Your Most Beautiful Places in Chicago

What a beautiful and serene space.  A symmetry of planters whose perimeters can serve as benches (great place for lunch). The trees make a graceful canopy. A beautiful semi-transparent roof and a shield from most of the noise. The central pool and the fountain of the great lakes are the cherry on top of the sundae. And if you possibly get bored, you can go inside the Art Institute.

- Robert R.

Tiny gem by Louis Sullivan at 1121 N. Leavitt Street. Combines traditional Russian architecture with Sullivan touches. Nicest thing about the church is its very human scale. Beautiful, impressive, exotic in the sense that most of us rarely see anything in this style, but accessible, even comfortable in a way.

- Don K.

These are such peaceful and beautiful places - a tranquil oasis right in the middle of the city. The flowers and vegetation are stunning, and are a bit different every time you visit. I once attended a sunrise summer wedding in the gardens, so it's a special memory for me. They are a rare gem for Chicagoans to enjoy.

- Julia M.

The atrium on the top floor is one of the hidden gems in our city––a sunny, green respite on winter days, akin to the atrium in Navy Pier. I'd throw in the end of the Pier, too!

- Brad C.

This place is truly inspiring, and will fill your spirit. During the winter months, the fountain is closed, but the place remains beautiful. It is dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, and it has outdoor and indoor spaces to relax, meditate, and enjoy its beautiful construction.

- Paula C.

Billed as “An acre of seats in a magic city” during its grand opening in 1925, it was, and remains, the largest theater in Chicago. With its 100 year anniversary nearing, and decades since a live performance has taken place, the inside of the theater as it has fallen to disrepair. More Chicagoans need to know about and see the beauty that was (and is) the Uptown Theater.

- Robert M.

Based on the Church of St. Peter in Rome, you can see the angels and the dome from the southbound Kennedy. There are a million steps (at least, that's how it seemed to me) in the front, and inside there is an amazing fresco at the front, and several altars all around … I haven't been inside in years, but I will always carry a memory of it.

- Joanna K.

This is one of my favorite places to visit. A stop on the Underground Railroad, it is still a real working grist mill through the Oak Brook Park District where you can purchase stone ground corn meal and whole wheat flour. The Mill's grounds are beautiful. I just love it here.

- Susan F.

I love the Art Deco design in the lobby.

- Marianne G.

The lobby's ironwork and glass are done in the style of the 1893 World's Fair and the Rookery, along with eight four-story palm trees, three-toned marble, and mahogany wood landscape. The crescendo of it is capped by an Italian artist carved water fountain & falls at entrance with each “shell” on it recognizing major events of Chicago history.

- Joseph B.

We used to be avid Lake Michigan boaters out of Michigan City, Indiana. It was always very special to journey across the lake, through the locks, and up the Chicago River. But the view of the Chicago skyline from the lake at sunset is just a wonder to behold. It takes my breath away every time. Between the exquisite architecture, the lights just twinkling on, and the beautiful hues of the setting sun.... just wow! Viewing it from Navy Pier is also beautiful, but nothing equals seeing that magnificent skyline from the water.

- Corinne G.

It is beautiful and unique.

- Carol R.

World class destination, ever changing, popular with local residents as well as international travelers.

- Margaret N.

Beautiful limestone exterior accented with beautiful stained-glass windows. It also houses a custom Steere & Turner pipe organ. Located in the historic Pullman District.

- George T.

Graceland is already one of the most peaceful, beautiful spots in all of Chicago. Not only is the pastoral setting gorgeous but the cemetery also contains some of the grandest architecture and gravestone design you'll ever see… But one place in particular stands out: Chicago's own Daniel Burnham eternally rests on a small private island in the middle of the large pond. There is a cute little wooden bridge that leads to the island, which features a very quiet spot under some trees to sit and "make no little plans." It's a beautiful private spot to enjoy the weather or contemplate the fleeting nature of life.

- Pete G.

I find it fascinating that this amazingly talented artist is so little known because his interiors are still so desirable that they are privately owned and haven't been turned into museums. Any way to explore these private spaces would delight me.

- Felix G.