• Union Station - Enter one of America’s most stunning train stations, where Beaux-Arts elegance meets Hollywood allure in ways many visitors overlook. The audio guide reveals how this architectural gem became a backdrop for numerous films, from “The Untouchables” to “Public Enemies,” while also serving as a secret World War II training site. Admire the Great Hall’s impressive skylight as you learn about the hidden tunnels below and the intriguing tales of famous travelers who walked these marble halls. Explore at your own pace and discover why this is more than just a transit hub, but a living testament to American ambition and architectural brilliance that continues to enchant millions.

• Field Museum - Go beyond the renowned T-Rex to discover the extraordinary secrets within one of the world’s leading natural history museums. The audio guide shares the museum’s remarkable origin, rising from the 1893 World’s Fair, and leads you to hidden treasures often missed by visitors. Learn about the enigmatic Ancient Americas collection, the true stories of Egyptian mummies, and the pioneering research happening in labs above. Discover how this institution has shaped our understanding of evolution, anthropology, and natural sciences while exploring at your own pace through halls filled with millions of specimens and artifacts that narrate the story of life on Earth.

• Buckingham Fountain - Experience Chicago’s iconic fountain through stories that transform this beautiful centerpiece into something far more meaningful than a water display. The audio guide reveals the touching family legacy behind its creation, the ingenious engineering making it one of the world’s largest fountains, and the hidden symbolism in its design representing the Great Lakes. Stand in awe as you learn about the fountain’s role in Chicago’s cultural renaissance and the dramatic restoration efforts that saved it from decay. Discover the seasonal secrets, the nighttime light show’s fascinating history, and why this fountain symbolizes Chicago’s resilience and beauty, all while enjoying the freedom to linger and absorb its majesty.

• The Art Institute of Chicago - Dive into one of the world’s greatest art collections while uncovering the incredible stories behind masterpieces that grace everything from coffee mugs to Hollywood films. The audio experience reveals the secret histories of how the museum acquired its most famous works, from controversial acquisitions to the generous donors who shaped the collection. Explore the hidden connections between Chicago’s industrial boom and its artistic renaissance, learning about local patrons who competed with European collectors for the world’s finest art. Wander through galleries at your own rhythm, discovering why pieces like Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” became cultural icons and how this institution became a temple to human creativity.

• Millennium Park - Explore Chicago’s most celebrated public space while discovering the incredible transformation story that turned an industrial wasteland into a world-renowned cultural destination. The audio guide reveals the political drama, architectural challenges, and artistic vision that created this modern marvel in the heart of downtown. Learn about the underground engineering marvels supporting the park’s stunning features and the fascinating stories of international artists who contributed to its creation. Explore the Crown Fountain’s innovative technology, the Lurie Garden’s hidden ecological significance, and the architectural details most visitors never notice, all while understanding how this space represents Chicago’s commitment to public art and urban renewal.

• Cloud Gate - Experience Chicago’s beloved “Bean” through insights that transform this reflective sculpture into a profound artistic statement about community, reflection, and urban identity. The audio companion unveils the controversial creation process, the artistic vision behind its seamless surface, and the engineering challenges that nearly prevented its completion. Discover the sculpture’s hidden mathematical properties, its role in Chicago’s cultural renaissance, and why visitors from around the world are drawn to touch its surface. Learn about the artist’s deeper intentions, the sculpture’s connection to Chicago’s industrial heritage, and the fascinating maintenance secrets that keep it gleaming, while enjoying the freedom to experience its magic from every angle at your own pace.

• Chicago Cultural Center - Enter the city’s stunning “People’s Palace” and discover why this architectural gem houses some of the world’s most magnificent Tiffany glass domes in a building originally designed for a different purpose. The audio guide reveals the building’s transformation from Chicago’s first central library to a cultural powerhouse, uncovering the stories of the craftsmen who created its breathtaking mosaics and the political battles that saved it from demolition. Explore hidden architectural details, learn about the building’s role in Chicago’s cultural identity, and discover the secret spaces most visitors never see. Wander through galleries and performance spaces while understanding how this free cultural institution continues to democratize art and culture for all Chicagoans.

