Architectural Highlights by Bus

  • Aerial view of the Chicago skyline seen from Lake Michigan, showcasing tall buildings, urban landscape, and clear blue sky.

    See architectural highlights from Hyde Park to the Gold Coast

Explore Chicago’s iconic architecture on a bus tour through historic neighborhoods, featuring masterpieces by renowned architects.

This tour currently has no scheduled dates.

  • Aerial view of the Chicago skyline seen from Lake Michigan, showcasing tall buildings, urban landscape, and clear blue sky.

    See architectural highlights from Hyde Park to the Gold Coast

Discover the exciting diversity of Chicago’s world famous architecture as we trace its development from the early days up to the present.

Duration
3.5 hours
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

Travel through unique neighborhoods such as the Loop, Hyde Park and Kenwood, Bronzeville, the Gold Coast and the Magnificent Mile as we visit architectural masterpieces by world famous architects. Off-coach stops are made in various locations to visit the architecture up close, including some interiors.


Know before you go:
  • Some properties and the bus have steps and are not completely ADA accessible.
Notes:
  • Many tours sell out. To guarantee your space advance reservations are strongly recommended.
  • Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour. View the CAC's hours.
  • Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.

Tour reviews

    • This tour was rich in information and history. Our guide was an excellent historian and educator. Learning about the city buildings, the Rookery and the Robie house were fascinating. Definitely worth the $$.
      Deanna L.Birmingham, AL
  • Interior view of the Rookery Building in Chicago, featuring a grand atrium with ornate ironwork, marble floors, and natural light.

    The Rookery. Photo by Peter J. Sieger.

  • Exterior view of the Robie House by Frank Lloyd Wright, showcasing Prairie School architecture with horizontal lines, overhanging eaves, and expansive windows.

    Robie House

  • Crown Hall, iconic modernist architecture by Mies van der Rohe, featuring a minimalist design with steel framing and glass walls.

    Crown Hall. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

FAQ

  • Essential walking tours depart from the center at 111 East Wacker; they are free for all CAC members. Premier walking tours depart from other locations across Chicago, including neighborhood tours. Premier tours are discounted for individual, dual and family memberships and free for Deco level and above.

  • The CAC welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its offerings feel safe and accessible to everyone. Learn more about accessibility options.

  • Many of our tours depart from the CAC at 111 E. Wacker. Your ticket (regular or print-at-home) will indicate the departure location. If you have any questions about your tour’s meeting place, give us a call at 312.922.TOUR (8687).

    For tours that don’t begin at the CAC, please consult the individual tour webpage, or call 312.922.TOUR (8687) for details on the meeting location.

All walking & bus tours FAQ

Buildings on This Tour

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Group & Private Tours

CAC offers discounted rates and customized options for groups and tour operators. Learn about options here.

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Skyscraper GallerySkyscraper Gallery

Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

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