Chicago is an amazing city full of some really great Instagram spots. The city is very popular with Instagrammers looking to capture content of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago.
And it’s not hard to understand why. With its breathtaking lakeshore beaches, picturesque river walks, distinctive architecture in its parks, impressive wall murals and remarkable skyline, Chicago is a great place to take pictures!
Moreover, these Instagrammable places in Chicago are conveniently situated in close proximity to one another and are easily accessible.
Whether you’re in Chicago for one day or one week, this guide will highlight the best Instagram spots in Chicago and provide valuable tips on the optimal times to capture stunning pictures.
If you plan on sharing your Chicago photos on Instagram, we’ve got you covered with these Chicago quotes and captions!
BEST CHICAGO INSTAGRAM SPOTS
1. Chicago “L” Railway
First stop for the best Instagram spots in Chicago is the iconic ‘L’ railway. Chicago has a really unique train system: it runs on elevated tracks above the streets, rather than underground!
This railway system, known as the Chicago “L” (short for elevated), runs throughout the city and provides plenty of opportunities for incredible photographs under its arches!
Since the trains run above the streets, it’s important to take your shots at locations where there are as few cars as possible, to avoid disrupting traffic or risking injury.
Sunday mornings are the ideal time to go, as there is minimal traffic. However, if that’s not feasible, any morning before 7am should suffice.
Please exercise caution while photographing in this area, and it’s recommended to have a companion rather than shooting alone with a tripod, so you can quickly move out of the way if necessary.
Be aware that drivers may become impatient if you are photographing in the middle of the road, so act quickly to avoid causing a disturbance.
To find the location of the photo captured at the corner of Washington and Wabash (close to the Washington/Wabash stop on the Chicago “L”), which is above, here is the Google Maps location.
BEST CHICAGO INSTAGRAM SPOTS
2. Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate
For Chicago’s most famous Instagram spot it has to be Cloud Gate at Millennium Park. This remarkable stainless-steel sculpture, nicknamed “The Bean” for its kidney-bean shape, is mirrored to reflect Chicago’s impressive skyline.
Cloud Gate tends to be extremely crowded during the day. Therefore, definitely arrive early if you want to capture stunning Instagrammable photos without other people in them.
Personally, I visited at 7am and it was ideal as there were only a handful of people around. Therefore start your day early and aim to visit The Bean as soon as possible!
Google maps location of The Bean.
While you’re there, take a stroll through the lovely gardens of Millennium Park, particularly during springtime when an array of lovely flowers bloom!
BEST CHICAGO INSTAGRAM SPOTS
3. Willis Tower
The Willis Tower is one of the tallest skyscrapers in Chicago, and on its 103rd floor is the Sky Deck – the highest observation deck in the USA!
The Skydeck has glass panelled boxes called ‘The Ledge’ that protrude out over a meter from the building, providing for a unique view of Chicago city and some fantastic Instagrammable photos!
If you plan on visiting The Skydeck, it’s best to arrive at opening time to avoid the crowds and get great photos.
Alternatively, the last hour before closing is quieter and provides an opportunity to photograph Chicago at night. However, tripods are not allowed at this location.
Entry to The Skydeck is $25 for adults and $17 for children aged 3-11, with children under three getting in for free.
You can purchase tickets in advance to skip the line and book your preferred time or get free entry by purchasing a CityPass.
The Willis Tower is close to Union Station, here is the Google Maps location.
BEST CHICAGO INSTAGRAM SPOTS
4. Chicago Theatre
Another of Chicago’s iconic landmarks and best Instagram spots is the Chicago Theatre. This grand classic movie palace was erected over a century ago, and it’s one of the few that still stands and operates today.
The theatre’s striking façade is perfect for daytime and nighttime photography, and there are usually no crowds, making it great for taking photos!
Due to its location on a major road, exercise caution and wait for clear traffic before taking your shot.
Chicago Theatre on Google Maps.
BEST CHICAGO INSTAGRAM SPOTS
5. John Hancock Centre
If you want to get more Instagrammable shots of Chicago from above, visit the John Hancock Centre – one of Chicago’s tallest skyscrapers that provides stunning views of the city.
Situated on Michigan Avenue, also known as The Magnificent Mile, the John Hancock Centre offers incredible views in all directions. For the adventurous there are TILT boxes, which are glass boxes that tilt towards Michigan Avenue.
There is also a bar that provides a perfect view of the lake. To avoid long queues, it’s recommended to arrive before 10 am and purchase tickets in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
John Hancock Centre on Google Maps.
