Things to Do in Chicago

Embark on a captivating architecture walking tour through Chicago's Oldtown Triangle, a neighborhood rich in history and architectural charm.

On our Secret Food Tour: Chicago, you'll enjoy a variety of foods with culinary influences from the people who built this city. You'll experience all the city's biggest food hits, many dishes with roots dating back over 150 years. This moving feast incorporates a walk through some of the city's world renowned architecture and public art in the famed Chicago Loop District. Experience our famous deep dish pizza, taste the amazing Italian beef sandwich, enjoy gourmet popcorn, and lots of other treats. Plus, there is our mouth-watering secret dish that you can only find out about on the day of the tour! As a private tour, everything works around you! Our start times are much more easy going, dates can open up. It's a much more intimate and cozy experience. No need to shout over other tourists, you will have every question answered, and leave feeling like a native yourself!

Choose from 3 pizza tour options: Downtown Walking, West Loop Walking, or a Bus Tour. Taste artisan, deep-dish, and Roman-style pizzas while exploring Chicago’s iconic architecture and rich history.

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.

Embark on a guided walking tour of Chicago's Wicker Park and discover the neighborhood's architectural marvels. Learn about the rich labor history that makes Wicker Park historically significant.

Insta Walk offers you a lot of stylish photos, shooting angles and ideas. This easy, relaxed and friendly walk will open Chicago for you from a new perspective! Throughout the tour, I'll use iPhone and Polaroid cameras to capture your perfect shot. You'll receive approximately 100 digital photos, 10 of which will be color-corrected to make them truly pop. And for a unique and timeless souvenir, I'll also give you 5 Polaroid prints that you can treasure forever.

Discover the architectural brilliance of the Roaring Twenties on a walking tour of Chicago's Loop district. Explore 6 stunning Art Deco buildings and uncover hidden gems.

Take a tour of Chicago Loop's Pedway system, a network of underground pedestrian tunnels. We'll also go above ground to view some special Chicago sights. Our tour begins in the lobby of the Swissotel with a brief overview of the Pedway system.  We then descend into the Pedway and head to the Cultural Center.  After a brief tour of the Cultural Center and its famous Tiffany Dome, we return to the Pedway to visit Macy's department store and its famous Tiffany ceiling, then stop by the store's iconic Walnut Room. Back to the Pedway, we head west to the Civic Center plaza to see the Picasso sculpture and view the Chicago Temple and its Sky Chapel, one of the world's tallest church buildings.  A brief walk to takes us to City Hall and Marriage Court then to a nearby L Stop. A quick train ride takes us to the origin/terminus of Route 66 where we'll enjoy the Art Institute’s lion statues then Millennium Park's to Cloud Gate sculpture (aka, The Bean), Lurie Gardens and Crown Fountain.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Chicago's Fine Arts Building, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of downtown. Learn about the building's rich history and its famous former residents.

This extraordinary tour of the Prairie Ave District is one not to be missed. Get a sense for how Chicago's wealthiest residents lived around the turn of the century and what remains today. This unique Chicago tour begins with an exploration of one of the city's newly-revitalized spaces: The stunning Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. A short ride on the Green Line takes us to the Prairie Ave District, home to many historic sites such as Motor Row, the former Chess Records and the oldest house in the city. As we wander along Prairie Ave, we're treated to historic mansions and a beautiful park. The highlights of the tour, however, are TWO private, docent-led mini tours at the national landmark Second Presbyterian Church (with its many Tiffany windows) and the Glessner House. We'll also take a mid-tour break at a local employee-owned/woman-owned cafe. Then we board the train back to the Loop for our final stop (and a sweet treat) at the elegant Palmer House Hotel.

Explore the best of Chicago's downtown in a 2 hours walking tour with a fun local guide, this area is famous for its bold architecture, museums and landmarks such as the Cloud Gate and the Riverwalk.

The Windy City is known for its food, architecture, and haunting history! Walk with us as the sun sets through downtown Chicago, hearing some of the most gruesome and creepy Chicago stories. The first stop is the Congress Hotel, the most haunted hotel in Chicago. Walk along the streets that H. H. Holmes, Chicago's first serial killer, wandered as he stalked his prey, get a glimpse of Chicago’s sordid past through stories of the Everleigh Club and the 1900s Red Light district, and learn about downtown prison breaks.

