Overview
Get the best of Chicago with a local guide on this walking tour featuring the city’s best neighborhoods, top attractions, and the Chicago ‘L’!
We’ll start by exploring the Chicago Loop, home to an array of mind-blowing architecture. See the Willis Tower, Union Station just across the river, and admire the Beaux-Arts beauty of the Art Institute of Chicago. No downtown Chicago experience is complete without a stop at Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate, AKA The Bean.
We’ll then head north to stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk before exploring the River North neighborhood, home of the iconic Wrigley Building.
Over in the Magnificent Mile district, grab post-tour tickets for the Museum of Contemporary Art or brave the 94 floors up to 360 CHICAGO observation deck. End your tour here or nearby in the attraction- and entertainment-filled Navy Pier.
During your tour, your guide will treat you to a local snack as well as a $5 train pass so we can really maximize our time sightseeing in Chicago!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Local English-speaking guide
Train pass
Snacks
Gratuities
Additional food and drink
Souvenirs or personal shopping
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
The Chicago Theatre (underneath the marquee).
End point
A central location in Millennium Park.
Good to know
Please wear casual clothes appropriate for the weather and comfortable walking shoes. This tour runs year-round and will proceed rain or shine unless such weather constitutes a dangerous situation.
We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests.
In the event of a site closure, we will do our best to replace it with a similar alternative.
If you are driving to the tour, please allow extra time to find parking.
What to expect
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The Chicago Theatre
15 min
This is where your tour begins - underneath the iconic neon sign made famous in both movies and musicals! Here, you'll meet your guide and then set off through bustling downtown Chicago.
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Chicago Pedway
15 min
You'll head into the network of tunnels and bridges that connect skyscrapers and retail stores to see how locals move around the city (especially during those Midwestern winters)!
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City of Chicago - City Hall
15 min
You'll pass this 10-story building that houses the city government offices of Chicago. You'll get a chance to enjoy the beauty of the historical architecture while your guide gives you some information about its history.
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The Picasso
15 min
Enjoy an up-close Picasso experience with this unique piece of public art. Your guide will explain how this piece came to Chicago and how it was received.
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Chicago Riverwalk
15 min
If the weather is good, we'll be able to take a wander down to this iconic river and soak in the views it has to offer. Sights include Marina Towers and the Britannica Building. (Note: this stop is not part of the tour during the winter months).
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Wrigley Building
15 min
You can't think of Chicago without thinking of the Wrigley Company. This skyscraper with its central clocktower, first built in the early 1900s, no longer houses the Wrigley Company, but is home to several other significant businesses and consulates.
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Tribune Tower
15 min
This building represents the core of journalism in Chicago and is home to the newspaper 'The Chicago Tribune'. Soak in the views of this beautifully picturesque building - which marries two of Chicago's most well-known industries: journalism and architecture.
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Magnificent Mile
15 min
Home to lakefront parks with gorgeous views and a sublimely tranquil vibe, we'll walk along this famous street as we make our way to the end point of the tour.
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Millennium Park
25 min
This is where your tour ends and where the iconic "Bean" sculpture (actually called The Cloud Gate) lives. You'll have plenty of time to soak in Chicago's most famous piece of art before your tour concludes. You'll be in the perfect central location to continue exploring Chicago - with plenty of restaurant, bar, and attraction recommendations from your guide.
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Cloud Gate
25 min
This is where your tour ends and where the iconic "Bean" sculpture (actually called The Cloud Gate) lives. You'll have plenty of time to soak in Chicago's most famous piece of art before your tour concludes. You'll be in the perfect central location to continue exploring Chicago - with plenty of restaurant, bar, and attraction recommendations from your guide.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Chicago).
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Best of Chicago: Architecture & Highlights City Private Tour
Can I cancel Best of Chicago: Architecture & Highlights City Private Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours.
Where does it start, and is pickup offered?
The Chicago Theatre (underneath the marquee). Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
What's included?
- Local English-speaking guide
- Train pass
- Snacks
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Additional food and drink
- Souvenirs or personal shopping
Which places does it visit?
It visits The Chicago Theatre, Chicago Pedway, City of Chicago - City Hall, The Picasso, Chicago Riverwalk, Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Magnificent Mile.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by WeVenture
