Planning a trip to Chicago can seem overwhelming. There is so much to see and do, and often little time. With so many “must-go” spots and “unforgettable”  places visitors see on social media, it is hard to know what places are truly worth their time. If travelers are looking for the best-tasting and photoworthy spots in the Windy City, this article is for you. From scrumptious cafes to the most scenic city spots, I have covered it all in this article. So, sit back, relax, and discover some of future favorite spots in the city.   

     Like the typical American, my day could not begin until I had a caffeinated beverage in my hand. Visiting cafes is always a must when I travel to new places. Finding one that can balance good quality cuisine with a warm cafe ambiance and aesthetic can be difficult. With new, trend-chasing chains popping up all over, guests are stuck, conflicted, not knowing where they should purchase their seven-dollar lattes. That is why when I strolled across The Baker and the Goddess, it was like a gift sent from God…or a Goddess. This cafe checked all the boxes, from the trendiest atmosphere, coziest coffees, to the pounds of piled pastries in their display case. This bustling business was nothing short of busy during this autumn morning, but that did not stop baristas from delivering sensational customer service and even better dining. I enjoyed a brilliant banana foster latte alongside a fresh and warm homemade cinnamon roll. Both exceeded my expectations exponentially. Coffee and pastries are not the only things this place offers, either. They provide a broad and diverse menu with items such as artisan matcha lattes and fresh avocado toast. So no matter what fits your flavor, The Goddess and the Baker is sure one you will enjoy. 

      I personally think that the second-best thing about visiting new cities is all of the memorable pictures sightseers take. Can we be real? We are all looking for those “Instagrammable” spots to take pictures and pose like the people we have seen on Pinterest. Of course, there is the classic Chicago park that has an unforgettable sculpture. If tourists are unfamiliar with the Windy City, I am referencing the infamous bean. It is exactly what it sounds like, a giant silver sculpture in the shape of the delicious little food, a bean. Located in Millennium Park, this is a must-see. Prepare to be bombarded with tourist central when travelers visit, but I have to agree that it is a can-not-miss spot. I think that its iconic look and photo ops are just a non-negotiable for every Chicago trip. Foreign exchange student Paula Pons Barca also agrees with this. Barca stated, “My favorite spot was Millennium Park, especially seeing The Bean. I’ve seen so many pics of it online, so it was super cool to finally see it in real life. Plus, the whole park was really chill and had a nice vibe.” So, although it may be cheesy or basic, I would definitely consider including more than just an edible bean on a tourist’s city itinerary. 

     Another not-so-known spot was the Magnificent Mile. This Mile definitely lived up to its name with photo ops everywhere you look. It offered so many beautiful views of the city and so many opportunities to create the coolest new photo for Instagram feeds. Filled with shops and restaurants, patrons were guaranteed not to leave empty-handed. More specifically, there is a spot called DuSable Bridge that offers the coolest views. The bridge runs over the Chicago River and has the most beautiful cityscapes. Visitors can see several iconic business buildings, such as Trump Tower.  In the daytime or at night, visitors can always count on this space to leave them breathless and with some perfect new feed photos. 

     All that walking sure worked up an appetite. Choosing where to eat in the city can be a difficult decision to make. When we are in a place with so many options, we are left feeling so indecisive, and do not even get me started on the cost.  After conducting several hours of research (scrolling on Pinterest), I decided to check out a popular spot named Beatnik On The River. This restaurant once again checked all of my boxes. From breathtaking views of the river and city to delicious dining, could not “beat” this spot. Get it.. Beatnik…Ha! The most memorable part of it all was a section of the restaurant that had the most enchanting ambiance. With floral arrangements filling the walls and ceilings to the cozy couches offered to sit in, this room transported patrons to a magical place. But it does not stop there. The menu provided was even more intriguing. Beatnik offered magnificent salads and Mediterranean options that left me satisfied with every bite. I also read that the restaurant provides brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, but sadly, we could only visit on a Friday. Nevertheless, I still recommend checking out this restaurant while here. 

     All in all, Chicago definitely deserves to be added to a sightseer’s list of  Places To Visit. The city offers so many opportunities for tasty bites, photo ops, and memories to be made. I hope this article left you informed and intrigued about the spots the Windy City has. If traveler’s are planning to visit, I hope you make the most of it and discover the city’s beauty just like I did.