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  • a picture of the silver bean in chicago.

    Cloud Gate (also known as The Bean) in Millennium Park. Photo by Anish Kapoor.

This fast-paced introductory tour features some of Chicago's most famous buildings.

  • a picture of the silver bean in chicago.

    Cloud Gate (also known as The Bean) in Millennium Park. Photo by Anish Kapoor.

  • No image description available.No image description available.

    Best architecture tours of Chicago

Get a brief overview of more than a dozen buildings and Chicago landmarks on this whirlwind tour. There are lots of photo opportunities along the way, so be sure to bring your camera!

Duration
1.5 hours
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

Tour includes the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Willis (Sears) Tower, Millennium Park, the Loop, the Chicago River — and more!

Know before you go:
  • This tour is not ADA accessible. Stairs are required.

Tour reviews

    • For a fast-paced introduction to Chicago in all of its variety, this is the tour to book.
      Ellen ShubartCAC Docent
  • A photo of the Hard Rock Hotel as seen from street level.

    Carbide & Carbon Building. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

  • A photo of the upper portion of Prudential Plaza

    Prudential Plaza. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

  • A photo of Aqua Tower

    Aqua Tower

  • A photo of Willis Tower

    Willis Tower

  • A photo of Pablo Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza.

    Pablo Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza.

  • A photo of the Marc Chagall mosaic at the Chase Bank Plaza.

    Marc Chagall mosaic at the Chase Bank Plaza.

  • Image of a modern angular building with tan stone and a glass and metal facade.

    Art Institute of Chicago (Modern Wing). Photo by Peter J. Sieger

  • Image of a skyline with greenery and an arched metal structure in the foreground.

    Millennium Park from the Nichols Bridgeway. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

Tour Accessibility

CAC is committed to improving access to our tours. The accessibility information below reflects our docents’ experience and is provided for general guidance only.

What to expect on this tour

  • Icon of a person walking with a red percentage sign

    Terrain & Surfaces

    Moderate - Some uneven or mixed surfaces 

  • Icon of a wheelchair and red arrow

    Wheelchair & Walker Access

    Moderate - Ramps and alternate routes provided 

  • Icon of the outline or some steps and a red arrow pointing diagonally right and up.

    Steps or Stairs

    Moderate - Step-free alternate route available  

  • Icon of an ear with a red throughline

    Hearing Access

    Moderate - Noisy areas, listening devices provided 

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Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

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