Chicago: Architecture, History & Highlights Small Group Tour

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  • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Location: Chicago, United States
  • Product code: 5713P138
From USD $59.00
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Adult (Age : 12 to 99)
Child (Age : 6 to 11)
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Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: The Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601-3623

We start our tour under the dazzling marquee of the Chicago Theater (where you might recognize the neon sign from the movie musical Chicago) before heading off into the bustling city.



Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Chicago Pedway, Chicago, IL

We’ll then head towards the Chicago Pedway. This unique feature of Chicago is used by locals and commuters daily to move about the city in a network of underground tunnels — especially necessary during the Midwest winters. We’ll head back above-ground near City Hall, and on most weekdays, be able to head inside to see the classic interior design and architecture.

Duration: 20 minutes

Pass By: City of Chicago - City Hall, 121 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60602-1202

We will pass by the City Hall-County Building, commonly known as City Hall. that houses the seats of government of the City of Chicago and Cook County.

Stop At: Picasso Statue, 50 W Washington St Richard J. Daley Plaza Civic Center, Chicago, IL 60602-1305

Next, we will stop at the Chicago Picasso sculpture by Pablo Picasso in Daley Plaza . The 1967 installation of The Picasso, "precipitated an aesthetic shift in civic and urban planning, broadening the idea of public art beyond the commemorative."

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Chicago River, Chicago, IL

You’ll enjoy feeling like a local as you zip past buildings and catch even more awesome views. If your guide takes you on a water taxi, you’ll be seeing the Chicago skyline from a totally different perspective, as well as sharing in the daily commute of local Chicagoans late for work.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601

An award-winning $108 million, 1.25-mile promenade along the south bank of the Chicago River downtown. Weather permitting, we’ll take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk while taking in views of several soaring buildings, including Marina Towers, the Britannica Building, and the Sears Tower (now known as the Willis Tower).

Duration: 20 minutes

Pass By: Wrigley Building, 410 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-4213

We will pass by the Wrigley Building: 400 N Michigan Ave.

Pass By: Tribune Tower, 435 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-4066

We'll pass by Tribune Tower, a 463-foot-tall (141 m), 36-floor neo-Gothic skyscraper located at 435 North Michigan Avenue.

Stop At: The Magnificent Mile, North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

We will stop at the Magnificent Mile - a premier commercial district in downtown. It was part of the 1909 Burnham Plan of Chicago, a visionary project to transform the city's urban landscape and it was built in the 1920s to replace an industrial and residential area. Here you can find many shops, restaurants, hotels, and attractions. It is located on North Michigan Avenue.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Millennium Park, Chicago, IL, USA

Next is picturesque Millennium Park, home to the iconic Bean sculpture. Here (or nearby), your guide will conclude your tour and point you in the right direction toward more amazing sights, great lunch spots, or a drink recommendation inside one of the most amazing spaces in the city.
Note that the Bean sculpture is under construction until Spring 2024 and views will be limited.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Cloud Gate, 201 E. Randolph St. Millenium Park, Chicago, IL 60602

We will end the tour at the Cloud Gate, a public sculpture by Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor, that is the centerpiece of AT&T Plaza at Millennium Park in the Loop community area of Chicago.

Duration: 10 minutes


Inclusions

  • Discover Chicagos’ incredible architecture both old and new
  • Taste locally made chocolate from a Chicago staple
  • Taste local tradition: Chicago-style popcorn
  • Enjoy stunning river views
  • Pass by where Chicago Theatre where musical Chicago was filmed
  • A stroll through the beautiful parks
  • Join Friendly Local English-speaking guide
  • Get tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay

Exclusions

  • Gratuity

Schedule Details

Departure Dates:

See Availability.

Departure Point:

The Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

Duration

2 hours 30 minutes(approx.)

Return details

Millennium Park, Chicago, IL, USA

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Additional Information

Wheelchair accessible

Stroller accessible

Service animals allowed

Near public transportation

Transportation is wheelchair accessible

Most travelers can participate

This is a child-friendly tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge.

Experiences happen rain, shine, or snow. Please dress accordingly.

Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but please note that this tour covers about 4.8 km (3 miles) of walking.

We can accommodate vegetarian options but cannot accommodate other food allergies or dietary preferences. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests.

Note that the Bean sculpture is under construction until Spring 2024 and views will be limited.

