Chances are you’ll spend most of your time in Chicago looking up: The Windy City is famous for its towering skyscrapers. But to offer a different perspective on this exciting destination, we’ve rounded up some birds-eye views of Chicago’s most loved places.
Lake Michigan
Chicago sits on the southwest shores of Lake Michigan, the only Great Lake found completely within the United States. Come summertime, locals gather along the lake’s sandy beaches to sunbathe, swim and play fetch with their four-legged friends.
(Photo: Chun-The-Chen/Getty Images)
Chicago River
The Chicago River cuts through the heart of the city and flows out into Lake Michigan. Start your city tour here with a free boat tour offered by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. On board, you’ll learn about the stunning buildings that can be seen from the water.
(Photo: ElOjoTorpe/Getty Images)
Field Museum
Looking down from the balcony of the iconic Field Museum, you’ll get a good look at Sue. The massive dinosaur skeleton in the main hall of the world-renowned natural history museum is the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered.
(Photo: Richard Nowitz/Alamy)
Millennium Park
Whether or not you like art, a visit to Millennium Park is a must when you’re in Chicago. This large open space houses a variety of public sculptures, including Cloud Gate (better known as “The Bean”). When the weather is nice, you’ll spot kids splashing in the fountains.
(Photo: Chris Pritchard/Getty Images)
Navy Pier
Navy Pier caters to the young and young-at-heart with a variety of rides and games. Extending out into Lake Michigan, this pier has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1916. Stop by on a summer night to watch the fireworks displays over the lake.
(Photo: Henryk Sadura/Glow Images)
Michigan Avenue
Experience the good life in Chicago with a stroll along the Magnificent Mile. This stretch of Michigan Avenue just north of downtown is lined with designer stores, high-end restaurants and luxury hotels.
(Photo: yenwen/iStock)
Willis Tower SkyDeck
For a true birds-eye view of Chicago, take the elevator to the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears tower) and step out onto the Skydeck’s Ledge. These glass cases jut out from the city’s most iconic building, offering clear views of the skyline and the street below. Look down if you dare!
(Photo: Stephen Chung/Alamy)
Wrigley Field
Built in 1914, legendary Wrigley Field is home to baseball’s Chicago Cubs. Even if you aren’t able to catch a game, you can still visit the stadium for a tour of the field, the dugout and the locker rooms. Or, mingle with Cubs fans at one of the many sports bars scattered throughout North Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood.
(Photo: Ron Chapple Stock/Thinkstock)
Chicago Skyline at Night
Chicago’s architecture is beautiful at all hours of the day, but the skyline truly sparkles come sundown. Enjoy the view during dinner at The Signature Room at the 95th, located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Tower.
