Chicago Architecture Tour: 90-Minute Walking Experience

Discover the iconic skyscrapers and high rises of Chicago on a 90-minute architecture tour. Learn about the city’s architectural history and support a nonprofit organization.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Chicago Architecture Center - Start and finish the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center.
  • 177 N State St - Constructed in the late 1800s, this building showcases a unique cast-iron facade.
  • Virgin Hotels Chicago - Observe the Virgin Hotel.
  • Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Ave - Explore the renovated Chicago Motor…
What's Included
  • Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
  • Narration by a professional and certified guide
  • Walking tour of Chicago Architecture
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Storage for luggage or strollers
  • Coat check
Additional Information

Looking for a brief overview of Chicago’s stunning architecture? This tour, lasting 1.5 hours, offers an exhaustive journey through the city’s architectural timeline, observing structures from the earliest skyscrapers to the most recent towering high rises.
Being an accredited nonprofit, every ticket sold for CAC tours contributes directly to our…

Location
Chicago Architecture Center
East Wacker Drive
Meet at the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(204 Ratings)
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Mattmasi
Mar 1, 2026
Recommended - Essential tour, full of details and anecdotes. Recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
584gaganm
Dec 22, 2025
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide - What a wonderful tour. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the city better. Our tour guide... Cindy is very knowledgeable. It was just me and my son for the tour so it was extra special with Cindy sharing so much information off script. It is lovely to see the passion of the volunteers who help conduct these tours. I think it is the best way to start your visit to chicago.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bask430
Dec 21, 2025
Great short walking tour around iconic architecture in Chicago - Wonderful guide who helped us understand some of Chicago’s iconic architecture. Leisurely pace, very insightful. Would recommend for sure!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kineretj2025
Dec 18, 2025
Great walking tour - This was a fascinating tour. David was very knowledgeable. Loved learning about Chicago history.. What an incredible city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
519cherriel
Nov 17, 2025
Meeting the treasures of Chicago - Burt was a treasure! So knowledgeable, with great stories and details of the outside and inside of these remarkable places. What a fun and enriching way to pass the afternoon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wendygp9606kq
Nov 4, 2025
A great tour! - A very fun and educational tour! David was our tour guide and he was very knowledgeable. I learned so much about the architectural history of Chicago. What a beautiful city!
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Karenbq4164df
Oct 30, 2025
Walk through time - Wayne gave me a very nice, informative walking tour. I learned many interesting details of the buildings’ architecture and the land around.
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Achtungmiche
Oct 12, 2025
Fun and educational - I went on the 2 hour walking tour called The Golden Age. We went down Michigan Ave and State St. I recommend this! The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. This tour is full of info about the great architects that rebuilt Chicago after the fire.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elliejn5207uf
Sep 13, 2025
Amazing Value For Money! - Our group had such an excellent time! Some of us had done Architecture Center tours before and Mark, our guide, lived up to their other guides’ stellar reputation. The quality for the amount you pay is unmatched, and I 100% recommend any of the tours run by them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Craig
Sep 13, 2025
These are fantastic - I’ve taken 4 walking tours and the river cruise all have been very informative and fun. Highly recommended. Fine make me get to 100 characters
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $35
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).