Want to wow your friends with Instagram-worthy photos of the Windy City? Check out our list of the 10 most Instagrammable places in Chicago!

10 Most Instagrammable Places In Chicago

Do you want to wow your friends with Instagram-worthy photos on your next trip to the Windy City? Check out our list of the 10 most Instagrammable places in Chicago!

10 Most Instagrammable Places In Chicago

Chicago is an amazing city! With so many beautiful parks, great architecture, and fun attractions, you’re sure to get some great shots for Instagram. Below are what we consider to be the most Instagrammable places in Chicago…

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1. “Cloud Gate” – “The Bean”

Perhaps the most Instagrammable place in Chicago, “Cloud Gate” is an iconic sculpture located in Millennium Park. Also known as “The Bean,” its reflective material makes it perfect for fun and goofy photos. Get there early if you want to avoid the crowds.

Chicago cloud gate bean

2. Chicago River

The river that bears the city’s name runs through the heart of downtown and is the perfect place to take in the beautiful architecture of the city. For a really fun way to learn more about Chicago’s architecture, we recommend an evening boat tour with Shoreline Sightseeing. It was one of the highlights of our visit. And if you want to see the Chicago River turn green, visit during St, Patrick’s Day!

the Chicago River is one of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago
Chicago River

3. Buckingham Fountain

One of the largest fountains in the world, this popular Chicago landmark is located in Grant Park. An extra special feature of this fountain is the water display that starts at the top of every hour. After dusk, lights and music accompany the water display, making it perfect for an Instagram Story!

Buckingham Fountain in Chicago
Buckingham Fountain

4. Navy Pier

There are a lot of Instagram-worthy spots along Navy Pier. Our favorite, however, is the Ferris wheel.

the Navy Pier is one of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago
Navy Pier

5. Chicago Theater

The Chicago Theater has been dazzling visitors since the 1920s with its bright lights and grandeur. The vertical “CHICAGO” sign that hangs outside is nearly six stories high, making it one of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago.

Chicago Theater
Chicago Theater

6. Willis Tower

Formerly known as the Sears Tower, Willis Tower is famous for its amazing views and its glass balcony that extends 4 feet outside the 103rd floor, or about 1,353 feet in the air. We recommend getting tickets ahead of time. Lines will be long, but the views make the wait worthwhile. You’ll definitely get some epic Instagram photos!

Skydeck at Willis Tower

7. Field Museum

Want a selfie with Sue? She’s the largest, best-preserved, and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex ever found. Remember to smile; Sue has 58 large and very sharp pearly whites!

Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex in Chicago
Image via Flickr by Jon Mountjoy

8. Lincoln Park Zoo

This zoo is huge, and it’s FREE to visit. It’s also a perfect place in Chicago for Instagram Stories. Try to plan your visit around the daily activities. The zoo has feedings and training sessions throughout the day that are cool to watch.

giraffe at Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago

9. Adler Planetarium

Visit the first planetarium in the U.S. and take pictures that your friends will think are out of this world!

Adler Planetarium
Image via Flickr by MrGuilt

10. Downtown Skyline

The Chicago skyline is gorgeous, especially at sunset. There are a few places you can go to get an Instagrammable photo, but we took ours from the end of the Navy Pier.

Chicago downtown skyline at sunset

Tips For Visiting Chicago

If this is your first visit to Chicago, here are some tips you may find useful:

  • If you’re trying to save money on a hotel, we recommend staying a bit outside of the downtown area.
  • Chicago is a very walkable city, and you can easily use public transportation or take an Uber to reach anything outside of walking distance.
  • There is a lot of great food in Chicago, but pizza is king! Two of the most famous deep dish pizzerias are Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s. Photos of your pizza will undoubtedly make your friends totally jelly!

Final Thoughts On The 10 Most Instagrammable Places In Chicago

The Windy City is a photographers dream! We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago and start planning a trip soon.

Have you been to Chicago? Are there any other Instagram-worthy landmarks in Chicago that you’d recommend?

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Want to wow your friends with Instagram-worthy photos of the Windy City? Check out our list of the 10 most Instagrammable places in Chicago!

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17 Comments

  1. These are incredible photos! I haven’t been to Chicago myself, but have always wanted to visit.

    PS – That thing in the Field Museum just smiled at me *wink*

  2. Chicago is a city of Culture. I visited several years ago to view the Jackie Kennedy exhibit at the Field Museum. The downtown is definitely pedestrian friendly. Love your photos!

  3. Instagrammable – that’s a word I need to remember. Yes, there are places which almost always look good on photos – even more so when the sun is shining. I’ve never been to Chicago but might visit the US next year so who knows.

    1. We hope you’re able to visit, it’s a great city!

  4. These are all great places for anyone visiting Chicago (even if they don’t have Insagram!) But if you HAVE Instagram then its even better! The Cloud Gate was my favorite when I went through Chicago a few years ago but now I know I missed out by not visiting the Field Museum and Planetarium. They remind me of my favorite exhibits in NYC so I’ll have to add them to my list.

    1. Yes, Cloud Gate was one of our favorites too! Hopefully next time you’ll get to see the museum and planetarium. 🙂

  5. Seems a pretty exhaustive list for Chicago! I personally love the Pier. But happy it’s on top somewhere! But then it’s a hard city to pick spots from right?

  6. Wow, I’ve never thought of Chicago as an instagrammable city but after seeing these photos I’ve changed my mind. There are quite a number of scenic spots.

  7. I always google the most photogenic places of upcoming trips and this is a great list! Love the image of Buckingham Fountain

  8. Willis Tower … what does it feel like to stand on that glass observatory? Scary?
    Your pictures are amazing, I’ve never been to Chicago, but many of your top spots appear regularly in my Insta feed.

  9. Lois Alter Mark says:

    I love Chicago and you definitely picked the top places for photos! I was just there and wish I had gotten shots in all these spots.

  10. Megan Jerrard says:

    The bean is the landmark I’ve seen throughout Instagram most prominently – though Buckingham fountain looks stunning! Probably my favorite from your list. Love the shot of Buddy on Willis Tower!

  11. Awesome suggestions! I love Chicago and it definitely has some amazing spots for great photos–isn’t Cloud Gate so pretty?! I still need to make it to the Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium. They both look like wonderful museums!

  12. Chicago seems like a spectacular travel destination and these places are outstanding! When’s the best time of the year to go there and get similar shots to these?

    1. Hi Agness! I think fall is a great time because the leaves are changing and it isn’t too cold yet, but I’m sure it’d be easy to get great photos any time of year! 🙂

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