Looking for the best photography locations in Chicago? This is the guide for you!
Chicago is one of my favorite cities in the entire world. And it’s also a photographer’s dream.
Picture bold architecture, sparkling lake views, and vibrant street scenes.
From iconic landmarks like Millennium Park to hidden gems tucked into colorful neighborhoods, the city is packed with picture-perfect moments waiting to light up your feed.
Whether you’re after the classics like “The Bean” or want to uncover spots locals actually love, these are the best Instagram-worthy places to capture Chicago!
10 Chicago Instagram Spots
1. Skydeck Chicago
Skydeck Chicago reveals some of the very best views in the city! I loved my experience.
Timed entry tickets can be purchased through the Skydeck Website in advance. I recommend this to skip the ticket line.
Visitors are allotted 90 seconds to stand in the skybox. You can rotate through the line as many times as you want for no additional cost. Tickets cost $35.
Tip: It’s crowded over the weekend, so plan at least 90 minutes for your visit.
2. Navy Pier
Navy Pier is an all-time favorite among visitors I take around the city!
Famous for its iconic Centennial Wheel, Navy Pier offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.
It’s an excellent photography spot thanks to its urban vistas and waterfront landscapes. Seriously, views for days.
Visitors can capture the vibrant Ferris wheel, lively promenade, and historic ships.
3. Rooftop Dining
There’s no better way to see Chicago than from above.
Rooftop bars and terraces across the city offer unbeatable skyline views, golden sunsets, and that perfect mix of urban energy and relaxation.
Whether you’re clinking glasses at LondonHouse or watching the lights shimmer from Cindy’s, these rooftops deliver some of the most photogenic views in town.
A personal favorite of mine!
4. Street Murals
Chicago’s street art scene is as bold as the city itself. And its murals are truly a photographer’s dream!
From massive murals in Pilsen to colorful walls in Wicker Park, every neighborhood adds its own creative flair.
These vibrant backdrops are perfect for photos that pop with personality.
Consider signing up for a street art tour to get the inside scoop on some of Chicago’s best murals.
5. Chicago River
The Chicago River, an iconic waterway winding through the heart of the city, offers unparalleled photo opportunities.
It’s one of my favorite spots in the entire city, and I recommend it on any Chicago itinerary.
Photography enthusiasts can capture dynamic views from the riverwalk or one of the bridges, each providing unique angles and perspectives.
The river’s proximity to famous landmarks makes it an ideal setting for capturing the vibrant photos of Chicago.
Tip: A popular way to experience the Chicago River is a Chicago Architecture Cruise.
6. 2D Restaurant
Entering Chicago’s 2D Restaurant made me feel like I was stepping into a storybook. Its Vietnamese and French cuisine creates a sensational charm.
The entire space is designed in black and white, mimicking a hand-drawn comic book.
This creates a stunning backdrop for photos with its eye-catching aesthetics.
Visitors can capture shots of the intricate illustrations that cover the walls, floors, and furniture.
2D Cafe is located in the Chicago Northside neighborhood of Lakeview.
Note: I do not recommend the cafe if you get dizzy easily. Waiting in the lobby area for a table made me feel very dizzy, but I was totally fine once I sat down at a table!
⭐Popular Chicago Hotels
7. Colorful Museums
If you’re looking to add a burst of color to your feed, Chicago’s interactive art museums deliver.
The Color Factory is a playful, immersive experience filled with vibrant installations, balloon rooms, and seasonal backdrops.
A few blocks away, the WNDR Museum mixes art and technology through hands-on exhibits that change often.
Other popular favorites include the Museum of Ice Cream.
I recommend choosing one of these museums for a photo stop on a Chicago girls’ weekend or an indoor activity for a chilly winter day.
Popular Chicago Tours
8. The Bean (Cloudgate)
It’s called the “Cloud Gate” officially, but take a local tip and just call it the Bean!
The Bean is located in Millennium Park and is one of the most famously photographed locations in Chicago.
Its shiny, mirrored surface is the ultimate spot for selfies.
9. Millennium Park
After snapping your photos at the Bean, continue strolling through Millennium Park for beautiful city views and architecture.
Its 24-acre park features numerous works of public art, green space for a picnic, and more.
In the spring, Lurie’s Garden features amazing flower blooms.
It’s one of my favorite outdoor places in the city. The photo opportunities are limitless!
Popular Chicago Tours
10. Chicago Theater Sign
The famous Chicago Theater sign is located on State Street.
Its iconic neon lights and grand marquee make it a standout feature of the city’s historic architecture, perfect for dramatic photographs.
Capturing the vibrant sign against the backdrop of Chicago’s bustling nightlife adds a dynamic element to any photo. I usually end up here in the Winter!
Stay longer to catch a Broadway show or go shopping on Michigan Avenue!
⭐Popular Chicago Hotels
11. Museum Campus
Museum Campus is a gorgeous walkway along Lake Michigan that connects visitors to the main museums of Chicago, like the Art Institute and the Field Museum.
It begins directly outside of one of Chicago’s most famous museums, the Adler Planetarium.
It is great for photos due to its unobstructed views of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan.
It is one of my favorite places in the city for skyline photography and to simply enjoy Chicago without hordes of crowds.
Conclusion
Chicago is a city filled with stunning Instagram spots to capture and share.
From the reflective beauty of the Bean in Millennium Park to the vibrant lights of the Chicago Theater Sign, there are amazing photo opportunities around every corner.
Grab your camera and explore these iconic spots to create your own Chicago memories!
