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
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
The cruise that puts Architecture First. Voted one of the ten best boat tours... - 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's First Skyscrapers
Chicago is home to some of the world’s first skyscrapers. Get an up-close look...
- Walking
Civil War to Civil Rights at Oak Woods Cemetery
Explore this Victorian-era cemetery, visiting the final resting place of prominent Chicagoans and Confederate... - 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
Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park
View the exteriors of nearly a dozen of Wright’s structures. *CAC Select tour.
- Walking
Fulton-Randolph Market
Visit Chicago’s fastest developing neighborhood. Discover its transformation from a meatpacking hub to a... - Walking
Gold Coast: Astor Street
Discover the architectural treasures of the Astor Street Historic District, one of Chicago's most... - Walking
Graceland Cemetery: Symbols in Stone
Curious about the different headstones, statues and symbols in a cemetery? - Walking
Graceland Cemetery: Women of Influence
Celebrate the achievements of women in Chicago’s early history on this tour of Graceland... - Walking
Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age
Learn about the great architectural landmarks of Michigan Avenue and State Street. - 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
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
Modernism: Reviving the Loop
Iconic buildings, public art, urban planning and government influence—this tour covers it all. - Walking
Must-See Chicago
Celebrate the season with this tour that concludes at Daley Plaza, which hosts the...
- Walking
North Dearborn Parkway: Ashes to Affluence
Learn the history of this storied Near North neighborhood, established in the wake of... - Walking
Palmer House Hotel
Celebrate the season with special tours from November through the end of the year...
- Walking
Pub Tour: Andersonville
Enjoy Andersonville’s Swedish heritage and architecture on a lively pub tour through this historic... - Walking
Pub Tour: Near North
Experience Chicago’s Near North side: a blend of historic architecture, Italian heritage, and vibrant... - Walking
Reliance Building
Step into the Reliance building's lobby and upper floors for an immersive experience of... - 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... - 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
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.
