From Cloud Gate to the Michigan Avenue Bridge, here are ten of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago.
With its glossy steel skyscrapers, panoramas of Lake Michigan that extend to the horizon, and interesting public art, Chicago offers an array of urbanscapes that can garner hundreds of likes on your Instagram feed. Here are ten of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago.
1. Cloud Gate
Also known as “the bean,” Anish Kapoor’s stainless steel sculpture in Millennium Park captures the reflection of the park itself as well as the city’s skyline. The end result is magical, making it one of the city’s most photographed and must-see sites.
2. Chicago Theatre Marquee
The vertical sign and old-school marquee on the front of the Chicago Theatre, a performing arts venue inaugurated in 1921, is one of the city’s most distinct sites. The structure, which earned landmark status in 1979, is considered an emblem of the city.
3. The view from the Michigan Avenue Bridge
One of the best spots to see quintessential Chicago at its finest is from the Michigan Avenue Bridge. The iconic architecture, such as the Wrigley Building, towers over the flowing Chicago River, making for an exquisite backdrop.
4. Skydeck at the Willis Tower
The Willis Tower also goes by the Sears Tower, its moniker until 2009, and at the time of its completion in 1973, the 100-story skyscraper surpassed the World Trade Center as the world’s tallest. Its Skydeck, located on the 103rd floor 1,353 feet, is the country’s highest observation deck with a view that encompasses four states. You can also step out on the glass-bottomed to see directly below you.
5. 360 Chicago
Speaking of observation decks, 360 Chicago sits on the 94th floor of the 100-story 875 North Michigan Avenue building, the John Hancock Center. This view, just as spectacular as the Skydeck’s, is made even more special by TILT, a platform that tips over the edge of the building.
6. Buckingham Fountain
One of the world’s largest fountains, this multi-tiered wedding cake style structure emitted its first cascade in 1927. Inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, the fountain is active from April to October
7. Wrigley Field
The Ivy-lined brick wall in the outfield and iconic red sign out front characterize the home of the Chicago Cubs. If you’re there during the season, get some tickets, treat yourself to a chicago-style hot dog, and snap away.
8. Art Institute of Chicago
If you’re fond of the #artwatchers Instagram tag or you just enjoy chronicling your museum experiences, the Art Institute of Chicago is home to a trove of art wonders. From Marc Chagall to Monet to Picasso to more, the 300,000 work collection will no doubt enliven your Instagram feed.
9. Chinatown
Settled in 1912, this historic neighborhood is abuzz with shops, restaurants, cafes, dim sum, and teahouses, plus the Chinese-American Museum recounts the enriching history of immigrant experiences in the Midwest. Its design pays homage to a traditional Chinese Imperial Court, but the architecture isn’t the quarter’s only Insta-worthy backdrop: mouthwatering #foodporn abounds!
10. The Rookery Building
The Rookery Building is a testament to how Chicago’s architecture is just as thrilling from inside as it is outside. Completed in 1888, the building’s lobby was redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905. His photogenic additions include curving ornate staircases that you can’t resist snapping—or asking someone to snap a photo of you on them.
If you want to visit more Instagrammable cities in the US, make sure to check out the photo worthy places in Miami, Dallas, San Francisco, San Diego, and Nashville, and Los Angeles!