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The Best Instagram Spots in Chicago

On a recent trip to Chicago, I scoped out all of the best Instagram spots in Chicago. Chicago – the midwest’s most bustling city – has the perfect mix of Instagrammable views, attractions and cafes.

The only question is… why did it take me so long to finally check out everything Chicago has to offer? (To be honest, I’m not really sure!)

If you’re heading to Chicago soon, read on for my list of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago! And if you’re looking for tips on where to eat and stay in Chicago, you can check out my full Chicago guide here.

(Note: We were hosted for complimentary activities and meals by Skydeck Chicago, Beatnik and First Lady Cruises. However, as always, all opinions are my own.)

1. The Skydeck

I have to start off my list with Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (233 S. Wacker Dr.), which has to be THE best Instagram spot in Chicago.

The Willis Tower is the second tallest building in the Western Hemisphere – 110 stories high and 1450 feet tall. You can catch views of 4 states from the Skydeck on a clear day (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan).

The best part? You can stand ….or sit, if you’re feeling a tad nervous… in one of the Ledge’s glass boxes which hover over Chicago at 1353 feet in the air! It’s an unforgettable experience.

Hours + Admission

Skydeck Chicago is open 365 days per year from 9 am to 10 pm (March through September) and 10 am to 8 pm (October to February). The last entry is 30 minutes prior to close.

Adult admission (12+) is $25 and youth admission (3-11) is $17. If you want to skip the line to experience The Ledge, Fastpass tickets are available for $75 each.

Photography Tip

For the best photos, arrive just before Skydeck Chicago opens or about an hour before it closes.

2. The Bean / Cloud Gate

Cloud Gate (Millennium Park) is a famous public sculpture in the northwest corner of Chicago’s Millennium Park. Created by artist Anish Kapoor, it’s one of the world’s largest outdoor public art installations. People refer to it as “The Bean” because of its bean-like shape.

The sculpture was inspired by liquid mercury and its mirrored surface reflects the cityscape that surrounds it. It’s become a recognizable symbol of the city of Chicago and an absolute must-see.

Hours + Admission

Millennium Park is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm. Admission is free.

Photography Tip

This is one of Chicago’s most famous landmarks as well as one of its best Instagram spots, so come early if you want a photo without the crowds. We went at about 7:00 am on a weekday and there were only a handful of other people around.

Woman in yellow dress sitting under silver art installation

3. Beatnik

Come for the Instagrammable decor, but stay for the fabulous cocktails, food and service (people in Chicago are so darn nice!).

Beatnik (1604 W. Chicago Ave) is one of Chicago’s most stylish cafes and definitely an Instagrammer’s heaven. This gorgeous restaurant was inspired by the globetrotting writers and artists of the Beat Generation of the 1950s and ’60s. It was named after their fans – the beatniks.

The interior of Beatnik and its menu are inspired by cultures and destinations from around the globe. The decor is plant-filled, brightly colored, boho and draws inspiration from Bali, Moorish architecture and the Mediterranean.

The menu is heavy on small plates (my fave) and blends flavors and ingredients from Asia, Mexico, the Middle East and South America. My favorite dishes were the Baba Ghanoush and the Bone Marrow and Miso Scallops, and my favorite cocktail was the Butterfly Effect.

Photography Tip

We visited the West Town location (there’s also Beatnik on the River in The Loop). The natural lighting is beautiful, if you’re seated in the front part of the restaurant. So, as long as it’s daylight, you’ll be all set to take stunning photos of this totally Instagrammable place.

Woman sitting at cafe table

4. Michigan Avenue Bridge Viewpoint

This viewpoint of the city skyline is certainly one of the best Instagram spots in Chicago – but it’s also a bit hard to find.

Although a lot of people tend to refer to it as being on the Michigan Avenue Bridge, the easiest way to find it is to put “Ghirardelli store” (400 Michigan Ave) in your Google maps. This viewpoint is just out front of that store.

Photography Tip

Surprisingly, this viewpoint isn’t too crowded so you should be able to snap a photo here pretty easily.

Woman in red dress standing looking at skyline

5. The Chicago Skyline from a Boat

Chicago is famous for its skyline and architecture. The most fun way to get the full architectural experience? By boat.

