Marina City Chicago
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Marina City Chicago

4.6
·491k reviews·Chicago, United States

Iconic 'corn cob' towers by Bertrand Goldberg, a mid-century marvel on the Chicago River.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Marina City Chicago

Marina City Chicago

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic 'corn cob' towers by Bertrand Goldberg, a mid-century marvel on the Chicago River.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Marina City is a Chicago architectural icon, a must-see for its unique design and riverfront charm."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Skip the Car Rental

Chicago's public transit is excellent. Save yourself parking headaches and costs by using the CTA.

📸 Capture the Architecture

Marina City's unique design looks stunning from various angles, especially along the river.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic 'Corn Cob' Towers

The Iconic 'Corn Cob' Towers

Marina City Complex

Bertrand Goldberg's visionary design, these twin residential towers are a Chicago architectural marvel.

Chicago Riverwalk Views

Chicago Riverwalk Views

Along the Chicago River

Stroll or dine with breathtaking views of the city skyline and the unique Marina City architecture.

Instagram
Mid-Century Apartment Interiors

Mid-Century Apartment Interiors

Inside Marina City Apartments

Catch a rare glimpse into original, time-capsule units showcasing 1960s design and charm.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Iconic Corn Cobs

Marina City's unique 'corn cob' design is a Chicago icon. Explore its architecture and history, but be aware that tours of residential units are rare and often require specific arrangements. Instagram

Navigate Chicago Like a Local

Skip the car! Chicago's public transit is efficient and clean. The CTA Blue Line from O'Hare is a great option. Relying on public transport and walking will save you hassle and money. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Evening
Why
City lights sparkle
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Chicago apartment tour: Marina City part 1 #chicago #chicagotiktok #apartmenttour #chicagocheck #chicagoapartment #marinacity #rivernorth #foryou
@chicago.by.ren
169.7K likes • 1M views

🚗 Skip the Car Rental

Chicago's public transit is excellent. Save yourself parking headaches and costs by using the CTA. TikTok

📸 Capture the Architecture

Marina City's unique design looks stunning from various angles, especially along the river. Instagram

One thing I needed was having a view of the river 😍 #chicago #travel #traveltiktok #downtownchicago #chicagohotels #chicagoriver
@dxizag
92.8K likes • 1M views
Marina city is a Chicago Architectural icon 🌽 • @fugroupchicago @atproperties @christiesregroup
itsblankcreative
5.8K likes • 156.8K views

🍽️ Dine with a View

Enjoy seafood and cocktails with incredible riverfront views at Legal Sea Foods. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk offers fantastic perspectives of Marina City and the city skyline. Instagram

Have you ever wondered what the inside of Marina City looked like?? Sarah from @herstoryretold and Max from @zillownaire_max today with a tour of a 1965 original time capsule unit in the iconic Marina City in Chicago. These are very rare to come by these days, so enjoy this slice of mid century heaven. *Please note this tour was completed in 2021 and then most recently in 2023 for the modern unit ...
herstoryretold
79.6K likes • 2.5M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Skip the Car Rental

Chicago's public transit is excellent. Save yourself parking headaches and costs by using the CTA. TikTok

📸 Capture the Architecture

Marina City's unique design looks stunning from various angles, especially along the river. Instagram

🍽️ Dine with a View

Enjoy seafood and cocktails with incredible riverfront views at Legal Sea Foods. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk offers fantastic perspectives of Marina City and the city skyline. Instagram

🔑 Apartment Tours Rare

Seeing inside residential units is uncommon; look for special open house events or historical tours. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by Marina City's iconic 'corn cob' architecture and its prime location on the Chicago River. The unique design and stunning views from the Riverwalk are major highlights. However, access to interior tours is limited, and some find the surrounding area can be busy.

