Chicago Walking Tour: Connecting Past and Present

Chicago Walking Tour: Connecting Past and Present

Price varies by date Check availability for current pricing

About This Tour in Chicago

This lively overview of Chicago architecture explores iconic buildings from the 1890s to present. We'll compare and contrast a wide range of buildings with varying architectural styles and see how older structures connect to new skyline additions. On this tour, we'll make seven stops in downtown Chicago where we can compare the histories and styles of buildings located within sight of each other. The tour features 19th-Century Commercial, Beaux-Arts, Mid-Century Modern and Postmodern buildings, as well as the latest in architecture from Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano and Adrian Smith. At each stop, we’ll look at the connections between the past and present and discover what inspires design today. The tour culminates with a visit to Millennium Park, where world-class art and architecture combine, creating a unique urban fabric. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.

Why Visit Chicago?

Chicago is a world-class city known for its stunning architecture, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant arts scene. Explore Millennium Park, visit world-renowned museums, and experience the famous Magnificent Mile. Chicago offers incredible lakefront views and a rich cultural heritage.

Getting to Chicago

The easiest way to reach Chicago is by flying into O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW). From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service (Uber, Lyft), or public transportation to reach the city center. Many hotels also offer shuttle services, and rental cars are widely available for exploring the area.

What's Included

  • Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
  • Walking tour featuring some of Chicago's most famous buildings
  • Narration by a professional and certified guide

What's Not Included

  • Coat check
  • Food and drink
  • Storage for luggage and strollers

Cancellation Policy

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

Additional Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.

Customer Reviews

5.0
★★★★★
Based on 37 reviews
5 ★
37
4 ★
0
3 ★
0
2 ★
0
1 ★
0

Individual reviews are not available through the API. View all 37 reviews on Viator

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting Point

Begin and end the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center

Meet at the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601

End Point

Meet at the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601

Pickup Information

Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Begin and end the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center 10 minutes

Begin and end the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center.

View the Wrigley Building and some of the surrounding buildings 5 minutes

View the Daley Center and surrounding buildings 5 minutes

View the Reliance Building and surrounding buildings 5 minutes

View the Pritzker Pavilion and surrounding buildings 5 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy?

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

How do I book this tour?

Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.

Book Your Experience

Ready to book this experience? Click the button below to check availability, select your travel date and party size, and complete your booking on Viator.

Book Now on Viator

You'll be redirected to Viator's secure booking platform to complete your reservation.