The 30 Best Photography Spots In Chicago, USA

SUMMARY BOX: Having visited Chicago several times over the years, I’ve discovered the city’s most photogenic locations through countless hours of exploring with my camera. This guide shares my favorite 30 photography spots in Chicago – from iconic landmarks like Cloud Gate and Willis Tower to hidden gems like the Wells Kinzie Parking Garage L-train views and Milton Lee Olive Park.

Whether you’re shooting architecture, street art, or skyline views, these are the spots I return to every time I’m in the Windy City. Best visited during golden hour for optimal lighting, though each location offers unique photo opportunities throughout the day.

Best Photography Spots in Chicago

Boasting many parks and world-class museums, Chicago is a photographer’s dream in all seasons. I’ve found its iconic skyscrapers make for some fascinating shots, and there are lots of contemporary artworks that are equally photogenic. Over my visits, I’ve compiled this list of the top Chicago photo locations – from street art to skyscrapers.

1. The SkyDeck – My Top Pick for Skyline Views

You can’t beat the views of the Windy City from The Sky Deck on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, and I can personally attest to this being one of the most spectacular vantage points I’ve experienced. This Chicago skyscraper, formerly known as Sears Tower, has 110 floors in all, and is the highest building in the Western hemisphere. You might recognize it from the film, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – I certainly did on my first visit!

The Sky Deck is situated 1,353 feet above ground and gives you a bird’s eye view for 50 miles in all directions. The Ledge was added in 2009 and is a series of glass boxes that extend out from the building by 4.3 feet. I’ll admit, stepping onto that transparent floor for the ultimate panoramic views was both thrilling and slightly terrifying!

The SkyDeck is so popular that there are often queues to enter at the weekend. From my experience, if you want to get the best shots, it’s worth purchasing the CityPASS Chicago, which gets you into the Express Fast Pass lane and saves significant time.

My Photography Tip: Visit during golden hour for stunning light through the glass boxes. I’ve found early morning visits offer clearer skies and fewer crowds.

Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

2. 360 CHICAGO – Another Spectacular Observation Deck

Another observation deck I absolutely love photographing from is 360 CHICAGO. Located 1,000 feet above ground in the former John Hancock Tower, the 360 CHICAGO Experience gives incredible views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline that I’ve captured numerous times.

On a clear day, you can see four states from the 94th floor viewing platform. I’ve enjoyed a drink here while taking in the sights, and if you’re feeling brave like I was, you can try out TILT.

The highest thrill ride in Chicago, TILT is the only attraction of its kind in the world. It gives you downward facing views from 1,030 feet up! I won’t lie – my hands were sweaty, but the photos were worth it.

Address: 875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611

3. LondonHouse Rooftop – The River Bend Perspective

For a completely different rooftop experience, I’m absolutely in love with the LondonHouse Rooftop bar. While Willis Tower and 360 Chicago give you soaring heights, LondonHouse offers something unique: it’s positioned perfectly at the bend of the Chicago River, giving you an incredible view looking west down the river with the city rising on both sides.

The tri-level rooftop at LondonHouse provides one of the most stunning vantage points in the city. It’s a proper rooftop bar, so you can enjoy cocktails here while photographing the sunset over the river. The golden hour light reflecting off the buildings and water is absolutely spectacular. I’ve captured some of my favorite Chicago skyline shots from this location.

Important note: LondonHouse does not allow DSLRs or professional cameras on the rooftop. You’ll need to photograph with your smartphone or compact camera. If you want to bring professional gear, call ahead to request special permission.

My Photography Tip: Visit during blue hour (just after sunset) when the building lights are on but there’s still color in the sky. Use your phone’s HDR mode to balance the bright lights and darker sky. The west-facing view is ideal for sunset shots.

Address: 85 E Wacker Dr, 22nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60601

4. Architecture Tour River Cruise – A Photographer’s Must

Voted the most popular tour in America by TripAdvisor in 2020, Shoreline Architecture Cruise features over 40 Chicago tourist attractions and is genuinely one of my favorite ways to photograph the city. I’ve taken this cruise twice now, and it’s a fantastic way to get panoramic city skyline shots from the river.

The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and will point out interesting buildings such as Marina City along the way. This tour is definitely a must in your Chicago trip itinerary.

My Photography Tip: Bring a polarizing filter to cut glare from the water, and position yourself on the starboard side for optimal lighting on most buildings.

Departure point: the docks at the NE corner of Michigan Avenue

5. 3 Arts Club Cafe – Instagram Heaven

Not to be confused with The Arts Club of Chicago, 3 Arts Club Cafe is a breathtakingly beautiful coffee house and restaurant on Dearborn Street. I was genuinely awestruck when I first stepped into this space – the historic building dates from 1914 and was previously a club and home for women studying the three arts of music, theatre and painting.

It now houses Restoration Hardware, a luxurious design store spread over six floors. There’s a lovely rooftop terrace as well as a wine vault and Design Atelier where you can reimagine your home.

3 Arts Club Cafe is one of the most Instagrammable Chicago photography spots I’ve discovered and also a great place to have lunch. Please bear in mind however that you can only take photos using mobile phones inside, rather than cameras.

Address: 1300 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610

6. Museum Campus – Skyline Photography at Its Best

Another great place I’ve found for photographing Chicago’s skyline is from Museum Campus. There are some great cultural attractions to photograph here, such as The Field Museum and The Adler Planetarium – both worth exploring if you’re interested in museum architecture.

I’ve captured some of my favorite skyline shots from Lake Shore Drive near Shedd Aquarium. The reflections on Lake Michigan combined with the city backdrop are simply spectacular. It’s a bit of a walk from the centre so I’d recommend the Absolutely Segway Tour to get there, which I took myself. There are lots of stops to take photos along the way at scenic places like Buckingham Fountains.

Address: 1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

7. The Field Museum – Natural History & Architecture

While you’re at Museum Campus photographing the skyline, don’t miss the opportunity to photograph The Field Museum itself. The exterior of the Field Museum is absolutely stunning – a massive Neoclassical building with ionic columns that was built for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

The north steps provide a perfect elevated vantage point for photographing Grant Park and the Chicago skyline, especially at sunrise or sunset. Inside, the star attraction is SUE the T-Rex, one of the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex specimens ever discovered. This 67 million year old dinosaur is displayed in the spectacular Stanley Field Hall, a soaring space with marble columns and beautiful natural light.

Other photogenic exhibits I love include the Ancient Egypt collection (particularly the mummies and the reconstructed mastaba tomb), the Grainger Hall of Gems (stunning minerals and meteorites), and the Tsavo Lions from the “The Ghost and the Darkness” story.

My Photography Tips: The Field Museum allows photography for personal use (no flash, tripods, or professional equipment without permission). Visit on weekday mornings when it’s less crowded.

Use a fast lens (f/2.8 or wider) to handle the lower interior light. For SUE, shoot from multiple angles – head-on is dramatic, but the side profile shows the full skeletal structure. The exterior steps are best photographed during golden hour, about 30-45 minutes before sunset.

Address: 1400 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

8. North Avenue Beach – Golden Hour Magic

Another vantage point I absolutely love is North Avenue Beach, close to Lincoln Park Zoo. I’ve photographed here numerous times and the views of the Chicago skyline combined with Lake Michigan and the sandy beach itself never disappoint.

In my experience, the best time to come is at sunrise or sunset – I’ve captured some of my most dramatic Chicago photos here during golden hour. It’s a popular Chicago wedding proposal spot, particularly in Summertime (I’ve actually witnessed a few!). However, if you have a drone like Paul does, you can take some amazing aerial shots of North Avenue Beach during daylight hours.

My Photography Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise for the best light and bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full skyline.

9. Lincoln Park Zoo & Nature Boardwalk – Urban Nature Meets Skyline

Just a short walk from North Avenue Beach, I discovered one of Chicago’s best-kept photography secrets: the Lincoln Park Zoo South Pond and Nature Boardwalk. The wooden pavilion nicknamed The Honeycomb overlooking the pond is fantastic for framing the Chicago skyline, particularly the John Hancock Center.

Use the Peoples Gas Pavilion to create some really compelling compositions – it adds architectural interest in the foreground while the skyline provides the dramatic backdrop.

The Nature Boardwalk itself is surrounded by prairie-style grasses and absolutely teeming with life. I’ve photographed birds, frogs, turtles, and so many butterflies here. The best part? Lincoln Park Zoo is free, so there’s no admission charge to access this beautiful photography location, although donations are very welcome.

My Photography Tip: Bring a telephoto lens for wildlife shots and a wide-angle for the skyline compositions. Visit during spring and summer when the prairie plants are in full bloom, or autumn for gorgeous golden grasses. Early morning offers the best light and most active wildlife.

Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 (Lincoln Park Zoo, South Pond area)

10. Greetings from Chicago Mural – A Colorful Favorite

One of the most colorful Chicago sights we’ve encountered is the Greetings from Chicago mural on 2226 N Milwaukee Ave near Logan Square. Created by Victor Ving, this is one of our favorite Instagram spots in the Windy City.

We’ll warn you though – cars can park right next to it which made getting a good photo challenging when we visited. The mural includes iconic Chicago symbols like the Willis Tower, deep dish pizza and the “L” train. Visit early morning for the best chance of an unobstructed shot.

Address: 2226 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

11. Wabash Arts Corridor – Chicago’s Living Urban Canvas

After photographing the Greetings from Chicago mural, I highly recommend exploring the Wabash Arts Corridor – a constantly evolving outdoor gallery that stretches along Wabash Avenue from Roosevelt to Polk. This has become one of my favorite spots for street art photography in Chicago.

One of the most photographed pieces is the Moose Bubblegum Bubble by artist Jacob Watts – a whimsical, colorful mural that’s become an Instagram favorite. The varying scales of the murals, from intimate to monumental, make for a really dynamic photo series.

The corridor was founded in 2013 by Columbia College and has grown into one of the largest accessible art projects in the country. I love that it’s free, accessible year-round, and constantly changing – which means I always have a reason to return with my camera!

My Photography Tip: Visit during mid-morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t directly overhead. The murals face different directions, so sidelight can really bring out texture and dimension. Start at the southern edge near Roosevelt and work your way north back into downtown.

Address: Wabash Avenue between Roosevelt and Polk, Chicago, IL

12. The Wrigley Building – Architectural Photography Excellence

Chicago is actually known as the birthplace of the skyscraper, and I’ve photographed many of them over my visits. One of my favorites is the Wrigley Building on North Michigan Avenue.

It was inspired by the Giralda Tower of the cathedral in Seville, Spain. The South Tower opened in 1921 and the North Tower was completed in 1924.

The 14th floor walkway was added in 1931. The building takes its name from William Wrigley Jr. who commissioned it as the headquarters of his chewing gum company.

At the time, it was the first building in Chicago to have air conditioning. It’s a prime example of Chicago art deco style and makes for a striking photograph in black and white or color – so try both!

Address: 400-410 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Some other Chicago skyscrapers I’ve enjoyed photographing include:

• Carbide & Carbon Building
• Chicago Board of Trade
• John Hancock Center
• The Merchandise Mart
• Tribune Tower

13. Marquette Building – Historic Tiffany Mosaics

Built in 1895 and designed by Holabird & Roche, the Marquette Building is a masterpiece of the Chicago School of architecture. But what makes it truly special for photographers are the exquisite Tiffany glass mosaics above the elevator doors on the main floor.

Created by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company, these mosaics depict scenes from Jacques Marquette’s 1674-1675 exploration of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The craftsmanship is breathtaking – thousands of tiny pieces of iridescent glass create these luminous historical scenes. The bronze reliefs and ornate architectural details throughout the lobby are equally photogenic.

What I love about this spot is that it’s often overlooked by tourists, so you can photograph in peace. I usually visit mid-morning when the light is good and the lobby isn’t too busy with the morning rush.

My Photography Tip: The lobby is accessible during business hours (roughly 7 AM – 6 PM on weekdays). Use a telephoto lens (70-200mm) to isolate individual mosaic panels and capture details.

The lighting can be tricky – the mosaics are backlit, which is beautiful but challenging to expose correctly. A wide-angle lens works well for capturing the full lobby architecture. Be discreet and respectful as this is an active office building.

Address: 140 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60603

14. Wells Kinzie Parking Garage – The Famous L Train S-Curve

Now here’s a spot that might surprise you – a parking garage! But the Wells Kinzie Parking Garage has become legendary among Chicago photographers for one specific reason: the incredible view of the elevated Brown Line train curving through downtown in a dramatic S-shape.

I’ll be honest, the first time someone told me about photographing from a parking garage, I was skeptical. But when I finally made my way to the 7th floor and saw the elevated train snaking between those massive skyscrapers, I completely understood the hype. It’s one of the most quintessentially “Chicago” shots you can get.

The trick is timing your visit for optimal light. For best results go just before sunset when the golden light hits the buildings, or at dusk when you can capture long exposures of the train lights creating beautiful trails through the frame. Trains come by frequently (every few minutes during rush hour), so you won’t be waiting long.

A word of caution though: this spot has become so popular that security has got stricter about photographers. Be respectful, explain you’re just taking a few photos, and most guards are accommodating.

