Chicago Architecture Tour: Explore Skyscrapers and High Rises
4.9
139 Ratings
Chicago
Discover the iconic skyscrapers and high rises of Chicago on a 90-minute architecture tour. Learn about the city's architectural history and support a nonprofit organization.
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chicago Architecture Center - Begin and end the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center.
  • Page Brothers Building - Built in the late 1800’s, this building features a distinctive cast-iron front.
  • Virgin Hotels Chicago - View the Virgin Hotel.
  • Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Ave - View the renovated Chicago Motor Club
  • Aqua Tower - View Aqua Tower and the enitre Lakeshore East development
  • NBC Tower - This building, which houses NBC’s Chicago offices, is a Post-Modern interpretation of the Art Deco style.
  • Carbide and Carbon Building - View exterior of the Carbide and Carbon Building
What's Included
  • Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
  • Narration by a professional and certified guide
  • Walking tour of Chicago Architecture
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Storage for luggage or strollers
  • Coat check
Additional Information

Looking for a brief overview of Chicago’s stunning architecture? This tour, lasting 1.5 hours, offers an exhaustive journey through the city’s architectural timeline, observing structures from the earliest skyscrapers to the most recent towering high rises.

Being an accredited nonprofit, every ticket sold for CAC tours contributes directly to our educational programs and community outreach initiatives.

  • Pets are not allowed.
  • The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.
Location
Chicago Architecture Center
East Wacker Drive
Meet at the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(139 Ratings)
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P5232wfelizabeths
May 23, 2024
Getting around Chicago’s historical buildings. - A lot of interesting information. The groups leader, very knowledgeable person.. Thanks Maureen for sharing with us !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Departure60494510270
May 17, 2024
Nice short-walk intro to Chicago architectural history - A nice overview of Chicago architectural history in 90 minutes over about a ten block walking loop. Led by a volunteer docent with genuine interest in the subject
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hoeffling
May 15, 2024
Chicago from the inside - Better understand the origins of Chicago with Ron Roman. A fascinating walking tour between the city's historic buildings. Not only are the emblematic buildings perfectly described from an architectural point of view but also part of the development of this extraordinary city! Not to miss!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L151qxthomask
May 13, 2024
Great walk, highly recommended. - We had a great walk, learned a bunch about Chicagos incredible diverse architecture! Thank you for this great tour through history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bertholdgreen
Apr 28, 2024
Chicago's architectural origin - Our guide, Wayne, led us in a short loop of the area around the Architecture Centre. He described the origin of Chicago from Fort Dearborn (brass plaques in the ground at Columbus / Walker Drive), how the river flow was reversed, how the city was raised to avoid flooding, and how the Great Fire of 1871 was the impetus for architects to experiment with architectural innovation as the city was rebuilt. We viewed buildings in chronological order, from early skyscrapers to new supertall high rises. Wayne gave us an insightful, interesting, and informative tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
618herbr
Apr 21, 2024
Walking Tour: a walk through time with Robert the tour guide - All the staff were friendly and helpful. Our walking tour guide Robert was awesome! He provided the basic facts along with stories about the life’s of the buildings we visited. He kept the tour interesting by exhibiting enthusiasm and a love of the history of the bulidlings.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U19pgrichardt
Apr 21, 2024
Good way to learn Chicago’s history - Great way to learn Chicago’s history. I have known Chicago’s history but the way this tour showed it to me was fascinating. Our tour guide Rene was very good explaining how from the very origins Chicago got the first settlers and how was discovered. From the Chicago great fire and the way they re built the city. How Chicago became a city and grew so fast due being the busiest trading port in the world. He showed us pretty cool architecture through the years and how it has evolved since then including all the new latest additions to the city. We saw some cool Art Deco buildings like the Motor club ,and contemporary styles like the St Regis. I really enjoyed this tour and I definitely will recommend it to everyone who is visiting or live in Chicago!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lahdeedahleigh
Apr 18, 2024
Walk through history - Chicago's architecture is abundantly interesting and varied. Our guide, Chris P, offered historical perspectives at each stop.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ana
Apr 8, 2024
Great tour with Mitch - Great experience. Our guide, Mitch, was very knowledgeable, nice, and kind. The tour combined history and technology.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joeandbrooke
Apr 7, 2024
A “Do Not Miss” Walking Tour - Our tour guide, Jill, was so informative and her love for Chicago architecture was infectious. Highly recommend this walking Tour. You will not be disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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