one of the most aesthetic places in Chicago. You’re welcome.
3. The Ledge Chicago Skydeck
The Skydeck Chicago is a great photo spot for thrill seekers. You’ll get a spectacular view of this amazing city. The Sears Tower is the tallest building in Chicago standing at 442 m (1,451 feet). On a sunny day, you can see all the way to the suburbs.
The observation deck on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower has a glass ledge you can walk on. I recommend getting the Chicago City Pass to skip the long waiting lines.
Photo Tips: You need to have your Skydeck picture ideas in mind before you go because there’s limited time to take photos.
4. The Bean aka Cloud Gate
If you want to sound like a local, don’t ever call The Bean Cloud Gate. This iconic Chicago landmark reflects the City skyline and is one of the most popular places to take photos in Chicago. It’s located off Michigan ave & Columbus.
Photo Tip: The best time to take photos of the Bean is early morning around 6am or 7am. Put your phone or camera on a tripod, wait for an opening with no people and snap a photo. Then, go ahead and pose and merge the photos after.
5. Lurie Garden
The Lurie Garden is an amazing Chicago skyline photo spot and one of the best hidden gems. It’s also sometimes called Millennium Park’s “secret garden.” Throughout the year, you’ll find a variety of seasonal flowers and plants.
Photo Tip: This is a popular spot during the weekends. The best time to go is in the morning during the week and late afternoon for fewer visitors.
6. Millennium Park Bridge
Just a short walk from the Lurie Garden is this bridge. It’s also a great place to capture photos of Millennium Park and downtown Chicago. The Art Institute of Chicago and Field Museum is also down the street from and is also included in your Chicago City Pass.
7. Museum of Ice Cream
Located on North Michigan Avenue, you’ll find the pinkest Instagram museum. They have a big luminous display that mimics riding the El. I’ve been to the Museum of Ice Cream in New York, Austin, and Chicago. They’re all fun and who can say no to all you can eat ice cream? Book your tickets to the Chicago Museum of Ice Cream here.
8. Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain was built in the 1920s and one of the largest fountains in the world. It’s located in Grant Park which is also known as Chicago’s front yard.
The fountain features an impressive 20-minute water display where water is shot up to 150 feet in the air. This is the perfect place to take photos of the Chicago skyline making it one of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago.
Photo Tip: This location isn’t entirely time dependent so you can go whenever you’d like. Avoid taking photos at noon because the lighting will be super harsh.
9. Chicago Board of Trade
Chicago’s financial district has some very cool buildings. The tall pillars on each side direct your eyes to the clock tower. The architecture of the Board of Trade easily makes it one of the top Chicago Instagram spots.
Photo Tip: Be careful when taking this photo because it’s a busy road. You can take pictures here at any time in the morning and before rush hour at 5pm. 1
10. Divvy Bikes by Lyft
Not only are these are great way to get around, they’re also amazing for a cool Chicago photo op!
Photo Tip: To get the range of depth I did, I used a 50mm lens to capture this photo. I placed the tripod as far away as I could and had my phone on a timer.
11. DuSable Bridge
The Du Sable Bridge is also known as the Michigan Avenue Bridge. It is one of the best Chicago Instagram spots due to its history and amazing skyline views of the Chicago River and stunning architecture.
Photo Tip: This Chicago Instagram spot is very popular especially in summer and on the weekends. Visit in the morning so you can get awesome photos on the bridge.
12. Wrigley Building
This skyscraper used to be the headquarters for Wrigley Chewing Gum. It was designed using the shape of the Giralda tower of Seville’s Cathedral combined with French Renaissance details. Plus, it was the first building in Chicago to have air conditioning.
Photo Tip: If you want the perfect shot, go early in the morning. It’s a hot spot for foot traffic so the earlier the better.
13. Magnificent Mile
One of the best things to do in Chicago is to go shopping on Michigan Avenue aka the Mag Mile. I recommend getting some Garrett’s Chicago Style Popcorn while shopping here.
During the holidays, this street gets super festive. In this photo, I’m standing in front of the Chicago Intercontinental Hotel which has beautiful autumnal decorations.
14. Chicago Theatre
The Chicago Theater is one of the best places to take pictures in downtown Chicago. The large Chicago sign in front makes the perfect backdrop day or night.
Photo Tip: The Chicago Theatre is not really time dependent. I’ve gone at different hours of the day and I can always snap as many photos to my heart’s content. There’s always security hanging around so you can leave your phone and camera on the tripod with no issues.
15. Chicago River Cruise
A Chicago River Cruise will show you the best Instagram spots. It’s a unique angle where you can capture Lake Michigan, Lake Shore Drive, and the buildings. No matter how many times I go to Chicago, the Chicago River Cruise never gets old.
It’s best to go in warm weather because the Lake Effect makes things chilly even in the summer. You can book your Chicago River Cruise tickets here.