My Photography Tip: Bring a tripod if shooting at dusk for long exposures. Use a 24-70mm lens to capture both wider environmental shots and tighter compositions of just the S-curve. The 7th floor offers the best perspective, but explore the 5th and 6th floors too for different angles.

Address: 401 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654 (enter parking garage, take elevator to 7th floor)

15. Cloud Gate (The Bean) – Chicago’s Iconic Photo Op

Although it’s officially named Cloud Gate, this iconic Chicago landmark is known as The Bean to most locals, and it’s one of the most fun subjects I’ve ever photographed. The sculpture takes its nickname from its bean shape.

Designed by famous architect Sir Anish Kapoor, Cloud Gate was unveiled in 2004 and is inspired by liquid mercury. The surrounding buildings are reflected in its polished stainless steel exterior, creating endless photographic possibilities. This is absolutely one of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago.

For an unusual photograph, I recommend walking underneath it and taking a close up of the concave structure – I’ve got some of my most interesting abstract shots this way. If you’d like to get a photograph of the Chicago Bean with no one on it, from my experience the best bet is early morning around 6:30 am or late at night. Cloud Gate is open from 6 am to 11 pm.

Address: AT&T Plaza, Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602

16. Crown Fountain – Interactive Water Art

Also in Millennium Park and next to Cloud Gate you’ll find Crown Fountain, which I find absolutely mesmerizing to photograph. This interactive video sculpture was designed by Jaume Plensa and built by Krueck + Sexton Architects.

Taking inspiration from the traditional use of gargoyles in fountains, it features a pair of 50 foot tall video boards and the faces of local people who volunteered to be photographed for the project. From April to October, the towers intermittently spit water from their mouths, which I’ve found creates even more interesting photographs – especially when kids are playing!

There are also fountains on the ground, which are very popular with children in Summertime. I’ve learned to aim the camera high if I want to avoid getting people in my shot, or I focus on structural details such as reflections on the ground.

Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602

17. Jay Pritzker Pavilion – Frank Gehry’s Musical Masterpiece

While you’re in Millennium Park photographing Cloud Gate and Crown Fountain, don’t miss the Jay Pritzker Pavilion – one of my favorite examples of contemporary architecture in Chicago. Designed by Frank Gehry and completed in 2004, this outdoor concert venue is absolutely stunning to photograph.

The pavilion’s distinctive brushed stainless steel headdress creates these incredible sweeping curves that you can photograph from dozens of angles. The ribbons of steel seem to billow like fabric, and the way they catch light throughout the day is mesmerizing. Late afternoon gives particularly dramatic shadows and highlights.

My Photography Tip: For architectural detail shots, use a telephoto lens to compress the steel ribbons. For context shots showing the full venue, shoot from the back of the Great Lawn with a wide-angle lens around sunset when the pavilion is beautifully lit.

Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602

18. Art Institute of Chicago – Lions and Masterpieces

One of the best museums in the city, the Art Institute of Chicago is also a fantastic place I’ve photographed multiple times. Outside the building, you can snap away to your heart’s content. The famous bronze lions were designed by Edward Kemeys and unveiled in 1894 – I always make a point of photographing them on every visit.

Inside, a few simple guidelines apply:

• Tripods, flash attachments, video cameras, and selfie sticks are not allowed
• Mobile phones and cameras are fine if you do not use the flash

The Art Institute courtyard is a scenic spot for photos, with the Triton fountain from 1926 acting as a worthy focal point. Other photogenic attractions in this Chicago art museum I’ve captured include the Chagall America Windows, Nighthawks by Edward Hopper and American Gothic by Grant Wood.

Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

19. Chicago Cultural Center – World’s Largest Tiffany Dome

One of Chicago’s most stunning (and free!) photography locations is the Chicago Cultural Center, home to the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome. When I first walked into the Preston Bradley Hall and looked up at this magnificent dome, I was absolutely speechless – it’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever photographed.

The dome is 38 feet in diameter and was created by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company in 1897. It features an intricate Renaissance pattern with thousands of pieces of glass in a fish-scale design, and when natural light filters through, the colors are absolutely mesmerizing.

The building itself, completed in 1897, was originally Chicago’s first central public library and now serves as the city’s official reception venue. Besides the Preston Bradley Hall dome, there’s also a stunning Healy and Millet stained-glass dome in the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall – equally worth photographing.

My Photography Tip: Arrive mid-morning (around 10-11 AM) when natural light filters through the dome most beautifully. Use a wide-angle lens (14-24mm) and shoot from directly underneath for the classic composition. Try both horizontal and vertical orientations, and don’t miss the Healy and Millet dome on the south side of the building.