Explore Chicago’s Loop neighborhood on a guided walking tour. Discover the iconic “L” train, admire historic buildings, and uncover hidden gems and public artworks.

Eat, drink and discover Chicago's Loop and River North neighborhoods on our Chicago historic pub tour via the Brown Line!  Join us on this "over age 21" adventure for a combination of great Chicago stories and adult beverages as we tour historic sites and legendary pubs in the city’s Near North Side. We'll kick off our Chicago tour at the beautiful Marquette Building then head to the Adams Street Brewery, part of The Berghoff, Chicago's oldest, continuously-operating restaurant for a drink and a snack. Next stop, we board the Brown Line for a brief train ride to River North. In River North, we'll visit Brehon Pub with a fascinating story involving bribery and the Chicago media. The Green Door Tavern is next on our list. It's the oldest pub in Chicago and sits above a well-hidden, authentic Prohibition-era speakeasy.  We'll then board the train again and make our way back to the Loop where we'll have "last call" at historic, antique-filled Monk's Pub.

Discover the fascinating stories behind Chicago's engineering feats. Learn about the evolution of the city's architecture and engineering from a real engineer. Access impressive interior spaces.

Creative Tools: I’ll use both iPhone and Polaroid cameras to give you a variety of styles, from vibrant digital shots to timeless Polaroid prints. Stylish Keepsakes: Receive approximately 50 digital photos, 5 beautifully color-corrected, and 5 unique Polaroid prints to treasure forever. Relaxed Atmosphere: No posing stress—I’ll guide you through natural and flattering poses for Insta-worthy results.

Venture along Michigan Avenue on an interactive tour to uncover Chicago's hidden gems and iconic landmarks with the support of our mobile app.

Meet your tour guide at the beautiful Chagall Four Seasons mosaic as we begin our Creativity & Community neighborhood tour. After a short walk, we'll catch the Pink Line at the renovated Quincy L station (opened in 1897) and make our way to Pilsen — a vibrant neighborhood just southwest of the Loop originally settled by Czech immigrants. Pilsen ranks #10 on the Forbes magazine list of the "15 Coolest Neighborhoods in the World." Upon arrival in Pilsen, we'll take a break and grab a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine. Afterwards, we'll stroll the neighborhood where we'll view numerous public murals and learn about the architecture that is unique to Pilsen. We'll arrive at the renowned National Museum of Mexican Art and experience it's changing and permanent exhibitions. After that, we’ll hop back on the Pink line train to the Loop and wrap things up at the famous Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza.

Walk through Chicago’s vibrant Jewish history, from the striking Loop Synagogue to the inspiring Heald Square Monument and Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Uncover hidden gems and untold stories.

Join Chicago Movie Tours on the Midway, and discover the city's film history in an entirely new way! On this leisurely 75-minute walking tour led by a Ph.D. in film, you'll visit 5 spots on the historic Midway Plaisance, once the heart of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. As you walk the now-grassy strip (0.5 mi.), you'll discover its many connections to early and modern cinema. Guests must digitally sign a general waiver of liability either before or when they arrive. Guardians must sign waivers for children under the age of 18. Note: This limited Chicago movie tour is available on Sunday mornings to give you the most accurate and unobstructed view of the Midway's monumental sculpture Fountain of Time.

Discover the Ravenswood Manor Historic District on a guided architecture tour. Admire the charming Arts & Crafts bungalows, cottages, and unique homes that offer a glimpse into the city's rich past.

On this tour, you will get to see several establishments and their amazing vintage signs and vintage neon signs. Plus along the way I will show and tell you all about many notable properties like I always do. It’s hard to walk past a historical place and not include it on the tour - even though they may not have a vintage sign they are still as much a part of Chicago’s history. You'll get a brief history of each establishment for a true time travel experience.

Walk beneath Chicago’s soaring skyline, hear its hidden stories, then see it shimmer from the water on a lake cruise. From the iconic Bean to the legendary theatre district.