Photo Tip: I recommend doing the sunset tour. This helps give your background the glowing effect and makes your photos that much more amazing.
16. Chicago Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is a great source of pride for most Chicagoans. It’s clean, beautiful, and goes through the heart of the city. It is one of best photo spots in Chicago due to being able to play with so many different angles and capture so much.
Photo Tip: As the Riverwalk is a popular recreational area for bikers, runners, and walkers, morning and evening are the best times to visit to avoid peak crowds.
17. Jackson Park
Garden of the Phoenix at Jackson Park Chicago is a photo worthy Chicago spot for many reasons. If you love Asia like I do, you don’t want to miss this little piece of culture in the big city. No Chicago city pic is complete without showing off the diverse neighborhoods and culture.
Photo Tip: The location is not heavily time dependent so you can go whenever you’d like. You can save this photo for late afternoon.
18. La Salle Flowers
I adore old signs and flowers. Which is why La Salle Flowers definitely should be on your list. Take some time to smell the roses, why don’t ya? 😉 This location is another one of my favorite Chicago picture spots due to the fact it’s one of the very few remaining neon signs in the City.
Photo Tip: This spot isn’t too busy with foot traffic, but there is a lot of traffic passing through. I didn’t have any problems setting up my tripod and snapping pictures here.
19. Nature Park Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago has many beautiful parks and one of the most popular is the Nature Park Boardwalk at the Lincoln Park Zoo. It is also known as “The Honeycomb” by locals.
The Nature Boardwalk is the coolest around sunset when everything turns golden. This is one of the most photogenic places in Chicago because of the way you can frame the John Hancock building in the background.
Photo Tip: I suggest using a zoom lens to pull the background closer to you. I zoomed mine in at 70mm to get this lager than life feeling to the photo.
20. Navy Pier
This is anther popular Chicago photo spot. This amusement park has long history with the city and was always a part of my school field trips growing up and the botanical gardens are so pretty there. Definitely ride the Centennial Wheel for more great shots of the City of Chicago. You can book your express ticket to the Ferris Wheel here.
Photo Tip: Navy Pier is popular with tourists and locals alike. If you want the same photo I did walk up the stairs and go to the right. The benches on the side are the perfect framework for a photo.
21. North Avenue Beach
Fun Fact—Lake Michigan is cold all year long. It can be the dead of summer with blistering heat and you will still freeze the moment you step into the water. Save yourself the agony and just go for some really cool photos… Like I did. There’s a lot of open space so just shoot away.
Photo Tip: I think North Avenue Beach is one of the most photogenic places in Chicago due to the fact no natter what angle you take photos at, you’re always going to get something stunning. This location is popular for wedding, engagement and graduation photos.
22. Promontory Point
Promontory point is best in spring, summer, and fall. During the summer, you’ll find a lot of college students dropping their towels off by the steps and taking a dip to cool off.
Photo Tip: This location isn’t time dependent so you can go whenever. The shade of the trees will block any harsh lighting. I also recommend you fly a drone.
23. The University of Chicago
While this isn’t an unknown place in Chicago, it’s not really a tourist destination. The university looks like one you’d see in Europe and the architecture is sublime. The campus is beautiful in all seasons and most beautiful in autumn if that’s when you’re visiting.
Photo Tip: I came here mid-morning during the week and there weren’t many people around. Most students use the main roads and rarely pass through the courtyards.
24. Wabash-Randolph Parking Garage
Who said parking garages were just eyesores? With a little imagination, anything is possible. If you sit on the ledge, be very, very careful. To find this exact location, type in Wabash-Randolph Parking Garage into Google Maps.
Photo Tip: This is very dangerous and do it at your own risk. I’m terrified of heights and I couldn’t handle sitting on the ledge for long. Take a friend and have them snap photos of you. My photo was taken at a 70mm focal length on my Sigma Lens.
25. Wrigley Field
This stadium is home to the Chicago Cubs. If there’s one thing I learned over the years it’s that either you’re a Wrigley Field fan or a Cubs Fan.
I personally like the Chicago White Sox more, but as I get older, I don’t give a shit who wins as long as it’s Chicago. The bars around the stadium are super fun and it’s a really cool area. You can check ticket prices for a Chicago Cubs game here.
The Most Instagrammable Murals in Chicago
Believe it or not the City has a lot of photo worthy murals. I like to go searching for them when I have the chance. One of my favorites is the Robin Williams Mural in Logan Square. I can’t wait to take a picture next time I’m in Chicago.
26. Greetings From Chicago Mural
I collect awesome street art from my travels. I love murals designed like a postcard so this one definitely makes the list for one of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago. Most Instagram places in Chicago have large lines, but this one doesn’t.
Photo Tip: This location is not heavily time dependent. If you’re not using a wide angle lens, then you can capture the mural at a side angle to see everything.
