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.
- 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
Go inside the lobbies of Art Deco masterpieces built in the heart of Chicago’s... - Walking
Art Deco Skyscrapers: The Riverfront
Explore Chicago's Roaring '20s optimism through opulent Art Deco skyscrapers along the vibrant riverfront.... - Walking
Art Deco: Landmark Lobbies
Discover the glamour of the Roaring '20s with a tour of Chicago’s exquisite Art... - Boat • our most popular tour!
CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady
Voted #1 boat tour in the United States by USA Today readers in 2024,... - Walking
Chicago Architecture: A Walk Through Time
Journey through Chicago’s architectural evolution, from the Great Fire’s aftermath to towering modern marvels,... - 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
Explore downtown Chicago's diverse architecture on a tour featuring 19th-Century, Beaux-Arts, Modern, and Postmodern... - Walking
Chicago Pedway
Discover Chicago’s underground Pedway and uncover its history, unique businesses and links to transit,... - 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
Columbia College Student Center
One of the newest buildings in the Near South Side, Columbia College’s Student Center... - Walking
Elevated Architecture: Downtown 'L' Train
Gain insight into Chicago’s elevated 'L' train, exploring its history and impact on urban... - Walking
Fine Arts Building
The Fine Arts Building has remained a hub of creativity for over 125... - Walking
Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park
View the exteriors of nearly a dozen of Wright’s structures. - Walking
Fulton-Randolph Market
Visit Chicago’s fastest developing neighborhood. Discover its transformation from a meatpacking hub to a... - Walking
Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age
Learn about the great architectural landmarks of Michigan Avenue and State Street. - Walking
Hotel Boom: Making Old New Again
Learn about the benefits and challenges of adaptive reuse. - Walking
Inland Steel Building
Explore the exterior and interior of this iconic modern masterpiece and learn the stories... - Walking
Loop as Lab: The Walking Tour
Experience Chicago’s urban planning history with a tour that reveals the city’s growth and... - Walking
Macy's on State
Celebrate the holiday season with our special tours in December featuring holiday decor. Explore... - 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
Modernism: Reviving the Loop
Formerly known as "Mid-Century Modern Skyscrapers," this tour delves into Chicago’s Mid-Century Modern architecture... - Walking
Must-See Chicago
This fast-paced introductory tour features some of Chicago's most famous buildings. - Walking
Palmer House Hotel
The Palmer House Hotel will be adorned with holiday decorations, creating a festive ambience... - 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
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
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 on a tour showcasing Louis Comfort... - Walking
Union Station: Icon of a Great Age
Take in the elaborate details of this historic landmark, including the stunning Great Hall,... - Walking
What's New
This tour features some of the most recent additions to the built environment near... - 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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