This article is brought to you in collaboration with Expedia.com.
I have to say, it sure feels good to be back home in Chicago. While I love traveling the world, there really is no place like home – especially when your home happens to be beautiful Chicago. Even in the winter, it’s a pretty beautiful city – and I’m very thankful to call this city my home <3
To celebrate Chicago, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite places in the city, from coffee shops to restaurants, to landmarks and everything in between. I’ve been fortunate to live in the city for over 4 years now {where did the time go?!} and every weekend I seem to find a new favorite place to explore, and of course – Instagram 😉 If you’re planning a trip to Chicago soon, here are a few places you have to experience for yourself, even if you just go to do it for the ‘gram. 
The Allis in the West Loop:
No matter the weather, the Allis {the downstairs restaurant at SoHo House Chicago} is always a beautiful place to escape the cold and curl up with a serious cup of coffee or tea. Whenever I need to get out of my apartment and focus on work, I usually make the pilgrimage to the West Loop to sip on the strongest coffee in the city {at least in my opinion!} and get to work. The interior views are gorgeous and the food can’t be beat – stop in on the weekend for afternoon tea to get one of the best foodie ‘grams in the city.
Heritage Bicycles and Coffee in Lincoln Park:
I have a serious love for Lincoln Park {it is where I bought my condo after all!}, and I love exploring my beautiful neighborhood every weekend. As a serious coffee lover, Heritage Bicycles and Coffee is one of my favorite places in the city for a caramel latte {my go to!} and of course the very instagrammable interior. To add to the Instagram-ness, they even just added the cutest Cubs mural to celebrate their Word Series win on the side of their storefront! Definitely worth the trip next time you’re in town, especially if you’re a Cubs fan. 
The Chicago Riverwalk downtown:
Hands down my favorite place in Chicago is the riverwalk, and I love spending my mornings before work and my weekends walking along it. I love that Chicago is so full of history, and how every building has it’s own unique architecture and story. The Marina City towers are one of my favorite buildings on the Riverwalk {you might recognize them from the famous Wilco album}, and I’ve gotten a few good Instagrams during my walks on the way to work in the Merchandise Mart. Not too shabby for a commute view, eh? I’m a pretty luck Chicagoan! 
Cindy’s Rooftop at the Chicago Athletic Association downtown:
Whenever I have friends visiting the city that I want to impress, I always take them to Cindy’s at the Chicago Athletic Association for weekend brunch! From the delicious french toast and their ridiculously good mimosas – it’s my favorite spot to eat and drink in downtown Chicago and perfect for any foodies who love a good photo-op. Plus you’ll get some seriously incredible views of Millennium Park that can’t be matched in the city!
Cloud Gate {Aka the Bean}:
The crown jewel of Millennium Park {at least for Instagrams} is Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean by tourists and Chicagoans alike. While I pretend like The Bean is a total tourist trap, every time I take a friends who’s visiting to see it, I can’t help but take a few Instagrams and feel completely entranced by how beautiful the installation really is. It’s worth the trip, and maybe a bean selfie in the reflection too 😉 
London House Chicago downtown:
One of the newer additions to downtown is the beautiful London House Chicago hotel, which has the most spectacular rooftop views in the city – from this pretty view of the Wrigley building to an incredible view of the river down to the Merchandise Mart. I usually sneak up to the roof for a drink {it’s open to the public!} and take a few Instagram photos to save for a rainy day. And seriously, how can you pass up a view like this? It’s pictures like these that remind me how much I love this beautiful city. 
Hampton Social in River North:
Yes way rosé all day, every day! You’ve probably seen this iconic Instagram photo in your feed at least once or twice, and I’ve definitely been guilty of snapping a photo {or two} when grabbing lunch. Hampton Social is such a fun spot for after work drinks with your girlfriends or a fancy business lunch since it’s right down the street from my office. And it’s kinda obligatory to take this photo, and have a few glasses of rosé to celebrate! 
Coffee Shops:
“Coffee shops” might be kinda general, but there are so many gorgeous instagram-able spots in Chicago that are worth checking out on your next visit to Chicago! Below are a few of my favorites:
The Loop:
A chicago classic – the perfect blend of hipster and delicious.
River North:
A delicious restaurant with a fabulous coffee bar. I am a huge fan of late night decaf lattes after a night out on the town.
Lincoln Park:
The perfect patio in the spring and summer – and the drinks are delicious! The perfect place to snap pretty Instagrams too.
A common meeting place with my friend Tomissa, I love the vibe, amazing baristas and delicious drinks & bakery treats.
Floriole
Right around the corner from me, and the perfect meeting place for business or pleasure. The coffee is amazing, and the desserts are absolutely divine.
The perfect place to grab coffee before a morning at the farmer’s market, this quaint coffee shop is filled with adorable decor and the best coffee.
Wicker Park:
Known as one of the best coffee shops in Chicago, many of my favorite bloggers swear that this is the best spot in the city!
Serving up local coffee, and the most eclectic decor (think the best parts of the 80’s and 90’s) – this place is not only delicious, but always a blast on a date or afternoon with friends.
Another recommendation I’m dying to try! If you happen to beat me to it, let me know how it is
A gorgeous place to spend the afternoon, Lovely bakery is chock full of the tastiest treats, large caramel lattes and the nicest baristas in the city. 
South Loop Loft in West Town:
If you consider yourself a home decor lover, South Loop Loft is one of the best stores to visit in Chicago. The stores owner, Beth does an amazing job curating the most beautiful antique pieces – from that gorgeous bookshelf, to bar carts and home accessories to give your place a little more panache. It’s also a favorite place for Chicago bloggers to Instagram, and you’re sure to get a few beautiful decor snaps if you make the pilgrimage to visit!
Summer House Santa Monica in Lincoln Park:
One of my favorite {and most Instagram-able!} restaurants in Lincoln Park is Summer House Santa Monica – it’s light, bright and has some of the most delicious dishes in the city, especially if you hit it up for brunch. Best of all, it’s the perfect place for brunch or lunch during the winter since the dining room has beautiful glass ceilings that let all the light in year-round. During a Chicago winter, there’s nothing more wonderful than soaking up some rays when it’s under 3- degrees!
Have any other favorite Instagram-able spots in Chicago? I’d love to know your faves too! xx
This article is brought to you in collaboration with Expedia.com. Thanks for supporting the brands that make Charmingly Styled possible!
so pretty! this post makes me want to go downtown asap 🙂 xo jillian – cornflake dreams
The London House looks so pretty!
xo, Syd
anchoredinthesouth.com