The Most Instagrammable Spots in Chicago

Happy Saturday! With Lollapalooza and other local events going strong, I thought I’d share my picks for the most Instagrammable spots in Chicago. I often receive messages from friends asking about photogenic places in the city, so I figured I would turn it into a blog post. Last year, I wrote a similar article for TheEveryGirl, and many of my favorites remain the same to this day!

The Most Instagrammable Spots in Chicago

#1: Flamingo Mural {601 N Wells St, Chicago, IL}

In 2016, The Flamingo Rum Club commissioned street artists JC Rivera and Andrew Ghrist to create this massive flamingo mural. Their work completely canvases three sides of the building! Beyond that, it’s location at Ohio and Wells in River North is impossible to miss. The colors always bring a smile to my face!

#2: Grant Park

For many, Grant Park is just “that place where Lollapalooza happens.” For us locals, it’s a favorite destination to relax, explore, and enjoy. From Buckingham Fountain to the countless displays of public art, this 319-acre oasis is definitely worth a visit.

#3: Cloud Gate (a.k.a. “The Bean”)

Immediately north of Grant Park, you will find Millennium Park. Open since 1998, this section of downtown is home to the incredible Pritzker Pavillion, Crown Fountain, and (drumroll) Cloud Gate. This giant structure, created by Anish Kapoor, is affectionately referred to as “The Bean.” It consists of numerous welded steel plates, so highly polished that the seams are undetectable. Designed to look like a drop of mercury, Cloud Gate allows the viewer to see their reflection as well as an amazing fish-eye view of the Chicago skyline.

#4: The Allis at Soho House Chicago {113-125 N Green St, Chicago, IL}

Not only do I consider this Instagrammable spot to be a great place for avocado toast, it’s also an all-around beautiful interior space. It’s hard not to feel completely relaxed and at ease amidst the comfortable couches, gorgeous chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The Allis is definitely one of the most popular places in the West Loop to meet up with friends and colleagues.

#5: The Wabash Arts Corridor

In 2013, Columbia College Chicago launched the Wabash Arts Corridor to immerse their students in the creative spirit by using urban spaces to transform the South Loop business district into one of the city’s major cultural assets. The heart of “WAC” is Wabash Avenue (from Van Buren to Roosevelt) and is framed to the east by Michigan Avenue and to the west by State Street. The corridor is a “living urban canvas” with an ever-growing number of large-scale mural installations and collaborative projects.

#6: The Hampton Social {353 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL}

Words to live by, don’t you think?! This River North restaurant and its sister restaurant Mahalo (Wicker Park) are full of photo opportunities, from fun neon signs to cool wallpaper. Not only is The Hampton Social one of the most Instagrammable spots in Chicago, it’s also one of my go-to brunch destinations!

#7: The Chicago Lakefront

One of the absolute best aspects of Chicago is its location on the shores of Lake Michigan. Beyond that, it’s almost entirely public land. This means that all of the parks, beaches, marinas, and paths are open to everyone! For the most athletic Chicagoans, the lakefront path stretches eighteen miles north to south along the waterfront.

#8: Garfield Park Conservatory {300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL}

Situated on Chicago’s West Side, Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest greenhouses in the United States. They are constantly rotating the various natural exhibits. Also, they incorporate public art installations throughout the year (examples here + here). One of my favorite pieces is this stunning mosaic fountain, a gift to Chicago from Casablanca, Morocco.

#9: Parson’s Chicken and Fish {2952 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL}

It doesn’t get much better than fried chicken, Negroni slushies, and striped umbrellas, right?! Throw in some ping pong and communal picnic tables, and you have yourself one of the most popular Logan Square restaurants. It’s location is off the beaten path from the typical downtown tourism, but that’s the best part!

#10: Greetings From Chicago Mural {Milwaukee Ave between Attrill & Prindiville}

If you take a photo in front of this mural, but never post it, did it really happen? LOL! This beloved work by travelling duo Victor Ving and Lisa Beggs is part of a series of city murals across the country. Pro tip: the wall faces northwest, so time your visit accordingly for best lighting!

Thanks for reading through my picks for the most Instagrammable spots in Chicago! Where are your favorite destinations in the Windy City?

See more details of my favorite murals in my Wall Charades Guide to Chicago Murals! Be sure to check out my Los Angeles, New York, and Miami wall guides as well!

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