The 19 BEST Photo Spots In Chicago
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When thinking of visually incredible cities in the United States, Chicago usually isn’t one of them. BUT when you lay your eyes on the best photo spots in Chicago, there’s no denying the city’s picturesque beauty. From iconic spots like the Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) to fun Instagram spots like the Chicago Skydeck, even enchanting pictures along the Chicago Riverwalk, few places in the country have this many gorgeous sights all in the same city.
While you could get a beautiful sunset cityscape shot at nearly all of these spots, it doesn’t always mean that’s the best time of day or the best type of photo to get. Chicago is the perfect place for photography experimentation. Never tried aerial skyline shots or crowded long exposure pictures? Then Chicago is the place to go. City photography is one of the more complex types of photography. All of the moving parts and unexpected variables can make it a real challenge to try and frame your idea of the perfect shot, but with the help of Chicago’s plentiful photo opportunities, it’s a cornucopia of stunning views just begging to be captured!
So keep reading to see the best time of day, photo type, and helpful tips at all the BEST PHOTO SPOTS IN CHICAGO!
1.) Cloud Gate (The Chicago Bean)
Of course, no list of the best photo spots in Chicago is complete without the infamous Cloud Gate sculpture. One of the beacons of Chicago, this odd stainless steel structure has been attracting photographers for years, with reflections of the city skyline in its massive oblong design.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Travel
BEST SPOT
– Southeast of the sculpture
BEST TIME
– Morning, for much, much less people.
Pro tip- Long exposure shots blurring the crowd around “The Chicago Bean” also make for interesting photos!
2.) Willis Tower Skydeck
Looking to elevate your perspective? The Willis Tower Skydeck is just the place. Being the tallest point in the city and one of the tallest buildings in the United States, you can capture entire sections of the city in a single frame!
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Aerial Urbanscape
BEST SPOT
– In The Ledge
BEST TIME
– Midday, so you can see every detail of the city.
Pro tip- Pics of the building itself are great, plus the cool color wall on the side of the building.
3.) Chicago Magnificent Mile
Get a true sense of the bustling streets of Chicago in this strip of dazzling buildings. As one of the most frequented areas of the city, the crowds of people and congested traffic make Magnificent Mile the ideal place for Chicago street photography.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Street
BEST SPOT
– Michigan Ave & E Grand Ave
BEST TIME
– Sunrise, for sunlight touching the peaks of buildings and few people to block your shot.
Pro tip- The flower walkways between the streets are great for centered shots of the whole street. 👍
4.) Chicago Theatre
Bright flashing lights with an unmistakable old school feel. If you’re looking for a symbol of classic Chicago that’s picturesque inside and out, there’s only one place to go!
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Street
BEST SPOT
– Across the street
BEST TIME
– Night, to see the dazzling sign lit up.
Pro tip- At night, during a light rain makes for fantastic puddle reflections of the Chicago Theatre marquee.
5.) People's Gas Pavillion (The Honeycomb) In Lincoln Park
At first glance, this odd structure seems to be a misplaced art display on the banks of the South Pond. BUT, when you step under the honeycomb design and look out to the city, you’ll see this spot is one of the most unique picture spots in Chicago!
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Urban and Cityscape
BEST SPOT
– Under the pavilion
BEST TIME
– Evening, for softer skies set against the oval structure.
Pro tip- A wide angle lens is great for capturing as much of the weaving pavilion as you can.
6.) Chicago Riverwalk
Cutting through the heart of downtown, the Chicago Riverwalk is peak Chicago. A peaceful stroll down the most scenic sights the city has to offer. Perfect for photographing boats and sights of summer or the cracking winter ice.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Travel, Urban and Cityscape
BEST SPOT
– Dusable Bridge, in front of O’Briens Riverwalk Café and under the State St bridge
BEST TIME
– Every time of day offers different and spectacular photos from midnight to midday and everything in between.
Pro tip- Explore as much of the Riverwalk as possible, as each area offers a wonderful view.
7.) Buckingham Fountain
Cascades of flowing water with a central stream shooting 150 feet in the air. Mist shrouding a meticulously crafted fountain nearly 1 century old. A historic display as impressive as the city skyline in the background. And all of this is in one picture… Sign us up!
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Cityscape
BEST SPOT
– The south end of the fountain
BEST TIME
– Evening, so you can see the fountain shooting water into the colorful sky.
Pro tip- Buckingham Fountain can be a very busy place with events happening all the time, so be sure to check beforehand if you want clean, unobstructed photos.
8.) Millennium Park
A bit of green space among the skyscrapers. Millennium Park is a small park with a ton of exciting photo opportunities, from iconic spots to green grass and beautiful flowers, making for a unique foreground within the city.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Urban
BEST SPOT
– Lurie Garden
BEST TIME
– Morning, so you can enjoy the park without the big crowds.
Pro tip- Being a nice open space, you can get all kinds of great photos, like crowded long exposure shots and nighttime skyline pictures!
