The Best Places to Take Photos in Chicago

Some of my most popular posts are my Chicago city ones and I often get questions on where to take photographs. If you are visiting or starting a blog or just want the best spots, this is a great list of my favorite ones! Pin this post as it’s a good reference for when you need it.

best places to take photos in chicago, chicago photography guide, best places for photography in chicago, chicago guide, chicago blogger, Jennifer Worman, chicago theatre

Exact jacket from Shop Sociallite

#1 Chicago Theatre: 175 N State Street

Located in the loop, this iconic theatre sign makes for the prettiest backdrop for photos. Concerts, musicals and comedy show, I love a good trip to this theatre for a night out. Oh yes, photo tip – stand across the street to get a good angle of the whole theatre sign.

best places to take photos in chicago, chicago photography guide, best places for photography in chicago, chicago guide, chicago blogger, Jennifer Worman, milton lee olive park

#2 Milton Lee Olive Park: 511 N Columbus Drive

See my full post with this coat on at this location here.

The best place to capture both the water and the northern part of the city’s skyline. It’s super close to Navy Pier so if you are a visitor it’s the perfect spot to stop by and take a snap.

best places to take photos in chicago, chicago photography guide, best places for photography in chicago, chicago guide, chicago blogger, Jennifer Worman, north beach Chicago

#3 North Beach: 1600 N Lake Shore Drive

The beautiful beach and views of the city make for the best combo. I love coming to this beach with my kiddos. This spot is a great for pictures and if you go mid-week during the day, it’s easy to take photos with zero people.

best places to take photos in chicago, chicago photography guide, best places for photography in chicago, chicago guide, chicago blogger, Jennifer Worman, chicago Buckingham fountain

#4 Buckingham Fountain: 301 S Columbus Drive

Located in the center of Grant Park, this is a fun spot for photos and a must see if you are visiting the city. I took this photo during Lollapalooza and it was a beautiful day. Note, in the winter there is no water so not so picturesque during the cold months.

adler planetarium chicago, best places to take photos in chicago, chicago guide, chicago tour guide, where to take photographs in chicago, chicago blogger, travel blogger, best tourist spots in chicago

#5 Adler Planetarium: 1300 S Lake Shore Drive

This gorgeous museum is located across from the lake. We visit this location often for the museums. Worthwhile visit, plus look at the view of the city! (photo source) Note: It can be super windy, I haven’t shot here too much as the wind was too much for one photo. Check the weather before attempting to go here for photos.

best places to take photos in chicago, chicago photography guide, best places for photography in chicago, chicago guide, chicago blogger, Jennifer Worman, chicago theatre, how to take style photographs and the chicago bean, best places in chicago for photography, chicago photography guide, chicago travel guide, chicago bean

#6 The Bean (Cloud Gate): Millenium Park

One of the more well-known locations, the Bean is a local and tourist favorite. You can’t come to Chicago without stopping by here and Cindy’s rooftop actually has the best view of it from above. I shared my tips for getting the perfect photos at the bean in this post.

best places to take photos in chicago, chicago photography guide, best places for photography in chicago, chicago guide, chicago blogger, Jennifer Worman, top 10 most instagrammable places in chicago

best places to take photos in chicago, chicago photography guide, best places for photography in chicago, chicago guide, chicago blogger, Jennifer Worman, instagrammable walls in chicago, the best places to take instagram photos in Chicago, wall art chicago

#7 Various Instagrammable Walls – my most popular posts on the blog!

There are so many gorgeous murals and Instagram worthy walls throughout the city, so I’ve rounded up my favorites in these two posts: The Top 10 Instagrammable Places in Chicago and The Top 10 Best Instagrammable Walls in Chicago. Both photos above are linked directly to the post as well!

best places to take photos in chicago, chicago photography guide, best places for photography in chicago, chicago guide, chicago blogger, Jennifer Worman, Chicago train tracks

#8 Train Tracks – various spots in the city in the loop

The above ground train tracks make for a unique backdrop for photos. This one isn’t too far from Michigan Ave and Millenium Park. See the full post with this outfit at this spot here.
top instagram worthy coffee shops in chicago, chicago blogger, Jennifer woman, chicago guide, travel blogger, chicago travel guide, best coffee in chicago, best coffee shops in chicago, photography

#9 Coffee Shops: See my full post here.

I’m a coffee lover and Chicago has some of the cutest shops around. These not only serve up some great coffee but they sure are fantastic for photos. Be sure to check out the blog post as it’s got some great spots! Top Ten Instagram Worthy Coffee Shops in Chicago.
Michael Costello Dress, Best Red Dress, Chicago Fashion Blogger, Chicago Riverwalk, Vday style, Jennifer Worman, Best spot to take photos in Chicago, Revolve Red Dress

#10 Bridges – Wabash by Langham Chicago Hotel 

There are various bridges by the hotels near Michigan Ave and I find them to be great spots to take photos if there are few people on them. The one on Michigan Ave is always packed so this side bridge on Wabash is a better bet to still get a view and a bridge.  This red dress post was a blog post about my favorite date night restaurants in Chicago.  Check it out here.
Best places to take photographs at in chicago, 20 things to do before you get married, things you must do before you get married, Viero Bridal Gown, Jennifer Worman

#11 Baha’i House of Worship: 100 Linden Ave, Wilmette

So this spot isn’t exactly in the city but it’s gorgeous and a beautiful place for photos. You can visit the temple as well during visiting hours. We shot this on the coldest day in a beautiful Viero Bridal Gown. See this popular blog post from this year for more photos, 20 things every woman should do before marriage.
best places to take photographs in chicago, chicago blogger, jennifer worman, best spot in chicago to visit, chicago mom, leopard dress
My Leopard Dress linked here. Wearing a small

#12 Wrigley Building: 400 N Michigan Ave (see my full post here with this spot)

Start here at the Magnificent Mile and work your way down Michigan Ave and the shops.  I come here often to take photos as the river is nearby, the bridges, cityscape, and riverwalk are all walkable to capture more posts.
I’m working on a full post about what to do in Chicago next! Stay tuned and if you love my posts, sign up for my email updates here.
Share:

Leave a Reply