We’ve got your top spots in Chicago for snapping the best Insta photos known to man! Get photo-ready for these amazing locations!

 

Cloud Gate (The Bean)- One of the most popular places in Chicago for photography and film. Be sure to arrive early to get your pics without gobs of strangers (and their photographers) in your shot.

 

Chicago Theatre– Does anything say, “iconic” like the Chicago Theatre sign? I don’t think so. Grab your perfect picture of this piece of Chicago history before hitting your next insta-pic destination.

 

 

Buckingham Fountain– Pretend you’re a royal, pretend you’re a mermaid (or merman), be whatever you want to be in front of this dazzling fountain where all things are possible—including the most perfect photo ever.

 

Michigan Avenue Bridge Viewpoint (DuSable Bridge)- You’ve probably seen this bridge in tons of movies. You can put on your most spectacular performance in your picture on this famous bridge spot.

 

Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo– If you can manage to get here and claim your spot before other engagement shoots, family shoots, or maternity shoots then you’re lucky! This is a hot spot for photo shoots and it’s easy to see why. The water, the bridges, the nature—all there to make you sparkle in your photos!

 

LaSalle Flower shop– Looking for that touch of romance and beauty? LaSalle Flower shop, founded in 1936, will have you looking like the heroine in a Jane Austen novel.

 

Beatnik– Need colorful? Need exotic? Then Beatnik has what your social media needs. Get ready for a whole lot of color and even more fun and tasty food!

Hampton Social– “Rosé all day” shirt not enough? Come here and take a pic in front of the beachy restaurant’s neon lights sign instead!

 

Sky Deck– Nothing says Chicago quite like the Sky Deck. Come take your most daring photos ever on this famous glass spot. Not for the faint of heart!

Garfield Park Conservatory– Come experience beautiful plant life of all kinds in this glass conservatory. A great spot for a photo shoot and to escape the cold of Chicago winters! Just be mindful, the conservatory is located in a less-picturesque part of town.

 

Maison Marcel– A lovely coffee shop with warm pastries, and bohemian-tropical vibes. Enjoy a cup of Joe and snap that pic while you’re at it.

North Avenue Beach– If a gorgeous view of the Chicago Skyline is what you’re after then look no further! Get the city sites in your feed here!

 

John Hancock Observatory-Check out the city of Chicago from the 95th floor of this 1,128-foot skyscraper.

 

Promontory Park– Want to see the beauty that a landfill can create? Go check out Promontory Point, which is a man-made peninsular that juts into Lake Michigan. Have fun getting in touch with those island vibes in the pics you take here.

 

Navy Pier– has it all to make your photos sing: a Ferris wheel, lights, the water, cool treats. Show your fun side at this beautiful Chicago destination.

 

If you are a citizen of earth you’ve probably noticed how many movies are set in Chicago. Or, if you’re like me you don’t fully realize it until you live here and start noticing location after location that has you feeling like you live in a straight up rom-com or action flick. And silly me thought New York was the mega star of the big screen. Technically it is but Chicago is close at numero très following Los Angeles, which isn’t too shabby.

So, if your curiosity has been peaked by this cinematic city, then let’s dive deeper into some of its top moments on the big screen!

∞

While You Were Sleeping– The adorable Christmas romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, and that guy from Center Stage with the great eyebrows (note to self: Google eyebrow guy’s name). The trains are front and center in this one, specifically Randolph-Wabash El Station where Sandra’s character, Lucy, works and falls for the classy businessman (eyebrow guy) and eventually saves his life. Later, Lake Point Tower and Lady of Mount Carmel Church are featured as well as Emmanuel Episcopal Church. This movie highlights the warmth and familial beauty of Chicago that aren’t readily seen by an initial glance. Who said big cities can’t be homey?

My Best Friend’s Wedding– A more classic Julia Robert’s tale there was not…okay except Pretty Woman. But Pretty Woman lacks Chicago which is the heart of this film as its beautiful backdrop for love and love lost. O’Hare Airport is the memorable moment of Michael and Jules’ classic movie airport reunion.

From there, Fourth Presbyterian Church on E Chestnut St is where the rehearsal and the wedding were filmed. The Chicago Hilton is seen in the film as well as the Drake Hotel. The Chicago Union Station is in my opinion the most memorable as Jules chases after Michael, trying to undo the damage she’s done. Julia may not have gotten the guy in this one but Chicago sure had its moment of glory.

The Vow– This is an emotional romantic drama based on a true story of a woman who lost her memory and a husband who woos her for a second time into loving him. The wife played by Rachel McAdams is an artist…or she was before she lost her memory. It’s neat to see the artsy side of Chicago for those who may not march to that beat. The film shoots at Southlake Regional Healthcare, the iconic Millennium Park, The Roastery Coffee House, and Casa Loma. The tear-jerking moments are made worth it by the great Chicago sights and happy ending of course!

Divergent– To see Chicago in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian future is haunting yet still beautiful. Divergent is full of thrills and plenty of action with the trains of Chicago, Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel, Pioneer Court, and the old Chicago Defender building still making their mark. Even if covered in a little rust and overgrown vines, they still fit the iconic bill. The Dauntless faction must jump from the trains as part of their fearless way of life. The grinding of metal cars against the steel rails is an unmistakable sound that follows you throughout the movie and, in real life, plays like the city’s very own soundtrack.