We hopped on a 90-minute architectural boat tour with Chicago’s First Lady Cruises (112 E. Wacker Drive). This was by far the most relaxing and informative way to learn about Chicago’s beautiful skyline.

The tour boat has both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a bar and snack bar. All tickets sold are for the outdoor seating, so you won’t be seated inside unless that’s what you want!

Hours + Admission

Hours and ticket prices may vary and can be found on the Chicago’s First Lady Cruises website. Tickets for our tour were priced at $44.48 each.

Photography Tip

Head to the outside area on the lower deck to snap your photos. The upper deck has seating all the way to the edge, so you won’t be able to easily snap a pic without other people in it.

On the lower deck, there’s a small area on both sides of the boat where you can get a photo of you leaning over the edge. If you angle your camera right, you won’t have anyone else in your photo.

Woman in red dress on boat

6. La Salle Flowers

La Salle Flowers (731 N La Salle Drive) is a family-owned florist that has been serving the Chicago area since 1936.

Their storefront has the most beautiful neon sign that’s definitely one of the best Instagram spots in Chicago. I love old neon signs, so visiting the La Salle Flowers storefront was a must-do during my trip.

Photography Tip

Play around with angles. I had my friend stand in the crosswalk to take my photo, but you might find that you prefer a closer up shot taken at a lower angle (that would be great if you have a fashion or lifestyle feed).

Woman in pink dress standing under neon sign

7. Chicago Theater

Eek! Another amazing neon sign!

The stunning Chicago Theater (175 N State St) – dubbed “the Wonder Theater of the World” when it opened in 1921 – was restored to its glory in 1986. Throughout its history it has played some of the greatest movies inside and also hosted some of the world’s most famous musicians.

Photography Tip

Avoid taking photos here around lunch time on a weekday – it’s more crowded in this area than usual from about noon to 2 due to the number of office buildings in the area.

Woman in yellow dress standing under neon sign

8. The Hampton Social

The Hampton Social (353 W. Hubbart St.) is Chicago’s original Instagrammable restaurant. Grab a glass of frosé (frozen rosé), sit underneath the Rosé All Day neon sign and you’ll be in Instagram heaven.

We visited the River North location, which was a much bigger space than I expected. It’s great for groups!

Photography Tip

If you want a photo under the famous Rosé All Day sign, come during off hours. We came at 4 pm on a weekday and that section of the restaurant was completely empty.

Woman in pink dress sitting in cafe under pink neon sign

9. Cindy’s Rooftop

Cindy’s Rooftop (12. S. Michigan Ave.) is a restaurant/bar that has an incredible view of Millennium Park, Cloud Gate and Lake Michigan. This iconic view makes it hands down one of the best Instagram spots in Chicago.

And not only does it have a stunningly beautiful view – the interior of the restaurant itself is so beautiful and charming. With its glass ceiling and string lights, Cindy’s is the perfect spot for a birthday or anniversary celebration in Chicago.

I didn’t have a chance to eat at Cindy’s but tried the No Bar and the Jillian cocktails and both were great.

Photography Tip

Cindy’s knows that people come for the view. So, instead of making the terrace reservations only, they’ve left standing room on both sides of the patio for walk-ins.

That means that you do NOT need a reservation to snag a pic of the view from Cindy’s. But, space is still limited. Aim to come before the happy hour drinkers get there to make sure you can get a spot by the edge of the terrace which is the most Instagrammable view.

Hands clinking cocktail glasses at a rooftop bar

10. The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel Staircase

We came for Cindy’s – which is located on the top of The Chicago Athletic Association – but then stayed to take a peek at the rest of the building (12. S. Michigan Ave.).

This stunning Venetian Gothic building dates from 1893. For 122 years, it was a private club reserved for the Chicago elite. And now, it’s a hotel that can be enjoyed by everyone.

This stunning staircase is by far one of the best Instagram spots in Chicago – it’s pure elegance and really highlights how incredible the architecture really is in Chicago.

