Chicago: Must See Chicago 90 Minute Walking Tour

Chicago’s iconic architecture has captivated visitors for decades. From the ornate Beaux Arts facades to the bold Art Deco designs, this 90-minute walking tour promises an immersive exploration of the city’s renowned landmarks. Led by expert guides, you’ll discover the diverse styles that have shaped the famous Chicago Loop, uncovering the rich cultural heritage and continual evolution of contemporary design. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the architectural marvels that define the city’s skyline.

Key Points

• This 90-minute walking tour showcases Chicago’s diverse architectural styles, from Beaux Arts to Post-Modernist, led by expert guides from the Chicago Architecture Center.
• Visitors will discover the iconic Chicago Loop, marvel at the Chicago River, and highlight the renowned ‘The Bean’ sculpture in Millennium Park.
• The tour features towering skyscrapers like the Willis Tower, Art Deco designs of the Carbide & Carbon Building, and the Classical Revival Art Institute of Chicago.
• Iconic landmarks like the Wrigley Building, Tribune Building, and Chicago Theatre serve as testaments to Chicago’s rich cultural heritage and architectural evolution.
• Chicago embraces the future with innovative, contemporary designs, including the upcoming Vista Tower and the 78 development along the Chicago River.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a 90-minute walking exploration of Chicago’s famous landmark buildings, showcasing examples of diverse architectural styles, from Beaux Arts to Post-Modernist, and led by expert guides trained by the Chicago Architecture Center.

Visitors will discover the iconic Chicago Loop, the heart of historic Chicago, and marvel at the stunning Chicago River, the lifeblood of the city.

A highlight is Millennium Park, home to the renowned ‘The Bean’ sculpture.

The tour provides access to the Chicago Architecture Center’s exhibits, offering deeper insights into the city’s neighborhoods, housing, architects, and future projects, with the largest scale model of Chicago featuring over 4,250 miniature buildings.

Architectural Highlights

Towering skyscrapers, from the iconic Willis Tower to the modernist AON Building, anchor the architectural landscape of Chicago’s skyline. The John Hancock Center and the recently completed Trump Tower showcase the city’s evolution from classical to contemporary styles. Visitors can admire the ornate Beaux Arts facades of the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Building, as well as the bold Art Deco designs of the Carbide & Carbon Building and the Chicago Board of Trade Building.

Architectural Styles	Notable Landmarks
Modernist Skyscrapers	Willis Tower, AON Building, John Hancock Center, Trump Tower
Beaux Arts	Wrigley Building, Tribune Building, Chicago Theatre, Art Institute of Chicago
Art Deco	Carbide & Carbon Building, Chicago Board of Trade Building

Classic Chicago Landmarks

Alongside the modernist skyscrapers, Chicago’s architectural landscape features a collection of iconic landmarks rooted in classical and ornate styles.

The Wrigley Building’s striking white terra-cotta facade stands as a prominent example of Beaux Arts architecture, commanding attention along the Chicago River.

Across the street, the Tribune Building’s neo-Gothic design, complete with flying buttresses and intricate stone carvings, showcases the city’s embrace of diverse architectural influences.

The Chicago Theatre, with its grand marquee and ornate decor, embodies the Art Deco style.

The Art Institute of Chicago’s stately limestone exterior reflects the grandeur of the Classical Revival movement.

These timeless structures serve as testaments to Chicago’s rich cultural heritage and architectural evolution.

Modernist Skyscrapers

Modernist skyscrapers command attention across Chicago’s skyline, showcasing the city’s architectural prowess. Iconic structures like the Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, and AON Building exemplify the bold, geometric forms and sleek materials that characterize the Modernist movement. These towering landmarks were constructed in the mid-20th century, a period that saw Chicago emerge as a global leader in innovative urban design. The table below highlights some key details about these remarkable Modernist skyscrapers:

Building	Height	Floors	Completed
Willis Tower	1,450 ft	110	1973
John Hancock Center	1,127 ft	100	1969
AON Building	860 ft	83	1973

These Modernist marvels continue to captivate visitors and locals alike, serving as timeless symbols of Chicago’s enduring architectural legacy.

