10 of the Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago
The Windy City is a domestic travelers' dream: it's enough of a journey from the East and West coast population centers to feel like a trip, but still retains that homey, all-American flair. Nestled along Lake Michigan and around both banks of a river that now flows backwards, Chicago combines location, history and character to create a destination like nowhere else. Whether you're noshing on a Chicago dog, cheering on the curse-breaking Cubbies or spending more money than you should on Michigan Avenue, you won't regret your time in this Midwestern jewel. All that fun is great for Instagram, too, so the next time you're in town, check out these gram-worthy places.
1. The Bean at Millennium Park
Officially called "Cloud Gate" but known as "The Bean" by just about everyone else, this gigantic stainless steel sculpture is the centerpiece of Chicago's Millennium Park. Tourists and Chicagoans can't help but ogle at the smooth, reflective service, photo gold ever since the sculpture was dedicated in 2006. And with the explosive rise of Instagram, its notoriety has only grown.
2. The Art Institue of Chicago
Right next door to Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago will add some bona-fide culture to your Windy City adventure. The sprawling art museum — America's second-largest — houses notable paintings from across the world. Tour the works of Impressionist master Claude Monet and Cubism pioneer Pablo Picasso as you walk these famous halls. And don't forget to strike a pose by American Gothic while you're there.
3. Buckingham Fountain
Keep walking south in Grant Park and you'll find Buckingham Fountain, the nearly 100-year-old Chicago city gem that wows its visitors multiple times a day. For 20 minutes every hour, the fountain — one of the world's largest, by the way — puts on a dazzling water show. The fun (and photos) get even better after dusk when a series of lights make the waterworks absolutely glimmer. Don't miss out on this classic Chicago attraction.
4. The Field Museum
The Field Museum is full of great natural history photo-ops. Check out the museum's Cretaceous Period-era mascot, Sue, the most complete T-Rex fossil in the world today. The museum also houses one of the best dinosaur fossil collections worldwide and its Jurassic World exhibit shouldn't be missed.
5. Wrigley Field
They might not be the lovable losers of baseball anymore, but the Chicago Cubs are still worth spending a sunny summer afternoon with. Stop by historic Wrigley Field to see the Cubbies defend their home turf, or come while they're out of town for a stadium tour. No matter how or when you pass through Wrigleyville, you'll be glad you came.
6. The Chicago Riverwalk
With stellar views of the city's architecture, river-crossing drawbridges and waterfront traffic, the recently completed Riverwalk is another excellent photo stop in the Windy City. This walkable park guides visitors past nine blocks of the Chicago River, all while exposing you to a number of attractions and striking art installments. Whether you're looking to spruce up your mid-day walk, searching for that perfect photo-op or just want a peaceful place to sit and read a good book, chances are you'll find it along the Riverwalk.
7. Navy Pier and Its Centennial Wheel
It's often hard to find an all-in-one attraction that will make the whole family happy. Stop by Chicago's Navy Pier, the lakeside destination that has a little something for everyone. Kids, adults, locals, tourists and everyone in between will find joy on the Centennial Wheel, which is open year-round and known for its excellent skyline views and vistas of Lake Michigan. Save some time after the ride to snap foodie-centric shots at one of Navy Pier's many restaurants.
8. O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
ORD is not without its flight delays, but if you get stuck at the gate, fret not. Take a walk through the airport with your camera phone in tow as you spot some of this bustling hub's standout attractions. Hidden around the various terminals, you'll find a hall of flags from around the world, a seemingly endless moving walkway with dazzling lights and a full-size dinosaur replica.
9. Skydeck Chicago
If seeing the Chicago skyline from afar isn't enough, ride the elevator at Willis Tower to floor 103 and visit the Skydeck, an observation deck 1,353 feet up. It's a great place to stare at all the ant-like people bustling about below and an irresistible photo-op as well. For those up for a scare — and a jaw-dropping, jealousy inducing insta-pic — the glass boxes sticking out of the tower's façade are a must.
10. North Avenue Beach
The Midwestern US might not seem like an obvious choice for your next beach vacation, but Chicago's North Avenue Beach stands out nonetheless. This popular lakefront beach draws massive crowds, with promises of summertime fun in the sand, water and nearby restaurants as well. Chill out with a drink as your day winds to a close — and snap a pic for all your friends back home.
Are there any other Chicago spots you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments, below.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.