Chicago Walking Tour: Explore Iconic Architectural Landmarks
4.9
227 Ratings
Chicago
Discover the iconic architectural landmarks of Chicago on a walking tour. Explore the buildings that shaped the city's skyline and learn the stories behind their creation. Book now and support a nonprofit organization.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Chicago Architecture Center - Chicago Architecture Center; introductory remarks from the docent
- Wrigley Building - View the Wrigley Building
-
Palmer House Hilton Historic Lobby - View the exterior and interior of the Palmer House Hotel
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to enter this location. - Carbide and Carbon Building - View the Carbide and Carbon Building
- Reliance Building - View the Reliance Building.
- Chicago Cultural Center - View the exterior and interior of the Chicago Cultural Center
What's Included
- Admission to Chicago Architecture Center Galleries
- Certified guide narration
- Chicago Architecture walking tour
What's Not Included
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off
- Storage for luggage or strollers
- Coat check
Additional Information
Explore the renowned architectural wonders on Michigan Avenue and State Street. The period from 1890 to 1930 witnessed the birth of some of Chicago’s most iconic structures, with a vast majority highlighted in this tour.
Following the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, Chicago was fueled by ambition to develop into a prominent cultural and commercial city. This tour serves as a tribute to the aspirations of that time. Discover buildings crafted by noteworthy architects such as Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Holabird, and Roche, and delve into the tales behind these architectural marvels.
As an accredited nonprofit organization, all ticket purchases from the CAC go straight into funding our educational initiatives and community outreach programs.
- Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change, due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.
- Pets are not allowed.
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
(227 Ratings)
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Zinazinaida
Apr 13, 2024
FANTASTIC tour, informative and fun - This was a FANTASTIC tour! The tour guide was exceptional. A retired college professor, she sure knew a thing or two about pacing for maximum interest! She gave us really exciting, interesting facts. I toured Chicago before, but this tour sure was the highest quality! I absolutely loved the gorgeous things she showed us and her stories and explanations. She answered all questions so competently, too! Highly recommend !!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
404cathir
Apr 13, 2024
Great experience - We enjoyed this tour so much! Our guide, Peter, was a lot of fun and told us very interesting histories and details about the architecture of the buildings as we went by. We learned so much, we even went to have chicken pies at Marshall Fields building in the Walnut room After he shared the history there. It was wonderful. We enjoyed this tour so much, thank you Peter for making it a great experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
295_miliej
Apr 12, 2024
A well rounded tour! - Beautiful tour! Stunning buildings, both exterior and interior. The guide was really interesting to follow. She provided contextual, historical and architectural information. A must while visiting Chicago!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G4294wf_
Apr 11, 2024
Great experience - The view was very amazing and beautiful!
We could enjoy a lot. The explanation was very understandable. I think you can enjoy this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ronald
Apr 10, 2024
Surprise Tour with Beth and Rose from Chicago Architecture Center - My friends and I were looking at Chagall’s Four Seasons during our layover between Amtrak trains. It was our great fortune to overhear Beth and Rose who were training as docents. They allowed us to be a “test” audience. We not only learned about Four Seasons but also heard about Daley Plaza’s art pieces and buildings. Beth and Rose were friendly and enthusiastic. Their presentation was fun and informative. When I’m back in Chicago for a longer stay, I will definitely take a Chicago Architecture Center tour and I hope I’m in Beth and Rose’s group!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M_f
Apr 7, 2024
Absolutely amazing! Definitely will do it again! - What an amazing tour! Our guide Jim was so friendly and informative! We had already done other architecture tours so we were not too sure if this would be appealing to us but hands down it was awesome!! Definitely would recommend it and will definitely be signing up for additional tours around town. Was shocked how many times I had been in Macy's and never looked up!
Review provided by Viator
Kara_k
Apr 7, 2024
Amazing!! - Our guide, Jim, was amazing! He was very knowledgeable and thorough. I enjoyed learning about the history Chicago and would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Chicago, or locals who want to learn more about their city!
Review provided by Viator
A3834ndalisonc
Apr 5, 2024
Fantastic tour- Alice was amazing! - Absolutely fantastic tour! Our guide, Alice, was super knowledgeable and very good at connecting the architecture with the context of the time it was designed. More than worth the cost- although given how awesome all the tours are, it would have made more sense for us to become CAC members.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dutchgirl1009
Apr 5, 2024
Golden Age treasures walking tour is a must! - Maureen was an absolutely fabulous guide, and this tour is a must-do. So much insight and information. So glad we put this in our itinerary. Thank you, CAC and Maureen!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lizhz8819em
Apr 4, 2024
Great tour! - Burt was a fantastic guide. Informative and interesting. We loved all the cool ceilings made by tiffany and co. It was a cold day, and no problem since we were inside and out
Review provided by Tripadvisor
