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.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees