Chicago is a hot spot for gram-worthy food, architecture, and art. However, with so much to do and see it might be hard to decide where to begin. We surveyed our team of Chicago experts, hit the streets, and scoped out the best most Instagrammable places in Chicago to get your ‘gram on. When you’re done snapping pics, head to our Tour Chicago Like a Local post to check out the other can’t-miss spots in Chicago. And, if it’s you’re first time in Chicago, we’ve got a list for that too!
1. #SkyDeckChicago
All the way up! At a stomach-dropping 1,353 feet, the Chicago Sky Deck in the Willis Tower takes the title of the highest observation deck in the United States. You can see 7% of the US from the 103rd floor! When it’s not surrounded by a fluffy blanket of clouds, the SkyDeck gives you visibility to Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. SkyDeck is a mandatory destination for Windy City new-comers, which is why it should be the first stop on your tour of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago. However, those pics won’t come for free: be ready to spend $25 a person to experience this spectacular view.
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2. #TheBeanChicago
Welcome to Chicago’s one of a kind… stainless steel kidney bean! Technically known as Cloud Gate (although no one calls it that) TheBeanChicago sits in the heart of Millennium Park, reflecting wavy interpretations of Chicago’s skyline in its curves. Sculpted by British artist Sir Anish Kapoor, Cloud Gate was chosen from a group of 30 contestants to sit at the heart of AT&T Plaza. If you want to snap a gram-worthy picture in Chicago, this lovely, shiny bean will do you great justice!
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3. #ChicagoRiverwalk
Part of a major renovation initiative, Chicago’s Riverwalk has undergone major changes in the past few years. Boardwalks line the river, stretching several miles and housing eateries, wineries, tiny parks, and water sports. Top photos include: yoga classes by the water, delicacies from new eateries, the stunning ice-covered river (in the winter), the green-dyed river on St. Patrick’s Day, and— of course— photo-ops with your favorite pooch. Any spot along the Riverwalk is a good spot. You’ll get river and skyline views you can’t find anywhere else!
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4. #WndrMuseum
From colorful backgrounds and textures to aesthetics galore, this museum was practically built to be one of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago. Find your perfect backdrop for any photo here. The WNDR Museum is a one-of-a-kind, interactive experience that defies the traditional museum boundaries. To grab a pic, general admission starts at $32.
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5. #CindysRooftop
Cindy’s is what summer #rooftopchicago dreams are made of. Grab a drink, mingle, and watch the sunset on the rooftop of The Athletic Association Hotel. Cindy’s offers some of the most beautiful views of the city’s most famous spots: Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Grant Park and many more. Complete the scene by ordering the Jillian cocktail. Topped with a hibiscus and backed by the skyline, you’ll feel like you’re in a little slice of paradise.
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6. #ParlorPizza
If only this pizza could fly….oh wait! This spot combines the classic “wings on a wall mural” with Chicago’s favorite food: pizza! Parlor Pizza is known for their quirky pizza decor, but equally famous for their unique pizzas. Get an amazing pie and grab a drink on Parlor’s patio after you’ve snapped your shot.
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7. #HamptonSocial
Ever wonder where this viral sign came from? Well, it’s right here at the Hampton Social! Tourists and locals alike keep coming back to this spot for top-notch food and an inviting nautical aesthetic. If you’ve been looking for an ultimate photo wall to sip rosé in front of, we’ve found it. Stop at Hampton Social for an amazing happy hour or seafood dish, it’s great for any occasion!
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8. #GreetingsfromChicago
Should we change the name of this post to The Best Instagram Walls in Chicago? Yes, another wall, but this one has Chicago written all over it… literally! Located in Logan Square, this mural is the perfect spot for that iconic tourist picture. Look closely, it also incorporates some of the things Chicago is best known for: pizza, the Willis Tower, sports teams, and that shiny bean we all know and love.
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9. #SweetMandyB’s
The best things in life are sweet, especially when they’re cheap! Grab a beautifully crafted treat— cupcakes, brownies, cookies, pies and more— all for a decent price. Get a cupcake for $3.50, a cookie for $3, and look out for extra-photogenic seasonal designs! If you’re looking for pastel colors and amazing deserts, this is your spot!
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10. #LondonHouseChicago
Another ‘grammable rooftop that you just can’t miss during summertime Chi! The London House Chicago has one of the best rooftops and hotels in the city. With 360 views of Chicago from the heart of the Loop, there’s a photo op at every corner. This spot has a more upscale atmosphere than our other picks, so grab a cocktail dress! (Tip: This beautiful backdrop also makes for amazing wedding photos.)
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11. #SXSkybar
Swanky meets Michigan Ave, yet again. SX Sky Bar is sure to check your boxes for an upscale cocktail hour. Enjoy a view from the seventh floor rooftop overlooking the museums of Grant Park. SX Sky Bar is attached to the upscale apartment complex Essex on The Park, and residents get an additional 15% off! Rumor has it that people come here just to take pictures and leave, so it’s definitely worth your time!
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12. #MonsterDoor
Wanting to regain your youth and inner nerd? This is the place to be. Not only will you be entertained by innovative toys and games, but you can entertain your friends on social with this wild backdrop! If you’re constantly called the fun-sized friend of the group, time to take your friends here to regain some confidence. At #monsterdoor, any one looks fun-sized!
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