Chicago Architecture Walking Tour: Stunning Riverfront Interiors

Discover Chicago’s stunning riverfront interiors on a 2-hour walking tour. Explore iconic buildings inside and out. Uncover hidden architectural gems.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chicago Riverwalk - We will walk along the edge of Chicago’s popular Riverwalk for a couple blocks, enjoying the lively environment along the way.
  • Merchandise Mart - We will see the beautiful Art Deco interior of this famous building.
  • Chicago River - We will pop inside several buildings on and near the Chicago River.
  • Union Station - We will see the stunning, massive interior of Chicago’s famous Union Station, the filming location of scenes from movies like “The Untouchables” and “My Best Friend’s Wedding.”
What's Included
  • Local guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Everyone does a boat tour when they come to Chicago – it’s “the thing to do.” But how many people ever get BEYOND that? Imagine all the amazing interiors just waiting to be explored! This 2-hour walking (not boat) tour shows you some of the best buildings along the Chicago River up close — taking you closer than any boat could ever take you! — but then you’ll also get to venture INSIDE, experiencing some of the best interior architecture of buildings you’d recognize from popular Chicago architecture boat tours. It’s the perfect way to fully appreciate Chicago architecture in a way most visitors will never experience: both from the outside, and then also from the INSIDE! From glitzy Art Deco, to clever Postmodern, to inspiring Beaux-Arts, the styles of the interiors along the river will delight you. Come get INSIDE Chicago with us!

  • Tours operate rain or shine, and are only cancelled in rare cases of extreme weather. We will contact you with as much notice as possible to offer you a rescheduling opportunity or refund.
Location
The Old Post Office
West Van Buren Street
We meet in front of the main entrance to the Old Post Office, located just west of the river on Van Buren Street.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(32 Ratings)
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Janinelm7902mu
Mar 3, 2024
Great and fun tour - This was an amazing and informative tour! Hillary was so knowledgeable and really adaptable to what the group wanted. We were originally planning on looking at more interior architecture, but since it was a nice day we took more of an outside route along the Chicago River. So fun for a group of PhD admits and a great experience overall!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Road09088977452
Feb 11, 2024
Highly Recommend - Informative and enlightening. Great tour guide who was very well informed on the incredible buildings. I would recommend this tour to all.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Catscratch182
Dec 7, 2023
Great tour, very informative - We really enjoyed our tour. It was a small group and very informative. Would definitely book other tours here as well if we're back in Chicago someday
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y7523bjelizabethy
Nov 26, 2023
Educational, FUN, and very insightful tour! - Hillary was the most amazing tour guide! She took us on an informative and entertaining tour which included some very special spots (Cherry Circle Room) . Loved every second and sad tour had to end. From my observations, Hilary is the most masterful and respected guide in Chicago!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D7844emlouisel
Nov 18, 2023
Such a great tour! - This is an excellent tour! Hilary is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about architecture and is able to explain it in easy, relatable terms. We will not look at buildings the same way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C2072sjshannonr
Sep 23, 2023
Passionate Educated and Relatable tour reveals the city’s hidden wonders. - Walking the city gives the opportunity to engage with the the historical architecture of the city on the human scale. Hillary is incredibly knowledgeable of the history of the city’s architecture and design. The tour is designed to create a sense of wonder and surprise throughout. Full of facts and also incredibly relatable and understandable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robertaj1
Jul 18, 2023
Kaylee was great - Wonderful tour. Just the right length. Two hours but many opportunities to pause, rest and sit. Kaylee, our guide spoke well, very knowledgeable. Small group size, 15 or so. Ended at Millennial Park, just where we wanted to go.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
781noora
May 22, 2023
recommended - Fun and interesting tour with a nice tour guide "Adam". we learned a lot about the city architecture through this tour
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Danielsp5784xs
Mar 10, 2023
Great Chicago architectural tour - The tour guides were excellent. The buildings we toured were very interesting and beautiful. Overall, we really enjoyed the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M1905oejohnb
Nov 21, 2022
A fresh look at Architecture as Art and History - Fantastic tour! As a former Chicagoan I thought I was knowledgeable on its architecture and history. I learned a whole new appreciation for the decor, the influence of the time periods in which architectural influences emerged, and the beauty that is easily overlooked. Thanks to Hillary for engaging our group and creating an educational, entertaining, and delightful experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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