Chicago Skyline Tour: Architecture Highlights

Discover the iconic architecture and landmarks that have shaped Chicago on a captivating walking tour along the Chicago River. Immerse yourself in the city’s history and legacy with our expert guides.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Millennium Park - Begin your tour at the Federal Building Columns and delve into the history of Chicago’s lakefront. Then, explore the Italian Renaissance style at the nearby Chicago Cultural Center.
  • Chicago Riverwalk - Enjoy the stunning Beaux Arts and Art Deco architecture along the water, featuring three iconic Chicago buildings from the…
What's Included
  • Professional local guide
  • Guided walking tour of Michigan Avenue
  • 360 Chicago ticket (if you upgrade)
  • Visits to Rush Street, Millennium Park, and more
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • TILT (can be purchased on-site)
Additional Information

Discover the narrative of Chicago through its skyline on a walking tour that spans from the city’s 19th-century origins to its most impressive contemporary towers. This architecture tour encompasses everything from Beaux-Arts to modernist to Art Deco styles.
Begin near the stunning Millennium Park to take in the lakefront vistas. Then, follow your guide…

Location
Federal Building Columns
East Randolph Service Street
Meet your guide in between the Federal Building Columns. Your guide will be wearing an orange hat that says ExperienceFirst
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(67 Ratings)
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Wendalp
Jul 20, 2025
- Ben was a great guide on our architecture tour! We enjoyed it. We also had him as our guide on the walking food tour. Consider booking that one also.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
693katherinc
Jul 14, 2025
Tour with Mitchel - It was great, Chicago has a lot to offer when it comes to architecture and Mitchell made it easy and fun 10/10. We made ir On July perfect weather !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lizad1980
Jun 29, 2025
Great Walking Tour! - Our tour guide was Mitchell and he was great! He was so informative, learned about the building of Millennium Park, the various buildings along the Magnificent Mile, including the former Library, Chicago Tribune Building and much more! We took 3 walking tours in Chicago and this was our favorite!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brian
Jun 26, 2025
Architecture Walking Tour - Nice way to gain more knowledge on the history of some of the city’s more famous locations and buildings. Mitchell was a personable and knowledgeable walking guide. Definitely a worthwhile experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Relax405055
Jun 21, 2025
Excellent - Ben did an amazing job with our tour. Very informative and funny. He was very knowledgeable. He gave us a great recommendation for lunch. Would totally recommend this tour to anyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Colin_m
Jun 18, 2025
Mag Mile Speed Round - This tour offers a fascinating trip through time as the guide leads you through Chicago's Magnificent Mile. There's a lot of information to absorb, but our guide Ben's delivery was engaging and accessible. The length of the tour was just right for hitting a ton of major landmarks, and the guide was very responsive to questions. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Frank_j
Jun 17, 2025
Great Guide and a Fascinating Street - The tour was a fascinating and in-depth glimpse of one of America's most famous streets. Ben did a great job of not just reciting facts but of weaving in great stories of the pioneers and businesspeople who built the street and the neighborhoods around it. He has an exuberant personality and a command of the information, along with a keen sense of humor to leaven the tour. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
T4730csjudyj
Jun 17, 2025
Fun and Fact Filled Mag Mile Tour - Our Mag Mile Tour was great. We learned about the architecture of buildings, design details and history of the area. Our guide Ben was knowledgeable, friendly, full of facts and anecdotes. It was a perfect distance - enough to see the major sites without being too long. We followed with the 360 Chicago at the Hancock. Great tour would highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark_l
Jun 16, 2025
For visitors and locals alike - A fun and informative tour for visitors and locals alike. The guide was energetic and knowledgeable. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Tctravelers695
Jun 16, 2025
Fantastic Tour of Magnificent Mile! - This was a fantastic walking tour of Magnificent Mile! I've visited Chicago so many times and thought I sort of knew it all. But no. Our terrific guide Ben took us on a tour that included so many surprising and interesting facts and back-stories about the architecture and parks in this part of the city. It ended with a great visit to the top of the 360 Chicago observation deck. Bravo! I'd highly recommend this to families, friends, anyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $39
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).