9 Cool Instagram Photo Ideas in Chicago

We’ll put it simply: Chicago is perhaps one of the best locations for photography in the country! Whether you’re there for its flourishing job market, reasonable cost of living (especially compared to other large cities), rich history, thriving arts and culture, or just the delicious Chicago-style hot dogs, this Midwestern city has it all, especially if you’re planning a photoshoot.

There are few places as exciting or energetic as this cosmopolitan city. In addition to its vast and impressive collection of parks, landmarks, architecture, and other bustling public features, Chicago provides countless private spaces of all sorts that are ideally suited to all styles of photography. Peerspace offers hundreds of these kinds of destinations, gathering a wide variety of options in one centralized database for easy browsing. To help you get started in your search, we’ve compiled a helpful list of incredibly cool Instagram photo ideas in Chicago.

1. A lovely and historic museum housed within a Lakeside mansion

Are you a lover of science, history, or both? Then you’re sure to be delighted by this Instagram photo idea in Chicago: a magnificent mansion (an official City of Chicago Landmark, in fact!) boasting an impressive, visually stunning scientific museum. It holds way too many features to list here — you’ll just have to discover them for yourself — but you’ll love the original interior finishes, eight stone fireplaces, gilded metal staircase, and so much more. 

2. A charming neighborhood garden cafe

This sweet neighborhood cafe is a colorful location for a laid-back Instagram photoshoot. The venue’s two rooms are thoughtfully and creatively decorated, with an overall cozy and casual vibe. You can’t go wrong with this place!

3. An airy brick and timber industrial loft

If you’re looking for an open, industrial-style space for your pictures, it’s hard to go wrong with this simple, yet charming brick and timber industrial loft. Its 4,000 square feet provide an ideal opportunity to dance, run, even do cartwheels during a fun and creative photoshoot. And don’t forget the panoramic views of the skyline!

4. An expertly crafted industrial home in Wicker Park

Want your Instagram profile to project an unbeatable yet effortless-seeming combination of #stylish and #cool? You can’t go wrong choosing this stunning 3000-square-foot home for your next photoshoot. Old meets new here, too: while the building is a roughly century-old Chicago classic, the interior is a total gut renovation. The ceilings are between 12 and 40 (!) feet high, and there’s even a skylight over an open atrium, plus lots of exposed brick and steel throughout. It’s one of our absolute favorite Instagram photo ideas in Chicago, by far. 

5. A trendy urban loft with exposed brick

Roughly 40 five-star reviews demonstrate just how great a spot this is. This loft’s 1800-square-feet of open space — brimming with texture, character, and plenty of natural light — make it a visually impressive Instagram photo idea in Chicago. Occupants are surrounded by stylish exposed brick, as well as the gigantic windows (a total necessity, we’d think). 

6. A 1916 French-inspired chateau with amazing architecture

Another historic option, this one absolutely exudes classic, stately luxury. If that’s the vibe you’re going for on your Instagram, it’ll be one of your top Instagram photo ideas in Chicago. Built in 1916, this official Chicago Landmark is a mansion built from stone and containing almost 12,000 square feet (that’s massive) on four floors. Your Instagram photos will benefit hugely from the classic details to be found throughout this French chateau-inspired home: grand marble staircases, ethereal stained glass windows, rich wood paneling, intricate millwork, and glistening herringbone-laid hardwood floors. It’s worth choosing a historic location like this one, as you almost certainly won’t find unique, lovingly crafted features like these in newer homes. 

7. A bright, beautiful, and verdant curated loft space

What’s better for a photoshoot — especially a set of unpretentiously chic Instagram pics — than a loft full of lush plant life? This huge collection of flora thoroughly enjoys soaking up the buckets of sunlight that stream through this loft’s huge windows, and so do its many human visitors, judging by its 40+ five-star reviews. It achieves the perfect balance between natural and modern aesthetics, and will definitely take your Instagram to the next level. 

8. A versatile creative space in the heart of West Town

Art lovers, rejoice! This is one of the most creative Instagram photo ideas in Chicago. You’ll find the perfect embodiment of your passion for visual creativity in this gorgeous space overflowing with artworks of all kinds. The ceilings — swathed with sumptuous swaths of fabric — stretch sky-high over 2000 square feet of hardwood floors, a dramatically designed bar, comfortable and eye-catching furniture, and many other attractive features. 

9. A spacious modern loft nestled in West Town

This cozy, art-filled loft is full of ultra-comfortable spots to settle in for some relaxed, informal Insta photos, backed by appealing decor and abundant natural light. One reviewer praised the space’s “aesthetics, particularly the wooden pieces, lighting, furniture selection, and artistic touches” — ultimately declaring it a “hidden gem.” Another simply called it “a very lovely space.” We bet you’ll feel at home as soon as you arrive.

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