Chicago Architecture Tour: Exploring Iconic Buildings

Discover the iconic buildings of Chicago on this engaging architecture tour. Explore the city’s rich architectural history and see how old and new structures connect to create a unique urban fabric.

Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chicago Architecture Center - Begin and end the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center.
  • Wrigley Building - View the Wrigley Building and some of the surrounding buildings
  • Daley Center - View the Daley Center and surrounding buildings
  • Reliance Building - View the Reliance Building and surrounding buildings
  • Jay Pritzker Pavilion - View the Pritzker Pavilion and surrounding buildings
What's Included
  • Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
  • Walking tour featuring Chicago’s renowned buildings
  • Guidance by a professional, certified guide
What's Not Included
  • Coat check
  • Food and drink
  • Storage for luggage and strollers
Additional Information

This vibrant exploration of Chicago’s architectural landscape takes you through famed structures from the 1890s to the current day. Our journey will allow us to appraise diverse buildings with a variety of architectural designs, examining how past constructions have influenced the city’s modern skyline.

We will have seven engagement points in downtown Chicago, allowing us to juxtapose the rich histories and diverse styles of edifices in close proximity to each other. Our travelogue includes visits to Commercial 19th-Century, Beaux-Arts, Mid-Century Modern, and Postmodern structures, along with the latest works by renowned architects like Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano, and Adrian Smith. At every stop, we’ll delve into the interconnections between the bygone and the current, and explore what stimulates contemporary architectural creativity. This enlightening expedition ends with a trip to Millennium Park, a blend of world-class art and architectural brilliance which enhances the city’s distinctive urban texture. Being a certified nonprofit, every ticket purchase directly benefits our educational programs and community outreach activities.

  • 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
5.0
(20 Ratings)
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I6491bokristenj
Sep 22, 2024
Great view of the city and educational - John S. was informative, fun, and made the walking tour a really great experience. I will definitely do more tours as walking gives you time to stop and learn and see buildings from a different perspective
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K652ninathanh
Sep 21, 2024
Connecting Past & Present Walking Tour - We loved this tour. It’s great to learn so many new things about buildings that we walk past hundreds of times. The docent John S kept us engaged and interested the entire time - we could’ve listened to him spit facts all day
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davidmarkhusband
Sep 19, 2024
Great way to learn about Chicago architectural marvels - David was a knowledgeable and friendly guide with a keen interest in and love for the architecture of Chicago. The tour includes a pleasant amount of walking and good number of buildings we visited.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E4459bgnancyf
Sep 6, 2024
Past and Present - Our guide Mary was excellent! Very knowledgeable, friendly and was able to remember many facts and dates. I have lived in the Chicago area my whole life, but learned a lot from this tour. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bettinal441
Aug 24, 2024
Outstanding: Midcentury skyscrapers in comparison - We were in Chicago at the end of August and did this tour with our guide Delta. Peter explained to us the construction of the chronic skyscrapers The Fifties to the Seventies using various buildings. It was very interesting and impressive and we can fully recommend the tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nevenkaf2024
May 26, 2024
Best walking tour/guide - Peter, our guide, was fantastic ! Knowlegeable, pleasant, answered all our questions, proud of his Chicago. We ended up being only two people on the tour and felt priviledged to have Peter as our guide. Thank you !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nelatt
Apr 30, 2024
Best education experience during our tour - Amazing tour of beautiful buildings and spectacular interiors Paul our guide was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent details and history
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Damon
Apr 24, 2024
Excellent tour - Tom was a very informative and friendly guide who provided lots of interesting stories about the development of architecture in Chicago. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mary_t
Apr 7, 2024
A wonderful walking tour - Our tour guide, Jill, was so informative. Her love of Chicago architecture was infectious. We went on a nice leisurely walk and saw so much.
Review provided by Viator
Leeta5791xz
Mar 28, 2024
Great experience. - We did the walking tour with David. He was knowledgeable and we had really good time. We learned about the history and the details of the buildings. We will do another walking tour when we come back to Chicago l.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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