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Tour Guide Got Sick
The tour was cancelled because the guide got sick. My schedule made it impossible to rebook, but they did give me a full refund, so they get the 5 stars for professionalism. Unfortunately, I have no idea about the actual tour.
2 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour - Skyscrapers and Photo Ops
+24 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price from
- $89 / person
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 1 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 20
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Meeting point
- Meet the guide in the lobby
- Confirmation
- Instant
Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Chicago
Description
Explore the architectural extravaganza of Chicago downtown and discover the most amazing and captivating facts about the first high-rises, city planning, and construction history. Get a unique chance to combine touring by foot and by L train, and see the city’s most iconic landmarks like The Rookery Building, Chicago Cultural Center, First Arts Building, and more 19th and early 20th-century masterpieces. Be ready to see the City by the Lake from a new perspective and get to know it even closer as you stroll down its streets and travel by train. Enjoy the small-group experience and don’t miss a thing as you travel Discover the downtown and historical building together with your local knowledgeable guide Marvel at architectural landmarks of the City by the Lake and get to know the stories behind them Combine a walking tour with a train to see more landmarks and iconic sights on one tour.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Get your Chicago journey started at Fine Arts Building, designed in 1885 by architect Solon S. Beman. After 2 years of construction, the building gained the title of one of Chicago’s architectural jewels. Initially built for the Studebaker company, in 1898 it became the Fine Arts Building after the renovation. Since that time the place has been a haven for artists. Be mesmerized by the style and design, paying attention to the façade details.
Admire the splendor of the Harold Washington Library Center. The rooftop of the building is decorated with Gothic-style sculptures which distinguish the building from the rest of Chicago’s architecture. The library was named after the first African-American Chicago mayor but it was open to the public only in 1991. At present, the library possesses a great number of rare books separated into periods. The building entered the Guinness Book as the largest public library building.
Take a chance to see one of the first buildings in Chicago to acquire the title of a skyscraper and at the same time the last high-rise, built according to traditional brick architecture. Be attracted to the structure’s strict design and monolithic tremendousness justifying the mountain it is named after. It was inspired by Mount Monadnock, a famous peak in southern New Hampshire. The term “monadnock” itself was used by American geographers to describe a “rocky mass”.
Head on to another skyscraper, built in Chicago during the 19th-century building boom. Fast city growth required building profitable high-rises turning them into machines that would make the land pay. Marvel at rich terra cotta ornamentation, decorative bronze reliefs, and sparking Tiffany mosaics. But don’t miss a fascinating story behind the building as told by your enthusiastic local guide.
Take a break and grab some delicacies at Revival Food Hall, a 24,000 square foot marketplace spotlighting the best of Chicago’s culinary scene under one roof. Located on the ground floor of The National Building it also gives a great feel of the time. You can choose any options hamburgers, pizza, Mexican food, and a lot more.
Take a look at the majestic Rookery Building, a must-see for all architecture geeks and photo amateurs. This is the first skyscraper that was built with the newest materials and engineering technologies, which laid a foundation for today’s high-rises all over the world. It was completed by architects Daniel Burnham and John Wellborn Root in 1888, having become one of their masterpiece buildings.
Make your way to Quincy station and get aboard the Chicago L train to have fast transportation to the last two landmarks on the tour. It was opened in 1897, which makes it one of the oldest surviving stations on the L system. Thanks to renovations of 1988 the station preserved its original look and authentic feel for its visitors to enjoy.
Shop till you drop at the iconic Macy’s State Street department store where you can find anything to buy and admire the architectural style of the building. It is situated inside the Chicago Loop and has become a true architectural monument of the 20th century. See the old elevators being museum exhibits themselves. Look up to admire the gorgeous ceiling with wonderful glass mosaic.
Let your tour culminate in the architectural pearl of Chicago, which is the Chicago Cultural Center. Enter the building and be carried to a completely another fabulous world. The Cultural Center was opened in 1897 and it claims to have the world’s largest Tiffany glass mosaic dome. Stroll through the halls and marvel at stupendous ceilings with ornaments, reliefs, and decorations. Chicago Cultural Center is home to many free music and art events, as well as some official ceremonies.
Highlights
Iconic places for photoshoot
Must see and off the beaten path
All main architectural masterpieces of downtown Chicago
Small-group walking tour
All Fees and Taxes
Friendly local guide
What's included
Included
Iconic places for photoshoot
Must see and off the beaten path
All main architectural masterpieces of downtown Chicago
Small-group walking tour
All Fees and Taxes
Friendly local guide
Not included
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
5.0
1 reviews
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
2 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour - Skyscrapers and Photo Ops lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 9 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $89 per person for this Chicago experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meet the guide in the lobby. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 20 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 1 verified reviews; it is run by Friendly Local Guides. Most-mentioned highlights: Iconic places for photoshoot; Must see and off the beaten path; All main architectural masterpieces of downtown Chicago.
Reviews(1)
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