27. Cockatoo Mural
Formerly known as the Flamingo Wall, the cockatoo mural has now replaced it and I’m not mad. Look how stunning it is. Due to its larger than life size, this makes it a great Chicago Instagrammable photo spot. It’s located in on the busy N Wells Street in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.
Photo Tip: You can go at any time of the day and get awesome photos. I took this one at noon and it was underexposed. I also recommend you use a wide angle lens. The sidewalk is very narrow so you’re going to need it.
28. Heart Mural
This heart is seen all over Instagram in Chicago. This pink garage is great for bestie, couple, and Valentine’s day photos. Or if you just love pink and need some pink in your Instagram feed.
Photo Tip: You can take photos at the heart mural in Chicago at any time of day.
The Most Instagrammable Restaurants in Chicago
I’m sure the foodie in you is signing right now. Chicago has one of the best culinary scenes in the USA. Don’t even @ me on that. I’ve traveled to many different countries and places. Because of the diversity in Chicago, that is why I rank the food here best in the country. Along with big shoes to fill, these aesthetic Chicago Instagram restaurants are bound to make you drool and swoon.
29. Bar Siena
Summer hits different in Chicago. Bar Sienna is located in the West Loop and provides a great night shot of the Sears Tower. If you sit out on the patio you can get an awesome photo with you drink. They also have great food! Their truffle pizza ia absolutely divine!
30. Beatnik On The River
This beautiful restaurant is a bit expensive, but the price tag is worth it for the location. Beatnik is one of the most Instagram worthy restaurants in Chicago. The decor brings the outdoors indoors and the colors are warm.
The atmosphere is bougie, so grab your cutest sundress and enjoy the scenery of the Chicago River outside. This is a popular place for locals and one of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago.
Photo Tip: You are not allowed to bring your professional DSLR camera (as I found out the hard way). You can snap as many photos as you’d like on your phone.
31. Cindy’s Rooftop
Cindy’s Rooftop is unique in that it overlooks Millennium Park and you can get a really cool view of the Bean. The great thing about Cindy’s is the natural light flowing in from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Photo Tip: Make a reservation in advance here. If you forget, you can grab a spot at the bar when it opens at 11am. You can get gorgeous Chicago photos in the morning, evening, and night.
32. Hampton Social
If you’re looking for cute places in Chicago, look no further than Hampton Social. This restaurant is one best photo spots in Chicago especially if you’re big on brunch or a foodie.
Photo Tip: I would go later in the day when they turn the sign on. Unfortunately the day I went the sign was broken, but the sign says it all!
33. Three Arts Club Café
Bougie brunch, you say? Sayeth no more. Three Arts Club Cafe is one of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago because the restaurant is so beautiful. It’s lavishly decorated with hanging chandeliers, an indoor fountain, and lots of natural light.
34. London House Chicago
The London House Chicago is a hotel off the Chicago River with incredible views of the city. However, you don’t have to stay there to enjoy their rooftop bar and cocktails. While you’re there, try the (cocktail here). Or you can book your stay to London House Chicago here.
Photo Tip: If you’re looking for pretty pictures of Chicago then the London House is your one stop shop. It’s bougie and elegant. Wear a color that will stand out admit all the tan colors like pink, red, or black. Photos at night are just as epic.
35. Utopian Tailgate Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
This super eclectic rooftop is absolutely amazing for the views of the Chicago skyline. They have tasty drinks, great vibes, and it’s really fun to play around on the swings. You can make a reservation for Utopian Tailgate Rooftop Bar here. I love urban spaces with a fun vibe!
Photo Tip: Make a reservation and get here before the rush at 5pm. If you go at 4pm you have enough time to take content and photos.
36. Jojo’s Shake Shack
Definitely stop by Jojo’s Shake Shack for some Chicago style hot dogs and epic milk shakes. They play current music and lots of throwback music for us millennials. It’s a fun place to hang out.
Most Instagrammable Places Outside Chicago
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago for my teenager years so of course I have to add some of my favorite places to take photos outside of the City.
37. Bahá’í House
The best part about Chicago is all the cultures that lend themselves to the City’s unique culture. Located in Wilmette, this beautiful temple looks like a castle.
38. Leaning Tower of Niles
This is a replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I’ve never been to Italy, but when the moon hits my eye like a big Pisa pie, that’s amore. Did I take that too far? You know you laughed at my incredibly bad dad joke.
Photo Tip: You need a car to get here. There’s plenty of parking. Go in the morning or in the evening. This area isn’t that popular so you can take a photo at any time.
Chicago is my favorite city in the United States for so many reasons. It’s got a diverse culture, neighborhood, and culinary scenes. There’s always something going on in the City and there’s never a dull moment. I hope this posts shows you all the cool places to take pictures in Chicago and gives you a lot of trip ideas.
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