9.) 360 Chicago Observation Deck
See all the secrets the East side of the city has to offer, all from a sky-high vantage point. From the extensive Lake Michigan shoreline to a couple of neighboring states, the view from the towering 360 Chicago is an aerial photographer’s dream!
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Aerial Urbanscape
BEST SPOT
– North or South ends of the observation deck
BEST TIME
– Midday for clear views of the city, and Sunset for spectacular skies over Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
Pro tip- Views from street level looking up at the impressive building are just as good as views from the top!
10.) Wrigley Field
Historic Wrigley Field; for so long this baseball mecca has been the soul of the city, the place to capture the feeling of pure Chicago. As Chicago changes throughout the decades, there’s always a constant expectation for great pictures and an even greater experience when you’re at Wrigley Field.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Sports
BEST SPOT
– Section 314L
BEST TIME
– Game time, whether it’s a day or night game, both offer excellent pictures.
Pro tip- Check out our full guide of Wrigley Field for everything you need to know! 
(Coming Soon)
11.) Lincoln Park
Maybe you’re searching for a bit more variety? An outdoor escape from the concrete jungle of Chicago. Well, the large, open, green scenes of Lincoln Park are sure to bring all sorts of nature meets cityscape shots you have been hoping for.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Nature and Cityscape
BEST SPOT
– On the bridge over South Pond
BEST TIME
– Evening, to see the sun begin to sink behind the skyscrapers.
Pro tip- Stop by the Lincoln Park Zoo for a variety of “wildlife” pictures within the city.
12.) Chicago Water Tower
With Chicago being such an old city, it’s interesting to capture evolutions throughout the years. Perhaps none are more apparent than the old world sights of the Chicago Water Tower surrounded by shining modern architecture of Magnificent Mile.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Architecture
BEST SPOT
– South side of the tower
BEST TIME
– Morning, to see the city around the tower begin to wake up.
Pro tip- Spring and summer bring vibrant flowers surrounding the tower, adding a bit of color to the white tower.
13.) Garden Of The Phoenix
Looking for a spot to stand out from the pack? How about a pond of hundreds of lilypads in an area most people don’t even know exists! Garden of the Phoenix presents a cool calmness you can’t find anywhere else in Chicago, especially during the spring for cherry blossom season.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Nature
BEST SPOT
– The southwest corner of the Columbia Basin
BEST TIME
– Morning, to capture the still lilypad littered waters.
Pro tip- If you’re looking for something fun to do, head to the other side of the building for the Museum of Science and Industry!
14.) Garfield Park Conservatory
Over 100 years old, the Garfield Park Conservatory is a true hidden gem for Chicago photography. A cornucopia of ferns, exotic flowers, walking paths, and even a mini waterfall and coy pond all within the city!
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Flower and Plant
BEST SPOT
– The fern room
BEST TIME
– Right as they open, so you don’t have to worry about all the people getting in your shot.
Pro tip- You can reserve a time slot to make sure you’re able to enter with plenty of time for pictures.
15.) Bahá'í House of Worship
Stark white, finely detailed craftsmanship of the domed temple and carefully planned surrounding flowers and shrubbery paint a picture of calm serenity ready to be enjoyed.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Nature and Architecture
BEST SPOT
– The southwest fountain
BEST TIME
– Morning, for easier shadows and very few people.
Pro tip- Walk around the entire building for different angles and garden displays.
16.) Wrigley Building
One of the best photo spots in Chicago, this testament to the fine craftsmanship of this city, is a must when it comes to capturing top shots in the city. At the center of Chicago’s biggest attractions, you can look forward to bustling crowds, river reflections, and of course, stunning architecture.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Architecture
BEST SPOT
– Across the street in front of the Tribune Tower
BEST TIME
– Sunrise, for nice shadows, a soft glow, and few people.
Pro tip- The Tribune Tower is also a great spot for a set of sunrise shots.🌄
17.) Navy Pier
The ideal place for watching sunrises over the lake or the colorful evening sky reflecting in the water. Not to mention great skyline shots from an angle you can only find on the pier.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Cityscape
BEST SPOT
– Top of the Centennial Wheel
BEST TIME
– Evening, as the sun starts to set and the pier is bustling with energy.
Pro tip- Check for events to really see a show!
18.) The Merchandise MART
A building that has undergone many transformations throughout its near century of existence. The Merchandise MART now stands on the Chicago River as a staggering 2 city block greeting to all those that pass down the waters.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Architecture
BEST SPOT
– W Wacker Dr, west of the Franklin-Orleans Street Bridge
BEST TIME
– Midday and at Night, for full details in the light and impressive light displays shining in the dark.
Pro tip- You can also find some great luxurious pictures inside the building.
19.) Starved Rock State Park
A short drive outside the city, on the banks of the Illinois River, sits a natural retreat ripe with photo opportunities. Thick green forests with calm streams and soft waterfalls spread about paint a picture of a woodland wonderland.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Nature
BEST SPOT
– St. Louis Canyon Falls and LaSalle Canyon
BEST TIME
– Midday, to see the sun poking through thick treetops.
Pro tip- It’s best to go during or after a steady rain to see the waterfalls fully flowing.
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