Chicagoans aren't humble when it comes to bragging about how beautiful their city looks. Our skyline's architecture is among the best in the country, and the view from the lakefront can bring forth tears of joy. Chicago is chock full of vantage points that are incredibly inspiring and can remind you why you fell in love with the city in the first place.
Here are our 13 favorites vantage points.
The lakefront by the Adler Planetarium
Photograph: CC/Flickr/Andy Sternberg
Taking a bike ride or a stroll along the lakefront by the Adler Planetarium is a compelling experience. The museum sits just north of Northerly Island in a spot that juts out into the lake east of the South Loop. When the light and water conditions are right, you can catch a view of the skyline reflecting onto the lake.
360 Chicago at the John Hancock Center
Photograph: Martha Williams
The John Hancock Center is the fourth-tallest building in Chicago, but its location by the lake on the Near North Side gives it an amazing view of Lake Shore Drive (as well as the rest of the city). You can check out the relatively new Tilt attraction at 360 Chicago on the 94th floor for a harrowing sight of the city below, or eat and dine at the Signature Room. Either way, on a clear day you'll be able to see up to 55 miles in any direction and catch glimpses of four other states.
Promontory Point
Photograph: CC/Flickr/Kim Scarborough
Tucked away along the lake in Hyde Park, the vantage from Promontory Point demonstrates how huge Chicago's skyline really is. It's more than seven miles away from the Loop, but the buildings still look monstrous, menacing and downright gorgeous.
The elevated crossing at the Ashland Green and Pink Line station
This is a view that's definitely worth missing your train for. If you've ever transferred at the Ashland Green and Pink Line stop, you've likely had a chance to take in the amazing, unobstructed perspective of the skyline from the station's elevated crossing over the tracks. It's arguably the most comprehensive view of Chicago's architecture on the West Side (and the city in general).
The balcony at Cindy's
Photograph: Martha Williams
There's a lot to love about the Chicago Athletic Association, and the 13th-floor view from the balcony at their rooftop restaurant Cindy's is one of the best. It's not the only place in town where you can get a gorgeous look at Millenium Park, Grant Park and the lake in a single place, but it is the only balcony in the city where you can do all that while sipping on an amazing menu of cocktails by "spirit guide" Nandini Khaund.
Sears (Willis) Tower Skydeck
The most obvious place to get a great view of Chicago is on the 103rd floor of the city's tallest building. Since the Willis Tower added the Ledge a few years back, which suspends guests in a glass box a quarter mile above the ground, the attraction offers about as good of a view as you're going to get anywhere in the country, aside from an airplane.
North Pond at Lincoln Park
You can see some adorable animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo, but if you want to check out something a bit more inspiring head over to the North Pond on the park. The city's buildings pop up above the trees, contrasting urban monoliths with natural flora.
Belmont Harbor
Photograph: CC/Flickr/Damian Entwistle
Walking along the northern end of Belmont Harbor shows exactly why Lake Michigan is a Great Lake—when you hit the edge of the water it feels like you've reached the edge of the Earth. If you're on the North Side and are looking for a happy place, this is a sure bet.
The Terrace at the Trump
Photograph: Martha Williams
You won't be able to drink for cheap on The Terrace at Trump, but you will be able to check out all of the city's amazing downtown riverfront architecture including the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower. If you're on a budget but still want to enjoy the view, order a cheap pop and snap as many photos as you can before the staff starts to get annoyed with you.
Chicago Riverwalk
Photograph: Jeremy Atherton
The Riverwalk is a brand new and welcome addition to Chicago's downtown attraction scene. A stroll along the path makes one feel like they're being consumed by the city—in a good way.
Terzo Piano
Photograph: Martha Williams
The restaurant Terzo Piano is attached to the Art Institute and is just as beautiful as the artwork inside. Like the rest of the museum's Modern Wing, the spot was designed by legendary architect Renzo Piano. The price tag for a meal at the place can be a bit hefty, but dining on the terrace on a summer day is an experience that can't be replicated elsewhere.
Northerly Island
Northerly Island Park opened last September after years of waiting. The 91-acre peninsula off of the shoreline was once home to the tiny airport Meigs Fields, but Mayor Richard M. Daley demolished the whole thing (effectively overnight) back in 2003. Now, it's an isolated, peaceful area that's home to a great views and a great music venue to match.
From a plane at night
Chicago at night is a beautiful thing to look at, but seeing it from above is jaw-dropping. If you're flying into the city, you can almost always catch a great glimpse of the city in its twinkling entirety.