• Chicago Riverwalk - Walk along the city’s magnificent waterfront promenade while uncovering the remarkable engineering feat that transformed a neglected industrial corridor into Chicago’s most beloved public space. The audio experience reveals the river’s crucial role in the city’s founding, the incredible story of reversing the river’s flow, and the modern renaissance that created today’s stunning walkway. Discover hidden architectural treasures visible only from water level, learn about the diverse ecosystems thriving in an urban environment, and understand the economic and cultural significance of this waterway. Explore at your own pace while discovering why this riverwalk represents Chicago’s commitment to reclaiming its waterfront for public enjoyment and environmental stewardship.

• Navy Pier - Explore Chicago’s most visited attraction while discovering the fascinating military history and cultural transformation that shaped this iconic lakefront destination. The audio guide reveals the pier’s crucial role in World War training, its near-demolition and dramatic rescue, and its evolution into a world-class entertainment complex. Learn about the engineering marvels hidden beneath the boardwalk, the stories behind the pier’s unique attractions, and the ongoing efforts to balance tourism with local community needs. Explore the pier’s cultural significance, its role in Chicago’s economic development, and the environmental initiatives that make it a model for sustainable tourism, all while enjoying the freedom to discover its many attractions at your preferred pace.

• Richard H. Driehaus Museum - Step into Chicago’s most opulent Gilded Age mansion and discover how one man’s passion for decorative arts created an extraordinary time capsule of American luxury and craftsmanship. The audio companion reveals the mansion’s original family secrets, the incredible restoration process that brought it back to life, and the fascinating stories behind each room’s magnificent furnishings. Learn about the craftsmen who created these masterpieces, the social customs of Chicago’s elite society, and the museum’s role in preserving decorative arts traditions. Explore at your leisure through rooms filled with Tiffany windows, hand-painted ceilings, and period furnishings while understanding how this private residence became a public treasure celebrating American artistic achievement.

• 360 Chicago Observation Deck - Ascend to breathtaking heights and experience Chicago’s skyline through expert insights that transform stunning views into a comprehensive understanding of the city’s architectural evolution and urban planning triumphs. The audio guide reveals the engineering marvels visible from this unique vantage point, the stories behind the skyscrapers that define Chicago’s identity, and the historical events that shaped the cityscape spread below. Discover the significance of different neighborhoods, learn about the architects who created the world’s first skyscraper city, and understand the ongoing development that continues to transform Chicago’s skyline. Take your time absorbing panoramic views while gaining insider knowledge about the geographic and cultural forces that made Chicago a global metropolis.

• Lincoln Park Zoo - Explore America’s last free major zoo while discovering the incredible conservation stories and scientific breakthroughs that make this institution a world leader in animal care and species preservation. The audio experience reveals the zoo’s pioneering role in captive breeding programs, its transformation from a small menagerie to a globally respected conservation center, and the fascinating stories of individual animals that captured Chicago’s heart. Learn about innovative habitat design, groundbreaking research conducted on-site, and the zoo’s crucial role in saving endangered species from extinction. Wander through diverse habitats at your own pace while understanding how this beloved institution balances public education, scientific research, and animal welfare in an urban setting.

• Chicago History Museum - Journey through Chicago’s extraordinary past in the city’s premier repository of local history, where artifacts and stories reveal how a frontier trading post became one of the world’s great cities. The audio guide unveils the museum’s rare collections, from the Great Fire’s aftermath to the World’s Fair’s global impact, while sharing lesser-known stories that shaped Chicago’s unique character. Discover the personal accounts of ordinary citizens who lived through extraordinary times, learn about the cultural movements that originated in Chicago, and explore the ongoing struggles and triumphs that define the city today. Navigate exhibits at your preferred pace while gaining deep insights into the events, people, and innovations that made Chicago a symbol of American resilience and reinvention.

• Newberry Library - Enter one of America’s foremost independent research libraries and discover the incredible literary treasures and scholarly resources that make this institution a global destination for researchers and book lovers. The audio companion reveals the library’s remarkable founding story, its unique collections spanning centuries of human knowledge, and the famous scholars and writers who conducted groundbreaking research within these walls. Learn about rare manuscripts, historic maps, and literary collections that preserve irreplaceable cultural heritage while exploring the building’s stunning architecture and reading rooms. Discover the library’s role in Chicago’s intellectual life, its innovative public programs, and why this institution remains essential for understanding American culture and history.

