Exploring the cinematic side of Chicago has never been easier. The Chicago: Downtown TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour offers a captivating journey through the heart of the city, showcasing the iconic filming locations that have graced the silver screen. From Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to The Dark Knight, this 2-hour tour allows visitors to step into the shoes of their favorite characters and uncover the rich history behind Chicago’s on-screen prominence. Whether you’re a movie buff or simply seeking a unique perspective on the city, this personalized experience promises to leave you intrigued and eager to discover more.

Key Points

Chicago: Downtown TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour - Key Points

  • The 2-hour walking tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore iconic movie and TV filming locations in downtown Chicago.
  • Key highlights include sites featured in popular films like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Blues Brothers, and The Dark Knight.
  • The tour also showcases Bruce Wayne’s penthouse, the theater venue from Public Enemies, and the Harold Washington Library from Ocean’s Eleven.
  • The tour is led by a live guide and provides a unique opportunity to immerse in Chicago’s rich cinematic history.
  • The tour costs $36 per person and allows for free cancellation up to 2 days in advance.

Tour Overview

Chicago: Downtown TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour - Tour Overview

This walking tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore downtown Chicago’s iconic movie and TV filming locations. It takes participants on a 2-hour journey through the city, showcasing sites featured in popular shows and films.

The tour is available for private groups, allowing for a more personalized experience. Highlights include visiting the filming locations of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Blues Brothers, The Dark Knight, and more.

Participants will also see Bruce Wayne’s penthouse and the theater venue from Public Enemies, as well as the Harold Washington Library featured in Ocean’s Eleven.

With a live tour guide and the freedom to explore at their own pace, attendees can gain new perspectives on the city’s landmarks and enjoy Chicago’s rich cinematic history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Highlights

Chicago: Downtown TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour - Highlights

The tour’s highlights include traveling to filming locations of popular shows and movies, allowing visitors to gain new perspectives on the city’s iconic landmarks. Attendees will see sites featured in classic films like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Blues Brothers, and The Dark Knight. They’ll also visit Bruce Wayne’s penthouse and the theater venue from Public Enemies, as well as catch a glimpse of the Harold Washington Library as seen in Ocean’s Eleven.

Show/Movie Location
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Filming sites throughout downtown
The Blues Brothers Various downtown landmarks
The Dark Knight Multiple locations in the city center
Public Enemies Bruce Wayne’s penthouse, theater venue
Ocean’s Eleven Harold Washington Library

Tour Details

Chicago: Downtown TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour - Tour Details

According to the information provided, the Chicago Downtown TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour costs $36 per person and allows for free cancellation up to 2 days in advance.

The tour is led by a live guide, but it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

The 2-hour walking tour takes visitors to various filming locations of popular shows and movies, providing them with new perspectives on the city’s iconic landmarks. Participants will have the chance to see sites from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Blues Brothers, The Dark Knight, and more, including Bruce Wayne’s penthouse and the theater venue from Public Enemies.

The tour also includes a glimpse of the Harold Washington Library featured in Ocean’s Eleven.

Meeting Point

Chicago: Downtown TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour - Meeting Point

Participants meet at Roosevelt University, located at 430 S Michigan Ave in downtown Chicago, to begin the walking tour.

The meeting point offers a convenient starting location near several iconic movie and TV sites. From this central spot, the tour group can:

  • Admire the grand architecture of the university’s historic campus buildings
  • Spot filming locations just steps away, such as the Adler Planetarium featured in Transformers
  • Easily access the nearby lakefront and other landmarks that have graced the silver screen

The accessible meeting point sets the stage for an immersive and engaging exploration of Chicago’s Hollywood legacy.

Gather as a group before setting out to explore the city’s cinematic hotspots in more depth.

Filming Locations

As the tour progresses, participants explore the rich cinematic history of downtown Chicago, visiting filming locations that have starred in beloved movies and TV shows.

From the iconic high-rises that set the scene for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to the gritty alleyways immortalized in The Blues Brothers, the tour offers an insider’s glimpse into the city’s Hollywood legacy.

Highlights include seeing the penthouse where Bruce Wayne resided in The Dark Knight and the theater venue featured in Public Enemies.

The tour also takes visitors to the Harold Washington Library, which made an appearance in Ocean’s Eleven.

These iconic locations provide a unique perspective on the city’s role in the entertainment industry.

Iconic Landmarks

Chicago: Downtown TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour - Iconic Landmarks

Along With Hollywood filming sites, the tour also highlights Chicago’s iconic landmarks that have served as backdrops for the silver screen.

Participants can gaze upon the city’s architectural gems, from the towering skyscrapers that loom over the Chicago River to the stately government buildings that dot the downtown landscape.

The tour may feature:

  • The Harold Washington Library, whose grand exterior and reading rooms have appeared in films like Ocean’s Eleven
  • The historic Chicago Theater, with its ornate marquee and stage that set the scene for crime dramas like Public Enemies
  • The iconic Aon Center, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city and a recognizable landmark in many movies
  • Millennium Park and its famous Bean sculpture, a popular spot for filming outdoor scenes

Memorable Movies and Shows

The tour takes visitors to the filming locations of beloved TV shows and Hollywood blockbusters, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s cinematic legacy.

From the iconic sites featured in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to the theater venue from Public Enemies, you will explore the city through the lens of the silver screen.

Highlights include the filming locations for The Blues Brothers, The Dark Knight, and Ocean’s Eleven.

Guests will feel like they’ve stepped onto the set as they visit Bruce Wayne’s penthouse and the Harold Washington Library, recognizable from various movie and television productions.

This immersive experience provides a fresh perspective on Chicago’s most famous landmarks and their Hollywood connections.

Accessibility and Mobility

Chicago: Downtown TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour - Accessibility and Mobility

Unfortunately, the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as it involves extended walking. The walking tour covers a significant distance, making it challenging for those with limited mobility to fully participate.

Some key considerations include:

  • The tour requires navigating uneven terrain, stairs, and inclines throughout the downtown area.
  • Participants must be able to stand and walk for the full 2-hour duration of the tour.
  • Access to certain filming locations may be restricted or require additional efforts to accommodate those with mobility issues.
  • The tour doesn’t provide any specialized transportation or assistance for participants with mobility challenges.

While the tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Chicago’s cinematic landmarks, individuals with mobility concerns may find it challenging to fully enjoy the experience.

Recap

Chicago: Downtown TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour - Recap

The Chicago: Downtown TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s iconic filming locations.

Spanning 2 hours, the tour takes visitors on a journey through downtown Chicago, showcasing sites featured in beloved movies and TV shows.

With personalized experiences for private groups and a cost of $36 per person, this tour provides an immersive way to discover the city’s rich cinematic history.