Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Near South Side's best

Scenic views

A view that is actually worth looking at instead of being a secondary feature of the location.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk image 1
Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk image 2
Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk image 3
View all

Walks along the shoreline reveal breathtaking city skyline and expansive lake views. Benches and telescopes invite quiet moments in a peaceful atmosphere. Night brings a radiant glow as city lights reflect on calm water.

The walk offers breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Nighttime and sunset views highlight the spectacular cityscape and water reflections.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the Chicago skyline views from the walk absolutely stunning."

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 serene atmosphere with magnificent skyline views, especially near the lakefront. Open-air concerts add lively charm, while walking and biking paths invite active fun. Picnic and play areas make it great for families and relaxation.

Views from the park showcase the City skyline beautifully, especially near the southernmost point. The lakefront offers a peaceful spot with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the gorgeous skyline.

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."

"The city skyline views here are absolutely breathtaking, especially at night."

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
Cosmic Cafe image 1

Cafe boasts breathtaking skyline and lake views that brighten the airy space. Open seating invites a relaxed pace, perfect for those who enjoy scenic dining. Menu features vegetarian-friendly options, blending great taste with stunning sights.

Offers gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Seating provides a great vantage point to enjoy the beautiful shoreline and cityscape.

People are saying

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

"The hot sandwich was tasty and juicy."

"The scenic views of the lake and skyline are amazing."

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.

04
12th Street Beach image 1
Public beach

Large beach offers crystal clear water and clean sand for a chill vibe. Wide open views show the lake and distant skyline. Natural shade from trees and family-friendly spaces make it great for all ages.

Wide open views stretch across the sandy shoreline with the lake in front and the skyline visible in the distance.

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 amazing, beautiful views of the lake."

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.

05
McCormick Place image 1
Convention center

Enormous convention center offers spacious exhibition halls and stunning lake views from the east terrace. Extensive amenities like escalators and sky bridges ensure easy navigation. Visitors enjoy beautiful city skyline sights and a business center for work needs.

Most windows offer beautiful views. The east end terrace and Lakeside Center Hall D provide stunning lake views. The walk bridge shows a nice sight of Cermak Road and McCormick Square. Views include the downtown skyline and Great Lake.

People are saying

"I found the parking here easy and safe."

"I was surprised how clean the bathrooms stayed."

"The scenic views of the lake here are 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
McCormick Place Lakeside Center, East Building image 1

Massive convention center features spacious halls with beautiful views of Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline. Clean, modern spaces create a comfortable atmosphere that handles large crowds well. Lakeside Center offers scenic vistas perfect for events needing a stunning backdrop.

Beautiful views of Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago stand out from the Lakeside Center and East Building. The exhibition center offers a great view of the lake and city skyline.

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.

07
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. Scenic views stay stunning even in warm weather.

Rooftop offers amazing views that stand out. The setting combines beautiful scenery with a relaxed vibe, even when it's warm.

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 rooftop views of the city and lake are spectacular."

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.

08
Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place image 1

Upper floors boast great city views and a beautiful cityscape from the restaurant. Rooms stay quiet and peaceful for restful stays. Fitness center and pool offer solid amenities while security ensures safe access beyond the lobby.

Rooms on higher 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."

"The scenic views from the room were great, especially of downtown."

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.

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 relaxing meals. 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 rooftop scenic views are spectacular in every direction."

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 lively music and a great spot for breakfast with views. Amenities include a small pool and gym, though the pool can be crowded or closed.

High floors offer unobstructed city views that stand out. 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 scenic views from the high floors are great 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 incredible skyline views that create a calm spot to recharge. Plenty of tables and a relaxed vibe make it great for younger crowds. Pricing matches typical museum cafes, keeping it casual and accessible.

Incredible views of the skyline greet you from the windows. The cafe offers a nice spot by the window to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

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 features 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 atmosphere blends casual and classy perfectly.

Views include Grant Park and the city skyline across Roosevelt Road. Seating at Dollop Coffee Co. offers a pleasant environment but the interior does not highlight the impressive skyline well.

People are saying

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

"The breakfast food here is amazing."

"The scenic views of the park and city skyline are great for people-watching."

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.

Discover more

Near South Side, Chicago

Area guide
Loading Map...