• Museum of Science and Industry - Immerse yourself in one of the world’s largest science museums, housed in the last remaining building from Chicago’s transformative 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, where interactive exhibits bring scientific discovery to life. The audio guide reveals the museum’s origin story, from World’s Fair palace to educational powerhouse, while uncovering the fascinating stories behind iconic exhibits like the captured German U-boat and the Pioneer Zephyr train. Explore cutting-edge displays on technology, medicine, and innovation while learning about Chicago’s role in scientific advancement and industrial development. Discover hands-on experiences, groundbreaking research partnerships, and educational programs that inspire future scientists, all while enjoying the freedom to delve deeply into subjects that captivate your curiosity most.

• Private access links valid for 6 days
• Audio guide playlist for 15 attractions
• Tour itinerary map with audio guide for 15 attractions

• Entry fees (wherever required)
• Transportations (pick-up and drop-off)

Explore Chicago in a whole new way, with the freedom to discover at your own pace. Spend more time at intriguing spots or breeze through others, guided by your interests. Our expertly designed audio experience reveals exclusive historical insights and hidden stories unknown even to longtime residents, turning you from a tourist into an insider as you delve into the true essence of the Windy City. Unlike structured group tours that hurry you past amazing details, you’ll have the flexibility to focus on the attractions that fascinate you the most, crafting a personalized journey that aligns perfectly with your curiosity and schedule. Experience the city like a local – leisurely, genuine, and deeply connected to the stories that have shaped this magnificent metropolis, all while enjoying a superior experience that blends the convenience of independence with the richness of expert knowledge.

• 1. Complete Flexibility - Tour at Your Own Pace: This is a self-guided audio tour, NOT a GPS-guided tour. You have complete freedom to choose which attractions to visit, explore in any order you prefer, start and finish wherever you like, and even split the tour across multiple days. Spend as much time as you want at each location and take breaks whenever needed.
• 2. How You’ll Receive Your Tour Materials: On your selected travel date, before your start time, you’ll receive two important links: one for your audio guides (SoundCloud) and one for your interactive map (Google My Maps). These links will be sent via your booking platform’s messaging system, and also via iMessage/WhatsApp if you provided your phone number during booking. Important: While all links are fully functional, the booking platform may not display link previews due to platform restrictions. For the best experience with instant previews and one-click access, we strongly recommend providing your phone number during booking to receive links via WhatsApp or iMessage. This ensures smoother, faster access to your audio guides.
• 3. Using Your Audio Guides (Link 1 - SoundCloud): Open the SoundCloud link in your web browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.). You’ll see a playlist of all attraction audio guides organized in a suggested order. You can listen before your tour to plan which attractions interest you most, or play them as you arrive at each location. Simply scroll through the playlist, tap any attraction to play its audio guide, and use play/pause controls as needed throughout your tour.
• 4. Using Your Interactive Map (Link 2 - Google My Maps): Open the Google My Maps link in your web browser - not the Google Maps app. You’ll see all attractions marked with headphone icons. Navigate by either tapping directly on any headphone icon on the map, or tapping the tour title below the map to view a complete list of attractions. When you select an attraction, a popup window appears with a clickable link to that location’s audio guide.
• 5. What to Bring & Prepare: Essential items: headphones/earphones, fully charged smartphone, and internet access. Before your visit, review both links to familiarize yourself with the attractions and audio content, then decide your priorities and create your own route or follow our suggested order.
• 6. Audio Guide Language Selection: Select your preferred audio guide language during booking to guarantee delivery in that language. Language selection cannot be changed after confirmation. If your preferred language isn’t available during booking, you can mention it in the Special Requirements section when placing your order. However, this request must be made at least 48 hours before your selected travel date and time. We will make our best effort to prepare your requested language, but please note this is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. For the best assurance of receiving your preferred language, always select from the available language options during the booking process.
• 7. Important Notice - Attraction Fees & Your Responsibilities: While many attractions are free to visit, some may charge fees for special sections, additional services, or general admission. It is your responsibility to check opening hours, closing times, holiday schedules, advance booking requirements, and purchase any necessary admission tickets before visiting each attraction. If you need assistance accessing or using the audio guide, please contact our customer support team.

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