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Free Photo Op Locations in Chicago

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.

Do you get bored of your surroundings when you’re in one place for too long? Quarantine life has become quite mundane and I know there are people out there who are sick of being home. If you like taking pictures and are up for taking a road trip, I have the perfect spots for you. The closest big city to Chambana is Chicago, so if you ever find yourself in one of the most beautiful cities ever, make sure to check out some of the best free photo op locations from a true Chicagoan. 

    1. London House

This restaurant is located on top of the London House Hotel. It has amazing views of the city and dining in is not a requirement for photo taking. Head over to London House for perfect views of the river.

    2. Mariano’s parking garage

The Mariano’s parking garage at 40 S. Halsted is big and shares stunning angles of Chicago’s beautiful buildings. 

    3. The Riverwalk 

Walking alongside the Chicago River and getting to see the city engulf you from the ground is magical. I recommend taking an architecture boat tour to get the full river experience!

    4. North Avenue Beach

This beautiful beach spot is a perfect place to see the complete skyline. 

Sorority Hand Sign Nyc
Anna Thetard / Her Campus

    5. CorePower Yoga parking garage 

This parking garage located on 555 W Roosevelt Rd is the perfect spot for sunset photos. 

    6. Pilsen/Wicker Park Murals

If you’re more on the artsy side, there are tons of bright, colorful, fabulous murals in both the Pilsen and Wicker Park neighborhoods. 

overview of the Chicago during the day
Photo by Edwin Jose Vega Ramos from Pexels

    7. Starbucks Reserve on Michigan Avenue

The fairly new Starbucks Reserve is very photogenic with glass windows and creative Starbucks beverages you have never seen before. 

    8. The Adler Planetarium 

One of my favorite spots to watch fireworks during the summer – an incredible view right on the edge of the lake!

Chicago city landscape at sunrise
Photo by Brad Knight from Unsplash

 

 

Hi, I'm Natalia! I am a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am passionate about social justice and social issues and aspire to change the world for the better :). I am an avid animal lover and plan on double majoring in Psychology and Gender & Women’s Studies along with a minor in Sociology. Stay beautiful, ladies!
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