Whether it is exploring the great outdoors at the most picturesque attractions in Chicago, indulging in the best restaurants with the culinary crew, getting pampered at the best spas, or a stereotypical weekend filled with wine and cocktails, Chicago is a perfect place for vacations. Although the city is more vibrant during summer, most activities are available all year round. Also, there are numerous Instagrammable landmarks that inspire visitors to create compelling new content to add an upbeat vibe to their feeds. Here are the ten spectacular places in Chicago.
10 Cloud Gate
Cloud gate, also known as the Bean, was established between 2004 and 2006. This famous sight was done by a British artist, Anish Kapoor. It is nestled in Millenium Park, the lakefront park in Chicago’s downtown Loop. Visitors who want to access this iconic spot can check it out at Michigan Avenue between Randolph and Monroe. As one of the most incredible spots in Chicago, it qualifies as an outstanding photography spot.
9 Lurie Garden
Situated in Millennium Park, a brief walk from Cloud Gate, Lurie Garden boasts five acres of botanical flowers and plant life. Created with both locals and tourists in mind, this garden is unmissable. With more than 350 species, a 4.8-meter tall “shoulder” hedge, water features, and incredible lighting for the evening, it is impossible to take a bad photo here.
8 Promontory Point
Housed in Chicago’s Burnham Park, Promontory Point is a great destination for visitors who want to keep the good vibe flowing. It is also an ultimate destination for visitors who want to get away from the fast-paced city life to enjoy a quiet picnic lunch. The man-made peninsula offers access to the water and incredible views of the skyline. Visitors should definitely not miss capturing remarkable sunrises and sunsets over the water.
7 Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory is sometimes referred to as “landscape art under glass.” Exploring thousands of plant species from around the world in this botanical conservatory is a recommended activity. The park also has eight various indoor display gardens. Garfield Park is accessible to visitors throughout the year. Most visitors are drawn to this gorgeous garden as it offers an immense opportunity to explore outdoor gardens and a charming water lily pond. Incorporating all these incredible park highlights makes it an idyllic backdrop for visitors’ Instagram feed.
6 The Chicago Theater
Originally recognized as the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theater, this superb venue in the heart of Chicago was designed in 1921. The building is seven stories high, extremely bigger than one-half of a city block wide. The theater was the first large luxurious movie palace in the United States. Other theaters mimicked the Chicago Theater. Even for those who don’t adore performances, this 3,600-seat auditorium will prove otherwise.
5 Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center is right off Michigan Avenue, just a stone’s throw from Millennium Park. It has extremely beautiful exhibitions, and the windows, ceiling, and fixtures are worth visitors’ time. Visitors should be ready to take photos next to these two charming stained-glass domes. After the artsy Instagram photos, visitors can enjoy complimentary family-friendly music, dance, art, and theater events.
4 The Wrigley Building
No architecture enthusiasts can visit Chicago and miss the charming Wrigley Building. The structure was designed in the early 1920s to accommodate the headquarters of the chewing gum firm, the Wrigley Company, on the Magnificent Mile. A raised walkway joins two towers, and the building is widely recognized for its impressive clock face.
3 Buckingham Fountain
Whether an experienced or an amateur photographer, no one can miss capturing the beauty of Buckingham Fountain. This iconic Chicago landmark is one of the largest in the world and is tucked in the center of Grant Park, between Queen’s landing and Ida B. Wells Drive. Watching a center jet shoot water to a height of 150 feet into the air is mind-boggling. The eye-catching sight creates a striking background for an Instagram post. However, the fountain doesn’t operate all year round. Visitors can only access it from early May through mid-October, depending on the weather.
2 Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool’s striking beauty does not require professional equipment to take good pictures. This attraction is situated at 125 West Fullerton Parkway, between North Cannon Drive and North Stockton Drive. Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool was initially part of an 1889 Victorian garden with massive tropical lilies and other aquatic plants. It was later remodified into the lily pool. It is the best destination for visitors seeking tranquility and who want to explore a wide variety of plant life.
1 Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk was created with urban explorers in mind. The 1.25-mile (2km) stroll along the river banks of the Chicago River allows visitors to appreciate the intrinsic beauty in this area. This awe-inspiring sight runs from the Veteran’s Park to the Outer Drive Bridge. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular views of the city as they transverse green spaces, art installations, sculptures, and restaurants.