Chicago Walking Tour: Connecting Past and Present

5.00

5.0(43 reviews)

1 hour 45 minutes

English

Mobile ticket

Show all 8 photos

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 45 minutes

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Pets are not allowed.

The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.

What To Expect

Begin and end the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center.

10 minutes • Admission Included

Wrigley Building

View the Wrigley Building and some of the surrounding buildings

5 minutes • Admission Not Included

Options

Chicago Icons

What‘s Included

Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center

Walking tour featuring some of Chicago's most famous buildings

Narration by a professional and certified guide

Coat check

Food and drink

Storage for luggage and strollers

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.00

43 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Architecture history
srinivasant2026,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a comprehensive tour about history, development, architecture, and past trade routes. Small details were explained with historical perspectives. Appreciate the energy and enthusiasm of the volunteer tour guides.
Engaging Tour
edcC8320GW,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Thank you for your insight Virginia! the Astor St tour was 👌
Architecture at its Best.
356andrewl,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A must do for anyone remotely interested in architecture in a city that has arguably contributed the most to development and building design in the US. Mary was knowledgeable and personable.
Great
Curious55801038726,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Mitch gave us a fantastic tour. With great insight to the history of Chicago. I truly recommend this tour.
Worthwhile!
iansC5695WT,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very informational tour with an excellent guide!
Knowledgeable guide and great education
J1790EUkellys,Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
David Ferguson was an incredible knowledgeable guide and gave us quite the education. It was especially helpful as we did a river tour the following day and his insights from before really aided our enjoyment of the more lighthearted style of the second tour.
Architecture Walking Tour
johnkT577SS,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Superb tour with guide David Ferguson! David was thoroughly knowledgeable and informative, giving us detailed insights on the various buildings we walked by and went into. Five stars plus!!
Great Tour
moirab835,Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great docent, very knowledgeable. Learned a lot about my city. Especially the architect of the Marshall field’s building. Thank you!
Excellent tour!
BethHIL,Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour was excellent! Great for visitors, or local Chicagoans looking to learn more about the city. Tom was an amazing tour guide - very engaging, knowledgeable, and friendly. Will do more tours with CAC in the future!
Great walking tour!
X2496WNmaryanns,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a terrific tour - very informative, interesting and fun. The docent, Darcy, was outstanding, confident, articulate, fun, friendly and really knows her material!