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Chicago Walking Tour: Explore Iconic Landmarks
4.9
55 Ratings
Chicago
Discover the iconic landmarks of Chicago on a fast-paced, 90-minute walking tour. Explore famous buildings, including the Wrigley Building and Willis Tower, and capture stunning photos along the way.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Wrigley Building - Known for its Spanish Colonial Revival style, the Wrigley Building features a distinctive white terra cotta facade.
- Chicago Riverwalk - View the Chicago Riverwalk.
- The Chicago Theatre - Around the time that movies began to use sound, the spaces for watching and experiencing them became increasingly extravagant. The Chicago Theatre is a magnificent example of the classic American movie palace.
- Aqua Tower - It’s fair to say Aqua is a star-maker, with its 2009 completion putting the city’s newest neighborhood, Lakeshore East, on the tip of everyone’s tongue. And though Aqua certainly wasn’t architect Jeanne Gang’s first project, it is the one that put her on Chicagoans’ architectural radar.
- Tribune Tower - Designed by Howells & Hood, the Tribune Tower was the result of an international design competition to create “the most beautiful building in the world.”
- The Art Institute of Chicago - View the exterior of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern Wing.
- John Hancock Center - View the Hancock Center, now 875 N Michigan Avenue.
- Millennium Park - Millennium Park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, known as “The Bean.”
What's Included
- Admission to Chicago Architecture Center’s galleries
- Guided walking tour of Chicago’s iconic buildings
- Professional and certified guide narration
What's Not Included
- Coat check
- Food and drink
- Storage for luggage and strollers
Additional Information
Experience Chicago’s Essentials is a fast-paced, 90-minute introductory exploration of the city showcasing its most iconic architectural structures, featuring the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Willis (Sears) Tower, the Chicago Theatre and many others!
Take a quick dive into over a dozen buildings—as well as notable city points such as Millennium Park, the Loop, and the Chicago River—on this express journey. Don’t forget to pack your camera for numerous photo moments along the tour!
As a recognized nonprofit organization, all ticket sales from CAC go directly towards our educational mission and community involvement initiatives.
- Pet 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
(55 Ratings)
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Rickstom
Aug 28, 2024
Amazing must see Chicago walking architectural tour - Outstanding walking tour. Very informative. The docent Larry L was extremely well informed and was an excellent speaker. The tour covers a wide variety Chicago architectural history in a very reasonable walking distance. I have recommended this tour to my friends and family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sightseer65745019947
Aug 6, 2024
Nice walking tour - Walking tour with Sandy was very nice & educational. Comfortable pace. Sandy is very knowledgeable and shared interesting stories.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robertf148
Jul 28, 2024
Must-see Chicago is a must see. - Excellent first look tour expertly guided by Dave. The tour encompasses a good spread of building from different architectural styles as well as some public art.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A2483vkjoyc
Jul 26, 2024
Left with an Appreciation of Chicago - Our walking tour around downtown Chicago was so fun and informative. Larry offered a lot of insight into Chicago history and I left with a greater appreciation for both the city and its architecture.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R8933kuchrisk
Jul 23, 2024
Great tour of chicago - Sandy was very knowledge, spoke clearly and gave great additional ideas on what to do outside the tour. A great itinerary that gave the highlights of the city of Chicago
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449ruelr
Jul 22, 2024
MICHELLE: Excellent Tour Guide!!! - Michelle gave us the best information and insights that help us made the most of the experience. She has a lot of energy and very confident even the though the group was small. EXCELLENT TOUR GUIDE
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L6768dfamandas
Jul 15, 2024
Michelle ROCKS and so does Chicago’s Architecture! - Although I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, I never took a walking tour to explore the architecture that has captivated me since childhood. I am SO GLAD I opted to sign up for the Must-See Chicago Architecture tour with Michelle. Her knowledge of the buildings in their historical context held both my attention and the attention of my 12-year-old daughter. Michelle was able to answer my curious wonderings and clearly loves the city and showcasing some of the hotspots of the city to visitors and Chicagoans alike. I HIGHLY recommended taking this tour to get a sense of the progression of the styles of architecture that exists and how it reflects the history of this amazing city…AND to take it with Michelle!
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T184ctsophiaj
Jul 15, 2024
Michele is awesome! - Michelle was amazing! The horrible hot sun made it a bit horrible but Michelle made it just awesome! I would go on this tour over and over again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Courtneybo9040qq
Jul 15, 2024
Must See Chicago is a Must Do! - Thoroughly enjoyed this walking tour with our fantastic tour guide Michelle! She was personable, knowledgeable and included great info I had never heard before about Chicago’s iconic landmarks! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
130joannap
Jul 10, 2024
Michelle gave an awesome tour! - Michelle was awesome!!! super informative and funny. Will have to schedule another one again soon to hear more fun stories :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
