9 Best Indoor Chicago Instagram Destinations | Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection

9 Best Indoor Chicago Instagram Destinations

Now that the weather is chilly in Chicago, it’s time to start thinking about how you can stay warm while still enjoying being a tourist during the holidays. It’s the perfect time of year to visit some of Chicago’s most charming and scenic indoor locations. We’ll give you the most Instagram-worthy inside destinationsso that you’ll stay toasty warm in Chicago’s sub-freezing temperatures. Here’s our list of 9 of the best indoor Chicago Instagram destinations.

Art Institute

Located in downtown Chicago, the Art Institute is one of the world’s great art museums. It houses a collection that spans centuries and the globe. You can explore the new Andy Warhol exhibit and see his sixties pop art, self-portraits, and celebrity artjust make sure you get a selfie in front of Marilyn. Other exhibits include American Gothic by Grant Wood, a 12th-century statue of the Buddha, and even 16th-century field armor made in Nuremberg, Germany. These exhibits give onlookers excellent opportunities to take photos and show off your artsy adventure.

The world’s largest Starbucks

Impress your friends with a photo at the world’s largest Starbucks that just opened on Michigan Avenue. Order your favorite coffee, and then sit back and relax in the glassy 43,000-square-foot space. You’ll definitely stay warm while sipping on a steaming drink. This Starbucks also has interactive tours and special drinks inspired by Chicago. Oh, and don’t forget, you can order Italian food like pizza if you’re hungry. Take a break from shopping on Michigan Avenue to warm up and grab a cup of steaming joe.

 

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Garfield Park Conservatory

You can visit a lush, green jungle while visiting Chicago this winter. The Garfield Park Conservatory features 2 acres under glass, so you’ll be able to spend time looking at the 70 palm trees and the varied collections of cacti and succulents. Many Instagrammers flock to this colorful paradise, not only because it’s warm, but also because it houses beautiful flora and fauna to take pictures in front of. So, grab your camera, and get ready to be enveloped in a tropical utopia.

Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel

Although you’ll have to go outside to get to this location, you won’t want to miss it. 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. The enclosed gondolas provide a warm and comfortable experience while riding around. It’s the perfect place to grab a photo of Chicago’s skyline from above while sipping on a cup of hot cocoa. 

Rookery Building

The Rookery Building is located in Chicago’s financial district. This historic building was built in 1888 and is the perfect place to snap a beautiful photo due to its well-lit central room. Another Instagram-famous spot within this building is the famous Rookery Building stairwell. This iconic stairwell is an architectural masterpiece and is the perfect spot to easily take a quintessential photo. This building is often used for wedding ceremonies, so you might want to book a tour so that you can view the spectacular space

Willis Tower Skydeck

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

Field Museum

Stop by the Field Museum to see the massive 40-foot-long and 90 percent complete Tyrannosaurus rex. Don’t worry, Sue doesn’t bite. You’ll also be able to see skeletons of a giant ground sloth and a titanosaur, the biggest dinosaur that ever lived. If dinos aren’t your thing, head over to the Ancient Egypt exhibit, where you’ll discover ancient burial chambers, hieroglyphs, and a 4,000-year-old royal boat. The Field Museum will keep you entertained inside for hours so that you can stay warm and will also give you opportunities to take all of the pictures you need to remember your visit. 

Johnson Publishing Archive at Stony Island Arts Bank

Select a good book and nestle into one of these comfy armchairs at the Johnson Publishing Archive. Stony Island Arts Bank is a hybrid gallery, media archive, library, and community center. Built in 1923, this building was originally a bank, until it closed in the ’80s. Later on, in 2015, the building was restored and opened as a place for the community to share art, culture, and heritage. Not only is it a quaint space to take photos, but it is a great spot to warm up while you explore.

The Albert 

The Albert’s striking and lively atmosphere provides a perfect Instagrammable dining experience. Filled with walls of books and unique art, alongside innovative dishes, people can take photos to their heart’s content. Stop by the Albert during Happy Hour for a cocktail, or visit during dinnertime to try delicious dishes like Charred Octopus White BBQ or Prime Skirt Steak Eggplant Caviar. Whether you settle for drinks, food, or dessert, the Albert will give you a warm and inviting atmosphere to take lots of spectacular pictures.

Beat Chicago’s freezing weather by visiting these indoor destinations. You’ll be able to get photogenic pictures while also making memories that will last a lifetime. So, don’t forget to pack your camera, a selfie stick, and maybe even a hat and scarf or two, and you’re on your way to a sublime winter Chicago vacation.

Need a place to stay this holiday season? Book your reservation now.