13 Beautiful Places in Chicago That Every Local Needs to See
There’s no shortage of beauty in Chicago, from the city’s iconic architecture to its many parks and gardens. If you’re new to the city and looking for some places to explore, or you’ve been living in Chicago for a while and want to revisit for of the city’s best sites, here are a few of the most beautiful spots to check out. From stunning rooftop gardens to the Wabash Arts Corridor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your camera and set out to explore all the beautiful places Chicago has to offer.
Beautiful places in the Lincoln Park neighborhood
If you’re the type of person who loves spending time outdoors, you’ll feel right at home in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. With its botanical gardens, ponds, zoo, and stunning views of the city, the neighborhood features some of the most beautiful places in Chicago. Here are some of the top spots in Lincoln Park that Chicago experts recommend you see.
#1: South Pond at Lincoln Park
Photo courtesy of Michael Novo Photography
“Lincoln Park’s South Pond is a location that offers the best of Chicago, all culminating in one spot,” says Michael, a local wedding photographer. “The contrast of the greenery and city gives you a beautiful and serene foreground framed by the iconic Chicago architecture.”
#2: Lincoln Park Zoo
Photo courtesy of Kristen Lisa Photography
Kristen, a lifestyle, family, and newborn photographer, recommends checking out the zoo. “The Lincoln Park Zoo is a free zoo located in downtown Chicago. This area is one of the most picturesque places in Chicago: the city in the background and nature in the foreground. Many enjoy visiting the zoo and taking a nature walk by the honeycomb.”
#3: North Avenue Beach
Photo courtesy of Aanna Chase Photography
“I may be biased, but Chicago has the most gorgeous skyline, and North Ave Beach is one of the best places to show it off,” shares Aanna, a wedding and lifestyle photographer. “Walking out on the pier is not only an adventure with the wind and the waves, but it also results in one of the best views of Chicago and Lake Michigan.”
Chicago Loop neighborhood
Home to the most iconic Chicago attraction, Cloud Gate, the Chicago Loop neighborhood has plenty of beautiful places to admire. Spend your day admiring the city’s architecture or take a cruise of the river, you’ll find Chicago’s beauty everywhere you look. Locals say the following places are must-visits for anyone living in the Windy City’s Loop neighborhood.
#4: Millennium Park
Photo courtesy of Gia Dragoi Photography
Gia, a wedding photographer based in Chicago, suggests checking out Millennium Park if you’re looking for a beautiful place to explore. “You’ll find beautiful gardens and very well-maintained natural looks at Millennium Park. Being an urban park, you’ll be captivated by Chicago buildings. The park is so tight and cozy that you can make it look like you’re in a meadow away from the city”
#5: The Willis Tower
The Willis Tower, also known as the Sears Tower, is a 110-story, 1,450-foot skyscraper in Chicago, Illinois. At the time of its completion in 1973, it surpassed the World Trade Center in New York to become the tallest building in the world, a title it held for nearly 25 years. The Willis Tower is the second-tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the 16th-tallest in the world.
#6: Riverwalk
Photo courtesy of Marie Miller Photography
“Chicago’s cityscape offers countless opportunities for stunning landscape, my favorite is the Chicago Riverwalk.” Shares Marie, an event and studio photographer. “This 1.5-mile urban oasis provides diverse scenic backdrops like tree-lined promenades, water views, sights of Chicago’s historic architecture, and the breathtaking skyline. Whether walking along the banks of the Chicago River or across one of the overpasses, this waterway creates the setting to capture remarkable moments.”
Beautiful places in the West Loop neighborhood
If you’re near the West Loop neighborhood, be sure to check out top attractions like Union Park which boasts beautiful views of the trains and the city. You’ll also find the WNDR Museum which has interactive, immersive art displays perfect for those looking for a visual experience. Here are a few more sights every Chicago local needs to see.
#7: Green Street Smoked Meats courtyard
Photo courtesy of Mandelette Photography
If you’re looking for a lesser-known beautiful place in Chicago, Rachel, a local photographer, and videographer, recommends the Green Street Smoked Meats courtyard. “This courtyard features hanging lights, greenery, and exposed brick, making for a beautiful hidden gem in Chicago. Escape the crowd and visit this courtyard in the winter to see the holiday beauty for yourself.”
#8: Murals in the alleyways in West Loop
Photo courtesy of Anderson Photography
Beth, a Chicago dance and lifestyle photographer, loves to call the West Loop area: Mural Magic. “Taking a stroll down a few alleyways, you will find unique art created on the side of buildings. If you time it just right, the light is stunning, reflecting off the buildings in the distance.”
South Loop neighborhood
The South Loop is a vibrant neighborhood surrounded by Lake Michigan, various parks, and the river, which makes for beautiful spots all around. Explore the Ping Tom Memorial Park, a 17.44-acre urban park, and gaze at the Chinese landscape and design, or grab your friends and head to the lakefront for scenic views of Lake Michigan and the city – you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve seen those spectacular sites, check out these other beautiful places in the South Loop neighborhood.
#9: Adler Planetarium in Museum Campus
Photo courtesy of H Photography
“One of the most beautiful places in Chicago is the Adler Planetarium area, “shares Doru, a local wedding photographer. “The view from there is breathtaking, with the Chicago skyline reflecting onto Lake Michigan. It’s probably one of the fewest places in Chicago where you can enjoy an open view at sunset or sunrise.”
#10: Printers Row and Dearborn Station
Photo courtesy of Paul Zimmerman Photography
“Printers Row and Dearborn Station are just one of the many places in Chicago where you have the chance to marvel at the wonder of Chicago’s amazing architecture,” shares Paul, a commercial product photographer. With the iconic and historic brick buildings, Paul has always appreciated what these few Chicago blocks offered Chicagoans and those visiting.
Beautiful places in the River North neighborhood
If you’re looking for city charm, you’ll need to check out the River North neighborhood. Here you’ll find beautiful historic warehouse buildings full of unique art galleries, local businesses, and more. Chicago experts say the below buildings are must-sees.
#11: The Wrigley Building
Photo courtesy of Winterlyn Photography
Winterlyn, a wedding photographer, recommends checking out The Wrigley Building. “The Wrigley Building is a beacon in the Chicago skyline. The building is tucked in and out of sight right off Michigan Ave, holding amazing architecture and elegance. During sunset, the light shines through the columns and lights up the area sophisticatedly. It is a breathtaking area of our beautiful city.”
#12: Merchandise Mart
The Merchandise Mart is a commercial building in Chicago that opened in 1930. The Mart, located on the Chicago River, is the world’s largest commercial building, with 4.2 million square feet of space. The Merchandise Mart has been home to many businesses over the years, including the Chicago Board of Trade, the Chicago Sun-Times, and the Chicago Tribune. If you’re in the area at night, you’ll want to watch for THE MART, a projection of stunning art visuals on the front side of the building.
St. Charles neighborhood
Located just 35 miles west of downtown Chicago, you’ll find yourself in the St. Charles neighborhood. This beautiful neighborhood sits on the banks of the Fox River, offering an abundance of natural beauty to all of those that reside there.
#13: Fox River
Photo courtesy of Bella Tu Photography
“Downtown St. Charles is situated right on the Fox River, and the sunsets over the water are breathtaking,” shares Bella. “There is so much charm in this adorable riverside city with its restaurants overlooking the river and inspirational painted murals.”
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