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Loved by locals

Spots with nice views in Near South Side

A vantage point that offers a real look at the city without requiring you to fight a crowd for the view.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk image 1
Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk image 2
Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk image 3
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Walks along the shoreline offer breathtaking views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. Benches and telescopes create a peaceful atmosphere for visitors. At night, city lights reflect on the water, making the scene truly inspiring.

The skyline walk offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan, especially at night and during sunset. Visitors can enjoy the impressive cityscape alongside the waves and nearby attractions.

People are saying

"The skyline view from the walk is truly breathtaking."

"It's a peaceful spot with breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline."

"Parking available nearby, with a lot costing about $25-30."

Good to know

1

Fireworks occur twice a week in summer, providing a great view.

2

Parking is available next to the Skyline Walk, but can be challenging.

3

Street parking is free, but metered parking is also available nearby.

02
Northerly Island Park image 1

City park blends stunning skyline views with a peaceful lakefront setting. Open-air concerts energize the space while walking and biking paths invite activity. Picnic and play areas add family-friendly charm to this serene urban escape.

Stunning skyline views dominate the southernmost point, especially near dusk. The park offers peaceful lakefront spots with plenty of space to enjoy the gorgeous cityscape.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the gorgeous view of the Chicago skyline from the park."

"It's surprisingly quiet and peaceful, even close to everything."

"I found the venue to be a pretty cool place for shows."

Good to know

1

Parking at the planetarium costs $42, or you can walk a half mile to the park.

2

Fireworks can be seen from the park on Wednesday and Saturday nights.

3

The park hosts a summer concert series with various exciting events.

03
12th Street Beach image 1
Public beach

Large beach offers crystal clear water and clean sand for a chill vibe. Wide open views stretch across the lake with a sandy shoreline and distant skyline. Trees provide natural shade and family-friendly spaces with lifeguards and snack kiosks.

Wide open views stretch across the lake with a sandy shoreline in the foreground. The skyline appears clearly in the distance, creating a lovely view from the beach.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be an awesome place to relax."

"I found this hidden beach to be a cool, secluded spot."

"I loved the wide open view of the lake and skyline."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $20 for the full day in the lot nearest the beach.

2

Lifeguards mark the swimming limit for safety.

3

The beach is family friendly and has public restrooms.

04
Cosmic Cafe image 1

Cafe offers breathtaking skyline and lake views with bright, airy seating. Menu is vegetarian-friendly, perfect for relaxed dining. Scenic views of Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline create a gorgeous backdrop.

Views include Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. The shoreline and cityscape create a gorgeous scenery visible from the cafe.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the amazing view of the city skyline."

"The hot sandwich was tasty and juicy."

"The kid-friendly meals here include a personal pizza, side, and cookie."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy times, especially on weekends.

2

Expect to pay around $12.50 for pizza and $60 for three kids meals.

3

The cafe offers a good selection of vegetarian-friendly options.

05
McCormick Place image 1
Convention center

Enormous convention center offers spacious exhibition halls and stunning lake views of Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline. Terraces provide a restful change of view. Extensive amenities like escalators and sky bridges ensure easy navigation even during crowded events.

Huge spaces offer awesome views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Terraces on the east end provide a restful change of view with stunning lake sights and cityscapes visible from most windows.

People are saying

"I found the parking here easy and safe."

"I was surprised how clean the bathrooms stayed."

"The nice view of the lake is stunning."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $27 per car at McCormick Place.

2

Expect long wait times for parking, especially after events.

3

The Metra stop is conveniently located inside McCormick Place.

06
VU Rooftop image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop restaurant shines with spectacular city views and a lively atmosphere featuring live jazz and fire pits. Cozy lounge seating invites relaxation while indoor and outdoor spaces blend for vibrant group gatherings. Perfect spot for enjoying music, warmth, and great company.

Rooftop offers amazing views that stand out. The setting combines a beautiful view with a relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is great, and the staff are so friendly."

"The rooftop views of the city and lake are impressive."

"The cocktails were fresh, well-balanced, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends due to high demand.

2

A 20% automatic gratuity is added to all bills, regardless of party size.

3

Security checks are similar to TSA procedures before entry.