More Great Tours Nearby

Upcoming Developments

Despite Chicago’s iconic Modernist skyscrapers, the city’s architectural landscape continues to evolve with a new generation of high-rises that push the boundaries of design.

Among the most anticipated upcoming developments is the Vista Tower, a stunning 93-story condominium that will become the city’s third-tallest building upon its completion in 2020. Designed by renowned architect Jeanne Gang, this sleek, twisting tower will feature luxury residences with sweeping views of the city.

Another notable project is the massive 78 development, which will transform a 62-acre parcel along the Chicago River into a mixed-use neighborhood with residential, commercial, and public spaces.

As Chicago embraces the future, its skyline continues to reach new heights of innovative, contemporary design.

Tour Logistics

The 90-minute walking tour kicks off daily from the Chicago Architecture Center, guiding visitors through the heart of the city’s historic Loop district. With an expert guide leading the way, participants can expect to discover the city’s most iconic architectural landmarks, from classical Beaux Arts beauties to sleek modernist skyscrapers. Although the tour doesn’t offer storage for luggage or strollers, it runs rain or shine, ensuring a memorable experience regardless of the weather. Guests can reserve their spot in advance and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour.

Tour Details	Information
Duration	90 minutes
Departure	Chicago Architecture Center
Accessibility	No storage for luggage/strollers

Included Admission

Along With the guided tour, the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) exhibits are included as part of the experience, allowing visitors to explore the organization’s extensive collection focused on Chicago’s neighborhoods, housing, architects, and future projects.

The centerpiece of the CAC’s exhibits is the largest scale model of the city, featuring over 4,250 miniature buildings.

Visitors can also:

1. Learn about Chicago’s rich architectural history, from Beaux Arts and Art Deco to Modernist and Post-Modernist styles.
2. Discover the stories behind iconic landmarks like the Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, and the Chicago Theatre.
3. Gain insights into the city’s ongoing development and the architects shaping its future skyline.

Additional Details

Travelers can reserve their spot on the 90-minute walking tour online and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour runs rain or shine, so visitors should dress appropriately for the weather. Unfortunately, the tour operator is unable to provide storage for luggage or strollers during the experience.

Tour Details	Description
Duration	90 minutes
Cancellation	Free up to 24 hours
Weather	Rain or shine

Regardless of the weather, this guided walking tour offers an immersive exploration of Chicago’s iconic architecture, from towering skyscrapers to historic landmarks. With expert commentary and a focus on the city’s diverse design styles, it’s an experience not to be missed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Visit the Willis Tower Skydeck During the Tour?

No, the tour does not include a visit to the Willis Tower Skydeck. The tour focuses on viewing and learning about Chicago’s architectural landmarks from the outside, without going inside specific buildings like the Willis Tower.

Is the Tour Accessible for Individuals With Physical Disabilities?

The tour is generally accessible for individuals with physical disabilities, as it involves walking. However, wheelchair users may encounter some challenges navigating through the city streets and accessing certain landmarks. It’s best to inquire about specific accommodations when booking the tour.

Do We Get Any Discounts for Being a Chicago Resident?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer any discounts for Chicago residents. The tour price is fixed and the same for all participants, regardless of where they live. The focus is on providing an informative and engaging experience for all visitors.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are welcome to take photos during the walking tour. The guide encourages capturing the architectural landmarks and scenic views throughout the tour. However, photography may be restricted in certain areas for safety or preservation reasons.

Is There a Bathroom Break During the 90-Minute Walking Tour?

The tour doesn’t include a scheduled bathroom break, but your guide can point out nearby restrooms if needed during the 90-minute walking experience. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the tour to cover some distance.

Recap

The Chicago 90-minute walking tour offers an immersive experience exploring the city’s iconic architecture.

Visitors discover the diverse styles that have defined the Loop, from ornate Beaux Arts to bold Art Deco.

The tour showcases the city’s architectural heritage, including towering Modernist skyscrapers and the grandeur of the Art Institute.

It’s an engaging way to uncover Chicago’s continual evolution in contemporary design.

You can check availability for your dates here: