Find Your Chicago Architecture Tour

Experience the “top tour in Chicago and one of the top ten tours in the U.S.” according to TripAdvisor users. The Chicago Architecture Foundation  River Cruise is a must for out-of-towners and Chicagoans alike. CAF-certified volunteer tour guides—called…

Must-See Chicago is a fast-paced, 90-minute introductory tour to Chicago featuring some of its most famous buildings, including the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Willis (Sears) Tower, the Chicago Theatre and more!

CAC has partnered with Big Bus Chicago for a tour that explores Chicago's mosaic of neighborhoods. Every day at 10:30am, discover five fascinating communities from a seat on an open-top bus. You'll get an intriguing look at the art, architecture and history…

Learn about the great architectural landmarks of Michigan Avenue and State Street, with glimpses inside beautiful buildings from the 1890s-1930s. Highlights include the dazzling interiors of the Palmer House Hotel and the Chicago Cultural Center.

Explore Chicago’s amazing architecture from the unique perspective of elevated trains and station platforms. Learn the history behind the famous "L" system and hear how it has shaped the development of buildings within the Loop.

Tour the lobbies of five opulent Art Deco skyscrapers built near the banks of the Chicago River during the business boom of the Roaring '20s. Learn how Art Deco reflected the era’s fun-loving optimism with lavish materials and geometric ornament.

Discover the exciting diversity of Chicago architecture on this wide-ranging odyssey, which traces the city’s development from its founding through present day.

This lively overview of Chicago architecture explores iconic buildings from the 1890s to present. We'll compare and contrast a wide range of buildings with varying architectural styles and see how older structures connect to new skyline additions.

Chicago is recognized as a leader in Modern architecture, a style that revolutionized our visual world during the mid-20th Century. View iconic Modern skyscrapers during this walking tour.

Get a comprehensive look at Chicago's architectural history on this unique tour that covers buildings in chronological order. Hear important stories about the city while viewing some of its earliest buildings and new, super-tall high rises.

Chicago is experiencing a surge in tourism, resulting in the creative repurpose of historic skyscrapers into chic new hotels. Learn how and why a former athletic club, silver manufacturer and motor club have undergone this change.

Take this short walk to encounter the Lakeshore East neighborhood and Aqua Tower, a skyscraper designed by Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects that has earned high praise from architects and critics around the world.

Tour the lobbies of Art Deco masterpieces built in the heart of Chicago’s financial district during the Roaring '20s. Learn how Art Deco reflected the era’s fun-loving optimism with lavish materials and geometric ornament.

In partnership with the Art Institute, explore how various styles of architecture, sculpture and landscapes interact to create a unique museum campus. We’ll visit both the interior and exterior of the museum including its newest addition, the critically…

Once home to some of Chicago’s wealthiest families, Beverly’s mansions are still among the most beautiful in the city. During this tour we’ll view some of Beverly’s mansions along with homes that are merely large and unique.