What People Like

Iconic architecture
Riverfront views
Unique design

What People Dislike

Limited interior access
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Marina City is easily accessible via Chicago's public transit system. The CTA 'L' trains and buses stop nearby. If arriving from O'Hare Airport, the Blue Line is a convenient and cost-effective option into the city. TikTok

Yes, parking is available, but it's often not very full. Many residents opt for public transport or neighborhood garages instead of parking directly at Marina City. Reddit

Absolutely! Marina City is centrally located in downtown Chicago, making it easily walkable from many popular attractions and hotels. It's also a great starting point for exploring the Chicago Riverwalk. Instagram

Most locals and savvy travelers recommend using Chicago's public transportation (CTA 'L' trains and buses) or walking. Renting a car is generally discouraged due to traffic and parking challenges. TikTok

Yes, Marina City is very well-connected to public transportation. Numerous bus routes and 'L' train lines are within easy walking distance, making it simple to get around the city. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You do not need tickets to see the exterior of Marina City. It's a visible landmark. However, access to specific businesses within the complex, like restaurants, will require patronage. Instagram

Tours of residential apartments are rare and usually only happen during specific open house events or for real estate listings. Some historical tours might offer glimpses into original units. Instagram+1

Marina City is a residential and commercial complex, so there are no set 'visiting hours' for the buildings themselves. Businesses within the complex will have their own operating hours. Instagram

There is no entrance fee to view Marina City from the outside or to walk around the public areas. Costs would only apply if you are dining at a restaurant or visiting a business within the complex. Instagram

Listings for Marina City apartments for sale can often be found on real estate websites like Zillow or through local real estate agencies specializing in Chicago properties. InstagramReddit

🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience

Marina City is famous for its distinctive 'corn cob' shaped twin residential towers, designed by Bertrand Goldberg, and its prominent location on the Chicago River. Instagram

You can admire the unique architecture, enjoy views from the Chicago Riverwalk, dine at restaurants like Legal Sea Foods, and explore the surrounding River North neighborhood. Instagram+1

Yes, Marina City offers fantastic photographic opportunities, especially with its unique shape and riverside location. Black and white photography can highlight its modernist design. Instagram

Designed by Bertrand Goldberg and completed in the early 1960s, Marina City was an ambitious urban project intended to create a self-contained city within a city, featuring residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Instagram

Yes, Marina City historically included a marina, which is part of its name and original concept. Boat slips are available for residents and visitors with boats. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are dining options within the Marina City complex. Legal Sea Foods is a notable restaurant located right on the river, offering seafood and great views. Instagram

The River North neighborhood surrounding Marina City offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, catering to diverse tastes. TikTok

Yes, Legal Sea Foods at Marina City offers a daily happy hour from 3-6 PM with specials on oysters, shrimp cocktails, and draft beers. Instagram

Absolutely! Restaurants located along the riverfront within Marina City, like Legal Sea Foods, provide stunning views of the Chicago River and the city skyline. Instagram

For a diverse culinary experience, consider exploring options mentioned in Chicago itineraries, which often include spots like XOCO for Mexican street food or Il Porcellino for Italian. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Chicago Riverwalk offers excellent vantage points. Shooting from the river itself, or from bridges crossing the river, provides unique perspectives of the towers. Instagram+1

Yes, Marina City is spectacular at night. The illuminated skyline and the river create a dramatic backdrop, making it a prime location for night photography. Instagram

For daytime shots, a standard aperture like f/8 for good depth of field works well. For night photography, use a tripod and a longer exposure time. Consider black and white to emphasize the modernist lines. Instagram

Drone photography in Chicago is subject to strict regulations, especially in urban areas. Always check current FAA and local ordinances before flying a drone near Marina City. Instagram

Its unique, cylindrical 'corn cob' shape, its riverside location, and its status as a mid-century architectural icon make Marina City highly photogenic from various angles and times of day. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Marina City itself is more of an architectural landmark and residential complex, but its location on the Chicago Riverwalk makes it a great starting point for family-friendly activities. Consider a Chicago River cruise which often captivates children with boat rides and city views. TikTok

