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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Marina City Chicago
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 'corn cob' towers by Bertrand Goldberg, a mid-century marvel on the Chicago River.
"Marina City is a Chicago architectural icon, a must-see for its unique design and riverfront charm."

🚗 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Mid-Century Apartment Interiors
Inside Marina City Apartments
Catch a rare glimpse into original, time-capsule units showcasing 1960s design and charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Iconic Corn Cobs
Navigate Chicago Like a Local
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Enjoy seafood and cocktails with incredible riverfront views at Legal Sea Foods.
🚶♀️ Explore the Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk offers fantastic perspectives of Marina City and the city skyline.
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.
📸 Capture the Architecture
Marina City's unique design looks stunning from various angles, especially along the river.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Enjoy seafood and cocktails with incredible riverfront views at Legal Sea Foods.
🚶♀️ Explore the Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk offers fantastic perspectives of Marina City and the city skyline.
🔑 Apartment Tours Rare
Seeing inside residential units is uncommon; look for special open house events or historical tours.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏙️ 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.
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.
Yes, Marina City offers fantastic photographic opportunities, especially with its unique shape and riverside location. Black and white photography can highlight its modernist design.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
The River North neighborhood surrounding Marina City offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, catering to diverse tastes.
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.
Absolutely! Restaurants located along the riverfront within Marina City, like Legal Sea Foods, provide stunning views of the Chicago River and the city skyline.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
For affordable dining, look for happy hour deals at restaurants like Legal Sea Foods or explore the diverse and budget-friendly street food options mentioned in Chicago itineraries. 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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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. 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
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.
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.
Experiencing Marina City and the Chicago Riverwalk
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.
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.
Living in Marina City: A Unique Chicago Lifestyle
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.
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.
Social
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