Photography Tip

This beautiful staircase is next to a Shake Shack… sooo just a heads up that the people waiting in line for their Shackburgers may be watching you take your photo. But, the silver lining is that you’ll be able to grab your own burger once you’re done shooting… 🙂

Woman in red dress walking up white staircase

11. Maison Marcel Coffee Window

One of the best Instagram spots in Chicago is tucked away in an alley in the upscale Lincoln Park neighborhood – the Maison Marcel coffee window (2008 North Halsted – Armitage Street a block west of Halsted Street and down the side alley).

Its floral mural and hanging bohemian lights are a little slice of paradise in Chicago.

Photography Tip

This adorable spot is only open from Thursday to Sunday (8 am to 6 pm). So, plan your visit accordingly. We didn’t realize they had limited hours and visited on a Wednesday when they were closed.

Woman holding coffee cup in front of floral mural

12. Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N. Central Park Avenue) is one of the largest botanical gardens in the U.S. It’s a great escape from the center of Chicago and full of beautiful plants and flowers from around the world.

Zellij Fountain

The Zellij Fountain, a beautiful tiled Moroccan fountain, is located in the Conservatory Horticulture Hall. The fountain was a gift from Moroccan artisans Said Ben Adiba, Hassan Jemghili, and Jawad Rizki. It was a gift to the Garfield Park Conservatory from the Chicago Casablanca Sister City Committee and Le Cedre School in Casablanca, Morocco.

My mom is originally from Casablanca, Morocco, so I was excited to see this beautiful fountain in person.

Woman in pink dress sitting on side of tiled fountain

Fern Room

Does this incredible room look like it’s from Jurassic Park or what? With its lush greenery and tropical plants, the Fern Room gives visitors a peek at what Illinois may have looked like millions of years ago. Dinosaurs are not included, unfortunately (or…fortunately?).

Woman in pink dress walking in botanical garden

Desert House

Is this Palm Springs? Nope, it’s Chicago! The Desert House is full of cacti and other gorgeous succulents.

Hours + Admission

Garfield Park Conservatory is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with extended hours until 8 pm on Wednesdays. Admission is free but they do ask for a donation at the door.

Photography Tip

If the weather forecast is showing rain during your trip, head here to take beautiful indoor photos.

Woman in pink dress walking in botanical garden

13. Three Dots and a Dash

I have this thing for tiki bars. Seriously. I love the fun Hawaiian shirts the servers and bartenders usually wear, I love the over-the-top glasses the drinks are served in, and I love the overall kitsch factor of the entire experience.

Three Dots and a Dash (435 N. Clarke Street) is THE best tiki bar I’ve ever been to. No detail has been overlooked. It’s tiki to a tee. But with an elegant twist that doesn’t feel cheesy.

And even better – it’s a speakeasy tiki. So, you have to walk down an alley and down a staircase to find it. It’s all of my favorite types of bars (cocktail, tiki, speakeasy) wrapped up in one place.

Photography Tip

The inside of Three Dots and a Dash is dim. So, bring a camera lens with an aperture that opens up to 1.8 or 1.4. Or, take your photos outside in the bar’s Polynesian themed alleyway.

That wraps up my list of the best Instagram spots in Chicago. How many of them have you been to? And did I miss any Instagrammable spots in Chicago? Let me know in the comments!

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6 Comments

  1. Oh yes these are all FABULOUS. Definitely recommend coming back again to check out
    *Allis at Soho House (West Loop)
    *Museum Campus for Skyline Views
    *Staircase at the Chinese Art Wing at the Art Institute (unreal views)
    *North Avenue Beach
    *Glitter Lattes at Werewolf Coffee Bar

    lol, I could go on forever 🙂

    All your photos are STUNNING!

    1. These are all amazing suggestions! I’ll have to check them out next time I visit Chicago!! And thank you 🙂

  2. It’s kind of sad how this grown woman “nytoanywhere” stole your ideas from this post. From the spots, to the poses, down to the yellow dress. I thought I was on the same blog I had to go back to see. Anyways, your blog is lovely!💕

    1. Me and Lauren from Nytoanywhere are close friends and visited Chicago together. We take each others photos and even share clothes which is why our blog posts often end up being quite similar haha. Thanks for checking out both of our blogs 🙂

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