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.
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... 
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'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: Revitalizing the South Loop
Explore the South Loop, one of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods! Visit some wonderful historic buildings... 
WalkingGraceland Cemetery
Discover Graceland Cemetery’s tranquil beauty and hear fascinating stories of Chicago’s influential figures interred... 
WalkingHistoric Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age
Discover the design of the Gilded Age and Roaring Twenties, from lush Tiffany mosaics...
WalkingHistoric Wicker Park
Experience the richness of late 19th-century architecture with gems such as Beer...
WalkingHotel Boom: Making Old New Again
Learn about the benefits and challenges of adaptive reuse. Currently available for
WalkingIntro to Chicago Architecture
Discover how Chicago became both the birthplace of the skyscraper and the world-renowned “City...
WalkingLights, Camera, Architecture!
Visit buildings featured in famous films and learn about Chicago's film industry. 
WalkingMerchandise Mart
Once the largest building the the world, the Merchandise Mart, now called the Mart,...
WalkingMotor Row
Chicago's Motor Row Historic District is recognized as an official Historic Landmark District. Hear...
WalkingMust-See Chicago
This fast-paced introductory tour features some of Chicago's most famous buildings.
WalkingPub Tour: Near North
Experience Chicago’s Near North side: a blend of historic architecture, Italian heritage, and vibrant... 
WalkingSacred Spaces in Downtown Chicago
Visit seven completely different sites—many designed by well-known architects. 
WalkingThe Old Post Office
Explore the new Old Post Office Building, whose early 20th-century design has been adaptively... 
WalkingUptown
Discover a treasure trove of terra cotta ornamentation and creatively repurposed historic buildings. 
WalkingWalk the 606
Journey along The 606, an elevated park and trail, connecting four Chicago neighborhoods. Currently...
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.