Nearby, Millennium Park with Cloud Gate (The Bean) is a must-visit for families, offering interactive art and open space for kids to run around. The Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier is also a fantastic option for younger visitors. Remember to utilize Chicago's efficient public transit to navigate between these spots easily. TikTok+1

💰 Budget Travelers

To experience Marina City without breaking the bank, focus on its exterior architecture and the free Chicago Riverwalk. Enjoy the stunning views and take plenty of photos. Instagram+1

For affordable dining, look for happy hour deals at restaurants like Legal Sea Foods Instagram or explore the diverse and budget-friendly street food options mentioned in Chicago itineraries. TikTok Utilize Chicago's excellent public transportation system, like the CTA Blue Line from the airport, to save significantly on travel costs compared to taxis or ride-shares. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Marina City offers incredible photographic potential, especially its iconic 'corn cob' towers. The Chicago Riverwalk provides numerous angles for capturing its unique silhouette, particularly during the golden hour or at night when the city lights illuminate the scene. Instagram+1

Experiment with different perspectives – from street level, from across the river, or even from boat tours. Black and white photography can beautifully accentuate the modernist lines and geometric patterns of the architecture. Instagram Don't forget to capture the surrounding cityscape and the reflections on the river for a more dynamic portfolio.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Genius of Marina City

Marina City, often dubbed the 'corn cob building in Chicago,' is a testament to visionary architect Bertrand Goldberg's design philosophy. Completed in the early 1960s, this complex was conceived as a 'city within a city,' aiming to combat urban sprawl by bringing residents closer to their workplaces and amenities. The distinctive cylindrical towers, with their radiating balconies, are not just aesthetically striking but also structurally innovative, allowing for maximum views and natural light. Instagram

Goldberg's design prioritized a holistic living experience. The complex includes two 65-story residential towers, an office building, a hotel (now The Hotel Chicago), a marina, a theater, and retail spaces. This integrated approach was revolutionary for its time, offering a vibrant community hub. The Marina City apartments Chicago are highly sought after for their unique design and prime location. Instagram+1

Exploring Marina City offers a chance to step back into a mid-century modern dream. While residential units are private, glimpses into original interiors reveal charming details like candy-pink kitchens and period fixtures, showcasing the enduring appeal of Goldberg's work. The Chicago corn cob building remains a beloved landmark and a symbol of Chicago's architectural innovation. Instagram+1

Experiencing Marina City and the Chicago Riverwalk

Marina City's prime location on the Chicago River makes it a focal point for exploring the vibrant Chicago Riverwalk. This pedestrian promenade offers unparalleled views of the city's iconic architecture, including the Marina City towers themselves. Visitors can stroll along the river, enjoying the bustling atmosphere, public art installations, and the constant flow of boats. Instagram

Dining with a view is a major draw. Legal Sea Foods within Marina City offers a fantastic experience with fresh seafood and cocktails, all while overlooking the river. The happy hour specials, including $1 oysters, make it an attractive spot for a casual bite or a pre-dinner drink. Instagram

For a different perspective, consider a Wendella Boat Tour or other river cruises that often pass by Marina City, providing commentary on its history and architecture. The Chicago Riverwalk is particularly magical at night when the city lights reflect on the water, creating a breathtaking panorama. TikTokInstagram

Living in Marina City: A Unique Chicago Lifestyle

Living in Marina City apartments Chicago offers a unique urban experience. The distinctive 'corn cob' design provides residents with panoramic views of the city and the Chicago River. The complex is designed for convenience, with amenities and services aimed at creating a self-sufficient community. Instagram+1

While tours of occupied apartments are rare, glimpses into original units reveal a charming mid-century aesthetic. These apartments often feature unique layouts and original finishes that appeal to those seeking a piece of Chicago's architectural history. The Marina City condos for sale Chicago are highly coveted for their iconic status and prime downtown location. Instagram

Residents benefit from the central location, with easy access to public transportation, dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions. The Chicago corn cob building apartments represent a lifestyle that blends architectural significance with modern city living. Instagram+1

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