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Private Chicago Architecture Walking Tour

6 Reviews 4.83 out of 5 stars Based on 6 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
Book online or call us

from $211 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover the heart of Chicago’s architectural legacy on this guided walking tour through the historic Loop District. Step back in time as you explore some of the world’s first skyscrapers and venture inside a collection of the city’s most influential and iconic buildings. Your expert local guide will share captivating stories about the rise of Chicago, the Great Fire, and the visionary architects whose bold designs shaped the skyline we know today. This tour offers the perfect mix of history, design, and city energy—a must for architecture lovers and curious travelers alike.

- Explore the birthplace of the modern skyscraper

- Step inside landmark buildings like The Rookery and the Palmer House

- Learn about the Great Chicago Fire and its lasting impact on the city

- Enjoy a relaxed pace through Chicago’s vibrant downtown Loop

What's Included

  • Lunch
  • Bottled water
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Tips for guides
See 1 moreSee 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

410 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Show on Google Maps

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

End point

400-410 Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611, USA

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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Marquette Building

The Marquette Building was one of the most profitable skyscrapers built in Chicago during the 19th-century building boom. This historic landmark stands as an ideal example of a speculative commercial office building. It was created as a collection of first class office spaces whose primary purpose was to fatten the pockets of real estate investors taking a gamble on an up-and-coming urban center.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

The Rookery Building

When completed, the Rookery was thought to be the largest and finest office building in the United States.Located at the corner of LaSalle and Adams, the Rookery is one of Chicago’s most elegant buildings and a star of the LaSalle Street financial corridor.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Palmer House Hilton Historic Lobby

The Palmer House, is a historic Hilton Hotel and the longest continuously operating hotel in North America, located in Chicago's Loop district! It was the city's first hotel with elevators, and the first hotel with electric light bulbs and telephones in the guest rooms.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sullivan Center

The Sullivan Center better known as the former home of the Carson Pirie Scott store, is one of the most representative works of the famous Chicago School and one of the most important in the history of tall buildings. Built between 1899-1903, it has been used for retail trade throughout its life and was declared a milestone of Chicago in 1975.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Chicago Athletic Association - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

The Chicago Athletic Association hotel is located in Chicago's loop district. It occupies an 11-story Venetian Gothic building designed by architect Henry Ives Cobb and completed in 1893. From its construction all the way until 2007, it functioned as a private club for wealthy Chicagoans. This rich and exclusive history is preserved in the hotel’s modern refurbishment, as the renovators preserved the majority of the structure’s bells and whistles. This means the interior space today remains dominated by an assortment of ornate paneling, elaborate molding, and beautiful trims. Intricate details are everywhere here, yet the space still manages to feel fresh and modern.Nestled directly across the street from Millennium Park, the boutique hotel is housed within a Venetian Gothic building that sports modern amenities infused with grand historic details, lauded restaurants, ballrooms with jaw-dropping Lake Michigan views, and cozy pubs where libations and conversation flow freely.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center is one of the city’s most popular attractions and the cultural heart of the downtown Loop neighborhood. Taking up an entire city block, the stunning landmark building is home to the world’s largest Tiffany stained glass dome and presents more than 700 humanities programs a year — and many of them are free and open to the public.Spend hours admiring the architectural splendor of this Chicago gem or just stop in for a quick dose of culture
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Tribune Tower

One of Chicago’s most iconic buildings is the Tribune Tower. Despite rising only 36 stories, the tower has helped set Chicago apart as a living architectural museum. Its soaring Gothic spires and shrine-like lobby, complete with inspirational quotes, are by now iconic identifiers of the city and make it a thoroughly Chicago building.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Wrigley Building

The Wrigley Building is one of downtown Chicago’s most recognized architectural icons, dating to the 1920s.Even though the building was ornamented with French Renaissance elements, the most prominent feature of the structure is the clock tower. This reaches a height of 130 meters (425 feet) which effectively makes it a magnificent skyscraper as well.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Chicago Architecture Walking Tour?

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?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-177345P25

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.83
6 reviews

Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (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 Private Chicago Architecture Walking Tour?
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:
  • Lunch.
  • Bottled water.
  • All Fees and Taxes.
  • English speaking guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Tips for guides.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

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 Private Chicago Architecture Walking Tour is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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 Private Chicago Architecture Walking Tour 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

  • Lunch
  • Bottled water
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • English speaking guide
  • Tips for guides

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Report Product Issue

Activity name