Address: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

Hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM – 7 PM, Saturday-Sunday 9 AM – 6 PM (Free admission)

20. Gino’s East – Quirky Restaurant Photography

It might seem surprising to include a pizza restaurant in my list of the most photogenic Chicago sights, but this is a foodie city and Gino’s East is no ordinary eatery. I was absolutely blown away when I first walked in – since opening in 1966, it’s attracted a whole host of celebrities and international visitors.

The walls, furniture and even the ceilings of this Chicago deep pan pizza restaurant are completely covered in graffiti. Diners are actively encouraged to leave their mark by borrowing one of the pens.

The only challenge is finding a free spot! I spent ages looking for the perfect place to add my own message. Make sure to take a photo of your own graffiti so that you can try to find it if you return (I’m still looking for mine from my second visit!).

Address: 162 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611

21. Buckingham Fountain – Evening Light Shows

One of the most famous landmarks in Chicago that I never tire of photographing is Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. Inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, it was unveiled in 1927.

The fountain operates from April to October and there are frequent water shows on the hour that I’ve photographed many times. In the evening, the color light shows make for some of my favorite photo ops in Chicago. They last for 20 minutes and run every hour from dusk until 10 pm.

My Photography Tip: Use a tripod and long exposure (1-2 seconds) during the evening light shows for stunning water motion and color trails.

Address: 301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

22. Flamingo Sculpture – Bold Calder Red

Located in front of the Kluczynski Federal Building in downtown Chicago, Flamingo is an impressive sculpture by Alexander Calder that I find endlessly photogenic. Completed in 1973 and unveiled in 1974, this steel sculpture is painted a striking shade of red.

In fact, the shade has come to be known as Calder red! It certainly makes this sculpture stand out at any time of the day, and I particularly love photographing it at night when it’s lit up.

As you can walk underneath and around the structure, I’ve found some really interesting photo opportunities here. Another technique I use is to zoom in on part of the sculpture and align it with one of the buildings behind – creates a great geometric composition!

Address: 50 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603

23. Milton Lee Olive Park – A Hidden Skyline Gem

A slightly less known Chicago photography spot that I absolutely love is Milton Lee Olive Park. Located at 598 E. Grand Avenue, this tranquil space is shaded by honey locust trees and is one of my secret spots for avoiding crowds.

It offers spectacular Chicago skyline views and is never too crowded when I visit. From the circular fountains, I’ve captured some beautiful reflection photos that are among my favorites.

My Photography Tip: Visit during blue hour (just after sunset) for incredible city light reflections in the fountain.

Address: 598 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

24. Centennial Wheel and Navy Pier

For a fun or romantic Chicago photo shoot, I love heading to Navy Pier and the Centennial Wheel. You can either buy a ticket to ride the ferris wheel or simply get photos next to it – I’ve done both!

I have to mention that the glass inside the ferris wheel’s cabins can be dirty with people’s fingerprints, and I found this to be true on my ride. This isn’t ideal for great photos, so I’d recommend taking a cleaning cloth with you for the best results.

Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

25. House of Blues – Music Venue Artwork

Music and art lovers will appreciate the House of Blues Chicago, not just as a legendary music venue but as a photography location filled with incredible folk art and vibrant decor. The House of Blues is known for its mission to celebrate African American culture and Southern heritage, and this is reflected everywhere in the decor.

The main concert hall itself is photogenic with its ornate balconies, chandeliers, and the proscenium arch framing the stage. What I love about photographing here is the energy and authenticity of the space. It’s not a sterile museum – it’s a living, breathing music venue with soul. The best time to photograph is if you’re attending a show; arrive early before the venue fills up.

My Photography Tip:

The lighting can be dim and moody, so use a fast lens (f/1.8-2.8) and bump up your ISO. Flash is typically not allowed during performances, but you can use it for the artwork if the venue is empty. Check with staff about photography policies.

Address: 329 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654

Note: Primarily accessible when attending events/concerts; check venue schedule

26. The Chicago Theatre – Historic Icon

What could be more appropriate to photograph in Chicago than the theatre of the same name! Located at 175 N State Street, this historic building dates from 1921 and I’ve photographed it numerous times.

Designed by George and Cornelius Rapp, it cost $4 million to build – a huge sum in those days. Whether I choose to shoot the whole building or focus on the iconic Chicago sign, it’s a beautiful sight by day or night. You should also bought tickets to see a show here – the interior is absolutely stunning and worth photographing too!

