30 Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago
In the city that was named the world’s 10th most Instagrammable place, there is definitely no shortage of Instagram-worthy places! I am in love with all that Chicago has to offer and amused by the caliber of photo opportunities in this windy city. Whether you’re looking for an iconic Chicago shot, touristy spots or a hidden gem, this post will give you plenty of options to choose from Chicago’s variety of landmarks, murals, bars, bridges, and rooftops and even serve as a perfect guide to customize your own itinerary.
1. The Bean / Cloud Gate
Have you really BEAN to Chicago if you don’t have a picture with The Bean? This huge shiny bean-like sculpture by Anish Kapoor is one of the most photographed spots in Chicago and let me tell you, VERY crowded. So if you are aiming for a shot without people lurking in the background, you better get here super early, possibly before 7am. The reflection of Chicago’s famous skyline in the early light makes the effort worth it.
Address: 201 E. Randolph St., between Michigan Ave & Columbus Ave Chicago, IL 60602
2. Crown Fountain
Crown Fountain is one of Chicago’s most beloved landmarks and resides just outside cloud gate.
Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
3. Art Institute of Chicago
As a must-do activity, the art institute makes for great Instagram content, particularly if are interested in exploring artworks.
Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
4. Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is a pedestrian promenade along the river and is a great photo spot in Chicago. There’s no one spot that is better than other, you get plenty of photo opportunities throughout this walk. Make sure you walk around here during datetime as well as after sunset to witness the sparkly nightlife of this city.
Address: Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
5. Beatnik on The River
While you are on the Riverwalk, make sure to visit my most favorite restaurant in Chicago, overlooking this beautiful river view. It is a boho-chic cafe inspired by writers and artists of the 1950s and 60s Beat Generation. If you are a non-vegetarian, make sure to order lamb here, it was the best lamb I have ever had in my life.
Address: 180 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
6. Skydeck Chicago / Willis Tower
Stepping onto the ledge of Skydeck Chicago is an unique way to experience the magnitude this city has to offer. This glass ledge is on the 103rd floor of Willis tower and 1,353 ft above ground level. It is one of the must visit attractions of Chicago, and now I know why!
Address: 103rd Floor of The Willis Tower, 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago
7. 3 Arts Club Café
Looking for an artistic brunch place filled with natural lights, grand chandeliers and a water fountain? Don’t miss the 3 Arts Club Café which earlier used to be a drama, music, and paint club for the Gold Coast’s rich housewives. It’s interiors and exteriors both make for a perfect photo setting in addition to the good food ofcourse!
Address: 1300 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610
8. 360 Chicago
360 Chicago (formerly John Hancock Observatory) on the 94th floor of the 875 North Michigan Avenue is another observatory with great panoramic views of Chicago.
If you are going in summer, make sure to check fireworks schedule here and watch it from this observatory, it will be an experience you will never forget!
Address: 875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
9. Stay: The Blackstone Hotel
Looking for an artistic and instagrammable stay in the Windy City? There’s no better place than The Blackstone Hotel. It is a perfect combination of history, sophistication, modern luxury and royalty. The location will win you over immediately as it resides on Magnificent Mile, with Chicago’s hot spots right outside your front door. Art Institute of Chicago, Grant park, and Chicago Architecture Foundation Tours are all just a short walk from the hotel. Plus, their luxury suites come with some great views of Lake Michigan and Grant Park. From doors to marble bathroom to cozy bed, grandeur lobby to large staircase, each and every corner of this hotel is very artfully designed. The Blackstone surely makes for an exciting stay in the heart of Chicago. Check more on the website here!
Address: 636 South Michigan Avenue, E Balbo Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
10. The Signature Room at the 95th
If you are looking for a perfectly romantic date spot with 360 degrees views of the city, this is my recommendation in Chicago. It’s really hard not to love this city when you watch it from above here.
Address: 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
11. Field Museum
If you are nerdy like I am, you will love hanging at The Field Museum of Chicago. It has something for every age group. We learnt so much about natural history and mankind.
Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
12. La Salle Flower Group
It’s always good idea to buy some flowers for yourself or your loved ones. This is a cute flower shop in Chicago which also makes up for a great photo spot with it’s vintage neon sign.
