September 5, 2025

The 15 Most Photographed Buildings on the Chicago River

Chicago's architectural skyline creates some of the most Instagram-worthy backdrops in the world, and nowhere is this more evident than along the Chicago River. Professional photographers and tourists alike flock to capture the city's most iconic structures reflected in the water below. While street photography has its merits, Chicago architectural tours provide unparalleled access to the most photogenic angles of these urban masterpieces. Here are the 15 most photographed buildings along the Chicago River that make every architecture cruise a photographer's paradise.

1. Marina City

The undisputed stars of Chicago River photography, Marina City's twin "corn cob" towers appear in more photos than any other Chicago buildings. Their distinctive circular balconies create perfect geometric patterns that photograph beautifully from every angle, especially when captured with their river reflections.

2. Trump International Hotel & Tower

This gleaming silver tower's stepped design and reflective surface make it a photographer's dream. The building's three tiers create dynamic compositions, while its position along the Chicago boat tour architecture river provides countless opportunities for reflection shots and dramatic silhouettes.

3. Wrigley Building

The Wrigley Building's brilliant white terra cotta facade makes it pop in every photograph. Its clock tower and ornate details photograph particularly well during golden hour, when the building seems to glow against the darker surrounding structures.

4. Tribune Tower

This neo-Gothic masterpiece offers photographers intricate stonework details and dramatic vertical lines. The building's spire creates striking compositions when framed against the sky, making it a favorite subject for both wide-angle cityscape shots and detailed architectural photography.

5. 150 North Riverside

This gravity-defying skyscraper has become an Instagram sensation due architecture tour Chicago to its unique base design that appears to float above the river. Photographers love capturing the optical illusion created by the building's narrow foundation and expanding upper floors.

6. River Point

River Point's curved glass facade follows the river's bend, creating dynamic reflections and interesting geometric compositions. The building's contemporary design contrasts beautifully with historic structures nearby, making it perfect for comparison shots.

7. Willis Tower

While visible throughout the city, the Willis Tower photographs particularly well from the river, where its massive scale can be fully appreciated. The building's bundled tube design creates different profiles from various river vantage points, offering photographers multiple composition options.

8. Merchandise Mart

This Art Deco giant's impressive length and repetitive window patterns create striking rhythmic compositions. The building's massive scale becomes apparent only in wide-angle shots taken from the water, making it a favorite subject for photographers interested in urban scale and proportion.

9. London House Chicago

Positioned at the river's crucial intersection, London House creates dramatic corner compositions that photograph beautifully from multiple angles. Its tri-winged design and distinctive rooftop make it instantly recognizable in Chicago river photography.

10. 333 North Michigan

This limestone Art Deco tower's setback design and ornate crown create classic Chicago skyline compositions. The building's warm stone contrasts beautifully with the surrounding glass and steel structures, making it a favorite for photographers seeking architectural diversity.

11. Aqua Tower

Studio Gang's wavy balcony design creates one of Chicago's most distinctive silhouettes. The building's undulating facade photographs dramatically from the river, especially when captured during different lighting conditions that emphasize the sculptural quality of the design.

12. Reid Murdoch Building

This converted warehouse represents Chicago's industrial heritage and photographs well as a horizontal counterpoint to the city's vertical towers. Its long, low profile and repetitive windows create interesting rhythmic patterns that contrast with surrounding high-rises.

13. Marina City West Tower

Often overlooked in favor of the residential towers, the Marina City office building completes the complex and provides photographers with interesting compositional opportunities. Its simpler design serves as a perfect counterpoint to the more famous circular towers.

14. 35 East Wacker

This Art Deco gem's jewel-like top and elegant proportions make it a photographer's favorite, especially for detail shots. The building's limestone facade and bronze details photograph beautifully in both golden hour light and dramatic storm conditions.

15. Boeing Building

The former Morton Salt Building's distinctive facade and riverside location make it a popular photography subject. Its modernist design and prominent river frontage provide excellent opportunities for both wide-angle compositions and architectural detail shots.

Photography Tips for River Architecture

The best photography opportunities occur during golden hour, roughly one hour before sunset, when warm light enhances building facades and creates dramatic reflections. Overcast days provide even lighting that's perfect for capturing architectural details without harsh shadows. Consider bringing a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance reflections on the water's surface.

Why River Photography Beats Street Level

Photographing from the river eliminates common urban photography challenges like traffic, pedestrians, and obstructed views. The water provides natural separation between photographer and subject, allowing for cleaner compositions and better perspective on building proportions. River reflections add depth and visual interest that's impossible to achieve from street level.

Ready to capture these architectural masterpieces from the best vantage points in Chicago? Tours & Boats' Chicago Architecture Boat Tour takes you to optimal photography positions along all three branches of the Chicago River. Our expert guides not only share the stories behind these iconic buildings but also help identify the best photo opportunities throughout the journey. Book your photography adventure today and return home with stunning images that showcase Chicago's architectural brilliance from perspectives most visitors never experience.

Peter Drake is a Chicago native, writer, and self-proclaimed architecture nerd who’s been exploring the city’s streets, stories, and skyline for over 20 years. He founded All About Chicago to share honest, firsthand insights with travelers who want more than just a checklist experience. When he’s not digging into local history or hopping on a river cruise, Peter’s probably hunting down the city’s best Italian beef or debating whether it’s worth the hype.