There’s nothing more magical than downtown Chicago during the holiday season. 2-hour guided walking tour through the Chicago Loop, Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile. This tour is brought to you, internationally recognized tour company headquartered right here in Chicago. Our entertaining guides will get your holiday spirit primed with plenty of fun facts, general knowledge, and the best of Chicago holiday decor. Did you know Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was a story created in Chicago? You’ll see the fabulous Christmas window displays at the original Marshall Field’s department store, Chicago's city Christmas tree, the ice skating rink at Millennium Park, and the legendary Christkindlmarket, a traditional German Christmas Market. This tour is a walking tour only. No food/drinks on this particular tour.

Get the whole Chicago experience combining our Chicago Architecture & Highlights Tour and Chicago Food Tour: Deep Roots to Deep Dish! Our two-part tour begins by exploring the heart of downtown Chicago - with its iconic architecture, both old and new, views of the Chicago River, Millenium Park, and bustling city avenues (plus, a couple tasty local treats along the way). From there, we’ll hit the Central Loop, where locals go to grab their favorite foods, day and night. Try the best of Chicago fare and get to know the history and how-tos (and how-not-tos) behind iconic street and comfort food staples - from the infamous deep dish pizza to sandwiches to a loaded hot dog! Your local guide will entertain with fascinating stories and the everyday immigrant chefs and vendors responsible for Chicago’s eclectic food scene. By the end of the tour, you’ll have a deep appreciation for both the evolution of this excellent city and the role food has played in the lives of all Chicagoans!

On our Secret Food Tour: Chicago, you'll enjoy a variety of foods with culinary influences from the people who built this city. You'll experience all the city's biggest food hits, many dishes with roots dating back over 150 years. This moving feast incorporates a walk through some of the city's world renowned architecture and public art in the famed Chicago Loop District. Experience our famous deep dish pizza, taste the amazing Italian beef sandwich, enjoy gourmet popcorn, and lots of other treats. Plus, there is our mouth-watering secret dish that you can only find out about on the day of the tour! As a private tour, everything works around you! Our start times are much more easy going, dates can open up. It's a much more intimate and cozy experience. No need to shout over other tourists, you will have every question answered, and leave feeling like a native yourself!

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.

Insta Walk offers you a lot of stylish photos, shooting angles and ideas. This easy, relaxed and friendly walk will open Chicago for you from a new perspective! Throughout the tour, I'll use iPhone and Polaroid cameras to capture your perfect shot. You'll receive approximately 100 digital photos, 10 of which will be color-corrected to make them truly pop. And for a unique and timeless souvenir, I'll also give you 5 Polaroid prints that you can treasure forever.

Take a tour of Chicago Loop's Pedway system, a network of underground pedestrian tunnels. We'll also go above ground to view some special Chicago sights. Our tour begins in the lobby of the Swissotel with a brief overview of the Pedway system.  We then descend into the Pedway and head to the Cultural Center.  After a brief tour of the Cultural Center and its famous Tiffany Dome, we return to the Pedway to visit Macy's department store and its famous Tiffany ceiling, then stop by the store's iconic Walnut Room. Back to the Pedway, we head west to the Civic Center plaza to see the Picasso sculpture and view the Chicago Temple and its Sky Chapel, one of the world's tallest church buildings.  A brief walk to takes us to City Hall and Marriage Court then to a nearby L Stop. A quick train ride takes us to the origin/terminus of Route 66 where we'll enjoy the Art Institute’s lion statues then Millennium Park's to Cloud Gate sculpture (aka, The Bean), Lurie Gardens and Crown Fountain.

This extraordinary tour of the Prairie Ave District is one not to be missed. Get a sense for how Chicago's wealthiest residents lived around the turn of the century and what remains today. This unique Chicago tour begins with an exploration of one of the city's newly-revitalized spaces: The stunning Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. A short ride on the Green Line takes us to the Prairie Ave District, home to many historic sites such as Motor Row, the former Chess Records and the oldest house in the city. As we wander along Prairie Ave, we're treated to historic mansions and a beautiful park. The highlights of the tour, however, are TWO private, docent-led mini tours at the national landmark Second Presbyterian Church (with its many Tiffany windows) and the Glessner House. We'll also take a mid-tour break at a local employee-owned/woman-owned cafe. Then we board the train back to the Loop for our final stop (and a sweet treat) at the elegant Palmer House Hotel.

