Chicago / 10 photo spots
10 Instagram spots in Chicago worth the lake wind
Mirror sculptures, glowing marquees and a river cut through towers: Chicago is built for bold frames. These 10 spots prove it.
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Photo spots on the map
3 of 10 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
If the map does not load, use the OpenStreetMap link or the photo spot list.
All photo spots
- Chicago TheatreSourced place
- Michigan Avenue BridgeSourced place
- Garfield Park ConservatorySourced place
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Cloud gate aka “The Bean”
A mirrored bean reflecting the skyline in Millennium Park. Crouch under the center for the warped-sky shot.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (2)
Chicago Theatre
The glowing vertical sign on State Street is the shot, and the gilded interior is the bonus. Night works best.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (2)
Beatnik
A restaurant dressed as a Mediterranean farmhouse crossed with a Bali garden. Every room is styled for the camera.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Sky Deck – The Ledge at the Willis Tower
Glass boxes jutting from the 103rd floor of Willis Tower. Look straight down, then at the lake horizon.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Michigan Avenue Bridge
A bascule bridge with the river, towers and riverwalk in one frame. Blue hour doubles the lights.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Garfield Park Conservatory
Glasshouses of palms and ferns, one of the largest conservatories in the country. The palm room is the centerpiece.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (2)
Punch Bowl Social
A giant hall of games, neon and retro seating. Candid group shots work better than posed ones here.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
The Songbird Wall
A colorful mural wall, one of several painted walls in the area. Mornings avoid the portrait-session rush.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
3 Arts Club Cafe
A glass-atrium restaurant inside a furniture gallery. The fountain courtyard feels far from the street.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Ada Street Restaurant
A courtyard restaurant with string lights and brick walls. Evening tables photograph themselves.
Open in Google Maps