BEST CHICAGO INSTAGRAM SPOTS
6. North Avenue Beach Hook Pier
To capture an incredible view of the Chicago skyline, take a stroll north of The Magnificent Mile and head to North Avenue Beach.
Before you reach the main beach, you’ll find North Avenue Beach Hook Pier, which is named after its hooked-shaped curve.
This pier is an excellent spot to admire the Chicago skyline and get some Instagrammable photos without the crowds from the beach.
The views of the Chicago skyline are unbeatable from this location, making it a great spot to take photos during the day, sunset, or even at night when the skyline is illuminated.
However, it can get quite windy here due to the pier’s protrusion, so be cautious when using a tripod.
You can spot Hook Pier in the photo taken from the John Hancock Center mentioned earlier in the article. Here is the Google maps location of North Avenue beach hook pier.
BEST CHICAGO INSTAGRAM SPOTS
7. The Honeycomb At Nature Boardwalk, Lincoln Park Zoo
The Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo offers a serene escape from the bustling downtown, and the Honeycomb pavilion located here is one of the must-visit Instagram spots in Chicago!
The boardwalk is located across from the beaches and provides a stunning view of the skyline, with relatively fewer crowds than other popular tourist spots in Chicago.
It’s free to enter the boardwalk, which is situated between the zoo and Lincoln Park, accessible by walking around the zoo.
The Honeycomb pavilion is a unique wooden structure where you can get some great Instagrammable photos by the arch, which provides an unobstructed view of the Chicago skyline.
Although it’s not a popular tourist destination, it’s a popular spot among locals and can get busy with photoshoots sometimes.
Click here for the Google Maps location of the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo.
BEST CHICAGO INSTAGRAM SPOTS
8. Chicago River Walk & The Wrigley Building
The Chicago River flows through the center of Chicago and makes for some great photos. One of the best places to capture the beauty of the river is by walking along the Chicago Riverwalk.
You’ll find numerous bridges that offer stunning views of the river and the city’s skyscrapers.
Each of the bridges is unique, with many built in an industrial style. Some of the must-see bridges include DuSable Bridge, State Bridge, and Franklin-Orleans Bridge.
If you’re looking for the perfect skyscraper to include in your photos, The Wrigley Building on North Michigan Avenue is one of the most stunning. This historic building was built in the 1920s to house the Wrigley Company’s headquarters.
Keep in mind that the area around The Wrigley Building and the bridges can get quite crowded with office workers during the week, so try to visit early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds in your pictures!
BEST CHICAGO INSTAGRAM SPOTS
9. Wall Murals
Wall murals are rapidly gaining popularity as Instagram hotspots in Chicago.
Often with wall murals it is best to avoid visiting during the middle of a sunny day, as it may create shadows on the murals that you wouldn’t want in your photos. Keep this in mind when planning your visit.
There are still plenty of Instagram-worthy wall murals to check out in Chicago! Here’s a few:
- Chicago Mural: situated at 2236 N Milwaukee Avenue in Bucktown (though it may be challenging to capture this mural as it’s in a car park).
- Angel Wings Mural: located on the side of the Mexican restaurant Federales at 1009 W Lake St in West Loop.
- Chicago Wings Mural: situated at Old Orchard Mall in Skokie.
- Tropical Mural of Eden in Chicago: located at 1748 W Lake St.
- Spiral Mural: found at 925 W Randolph (behind Nonna’s Pizza).
- Tropical Mural of Maison Marcel: situated at Lincoln Park Window French Bakery – 2008 N Halsted (Rear).
- Butterfly Mural: found at 2912 Milwaukee Avenue.
- Floral Mural: located at 4905 Old Orchard Shopping Centre in Skokie.
And if you’re flying out of Chicago O’Hare Airport and want one last photo opportunity, be sure to check out The Wings of Water Mural located between Terminal 2 and 3, in the rotunda on the upper level.
BEST CHICAGO INSTAGRAM SPOTS
10. Cindy’s Rooftop Bar
After a long day of sightseeing and getting those Instagram shots, relax and unwind at one of Chicago’s best rooftop bars and get one more Instagrammable photo! Cindy’s Rooftop Bar offers an incredible view of the city.
Take in the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the iconic Chicago Bean from the outdoor terrace. The atmosphere here is fantastic, always buzzing with great energy, and their cocktails are absolutely delicious!
Cindy’s Rooftop Bar on Google Maps.