The Windy City is known for its food, architecture, and haunting history! Walk with us as the sun sets through downtown Chicago, hearing some of the most gruesome and creepy Chicago stories. The first stop is the Congress Hotel, the most haunted hotel in Chicago. Walk along the streets that H. H. Holmes, Chicago's first serial killer, wandered as he stalked his prey, get a glimpse of Chicago’s sordid past through stories of the Everleigh Club and the 1900s Red Light district, and learn about downtown prison breaks.

Eat, drink and discover Chicago's Loop and River North neighborhoods on our Chicago historic pub tour via the Brown Line!  Join us on this "over age 21" adventure for a combination of great Chicago stories and adult beverages as we tour historic sites and legendary pubs in the city’s Near North Side. We'll kick off our Chicago tour at the beautiful Marquette Building then head to the Adams Street Brewery, part of The Berghoff, Chicago's oldest, continuously-operating restaurant for a drink and a snack. Next stop, we board the Brown Line for a brief train ride to River North. In River North, we'll visit Brehon Pub with a fascinating story involving bribery and the Chicago media. The Green Door Tavern is next on our list. It's the oldest pub in Chicago and sits above a well-hidden, authentic Prohibition-era speakeasy.  We'll then board the train again and make our way back to the Loop where we'll have "last call" at historic, antique-filled Monk's Pub.

Creative Tools: I’ll use both iPhone and Polaroid cameras to give you a variety of styles, from vibrant digital shots to timeless Polaroid prints. Stylish Keepsakes: Receive approximately 50 digital photos, 5 beautifully color-corrected, and 5 unique Polaroid prints to treasure forever. Relaxed Atmosphere: No posing stress—I’ll guide you through natural and flattering poses for Insta-worthy results.

Meet your tour guide at the beautiful Chagall Four Seasons mosaic as we begin our Creativity & Community neighborhood tour. After a short walk, we'll catch the Pink Line at the renovated Quincy L station (opened in 1897) and make our way to Pilsen — a vibrant neighborhood just southwest of the Loop originally settled by Czech immigrants. Pilsen ranks #10 on the Forbes magazine list of the "15 Coolest Neighborhoods in the World." Upon arrival in Pilsen, we'll take a break and grab a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine. Afterwards, we'll stroll the neighborhood where we'll view numerous public murals and learn about the architecture that is unique to Pilsen. We'll arrive at the renowned National Museum of Mexican Art and experience it's changing and permanent exhibitions. After that, we’ll hop back on the Pink line train to the Loop and wrap things up at the famous Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza.

Join Chicago Movie Tours on the Midway, and discover the city's film history in an entirely new way! On this leisurely 75-minute walking tour led by a Ph.D. in film, you'll visit 5 spots on the historic Midway Plaisance, once the heart of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. As you walk the now-grassy strip (0.5 mi.), you'll discover its many connections to early and modern cinema. Guests must digitally sign a general waiver of liability either before or when they arrive. Guardians must sign waivers for children under the age of 18. Note: This limited Chicago movie tour is available on Sunday mornings to give you the most accurate and unobstructed view of the Midway's monumental sculpture Fountain of Time.

On this tour, you will get to see several establishments and their amazing vintage signs and vintage neon signs. Plus along the way I will show and tell you all about many notable properties like I always do. It’s hard to walk past a historical place and not include it on the tour - even though they may not have a vintage sign they are still as much a part of Chicago’s history. You'll get a brief history of each establishment for a true time travel experience.

There’s nothing more magical than downtown Chicago during the holiday season. 2-hour guided walking tour through the Chicago Loop, Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile. This tour is brought to you, internationally recognized tour company headquartered right here in Chicago. Our entertaining guides will get your holiday spirit primed with plenty of fun facts, general knowledge, and the best of Chicago holiday decor. Did you know Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was a story created in Chicago? You’ll see the fabulous Christmas window displays at the original Marshall Field’s department store, Chicago's city Christmas tree, the ice skating rink at Millennium Park, and the legendary Christkindlmarket, a traditional German Christmas Market. This tour is a walking tour only. No food/drinks on this particular tour.