This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Posted By : David_S
Really nice guy but no real insights into architecture. Just a nice walk with some info about when buildings were built and what they were used for. I was hoping to really learn about their architects and architectural decisions. This was more of a “trivia” walk. If you’re going to do this, don’t do it after you’ve already been in the city for a few days as you will just touch in most highlights that you already naturally pass by.
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Posted On : 2024-05-02


Posted By : Ligia_P
Our guide, Kevin, was very nice, knowledgeable, and catered the tour to our interests since it was just me and my friend. We especially loved a return visit to the Art Institute (which we had visited the day before but had managed to miss seeing the Monets, Van Goghs, and other important works). We also enjoyed the walking tour in the downtown Loop area, including seeing the Chicago River and the Merchandise Mart Building. I have a bum knee at the moment and was worried about a walking tour, especially stairs, but Kevin was mindful of the situation and we went slowly. My friend and I asked many questions and learned a lot -- I went home afterward to read up on Richard Nickels and his tragic death giving rise to the architecture preservationist movement in Chicago. Thanks, Kevin, for a great tour!
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Posted On : 2024-03-31


Posted By : Eric_S
It was a great and informative tour. Really learned a lot about the culture and architecture history of the city. The chocolate and popcorn tasting was an additional plus.
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Posted On : 2024-03-17


Posted By : Y102UBjim
Great experience. We would definitely do it again should we come back to Chicago. Highly recommend the experience. It was an adventure doing the tour on St. Patrick’s Day which made it more fun.
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Posted On : 2024-03-17


Posted By : marymtait
The buildings and their architectural history. Dave was an excellent guide! He was a very comfortable person. I felt free to ask any questions and to ask for more info.
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Posted On : 2024-03-12


Posted By : LeviJames_D
The walk tour is something not to be missed for three reasons, especially when you’re on a short trip. Our guide, “tall Dave”, knows a lot about the history of the places we visited, shows interesting photos, and makes sure everyone is well accommodated. The sites have very fascinating architecture, some of them are hidden gems that do not usually appear in top places to visit when you Google. Finally, the group is pretty small, hence, it’s easier to interact with the guide, ask questions, and have fun with fellow tourists. So if you’re planning to visit Chicago, this tour should be in your checklist.
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Posted On : 2024-03-09


Posted By : Isadora_K
We can see most of the main landmarks of the city, which has an impressive architecture and it is beautiful! Guide Rich is very attentive and helpful, a lovely person!
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Posted On : 2024-02-20


Posted By : Marla_O
Our guide, Dash, was very informative and really got a lot in during our 2.5 hour tour. It was a little crisp out but he did a good job getting us inside as needed to warm up. I’ve spent a decent amount of time in Chicago but never really taken the time (except for a river tour) to look closely at the buildings. It was nice to slow down and take them in. The only negative was pre-trip when I had to jump through hoops to get another person added to our private group. They eventually accommodated.
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Posted On : 2024-02-13


Posted By : mmm_kay27
Dash was the best tour guide I could ever imagine. He gave us so many unique stories and pointed out even the smallest of details that I wouldn’t have otherwise noticed as a regular tourist walking down the streets of Chicago. He was so knowledgeable about the city, it’s history, the cuisine and the best spots to have a great time. We were a group of 9 and Dash always made sure we had all the breaks and stops we needed to have a comfortable tour. Highly recommend, thank you Dash for an amazing time!
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Posted On : 2024-02-09


Posted By : MarinaMarina222
Forget the generic bus tours and skip the overcrowded tourist traps. If you're looking for a private tour of Chicago that ignites your senses and leaves you with memories that shimmer, then brace yourself for this tour. It's not just a sightseeing expedition; it's an exhilarating immersion into the Windy City's soul, orchestrated by a master storyteller named Dash. From the moment I met Dash, his infectious enthusiasm was palpable. He wasn't a walking encyclopedia spouting facts; he was a passionate local weaving tales of hidden gems and forgotten corners. We strolled through sun-dappled alleys, where vibrant murals whispered stories of resilience, and stumbled upon quaint squares tucked away from the urban clamor, humming with a quiet charm. Dash's itinerary wasn't rigid; it danced to the rhythm of my curiosity. He detoured at the whim of a captivating storefront, delving into the history of Chicago's artisanal scene. Dash wasn't just my guide; he was my confidante and curator of unforgettable experiences. He recommended hidden treasures – a jazz room buzzing with local talent, a rooftop bar with breathtaking skyline views... By the end of the tour, Chicago wasn't just a city; it felt like a secret sanctuary, revealed by a trusted friend. Dash didn't just show me the sights; he unlocked the city's hidden heartbeat, its warmth, its grit, its undeniable magic. His tour wasn't just a tour; it was a portal to a Chicago that most tourists never see, a city that whispers its secrets to those who dare to listen. **Five stars, with a dash of magic dust.**
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Posted On : 2024-01-31