The Best Views in Chicago from the City Skyline to the River

From city skyline to Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, the Windy City offers tons of breathtaking views in all of its major neighborhoods. Whether you’re moving to Chicago or just visiting, this is our guide to the best views in the city.

Where to find: Chicago River views

The Chicago River is the city’s hub, as it flows through Chicago and stretches 156 miles. Not only is it the center of the city, it is also the foreground for many breathtaking views, from restaurants and cafes to apartments and attractions. Discover some of the best spots in town with stunning lake views.

If you are looking for a bite to eat along the river, there are plenty of options to choose from. River roast, a new American joint, offers a touch of upscale British cuisine with stunning river views. Chicago Cut Steakhouse is a stylish steakhouse with a patio overlooking the river, so you can enjoy the wonderful lake view outside on a hot summer day. Beatnik on the river is another great choice that offers international dishes and tropical cocktails with riverside seating and exquisite interiors.

When looking for a place to call home with a view of the Chicago River, Wolf Point East is a great place to be. Located at the intersection of River North, Fulton Market, and The Loop, these luxury homes feature high-end finishes and popular amenities. Take in the river and skyline views from your private balcony or at the indoor / outdoor pool with south-facing deck and deck.

If you’re looking for a downtown home with a river view, check out OneEleven. Here, the Chicago River is right outside your front door with all the fun of The Loop just steps away. OneEleven units feature carefully selected features and finishes for an unprecedented living experience.

In the heart of Streeterville are the Northwater Apartments. Designed for lavish high-rise living, these chic homes boast proximity to the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan, as well as stunning finishes in units with balconies framing exceptional river views.

Where to find: Chicago skyline views

Wherever you look, you’re bound to get a glimpse of Chicago’s infamous skyline. But if you’re looking to take that view to the next level, check out some of these restaurants and apartments with amazing views of the city skyline.

The Signature Salon at the 96th arrondissement is an upscale joint with American cuisine and a fantastic vibe with stunning views of the city. J. Parker features New American cuisine with handcrafted cocktails in a chic restaurant with incredible views of Lincoln Park and the skyline. To quote is a romantic upscale American restaurant with French influences and a lovely nighttime rooftop view to top it off.

Need a place to call home with exceptional views of the city? Check Connection to the wicker playpen. Located in one of the trendiest areas, these apartments feature contemporary finishes and boast-worthy amenities, including a rooftop lounge with panoramic city views.

Tucked away in the South Loop, NEMA is a premier apartment community with smart residences and modern amenities. Enjoy the view of the NEMA skyline in the Rooftop Lounge or rent an exclusive apartment from their Skyline Collection, which includes dedicated amenities and unobstructed views.

Old Town Park ll & lll is where unparalleled design meets exceptional living. Take in the spectacular 360 degree views from your private balcony or kick back and relax by the pool with cabanas to take in the cityscape.

Located in Lincoln Park, ELEVATE is elegantly designed with sophisticated amenities and unparalleled living experiences. Floor-to-ceiling windows are where you’ll see the beautiful city skyline, but you can also enjoy the view from the poolside cabana.

Where to find: views of Lake Michigan

One of the best parts of Windy City is proximity to the lake and all there is to do and see there. Along with lakefront walks and lounging on the beach, Lake Michigan is also another prime backdrop for photo ops in Chicago.

Need a place to eat with a view of Lake Michigan? Try Cindy’s roof. This trendy and stylish rooftop bar offers seasonal dishes and fantastic views of Lake Michigan. Another great choice is located inside the Park Hyatt. AT NoMI kitchen, you can enjoy inventive American cuisine with a modern French twist and take in views of Lake Michigan, Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile while you’re at it. Shore Club is another fantastic place to eat, serving new American food and cocktails with an incredible view of Lake Michigan.

When looking for a luxury apartment with a view of Lake Michigan, stop by 500 Lake Shore in Streeterville. These well-appointed homes offer iconic skyscraper views with unrivaled amenities. Enjoy the view of Lake Michigan by the pool or in your apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Lincoln Common is an elegant two-tower building with cinematic views in historic Lincoln Park. Soak up the rooftop and Lake Michigan views from the rooftop lounge or from your own apartment at Lincoln Common.

Sleek, practical and luxurious, MOMENT is a Streeterville gem in the heart of it all. Steps from Lake Michigan and Navy Pier, this convenient building offers some of the best views of Lake Michigan from multiple vantage points.

Essex on the Park in the Loop offers extravagant spaces with exquisite design and breathtaking views of the city and the lake. Take in the stunning views from their 4 story conservatory oasis or relax and enjoy the cityscape in your home in Essex with oversized windows and high end finishes.

Food Delivery Restaurants in Chicago

Need a restaurant that offers some of the city’s best rooftop, river, and lake views? Check out some of them.

London house is a chic hotel rooftop with panoramic city views and delicious drinks. This beautiful place is a great place to relax with some of the best views in town. With ample outdoor space, a nice assortment of spirits and wines, and stunning architecture all around you, London House is a must-see.

From the bar is a chic lounge with creative cocktails and tapas with a breathtaking view of the city. Located above the Peninsula Hotel, this chic spot offers fantastic drinks and creative bites.

Lifted is a trendy hotel lounge with handcrafted cocktails and plenty of small plates to share. In addition to their unique drinks and tapas, this summer patio offers a breathtaking view of the horizon and the river.

Offshore offers Californian cuisine with creative cocktails, tasty tapas and vivid views. Enjoy an upscale entry as you bask in the ambiance of Offshore and take in the spectacular cityscape. This chic spot is perfect for girls’ nights or dates, and it’s the ultimate hot-weather hotspot.

Best places to watch the sunrise in Chicago

Watching the sun rise above the Chicago skyline is something truly spectacular. Here are some of the best places to watch the sunrise in Chicago.

On the near north side, North Avenue Beach is a great place to watch the sunrise and relax on the beach. In addition to the gorgeous sunrise views, North Avenue Beach is where you can enjoy an afternoon picnic, find people playing volleyball or swimming, or taking a refreshing stroll. the length of the beach.

Grant Park is surrounded by the best iconic spots in Chicago and is also one of the best places to watch the sunrise. This large urban park has the lake on one side and the skyline on the other, so this location is the perfect place to watch the sunrise.

You might not have thought of going there to watch the sunrise over the city, but Adler Planetarium is another great place with a beautiful city background. When you aren’t admiring the sunrise from here, this family-focused public museum is perfect for all things astronomy and astrophysics.

Montrose Beach near Uptown is another prime spot to watch the sun rise from the water on a hot summer day. With so many open spaces, locals call this “Chicago’s hidden gem” because it’s a perfect getaway from all the hustle and bustle of the city.

Chicago Observation Deck and Sightseeing Views

If you’re new to the city or just looking for a new perspective on Chicago, check out these prominent observation decks and sightseeing views.

On the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower is Skydeck Chicago. This observation deck features clear observation boxes with views of 4 states. From far above the city you will have stunning views in all directions. Pro tip: Go early to avoid the crowds and spend more time enjoying these views.

360 Chicago is another Chicago hotspot on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building. With a tilting glass gazebo 300 meters high, you get stunning views of the city. And don’t worry, even if you’re afraid of heights, many reviewers feel comfortable on the tilt.

the Centenary wheel (aka the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel) also offers some of the best views of the city’s skyline and Lake Michigan. If you need a great night view, definitely try this one.

Now that you are well equipped with all the best spots with amazing views of Chicago, it’s time to move into a new home with some of those views.

If you need help with your Chicago apartment search or finding the view that’s right for you, our experienced team of rental professionals can help answer all of your questions. Contact us today to begin your search!