The Best Photo Spots in Chicago

Growing up just hours from the city, Chicago is a place that I’ve been visiting my whole life. Although my visits usually consist of sports games and shopping on Michigan Ave., this recent day trip I tried to capture the best photo spots in Chicago. The city is basically halved into 2 areas, the North and the South, split by the Chicago River that runs through. For this post on the best photo spots in Chicago, we’ll start in the suburbs from the North and work our way South.

Leaning Tower of Niles

Based on the northwest side of Chicago’s city center, this Leaning Tower of Pisa-inspired structure dominates the little suburb of Niles, Illinois. And it really leans too! Find it at 6300 W Touhy Ave., Niles, IL.

Baha’i House of Worship

Possibly the most intriguing and awe-inspiring building in all of the Midwest, the Baha’i House of Worship is the oldest of the only 10 remaining Baha’i Houses worldwide. Built in the early 1900s and completed in the 1950s, this building is totally worth the visit to the northern suburb of Wilmette, located at 112 Linden Ave.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park on the northeast side of the city is definitely one of the more popular places but rightfully so. The amount of photo ops here are insane! You can even see the rising skyline from afar. But the best area to snap some photos?

The Honeycomb

This lattice-inspired structure gives the ultimate tunnel-vision view to Chicago’s gorgeous skyline. Find it at 2121 N Stockton Dr.

Wrigleyville

Home to the Cubbies and the ever-famous Wrigley Field, Wrigleyville has a whole other vibe that every sports fan should experience once in their life. Every bar, restaurant and shop near here sport Cubs-themed clothing and fun murals.

The “El” Tracks

One of the more notorious features of Chicago is the transit system that runs above ground, dubbing it the “El.” You can find the tracks of the El throughout the entirety of Chicago. My favorite area to see the El is here in Wrigleyville where the tracks run through people’s yards and next to their bedroom windows.

Chinese-Inspired Wall Mural

Wall murals are my thing and I LOVE this one on the north side of the city. Find this funky mural across from Starbucks at 3358 N. Southport Ave.

‘Greetings from Chicago’ Mural

Bucktown is one of my favorite areas in the city and it’s home to a number of the best Instagram spots in Chicago. The staple ‘Greetings From Chicago’ mural can be found at 2236 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Ada Street Garages

Based in a super industrial-esque area of Chicago are these bright pink and blue garages that brighten up the dull brick buildings. Find these photo op spots on North Ada Street.

Robin Williams Mural

What is entertainment without Robin Williams? The actor who had starred in many of my favorite childhood movies can be seen alongside his character Genie from Aladdin on this larger-than-life face mural. Find the Robin Williams mural on the back of Concord Music Hall at 2051 N Milwaukee Ave.

Bernie’s Chicago Patterned Wall

Chicago is full of cool murals and art on the side of buildings so I tried to capture every single one I came across! Find this cool design on the south side of Bernie’s Chicago restaurant at 660 N. Orleans.

La Salle Flower Group

Producing fresh flowers since the mid 1930s, the La Salle Flower Group still reps their old neon sign on the outside of their building, making for a perfect photo op. Find the La Salle Flower shop at 731 N. LaSalle Dr.

Flamingo Mural

One of my favorite murals in all of Chicago is this funky colorful flamingo building. You can find it on the south side of the Flamingo Rum Club at 601 N. Wells St.

La Bodega

Serving up hot churros and smooth coffee, this little Mexi-inspired “cellar” makes up for its lack of space with the cutest decor, specifically the funky tiled floor. Find La Bodega at 355 N. Clark St.

Chicago Skyscraper Views

With Chicago’s towering skyline, it’s pretty easy to find a photo opportunity within the city. I found this perfect skyscraper shot spot at a split in the road on N. LaSalle Blvd. near the River.

Doughnut Vault

Serving up hot doughnuts since 1889, the Doughnut Vault’s rustic exterior and blue bricks teleports you back to the late 1800s. Now, if only I was munching on a doughnut when I took this but the shop closes when they sell out so get there early! Find the Doughnut Vault at 401 N Franklin St.

Chicago River

If you’re dying to get the most incredible views of Chicago, head to the Chicago River! That gorgeous teal water flowing in from Lake Michigan is the best complement to the skyscrapers. This shot was taken from the William P. Fahey Bridge but read on to find a better view of the Chicago River.

DuSable Bridge

Definitely the most popular crossing from River North to River South is via the DuSable Bridge. Michigan Avenue, the main elevated road that runs through the heart of Chi-town, is connected to DuSable Bridge, giving the best views of the surrounding skyscrapers and a bustling area to access the River Walk.

Chicago Theater

This 98 year-old dazzling marquee is a staple image of Chicago. Since the opening in the early 1920s, the theater became a popular place for movies & live entertainment. The lavish interior and the introduction of air conditioning, one of the first theaters to do so, brought crowds by the masses almost every night to see Chicago’s new landmark. See this iconic place at 175 N State St.

The Bean

And you can’t go to Chicago without visiting the quirkiest sculpture, Cloud Gate or The Bean! Located in the bustling Millennium Park, this reflective bean-shaped sculpture is a must-see attraction and one of the busiest tourist areas in Chi-town. Find the Bean at 201 E Randolph St.

Hero Coffee

While the brand for this location has changed names multiple times, Hero Coffee now owns the cutest alleyway coffeeshop in all of Chicago. Since it’s well lit, this is a good location to visit at night too! Find the Hero Coffee Bar at 22 E. Jackson Blvd.

Chicago Riverwalk

Possibly the best area in Chicago to spend the day and evenings is the Riverwalk. Head over to the DuSable Bridge and walk down the steps for stunning views of the Chicago River & the gleaming skyscrapers like Trump Tower.

Navy Pier

My personal fav area in Chicago is Navy Pier, a half-mile dock built up with fun museums, theaters, shops, restaurants and bars and even a small amusement park at the end. Turning around, you can see the gleaming lights of the city above. To experience the city from above at night, take the 200-foot-tall Centennial Wheel for 360 degree views of Chi-town and Lake Michigan. Find Navy Pier at 600 E Grand Ave.

Hotel Room Window Views

And what’s a night staying in Chicago without a city view out your window? We took it upon ourselves to upgrade our room at the Chicago Marriott Downtown at 540 N Michigan Ave. to wake up to the city beneath us. A morning cup of joe, a down comforter and a high rise view is all you’ll need for this photo op!

Honorable Mentions for Instagram Spots in Chicago

Since it was Saturday, also known as the busiest day to explore any city, the majority of the other places I wanted to visit were way too busy so they make an honorable mention list:

• Willis Tower
• Hancock Observatory
• Hampton Social
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Adler Planetarium

I’ll be back some day to explore these!

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