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Chicago Architecture Tour: 90-Minute Walking Experience
4.9
217 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.
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:
24 hours
Highlights
- Chicago Architecture Center - Start and finish the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center.
- 177 N State St - Constructed in the late 1800s, this building showcases a unique cast-iron facade.
- Virgin Hotels Chicago - Observe the Virgin Hotel.
- Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Ave - Explore the renovated Chicago Motor…
- Chicago Architecture Center - Start and finish the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center.
- 177 N State St - Constructed in the late 1800s, this building showcases a unique cast-iron facade.
- Virgin Hotels Chicago - Observe the Virgin Hotel.
- Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Ave - Explore the renovated Chicago Motor Club.
- Aqua Tower - Admire Aqua Tower and the entire Lakeshore East development.
- NBC Tower - This structure, home to NBC’s Chicago offices, is a Post-Modern take on the Art Deco style.
- Carbide and Carbon Building - Examine the 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
- 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
- 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…
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(217 Ratings)
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Kathydl9324ip
May 28, 2026
Chicago Architecture: A Walk Through Time - A really enjoyable tour guided by JON. Jon shared some wonderful history and insight into a well curated group of buildings that we visited on the 90 minute tour. The tour was conducted at a gentle pace with plenty of stops and opportunities to ask questions which Jon dealt with really well. The tour helped us understand and appreciate the city history more and wad a really useful way to start our stay in the city. Would thoroughly recommend this tour - it represents great value for money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
499isabellea
May 24, 2026
Great visit ! - Knowledgeable guide. A lot to see, really enjoyed it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Knarfishness
May 17, 2026
Worth every minute. - Great tour and we definitely saw some hidden gems we would have missed otherwise, Jim was great!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
552davidj
May 6, 2026
Wonderful Tour! - Many years ago my family did the River Architecture Tour offered by the Chicago Architecture Center and that was a great experience. This time my wife and I chose to do a walking tour which covered the evolution of architecture in the city through time. We walked several blocks and viewed several buildings focusing on the evolution of building design and construction after the great fires of the late 19th century through the most recent developments in the contemporary period, including the very new Lake Shore East residential towers. Our docent was superb and we learned a lot about Chicago's great buildings. We highly recommend the tours offered by the CAC. It is a great organization that supports the preservation and appreciation of the magnificent structures that form Chicago's skyline.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Climber23164773574
May 2, 2026
Another great tour by CAC - Excellent tour with Edmund. A terrific overview of how architectural styles evolved over time. Very informative and engaging tour guide
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielb17556
Apr 30, 2026
Terrific two hours! - We loved the tour! Amanda was an exceptional guide and we learned so much. We highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ctw4631wc
Apr 22, 2026
Chicago's growth - Mark, our tour guide, was knowledgeable and could explain the nuances of the growth and development of Chicago into a world class city. And enjoyable tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N3157rfmagdalenat
Apr 21, 2026
Do it and enjoy! - What a nice way to see Chicago! We walked around with Mitch. He shared his passion and great knowledge of Chicago, its history and architecture. Now l want to come back and stay for a month. This city has so much to offer.
Thank you Mitch!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brucesa6776bx
Apr 19, 2026
Chicago a walk through time tour - I really enjoyed this tour, Chicago : A Walk Through Time. Though I have been to Chicago seven times in the past 30 years, and have been on a bunch of CAC walking tours and river cruises, I thought that this tour was a great refresher. I learned some new things about some buildings I love, and saw a few new buildings I hadn’t really looked at before. The chronological progression, looking at one or two buildings from each era of Chicago architecture was really helpful. This would be a great tour for newbies. It was obvious that Mark, our guide, has a great love for his home city, and he explained everything clearly and with enthusiasm.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I9929pwleet
Apr 18, 2026
Walking Through Time Tour - Enjoyed! - This is like my fourth tour with the Architecture Center, and each has been well done and interesting. The guide was great. I appreciated that we were given ear buds and a device to play the guide’s voice, because the street noise in Chicago sometimes makes it difficult to hear.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
