Looking for the most instagrammable places in Chicago? I have put together a list of the best Chicago instagram spots where you can take photos that will make your friends jealous and get you tons of instagram likes.
Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago
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If you need help taking photos, consider this instagram walking tour to get photos taken by a private photographer at the best Chicago instagram spots.
Instagrammable Chicago Attractions
Below are the most instagrammable attractions in Chicago.
Cloud Gate (The Bean) in Millennium Park
If you have seen photos of Chicago on instagram, chances are you have seen photos of Cloud Gate (which most people call The Bean), the famous mirrored sculpture in Millennium Park. On sunny day, you can see the reflection of the blue sky and surrounding buildings mirrorred on the Bean. If you visit Chicago in the fall, you can photograph The Bean with the surrounding colored leaves. During the Christmas holiday season, the City places a large Christmas tree nearby so you can visit both the Bean and the tree.
Tip: Millennium Park is usually crowded (especially in the summer, fall and on weekends) so to avoid the crowds visit early in the morning or later in the day.
Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park is a well known Chicago landmark. You can take photos both in the daytime and at night when it is lit up. Please note that the water is turned on between May and October only.
The address of the Buckingham Fountain is 301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 and you can see its location on google maps here.
Chicago Theatre
The Chicago Theatre in the Loop is a recognizable landmark because of its iconic Chicago sign.
The address of the Chicago Theatre is 175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601 and you can see its location on google maps here.
Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk, a pedestrian promenade along the river, is very instagrammable from a variety of spots.
360 CHICAGO
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360 CHICAGO (formerly John Hancock Observatory) on the 94th floor of the 875 North Michigan Avenue (the building formerly known as the John Hancock Center) is another observatory with great panoramic views of Chicago.
The highlight is TILT an enclosed moving platform that tilts you out over Michigan Avenue.
Tip: 360 CHICAGO gets crowded especially on weekends (but is usually less crowded than the Skydeck). For fewer crowds visit right after it opens during midweek. (Click here to buy a skip the line ticket).
Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower
The Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower and what locals still call it) used to be the tallest building in the world from 1974 until 1998. You can enjoy great views from The Skydeck, its observatory on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (233 S Wacker Dr). For the best instagram photos head to The Ledge, glass balconies extending four feet outside the 103rd floor.
Tip: The Skydeck Chicago gets crowded especially on weekends. For fewer crowds visit right after it opens during midweek. (Click here to buy a skip the line ticket if you want to avoid long lines).
Honeycomb in Lincoln Park
Peoples Gas Education Pavilion (nicknamed the Honeycomb) in the Nature Boardwalk in Lincoln Park is a popular instagram spot.
You can find the location on google maps here.
North Avenue Beach
North Avenue Beach has great views of Chicago. The popular beach is located near Lincoln Park so you can easily visit both the Honeycomb and North Avenue Beach.
Search for Photographers Point at North Avenue Beach or click here to see the location in Google Maps.
Ping Tom Memorial Park
Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown has unique skyline views. In addition to its red walkway (in the photo above), there is also a mural in the park which is a great backdrop for photos.
Instagrammable Walls and Murals in Chicago
Chicago has many colorful walls and murals that are great spots for instagram photos while wearing your #OOTD. The are the most instagrammable Chicago walls and murals.
Greetings From Chicago Mural
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This vintage postcard-inspired mural is the most popular and photographed mural in Chicago. The Greetings From Chicago Mural is a collaboration between muralist Victor Ving and photographer Lisa Beggs, a couple traveling full time out of their RV with a mission to paint a mural in every state in the USA.
The mural can be found on an old plumbing supply building along the Blue Line el tracks, off the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Prindiville Street at 2226 N Milwaukee Ave, in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood.
If you enjoy street art, you can see the Greetings From Chicago Mural and other murals in Logan Square on this walking tour.
Wabash Arts Corridor
Columbia College Chicago’s Wabash Arts Corridor has a large number of street art and murals. Its goal is to transform urban space through exceptional public art that is community-driven, inclusive & impactful. One of the most famous murals is “Moose Bubblegum Bubble” by Jacob Watts located at 33 E. Congress (South Wall).
The Atmospheric Wave Wall
‘Atmospheric wave wall’, 2020, permanent installation on the exterior of Willis Tower, Chicago (photos: Darris Lee Harris) pic.twitter.com/lwwXSTVIsM
— StudioOlafurEliasson (@olafureliasson) January 22, 2021
The Atmospheric wave wall is a new permanent installation by Studio Olafur Eliasson on the exterior of Willis Tower. As explained in this instagram post, the dynamic pattern on the wall is activated by the motion of people walking, driving, or biking past; by the motion of the earth in relation to the sun as light moves across it; and by changes in the season and weather. The main tones used (blue, deep green, and white) are redolent of the surfaces of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
Instagrammable Chicago Restaurants
Cindy’s Rooftop
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Cindy’s rooftop restaurant is a great spot for instagram photos of the view overlooking Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. Cindy’s is located at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel at 12 S Michigan Ave.
LondonHouse Chicago
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LH Rooftop rooftop bar located on top of the LondonHouse Chicago hotel has great views of the river.
Kennedy Rooftop at Hyatt Place Wicker Park
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Kennedy Rooftop located atop the Hyatt Place Wicker Park has great skyline views of Chicago.
The Up Room at The Robey
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The Up Room indoor/outdoor rooftop 13th floor lounge at The Robey gives a bird’s eye perspective of Wicker Park and a western look at the downtown skyline.
If you are willing to head out of the city limits, these instagrammable spots in the suburbs are worth the day trip from Chicago.
Take Photos Under Colorful Umbrellas in the Sky
Take photos under hundreds of colorful umbrellas in the sky in Elmhurst (located about 18 miles west from Chicago) until mid September, 2023.
Sunflower Fields Near Chicago (Summer and Early Fall Only)
Ok these beautiful and instagrammable sunflower fields are not technically in the city but they are located nearby (from 40 minutes-1.5 hours driving time from downtown). Each sunflower field has different blooming dates. You can find sunflower fields that are in bloom until the end of September or even early October.
Apple Orchards and Pumpkin Patches (For Fall Themed Photos)
Fall in Chicago is one of the best times to take photos for instagram. The fall colors are beautiful of course but there are several apple orchards and pumpkin patches in and near Chicago to capture that perfect fall themed shot for the gram.
What are your favorite instagram spots in Chicago?
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