The tower's series of stacked Xs are immediately recognizable, making it one of the...
City Tours
Rated as the best tours in Chicago. Our expert docents will guide you by boat, bus, train or on foot and share the stories behind the buildings.
Rated as the best tours in Chicago. Our expert docents will guide you by boat, bus, train or on foot and share the stories behind the buildings.
Voted #1 Boat Tour in the US
6 best tours and walks in Chicago
#1 Chicago Boat Tour for 10+ years
Best Experiences in the US
If you encounter any difficulties booking a tour online, please contact us at 312.922.3432. Our call center is available daily from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Walking875 N. Michigan Ave
WalkingAqua, St. Regis Chicago & Lakeshore East
Discover two iconic buildings designed by woman-led Studio Gang and explore the surrounding Lakeshore... 
BusArchitectural Highlights by Bus
Explore Chicago’s iconic architecture on a bus tour from the Loop through historic neighborhoods... 
WalkingArchitecture of the Magnificent Mile
Explore Chicago’s evolution from a dirt road called Pine Street to the iconic Magnificent... 
WalkingArt Deco Skyscrapers: Landmark Lobbies
Step out of the cold and into the lobbies of three Art Deco skyscrapers... 
WalkingArt Deco Skyscrapers: The Loop
Step into the lobbies of Art Deco masterpieces built in the heart of Chicago’s...
WalkingArt Deco Skyscrapers: The Riverfront
Step inside the lobbies of five Art Deco masterpieces built near the banks of... 
Boat • our most popular tour!CAC River Cruise aboard First Lady
The cruise that puts Architecture First. Voted the #1 best boat tour in the...
WalkingChicago Architecture: A Walk Through Time
Journey through Chicago’s architectural evolution, from the Great Fire’s aftermath to new supertall high-rises. 
WalkingChicago Board of Trade Building
The Chicago Board of Trade is a Loop icon and a City of Chicago...
WalkingChicago Icons: Connecting Past and Present
Compare and contrast iconic buildings from the 1890s to present and learn how older... 
WalkingChicago Pedway
Discover Chicago’s underground Pedway and uncover its history, unique businesses and links to transit,... 
WalkingChicago Women in Architecture
Trace the impact of female architects in Chicago’s skyline with a tour that celebrates... 
WalkingChicago's First Skyscrapers
Chicago is home to some of the world’s first skyscrapers. Get an up-close look...
WalkingChicago's Moveable Bridges
Understand how the unique Chicago-style bascule bridges work. 
WalkingColumbia College Student Center
This tour is no longer available for public tours. If you're interested in this...
WalkingColumbia College: Revitalizing the South Loop
Explore the South Loop, one of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods! Visit some wonderful historic buildings... 
WalkingElevated Architecture: Downtown 'L' Train
See architectural details missed by most pedestrians at street level and gain insight into... 
WalkingFine Arts Building
The Fine Arts Building has remained a hub of creativity for over 125... 
WalkingFrench Language (Langue Française): Les Incontournables
Immerse in iconic Chicago architecture with a French-speaking guide, highlighting the city’s history and... 
WalkingGrant Park Secrets
Unlock the secrets of this Beaux-Arts masterpiece on a tour of this iconic Chicago... 
WalkingHistoric Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age
Discover the design of the Gilded Age and Roaring Twenties, from lush Tiffany mosaics...
WalkingHotel Boom: Making Old New Again
Learn about the benefits and challenges of adaptive reuse. Currently available for
WalkingInland Steel Building
Explore the exterior and interior of this iconic modern masterpiece and learn the stories... 
WalkingIntro to Chicago Architecture
Discover how Chicago became both the birthplace of the skyscraper and the world-renowned “City...
WalkingLakeshore Living: Steel and Stone
See the evolution of deluxe residential buildings in and around Streeterville, from stately stone... 
WalkingLights, Camera, Architecture!
Visit buildings featured in famous films and learn about Chicago's film industry. 
WalkingLoop as Lab: The Walking Tour
Experience Chicago’s urban planning history with a tour that reveals the city’s growth and...
WalkingMacy's on State
Come with us as we explore the fascinating history of Marshall Field’s – the...
WalkingMarquette Building
Completed in 1894, the Marquette Building brings Chicago’s early history to life in an... 
WalkingMerchandise Mart
Once the largest building the the world, the Merchandise Mart, now called the Mart,...
WalkingMillennium Park
Celebrate Millennium Park's 20th anniversary with a tour that reveals the park’s evolution from...
WalkingModernism: Reviving the Loop
Iconic buildings, public art, urban planning and government influence—this tour covers it all. 
WalkingMonadnock Building
Join people who come from around the world to see the mighty Monadnock. This...
WalkingMust-See Chicago
This fast-paced introductory tour features some of Chicago's most famous buildings.
WalkingPalmer House Hotel
Experience the glamour, intrigue and excitement of the Palmer House, a "Grand Hotel" and...
WalkingReliance Building
Step into the Reliance building's lobby and upper floors for an immersive experience of... 
WalkingRiver North: Transformation of a Neighborhood
Journey through River North’s evolution from a manufacturing hub to a lively district with... 
WalkingRiverwalk East
Learn about newly completed improvements to the Chicago Riverwalk — starting at the Vietnam...
WalkingRiverwalk West
Discover the western portion of the Riverwalk and hear how this linear park —...
WalkingRookery Building
Explore the interior and exterior of one of Chicago’s most famous and beloved historic...
WalkingSacred Spaces in Downtown Chicago
Visit seven completely different sites—many designed by well-known architects. 
WalkingSpanish Language: Arquitectura de Chicago: Un Paseo por El Tiempo
Una vista general a la rica cultura arquitectonica de Chicago, empezando de los primeros... 
BusThe Great Chicago Fire
Follow the route of the spread of the Great Chicago Fire and immerse yourself... 
WalkingThe Old Post Office
Explore the new Old Post Office Building, whose early 20th-century design has been adaptively... 
WalkingTiffany in Chicago
Marvel at Chicago’s stunning Tiffany art-glass and mosaics—one of the largest collections in the... 
WalkingUnion Station: Icon of a Great Age
Take in the elaborate details of this historic landmark, including the stunning Great Hall,...
WalkingWabash Avenue Arts Corridor
Explore murals by celebrated street artists on this walking tour of the Wabash Avenue...
WalkingWhat's New
This tour features some of the most recent additions to the built environment near... 
WalkingWillis Tower Revitalized
Experience the iconic Willis Tower with a visit to the 103rd floor Skydeck combined...
discounted tour pricing for members
Free essential walking tours, 66% off premier walking tours, invitations to exclusive members-only events, and more.
accessibility & safety
The Chicago Architecture Center welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its offerings feel safe and accessible to everyone.
Looking for more to do?
Check out our calendar to see everything happening at the CAC beyond city tours
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