Never Been Kissed- Drew Barrymore fans know by heart that Josie Grossy’s place of work is Chicago…and no, she’s not Josie Grossy anymore! In this timeless comedy, we have Chicago Avenue on the Brown Line CTA stop featured. Also, Josie’s office interior and job scenes were filmed in Chicago. If you need some love maybe Chicago’s where it’s at? Or at least in the ever-loveable Never Been Kissed.

The Fugitive- Countless spots all over Chicago are featured in this iconic Harrison Ford film where he’s wrongly accused of murdering his wife. He must find the real killer as he’s being hunt down by an expert U.S. Marshall. No biggie for Harrison. The Chicago Hilton is featured at the end of the movie and, apparently, has also hosted four of the U.S. Presidents since opening. That’s hot.

Adventures in Babysitting- One of my personal childhood favorites of babysitting gone oh so very wrong as Elizabeth Shue, Chris Parker, takes a group of kids downtown to rescue a runaway friend with car-jacking rings, singing the blues, and skyscraper danger in between. The Michigan Avenue Tower is where the parents’ work party is held and superimposed into several shots.

The Dan Ryan Expressway is where the tire of the old station wagon blows, specifically between Monroe and Madison. The bus station exterior 20 E. Randolph Street is where they (spoiler) at last pick up Brenda in the end. The interior for the Silver Dollar Room/Fitzgerald’s Night Club is on Roosevelt Road where they can’t leave without singing the blues. This late 80’s flick shines as it warns of Chicago crime in, like, the most entertaining way ever.

Home Alone & Home Alone 2 Lost in New York– For the all-time most famous Chicago movie ever (I mean there’s no contest, right?) we have the Home Alone 90’s masterpieces. Winnetka, the suburb of Chicago, 671 Lincoln Avenue to be exact, is the address of the picturesque McCallister home. I don’t know about you, but this was the fanciest house my seven-year-old eyes had ever seen! And the fictional McCallister home—looking unchanged from the exterior—is still a hugely popular tourist attraction to this day.

Evidently, Covid lockdowns added to its tourist numbers as bored city dwellers flocked to Kevin’s abode (to the neighboring residents’ chagrin). This house bears a forever warm place in our hearts as the home Kevin so brilliantly defended and if nothing else, Chicago will remain on the map because of it.

And last but not least, the McCallister’s reunion in the enormous hotel room at the end of Home Alone 2 was actually filmed at the Conrad Hilton Suite in Chicago.

∞

And there we have just a drop in the bucket of some of Chicago’s most iconic movie set magic. Check out these links for some awesome Chicago Film Tours and make some movie magic of your own!

 

Navigating in a big city like Chicago may seem daunting at first, but we’re here to help with your very own guide to our local transit system. 

First, a little background. The “L” gets its name from the elevated tracks it runs in the downtown area (sometimes, though, the tracks may be on the ground or even underground!) This way of transportation was inaugurated in June of 1892, covering 3.6 miles initially. Now, it spans over 224.1 miles and operates on 8 different lines; Red Line, Blue Line, Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, and Yellow Line.

 

Fun Fact: In 2005, the people of Chicago voted the “L” as one of the “Seven Wonders of Chicago”.

How to Ride Like a Pro:

  1. Enter the Station and Pay Your Fare

There are turnstile gates that lead to the platform that have contactless readers for either Ventra Cards, Ventra Tickets, or, if you have your card attached to your phone or a contactless card, you can use those. 

We recommend using the kiosk just inside the station to buy a Day Pass if you plan to use any CTA more than once. They also have options for 3-Day, 7-Day, and 30-Day pass. These give you unlimited rides on the trains and busses throughout the duration of your ticket. 

       2. Follow Signs for Your Designated Train Platform

There may be multiple lines that run through that station, so make sure you know which one you need to board. There will be maps and signs spread throughout the station to help guide you to the proper platform. Make sure you pay close attention to the name of the train directions (ie Loop, 95th/Dan Ryan, Harlem) as the same line may be going in different directions. 

Before the arrival of your train, make sure to keep your distance on the platform from the edge. We recommend 6 feet.

       3. Board the Train

When your train arrives, there will be a verbal announcement of the train’s intended direction as well as signs in the window in the color of the line, stating the direction. 

Please allow current passengers to exit the train before boarding yourself. 

Board your train and enjoy the ride!

       4. Arrival at Your Destination

The train will be making frequent stops at a multitude of stations. There are maps in the car that show the train’s path. We recommend using this to your advantage in one of two ways. One, you could count how many stops there are before your own, or two, look at the name of the station before the one you need and prepare to disembark after departing that final station. Prior to every stop, the train will make an audible announcement of the upcoming station. Make sure to pay close attention to these so you don’t miss yours. 

       5. Exiting the Station

Some stations have multiple exits. Depending on the direction you intend to go, take heed of the signage that will direct you to where you need to go. 

 

Safe Travels! X