7 Places You’ll Find the Best Views in Chicago

Chicago is filled with iconic vistas, unique architecture, exquisite parks, breathtaking sights of Lake Michigan, and more. With so many spectacular views, it can be difficult to decide which ones you want to see on your visit to the city. To help you prioritize the top panoramic sights, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to see picturesque views around the city.

Ride Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel

Visiting Navy Pier is an extremely popular activity. Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot long pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, containing restaurants, theaters, museums, rides, a botanical garden, and the Centennial Wheel. The Centennial Wheel is an iconic part of the Chicago skyline. It reaches to heights of nearly 200 feet, while also providing 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. While riding the Centennial Wheel, you’ll be able to take photos of some of Chicago’s most stunning views. Riding the Centennial Wheel should definitely be on your Chicago bucket list.

Meander through Millennium Park and Grant Park

Meander through Millennium Park and Grant Park, both of which are great places for picnics, or even just enjoying some sunshine. Both are conveniently located near Buckingham Fountain, the Lakefront Trail, and Museum Campus. Millennium Park is one of the most popular bucket list activities in Chicago. The park’s reflective “bean” sculpture is known for its unique shape, as well as its reflection of the city around it. The park also has other art exhibitions, sculptures, and a 3.5-acre garden. Grant Park and Millennium Park are both two of the most iconic parks in Chicago, so make sure you plan this activity into your itinerary so that you can show your friends and family your photos of these famous landmarks after your trip.

Go to Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo, located only 3 miles from downtown Chicago, is not only a great place to see animals from around the world, but also beautiful gardens which are home to more than 1,200 plant species. One of the most iconic locations within the zoo is the Nature Boardwalk, where you can catch glimpses of blooming flowers, the South and North Ponds, and even a sculpture known as the Honeycomb.

Observe the city from the Skydeck at Willis Tower

Of course, we couldn’t leave this traditional Chicago gem off of our list of the best views in the city. The Willis Tower is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. The Skydeck, located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, offers both stunning and heart-pounding views. You can choose to stand out on the Ledge’s glass box, 1,353 feet in the air—if you dare. This is a great opportunity for a photo op, especially because of the jaw-dropping views located right beneath your feet.

Bike or walk along the Lakefront Trail

Whether you ride a bike or stroll along the Lakefront Trail, you’ll be able to see stunning views of Chicago’s skyline. Discover some of the best views on the trail near Museum Campus, outside of Adler Planetarium. The trail juts out into this lake at this point, making it a perfect spot to see the city’s entire skyline. 

Explore the Chicago Riverwalk

On any day in the city, you’ll find many people leisurely strolling down the Chicago Riverwalk. This 1.25-mile-long pathway extends from Lake Shore Drive to Lake Street in Downtown Chicago. During the early fall, you’ll be able to see flowers and greenery lining parts of the path, as well as open restaurant patios. You can also enjoy looking at spectacular sights of some of the city’s best architecture. Strolling down the Chicago Riverwalk is a leisurely activity that can help you see the city in a one-of-a-kind way. If you’re interested in having a more adventurous time, you can take a tour of the Chicago River by kayak instead. 

Experience 360-degree views of the city

360 Chicago will—literally—give you 360-degree views of Chicago far above the ground. 360 Chicago now offers a thrilling new experience, called TILT. During your TILT experience, you will be extended out and over the Magnificent Mile and Chicago’s famous skyline, seeing unique, downward facing views from 1,030 feet. 360 Chicago is offering a free kids ticket with any purchase of an Adult General Admission ticket. 

Planning your trip to Chicago

Whether you choose to visit Chicago now or in the future, you’ll have a unique and thrilling experience, not to mention the stunning landscapes that you’ll be able to see. After you’ve selected your travel dates, you’ll need to decide where you’ll stay on your trip. Consider booking a hotel located in the heart of the city, close to many of these locations. Now you’re ready for your upcoming trip to Chicago filled with breathtaking adventures and spectacular sights. 

Need a place to stay when visiting Chicago? Book your reservation here.