Chicago Walking Tour: Connecting Past and Present
Overview
Available languages
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Begin and end the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center.
Wrigley Building
View the Wrigley Building and some of the surrounding buildings
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
Options
Chicago Icons
Reviews
37 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Knowledgeable guide and great education
J1790EUkellys,Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David 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
5.00Superb 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
5.00Great 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
5.00The 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
5.00This was a terrific tour - very informative, interesting and fun. The docent, Darcy, was outstanding, confident, articulate, fun, friendly and really knows her material!
Fantastic walking tour of Chicago!
MignonLoh,May 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an immersive and highly informative walking tour with Ron the docent. Clearly knowledgeable about Chicago and loves the city
Great walking tour!
Traveller102144,May 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ron gave us a wonderful and informative tour highlighting some architectural gems of the Chicago downtown area. He included some building interiors as well. The audio system worked very well so that we could hear him clearly on the busy streets. Highly recommend!
Insights into Chicago’s architectural journey and spaces
MrTangawisi,May 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David had such a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and his story telling was great. Though we had done 4 tours before this one, it never felt repetitive, even on buildings that we have seen on tours before, he pointed out new details or presented new background information. Definitely worth doing!
A great tour!
Dhinesh B,Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a brilliant walking tour. Betsy was phenomenal! Really interesting and informative, a great walking tour. I would highly recommend this tour, and Betsy as your guide.
Great Scope and Detail
356andrewl,Apr 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent. Just the right amount of detail hitting some of the major buildings both New and Old. Ask for Ron Roman, he was great.
Related Experiences
Operated by Chicago Architecture Center