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2 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour - Skyscrapers and Photo Ops

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Chicago, USA
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from $89 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Chicago Architecture Tour - Skyscrapers, History and Photo Ops
chicago photo tours
history tours in chicago
history tours in chicago
history tours in chicago
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Explore the architectural extravaganza of Chicago downtown and discover the most amazing and captivating facts about the first high-rises, city planning, and construction history.

Get a unique chance to combine touring by foot and by L train, and see the city’s most iconic landmarks like The Rookery Building, Chicago Cultural Center, First Arts Building, and more 19th and early 20th-century masterpieces. Be ready to see the City by the Lake from a new perspective and get to know it even closer as you stroll down its streets and travel by train.

Enjoy the small-group experience and don’t miss a thing as you travel
Discover the downtown and historical building together with your local knowledgeable guide
Marvel at architectural landmarks of the City by the Lake and get to know the stories behind them
Combine a walking tour with a train to see more landmarks and iconic sights on one tour.

What's Included

  • Iconic places for photoshoot
  • Must see and off the beaten path
  • All main architectural masterpieces of downtown Chicago
  • Gratuities
See 3 moreSee 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

410 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

78 East Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602, USA

Finish the tour at the world's largest Tiffany dome

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Fine Arts Building

Get your Chicago journey started at Fine Arts Building, designed in 1885 by architect Solon S. Beman. After 2 years of construction, the building gained the title of one of Chicago’s architectural jewels. Initially built for the Studebaker company, in 1898 it became the Fine Arts Building after the renovation. Since that time the place has been a haven for artists. Be mesmerized by the style and design, paying attention to the façade details.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Harold Washington Library Center

Admire the splendor of the Harold Washington Library Center. The rooftop of the building is decorated with Gothic-style sculptures which distinguish the building from the rest of Chicago’s architecture. The library was named after the first African-American Chicago mayor but it was open to the public only in 1991. At present, the library possesses a great number of rare books separated into periods. The building entered the Guinness Book as the largest public library building.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Monadnock Building

Take a chance to see one of the first buildings in Chicago to acquire the title of a skyscraper and at the same time the last high-rise, built according to traditional brick architecture. Be attracted to the structure’s strict design and monolithic tremendousness justifying the mountain it is named after. It was inspired by Mount Monadnock, a famous peak in southern New Hampshire. The term “monadnock” itself was used by American geographers to describe a “rocky mass”.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Marquette Building

Head on to another skyscraper, built in Chicago during the 19th-century building boom. Fast city growth required building profitable high-rises turning them into machines that would make the land pay. Marvel at rich terra cotta ornamentation, decorative bronze reliefs, and sparking Tiffany mosaics. But don’t miss a fascinating story behind the building as told by your enthusiastic local guide.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Revival Food Hall

Take a break and grab some delicacies at Revival Food Hall, a 24,000 square foot marketplace spotlighting the best of Chicago’s culinary scene under one roof. Located on the ground floor of The National Building it also gives a great feel of the time. You can choose any options hamburgers, pizza, Mexican food, and a lot more.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The Rookery Building

Take a look at the majestic Rookery Building, a must-see for all architecture geeks and photo amateurs. This is the first skyscraper that was built with the newest materials and engineering technologies, which laid a foundation for today’s high-rises all over the world. It was completed by architects Daniel Burnham and John Wellborn Root in 1888, having become one of their masterpiece buildings.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Quincy

Make your way to Quincy station and get aboard the Chicago L train to have fast transportation to the last two landmarks on the tour. It was opened in 1897, which makes it one of the oldest surviving stations on the L system. Thanks to renovations of 1988 the station preserved its original look and authentic feel for its visitors to enjoy.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Macy's on State Street

Shop till you drop at the iconic Macy’s State Street department store where you can find anything to buy and admire the architectural style of the building. It is situated inside the Chicago Loop and has become a true architectural monument of the 20th century. See the old elevators being museum exhibits themselves. Look up to admire the gorgeous ceiling with wonderful glass mosaic.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Chicago Cultural Center

Let your tour culminate in the architectural pearl of Chicago, which is the Chicago Cultural Center. Enter the building and be carried to a completely another fabulous world. The Cultural Center was opened in 1897 and it claims to have the world’s largest Tiffany glass mosaic dome. Stroll through the halls and marvel at stupendous ceilings with ornaments, reliefs, and decorations. Chicago Cultural Center is home to many free music and art events, as well as some official ceremonies.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the 2 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour – Skyscrapers and Photo Ops?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-11498P356

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
4 stars
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3 stars
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2 stars
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1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the 2 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour – Skyscrapers and Photo Ops?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Iconic places for photoshoot.
  • Must see and off the beaten path.
  • All main architectural masterpieces of downtown Chicago.
  • Small-group walking tour.
  • All Fees and Taxes.
  • Friendly local guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 18..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the 2 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour - Skyscrapers and Photo Ops is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for 2 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour – Skyscrapers and Photo Ops will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Iconic places for photoshoot
  • Must see and off the beaten path
  • All main architectural masterpieces of downtown Chicago
  • Small-group walking tour
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Friendly local guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name