Address: 731 N LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654
13. Grant Park
A city centerpiece much like New York’s Central Park, Grant Park is home to some of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks and attractions. We had a nice walk in this park while sipping on our hot chocolate!
Address: 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
14. Buckingham fountain
As one of the largest fountains in the world, the Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park certainly belongs on the list of most Instagrammable places in Chicago.
Address: 301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
15. Chicago Theatre Sign
As far as Chicago’s Instagrammable spots go, this is an iconic one. I am always fond of city signs and especially historic/vintage ones.
Address: 175 North State St., Chicago, IL 60601
16. Public Transport
If you are wondering if you need to reserve a car for getting around Chicago, then simple answer is no. The buses and trains of the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) are a fast and cost-effective way to get into and around the city. And trust me, they also make up for some authentic city-vibe photo ops!
17. Hero Coffee
Besides serving high-quality coffee, Hero Coffee stands out for it’s enormous ‘coffee sign situated on a balcony above its entrance.
Address: 22 East Jackson Ave. Chicago, IL
18. Michigan Avenue Bridge Viewpoint
Michigan Avenue Bridge, now known as the Du Sable Bridge, offers one of the city’s most famous viewpoints.
Address: North Michigan Avenue & East Wacker Drive, Chicago
19. The Darling
The Darling’s Rose Garden is an outdoor patio adorned with adorable little greenhouses perfect for romantic lunch/dinner! Located on Ralph Street, you can enjoy the scenery as you try a selection of British inspired dishes. Make sure you reserve this experience in advance.
Address: 905 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
20. ROOF on theWit
Located on 27th floor of theWit hotel, this bar is definitely my favorite rooftop bar in Chicago. With unparalleled views of the Chicago River and Cloud Gate, yummy food, delicious drinks and amazing DJ, this makes for a must visit bar in Chicago!
Address: 201 N State St 27th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
21. Eliasson’s Atmospheric Wave Wall
This art piece represents surfaces of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. You can find this astounding Instagram backdrop just near the Willis tower!
Address: Near the corner of Jackson Boulevard and Wacker Drive, Chicago
22. Three Dots and a Dash
This Polynesian-inspired bar serves some serious tiki style cocktails in a visually dazzling setting.
Address: 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
23. Venteux Brasserie
This is a stylish and modern French restaurant, serving classic French fare with a contemporary twist. There’s a separate café and lunch section, but for more instagrammable setting I would recommend sitting in a café section.
Address: 224 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
24. Architecture tour
And after you have explored Chicago’s architecture from many vantage points — on foot, by bike, or even from above inside observatories — the best way to admire it is from the water. Chicago architecture river cruise ranks as one of the world’s top travel experiences, and now I can vouch for it! Our tour guide narrated the tour, covering not just architectural styles but also how Chicago as a whole has transformed over the past 100 years. Here’s my recommendation for the tour – https://shorelinesightseeing.com/tours-taxis/architecture-tour/
25. Navy Pier
As Chicago’s second-biggest tourist attraction it’s not just an iconic landmark but also full of photo opportunities. You can walk on the navy pier but here a little secret spot – Top of the Navy pier parking lot from where you can witness the best sunset view of Navy pier.
Address: 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago IL 60611
26. Archdiocese of Chicago
The Archdiocese of Chicago is a Catholic Church, which makes for a historic/vintage backdrop for some great photos!
Address: 835 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
27. The Hampton Social
The Hampton Social is famous for it’s pink neon “Rosé All Day” sign. This coastal-inspired restaurant also shines through it’s modern minimalist décor and some soul soothing live music.
Address: 353 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
28. Labriola Deep Dish pizza
Have you really visited Chicago if you didn’t eat their world-famous deep-dish pizza? After much research and some local’s recommendations, we had it at Labriola and oh man, it didn’t disappoint!
Address: 535 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
29. High rise and Skyscapers
If you are an architecture enthusiast like me, you will fall in love with Chicago’s old plus new building. Just take a walk around magnificent mile, and it will be a long walk with frequent breaks to stand below every building admiring it’s beauty!
30. Burdick Chocolate
If you like some hot chocolate and a chocolatey backdrop for photos, don’t forget to visit Burdick Chocolates! And it makes for a perfect stop to buy some sweet treats for your friends and family back home!
Address: 609 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
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