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.
- Walking
875 N. Michigan Ave
The tower's series of stacked Xs are immediately recognizable, making it one of the... - Walking
Aqua, St. Regis Chicago & Lakeshore East
Discover two iconic buildings designed by woman-led Studio Gang and explore the surrounding Lakeshore... - Bus
Architectural Highlights by Bus
Explore Chicago’s iconic architecture on a bus tour from the Loop through historic neighborhoods... - Walking
Architecture of the Magnificent Mile
Explore Chicago’s evolution from a dirt road called Pine Street to the iconic Magnificent... - Walking
Art Deco Skyscrapers: Landmark Lobbies
Step out of the cold and into the lobbies of three Art Deco skyscrapers... - Walking
Art Deco Skyscrapers: The Loop
Step into the lobbies of Art Deco masterpieces built in the heart of Chicago’s...
- Walking
Art 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
River Cruises have ended for the 2025 season. Sign up for our email list...
- Walking
Chicago Architecture: A Walk Through Time
Journey through Chicago’s architectural evolution, from the Great Fire’s aftermath to new supertall high-rises. - Walking
Chicago Board of Trade Building
The Chicago Board of Trade is a Loop icon and a City of Chicago...
- Walking
Chicago Icons: Connecting Past and Present
Compare and contrast iconic buildings from the 1890s to present and learn how older... - Walking
Chicago Pedway
Discover Chicago’s underground Pedway and uncover its history, unique businesses and links to transit,... - Walking
Chicago Women in Architecture
Trace the impact of female architects in Chicago’s skyline with a tour that celebrates... - Walking
Chicago's First Skyscrapers
Chicago is home to some of the world’s first skyscrapers. Get an up-close look...
- Walking
Chicago's Moveable Bridges
Understand how the unique Chicago-style bascule bridges work. - Walking
Columbia College Student Center
This tour is no longer available. If you're interested in this building, check out... - Walking
Columbia College: Revitalizing the South Loop
Explore the South Loop, one of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods! Visit some wonderful historic buildings... - Walking
Elevated Architecture: Downtown 'L' Train
See architectural details missed by most pedestrians at street level and gain insight into... - Walking
Fine Arts Building
The Fine Arts Building has remained a hub of creativity for over 125... - Walking
French Language (Langue Française): Les Incontournables
Immerse in iconic Chicago architecture with a French-speaking guide, highlighting the city’s history and... - Walking
Grant Park Secrets
Unlock the secrets of this Beaux-Arts masterpiece on a tour of this iconic Chicago... - Walking
Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age
Learn about the great architectural landmarks of Michigan Avenue and State Street. - Walking
Hotel Boom: Making Old New Again
Learn about the benefits and challenges of adaptive reuse. - Walking
Inland Steel Building
Explore the exterior and interior of this iconic modern masterpiece and learn the stories... - Walking
Lakeshore Living: Steel and Stone
See the evolution of deluxe residential buildings in and around Streeterville, from stately stone... - Walking
Lights, Camera, Architecture!
Visit buildings featured in famous films and learn about Chicago's film industry. - Walking
Loop as Lab: The Walking Tour
Experience Chicago’s urban planning history with a tour that reveals the city’s growth and... - Walking
Macy's on State
Celebrate the season with special tours from November through the end of the year...
- Walking
Marquette Building
Completed in 1894, the Marquette Building brings Chicago’s early history to life in an... - Walking
Merchandise Mart
Once the largest building in the world, the Merchandise Mart remains a center for... - Walking
Millennium Park
Celebrate Millennium Park's 20th anniversary with a tour that reveals the park’s evolution from... - Walking
Modernism: Reviving the Loop
Iconic buildings, public art, urban planning and government influence—this tour covers it all. - Walking
Monadnock Building
Join people who come from around the world to see the mighty Monadnock. This... - Walking
Must-See Chicago
Celebrate the season with this tour that concludes at Daley Plaza, which hosts the...
- Walking
Palmer House Hotel
Celebrate the season with special tours from November through the end of the year...
- Walking
Reliance Building
Step into the Reliance building's lobby and upper floors for an immersive experience of... - Walking
Riverwalk East
Learn about newly completed improvements to the Chicago Riverwalk—starting at the Vietnam Memorial and... - Walking
Riverwalk West
Discover the western portion of the Riverwalk and hear how this linear park—called Chicago’s... - Walking
Rookery Building
Explore the interior and exterior of one of Chicago’s most famous and beloved historic...
- Walking
Sacred Spaces in Downtown Chicago
Visit seven completely different sites—many designed by well-known architects. - Walking
Spanish Language: Arquitectura de Chicago: Un Paseo por El Tiempo
Una vista general a la rica cultura arquitectonica de Chicago, empezando de los primeros... - Bus
The Great Chicago Fire
Follow the route of the spread of the Great Chicago Fire and immerse yourself... - Walking
The Old Post Office
Explore the new Old Post Office Building, whose early 20th-century design has been adaptively... - Walking
Tiffany in Chicago
Marvel at Chicago’s stunning Tiffany art-glass and mosaics—one of the largest collections in the... - Walking
Union Station: Icon of a Great Age
Celebrate the season with special tours from November through the end of the year...
- Walking
Wabash Avenue Arts Corridor
Explore murals by celebrated street artists on this walking tour of the Wabash Avenue... - Walking
What's New
This tour features some of the most recent additions to the built environment near... - Walking
Willis 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.
