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
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: 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... - Walking
Art Deco: Landmark Lobbies
Step out of the cold and into the lobbies of three Art Deco skyscrapers... - Bus
Benjamin Marshall
Benjamin H. Marshall, is one of Chicago’s most influential but lesser known architects. Celebrate... - Walking
Beverly (South): A Castle, Mansions and More
Tour one of Chicago’s most fascinating neighborhoods, Beverly. - Walking
Bohemian National Cemetery
Discover the rich history and artistry of Chicago's Bohemian National Cemetery, a testament to... - Bus
Brutalism: Concrete Made Beautiful
Concrete has played a significant role both in Brutalist architecture where it is front... - Boat • our most popular tour!
CAC River Cruise aboard First Lady
The cruise that puts Architecture First. Voted #1 boat tour in the United States... - 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 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
Civil War and Chicago’s Role: Rosehill Cemetery
From Lincoln's nomination to women's role in the war effort, hear the stories of... - 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... - Bus
Devil in the White City
Step back in time to the 1893 World’s Fair with a tour that highlights... - Walking
Elevated Architecture: Downtown 'L' Train
See architectural details missed by most pedestrians at street level and gain insight into... - Walking
Evanston Along the Lake
Diverse architectural styles from Queen Anne to Modern frame the tranquil lakefront in Daniel... - Walking
Explore Chinatown
Discover the art, architecture and history of Chinatown. - Walking
Fine Arts Building
The Fine Arts Building has remained a hub of creativity for over 125... - Walking
Fort Sheridan
See how adaptive reuse has given this historic military base new life. - Bus
Frank Lloyd Wright by Bus
Embark on a journey through Frank Lloyd Wright’s evolution of Prairie Style architecture with... - Walking
Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park
View the exteriors of nearly a dozen of Wright’s structures. *CAC Select tour* - Walking
French Language (Langue Française): Les Incontournables
Immerse in iconic Chicago architecture with a French-speaking guide, highlighting the city’s history and... - 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
Discover Graceland Cemetery’s tranquil beauty and hear fascinating stories of Chicago’s influential figures interred... - 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
Grant Park Secrets
Unlock the secrets of this Beaux-Arts masterpiece on a tour of this iconic Chicago... - Walking
Historic Austin
Visit Austin’s historic late 19th and early 20th century houses, schools and storefronts. - Bus
Historic Bronzeville Churches by Bus
Explore historic churches in the Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area. - Walking
Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age
Learn about the great architectural landmarks of Michigan Avenue and State Street. - Walking
Humboldt Park
Walk the historic core in the largest of Chicago’s West Side parks, created by... - Walking
Hyde Park
Journey through Hyde Park’s storied past and its world-class architecture, including the Robie House.... - Walking
Inland Steel Building
Explore the exterior and interior of this iconic modern masterpiece and learn the stories... - Walking
Kenilworth-South: Wright, Maher & Burnham
The North Shore’s youngest and smallest lakefront community still reflects founder Joseph Sears’ 1880s... - Walking
Kenwood
Experience suburban charm in an urban setting, featuring 19th-century mansions and Frank Lloyd Wright... - Walking
Lake Forest Cemetery
Hear stories of Lake Forest's founding and those who made their mark from Civil... - 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
Lincoln Park: From Cemetery to Sculpture Garden
Trace Lincoln Park’s transformation from a historic cemetery to a sculpture garden, enjoying iconic... - Walking
Loyola University Campus
Discover the architectural beauty of Loyola University’s lakeside campus. Tucked away in Rogers Park,... - Walking
Macy's on State
Explore the fascinating history of Marshall Field’s—the architecture, the store and the man. - 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
Mies and Modernism: The IIT Campus
The Illinois Institute of Technology is home to the largest group of buildings designed... - Walking
Modernism: Reviving the Loop
Iconic buildings, public art, urban planning and government influence—this tour covers it all. - Walking
Motor Row
Chicago's Motor Row Historic District is recognized as an official Historic Landmark District. Hear... - Walking
Must-See Chicago
This fast-paced introductory tour features some of Chicago's most famous buildings. - Walking
North Dearborn Parkway: Ashes to Affluence
Learn the history of this storied Near North neighborhood, established in the wake of... - Walking
Northwestern University
Explore this stunning, wooded campus on the shore of Lake Michigan, featuring a wide... - Walking
Old Town Triangle
Tour this unique landmark district, featuring St. Michael's Church and row-houses by Adler and... - Walking
Palmer House Hotel
Experience the glamour, intrigue and excitement of the Palmer House, a "Grand Hotel" and... - 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
River North: Transformation of a Neighborhood
Journey through River North’s evolution from a manufacturing hub to a lively district with... - Walking
Riverwalk East
Learn about newly completed improvements to the Chicago Riverwalk—starting at the Vietnam Memorial and... - 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
Sheffield Historic District
Explore the myriad architectural styles that make the neighborhood unique, including late 19th century... - 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
Ukrainian Village
Take in the beauty of Ukrainian Village’s churches and residential architecture while hearing stories... - Walking
Union Station: Icon of a Great Age
Take in the elaborate details of this historic landmark, including the stunning Great Hall,... - Walking
University of Chicago
From Collegiate Gothic to Contemporary, the University of Chicago campus offers a wide range... - Walking
University of Illinois Chicago
Explore the country's first fully planned, public urban university. - Walking
Uptown
Discover a treasure trove of terra cotta ornamentation and creatively repurposed historic buildings. - Walking
Walk Pilsen
Discover Pilsen’s vibrant street art, historic landmarks, and dynamic cultural heritage. - Walking
What's New
This tour features some of the most recent additions to the built environment near... - Walking
Wicker Park
Learn the history of this Northwest Side classic Chicago neighborhood listed on the National... - 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.
Looking for more to do?
Check out our calendar to see everything happening at the CAC beyond city tours
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