One of the main things people like to do in Chicago is take photos, but some places are better for it than others. Whether you love images of the skyline or are looking for something a bit more off the beaten path, these 11 places will give you the opportunity for a wealth of great shots.
Grab your camera or charge up your smartphone before heading out on this picture-taking journey through the city. Check it out:
- The Chicago River
Flickr/edward stojakovic Whether you explore it on a boat or from the sides along the riverwalk, the Chicago River is a wonderful place for incredible views of the city. Day or night, and every moment in between, is a great opportunity to get a fabulous and unique shot of Chicago’s famous architecture.
- Loyola University
Wikimedia Commons/Amerique One of the most underrated places in the city for a beautiful stroll and photography session is this lovely college campus. Expertly landscaped, these grounds are filled with gardens, fountains, and other delightful wonders.
- Chinatown
Flickr/pulaw The entrance sign alone is a popular structure to shoot. All through the neighborhood, though, there are excellent places to get unique images that are perfect for Instagram. You may find yourself taking pictures of the food too.
- Willis/Sears Tower
Flickr/Roy Luck Tourists can go to the top of Chicago’s tallest building and see for miles in all directions. You’ll want to take endless shots of the city, zooming to see as far as possible into other towns and even other states. Guests can even step out onto the skydeck and get a picture of themselves high above the ground.
- South Pond at Lincoln Park Zoo
Flickr/John Zacherle Anyone trying to get seriously amazing shots of the city needs to come here. You can see the skyline through the pavilion and do many artistic things with the unique structure and light that shines through.
- Garfield Park Conservatory
Flickr/Howard Lifshitz This natural oasis is a prime spot for taking photos in Chicago. Off the beaten path and somewhat underrated, the conservatory features multiple rooms with different gardens, as well as outdoor space to explore. You’ll feel like you’re photographing another world.
- Union Station
Wikimedia Commons/Velvet History and architecture lovers can’t get enough photos of this old train station. Still in operation today, it features a large waiting area with a glass dome that lets in natural light. Inside and out, this vintage building is a picture-taking paradise.
- Buckingham Fountain
Wikimedia Commons/Bohao Zhao This is possibly the most beautiful place in the city anytime of day. As long as it isn’t the cold season, the fountain is running and light shows play some nights. Perhaps the best part is the cityscape backdrop.
- Lake Michigan
Pixabay/isfara You could enjoy it from a beach, a boat, or just driving by on LSD. This stunning Great Lake gives Chicago a coast comparable to any oceanside city. Whether you face the camera toward the skyline or the horizon, you’ll wind up with an epic snap.
- Maggie Daley Park
Wikipedia/Alanscottwalker Sure, this place was meant to be a playground, but Chicago can’t do anything without making it gorgeous. Full of trees, flowers, and interesting architecture, this is one of the city’s best kept secrets.
- Millennium Park
Pixabay/rdshanky Just about everything in this park is worth taking at least 10 photos of. There are fountains, odd statues, and, of course, Cloud Gate - better known as The Bean. If there’s any place people are taking pictures, it’s here, and it’s not hard to see why.
If the nature photos are your favorite, you’ll love these 11 natural spots around the city that will completely relax you.
Flickr/edward stojakovic
Whether you explore it on a boat or from the sides along the riverwalk, the Chicago River is a wonderful place for incredible views of the city. Day or night, and every moment in between, is a great opportunity to get a fabulous and unique shot of Chicago’s famous architecture.
Wikimedia Commons/Amerique
One of the most underrated places in the city for a beautiful stroll and photography session is this lovely college campus. Expertly landscaped, these grounds are filled with gardens, fountains, and other delightful wonders.
Flickr/pulaw
The entrance sign alone is a popular structure to shoot. All through the neighborhood, though, there are excellent places to get unique images that are perfect for Instagram. You may find yourself taking pictures of the food too.
Flickr/Roy Luck
Tourists can go to the top of Chicago’s tallest building and see for miles in all directions. You’ll want to take endless shots of the city, zooming to see as far as possible into other towns and even other states. Guests can even step out onto the skydeck and get a picture of themselves high above the ground.
Flickr/John Zacherle
Anyone trying to get seriously amazing shots of the city needs to come here. You can see the skyline through the pavilion and do many artistic things with the unique structure and light that shines through.
Flickr/Howard Lifshitz
This natural oasis is a prime spot for taking photos in Chicago. Off the beaten path and somewhat underrated, the conservatory features multiple rooms with different gardens, as well as outdoor space to explore. You’ll feel like you’re photographing another world.
Wikimedia Commons/Velvet
History and architecture lovers can’t get enough photos of this old train station. Still in operation today, it features a large waiting area with a glass dome that lets in natural light. Inside and out, this vintage building is a picture-taking paradise.
Wikimedia Commons/Bohao Zhao
This is possibly the most beautiful place in the city anytime of day. As long as it isn’t the cold season, the fountain is running and light shows play some nights. Perhaps the best part is the cityscape backdrop.
Pixabay/isfara
You could enjoy it from a beach, a boat, or just driving by on LSD. This stunning Great Lake gives Chicago a coast comparable to any oceanside city. Whether you face the camera toward the skyline or the horizon, you’ll wind up with an epic snap.
Wikipedia/Alanscottwalker
Sure, this place was meant to be a playground, but Chicago can’t do anything without making it gorgeous. Full of trees, flowers, and interesting architecture, this is one of the city’s best kept secrets.
Pixabay/rdshanky
Just about everything in this park is worth taking at least 10 photos of. There are fountains, odd statues, and, of course, Cloud Gate - better known as The Bean. If there’s any place people are taking pictures, it’s here, and it’s not hard to see why.
What other spots around the city are great for taking photos? Share your favorites with us below!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
