Social media has taken over the world and platforms like Instagram are inspiring millennials to travel. As a fellow millennial myself, I understand the need to have a “show off” Facebook profile picture. In a world that revolves around our social media profiles and the way that we are portraying our lives online, there are now famous locations people are traveling to just for a photograph to post on social media. Below are three hot spots in Chicago that people are traveling from afar to get to. Some locations have over a three hour wait just for a photograph! Is the wait worth it? I’ll enclose my own photographs and let you be the judge.
the Willis Tower (Sears tower)
What was once the tallest building in the world, the Willis tower or Sears tower can be found in down town Chicago, Illinois. With 103 floors, the views of the city are simply magnificent. Even in the dead of winter and below zero weather, people stand in line outside around the block to get a chance to ride the elevator to the top. On the top floor there is an attraction called “the Ledge”, a glass look out point where you can look down at the street below through your feet on the floor. There are three look out points made completely of glass with 8 lines for tourists to take photos on the glass floor. The entire wait can take over 4 hours on a Saturday afternoon. Your best chance to get through quickly is to check it out in the middle of the week when they first open. You will also need to walk through a metal detector and have your belongings placed on an Xray belt, so leave your pocket knife at home.
John Hancock Building
One of the newest favorite spots to experience in Chicago is found on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building. TILT! is a brand new attraction that leans thrill seekers at a 30 degree angle over the side of the building so you are looking straight down at the Magnificent Mile below. You will stand in line for about two hours to get to the top and then stand in line for an additional 30-45 minutes to get onto the ride. The view is worth the wait. You get to TILT slowly and view the city from over 1000 feet.
Make your ascent to the top at dusk and enjoy the lights of the city and the neon lights in the windows of the ride. Head to the top of the Hancock building during the day for a view closer to that of the Willis tower, but still jaw dropping. You can stop at the bar on the 94th floor of the building for some “liquid courage” if you are a little nervous about the ride. Anyway you swing it, this is a definite must see on your next Chicago trip.
Navy Pier
If you are looking for a gorgeous skyline and beautiful views of Lake Michigan Navy Pier is a great place to see. There is so much to see and do at this location. If you have young kids there are many attractions inside of the pier year round. During the spring, summer, and fall the Ferris wheel is in operation as well. There are cruises on Lake Michigan offered that dock at Navy Pier which are used as party boats, dinner cruises, and sight seeing cruises. Even in the winter, the views are breathtaking. You can walk to the end of the pier inside, but you can also walk the full length of the pier outside if weather permits. Definitely don’t miss out on everything this location has to offer. Head over just before sunset to get amazing photos with the sun setting behind the Chicago skyline.
One additional location that I did not visit due to the frigid temperatures (negative 40 degrees Fahrenheit wind chills. BURR!) is Cloud Gate. We will most definitely be making our way back this summer to explore Cloud Gate and the rest of Millennium Park. Stay tuned for updates once it gets a little warmer outside!
Comment your favorite places to eat in Chicago below!