My Photography Tip: For the best exterior shots, photograph from across the street during blue hour when the marquee lights are on but there’s still color in the sky.

Address: 175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

27. Palmer House Hotel – Gilded Age Grandeur

If you love photographing opulent interiors, you absolutely must visit the Palmer House Hotel lobby. This historic hotel, which opened in 1871 and was rebuilt after the Great Chicago Fire, features one of the most spectacular lobbies I’ve ever seen – and I’ve photographed quite a few luxury hotels around the world!

The lobby ceiling is what steals the show: an elaborate series of frescoes painted by French artist Louis Pierre Rigal in 1925. The ceiling is covered in 24-karat gold leaf and features intricate Greek mythology scenes, ornate chandeliers, and stunning architectural details.

The lobby’s marble columns, ornate light fixtures, and rich red carpeting create this incredible sense of old-world luxury. The Palmer House is also famous as the birthplace of the brownie (created here in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exposition), and there’s a lovely bar and restaurant where you can grab a drink after your photo session. I’ve done exactly that several times!

My Photography Tip: Use a wide-angle lens (14-24mm) to capture the full ceiling and architectural details. The lobby is quite well-lit, but bring a tripod for sharper shots, especially if you want to capture the ceiling details.

Visit mid-afternoon on weekdays when it’s less crowded. Be respectful of guests – this is a working hotel. Try shooting from the center of the lobby looking up, and from the balcony level looking down.

Address: 17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603

28. Union Station Great Hall – Cinematic Grandeur

If you love photographing grand interior spaces, don’t miss the Great Hall at Union Station. Built between 1913 and 1925, the Great Hall features soaring Corinthian columns, an ornate barrel-vaulted skylight, and massive brass chandeliers that create the most beautiful warm light.

The marble floors reflect everything beautifully, and the sheer scale of the space (with its 115-foot-high ceiling) makes you feel absolutely tiny. It’s been featured in countless films, including The Untouchables (that famous shootout scene on the stairs was filmed here!), so you’re literally photographing a piece of cinema history.

The Great Hall is free to access and photograph, though it can get quite busy during rush hours with commuters. The best times are mid-morning (around 10 AM) or early afternoon when the light is beautiful but the crowds have thinned. The space is particularly stunning during the holiday season when they add decorations.

My Photography Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) to capture the full height and grandeur. Use a higher ISO rather than a tripod if it’s busy – you don’t want to obstruct commuters. Look up! Some of the best shots are looking straight up at the stunning ceiling details.

Address: 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606

29. Route 66 Signs

Iconic Route 66 starts in Chicago, Illinois and you can find the original sign on 99 E Adam St. Close by, the End Route 66 sign is located on E. Jackson Blvd. Both signs are great Chicago picture spots. They’re attached quite high on the lampposts as people kept taking the signs as souvenirs. 

If you’d like refreshments, Lou Mitchell’s on Jackson Blvd is next to the Route 66 sign. It’s also a great place to photograph, with original decor and a neon sign which dates from 1949.

There are many more interesting Route 66 Illinois attractions, which are fantastic to photograph and I highly recommend a trip to see them all. On your Route 66 tour, make sure to travel through the Heritage Corridor and Pontiac, Illinois, which both have some iconic roadside attractions I’ve documented.

Address: Route 66 Begin sign, 99 E Adam St. (intersection with Michigan Ave. Route 66 End sign – E. Jackson Blvd. (intersection with S. Michigan Ave.).

30. Chicago Botanic Garden

If you enjoy visiting and photographing beautiful gardens, don’t miss this one at 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe on the outskirts of Chicago. Boasting 27 different gardens spread over 385 acres, it’s great for shots at all times of year.

Of particular interest to keen photographers are the Japanese Garden, the Heritage Garden and Barbara Brown Nature Reserve. Just bear in mind that a permit is needed for commercial photography.

My Photography Tip: Visit the Japanese Garden early morning in autumn for stunning reflections and fall colors with minimal foot traffic.

Address: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022

In Conclusion: Best Photography Spots in Chicago

If you’re looking for an amazing photo op, Chicago is the place to be. With its iconic architecture and stunning lake views, the city provides plenty of opportunities for photographers of all levels to capture amazing shots.

We’ve highlighted some great spots to take photos in Chicago, but there are countless others waiting to be discovered. Be sure to check out our other Illinois articles for more great photography tips and locations.

Let us know your tips for any great photography spots in Chicago that we’ve not yet included! Which of these Chicago photo spots would you most like to visit?

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