07
Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place image 1

Upper floors offer great city views and a cozy lobby with a fireplace. Rooms stay quiet and peaceful for rest. Fitness center and pool add solid amenities, while key access security keeps guests safe.

Rooms on upper floors offer great views of the city and downtown. The restaurant also provides a beautiful cityscape to enjoy while dining.

People are saying

"The breakfast staff made us feel so appreciated and welcomed."

"The rooms are spotless and comfortable, making for a great stay."

"I had a nice view of downtown from my room."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $59 per day, which can be inconvenient for guests.

2

The hotel provides easy access to the McCormick Place Conference Center.

3

Rooms are clean and spacious, but some guests reported issues with cleanliness.

08
McCormick Place Lakeside Center, East Building image 1

Massive convention center features spacious halls with stunning Lake Michigan views and a vibrant city skyline. Clean, modern spaces create a comfortable atmosphere that handles large crowds well. Outdoor areas offer beautiful panoramas day and night.

Views of Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago stand out from the Lakeside Center and East Building. Nighttime offers a beautiful city panorama and outdoor spaces enhance the experience.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great view of the lake and downtown."

"I enjoyed the great view of the lake and city."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $27 per day, which is reasonable for Chicago.

2

The venue is clean and well-maintained, enhancing the visitor experience.

3

Restrooms are clean and monitored for visitor comfort.

09
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place image 1

Spacious rooms offer spectacular city views and lake sights. Rooftop bar and restaurant provide a beautiful cityscape backdrop for meals and relaxation. Noise from nearby nightlife can be loud and disruptive, especially on upper floors.

Rooms on higher floors offer spectacular views of the city, convention center, and Lake Michigan. The rooftop restaurant provides a beautiful cityscape backdrop during breakfast.

People are saying

"This hotel's location is perfect for reaching the concert venue."

"The rooftop views are incredible and amazing."

"The rooms are beautiful, clean, and modern."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $18 for self-parking, regardless of availability.

2

The hotel is a 10-minute walk through the skyway to the convention center.

3

Expect noise from the rooftop bar during events, which may disrupt sleep.

10
Home2 Suites by Hilton Chicago McCormick Place image 1

Rooms boast stunning city views from high floors and spacious, clean interiors. A rooftop bar offers a lively vibe with music and a nice view for breakfast. Amenities include a small pool and gym, though the pool is often crowded or closed.

High floors offer relatively unobstructed city views. The rooftop provides a nice view where breakfast can be enjoyed. Rooms also feature great views.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast was delicious and great."

"I found valet parking to be a must and they made it very easy."

"The nice view from the high floors is stunning and unobstructed."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available but can be costly and unreliable.

2

Expect high parking fees, charged per hour.

3

Breakfast options are limited and may not meet expectations.

11
Soundings Cafe image 1

Large windows offer skyline views that create a calm spot to recharge. Plenty of tables and a relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for younger crowds. Pricing matches typical museum cafes, keeping the vibe casual and welcoming.

Views of the skyline stand out as the most striking feature. Seating by the window offers a nice view that enhances the cafe experience.

People are saying

"The skyline views from the window are beautiful."

"The scenic views from the cafe were beautiful."

"The Cafe staff were super friendly and provided great customer service."

Good to know

1

Soundings Cafe is located on the Ground Level of the Shedd Aquarium.

2

Expect to pay more than the listed price for some menu items.

3

The staff mentioned that menu prices had increased but were not updated.

12
Dollop Coffee Co. image 1

Spacious coffee shop offers colorful graffiti art and great city views of Grant Park and skyline. Cozy, inviting vibe suits both work and relaxation with comfortable lounge seating. Quiet spot blends casual and classy for a perfect balance.

Views include Grant Park and the city skyline across Roosevelt Road. The environment supports people watching but interior spaces do not always showcase these views well.

People are saying

"I loved the coffee and lattes here; they were amazing."

"The breakfast food here is amazing."

"I loved the nice view across to Grant Park."

Good to know

1

Dollop Coffee Co. closes at 2 PM, with last service around 1:30 PM.

2

There is no on-street parking available near the cafe.

3

The bathroom requires a key for access.

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Near South Side, Chicago

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