K
Not Worth the Money
This private tour definitely wasn’t worth $199.00, wish I had of saved and took the small group for only $50 since they both was only 2 hours. Be sure to know exactly what you’re booking before paying.
Chicago City Private Tours
+16 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2–8 hours
- Price from
- $199 / person
- Rating
- 4.6 / 5 · 38 reviews
- Languages
- AR, EN, FR
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Chicago
Description
Ready to explore Chicago like never before? Whether you have just a couple of hours or a full day, my personalized city tours offer a unique and unforgettable experience, customizable from 2 to 8 hours. From the iconic skyline to hidden gems off the beaten path, I’ll take you on a journey that captures the heart and soul of this incredible city. I’ll also capture professional photos along the way, so you can take home memories of your adventure. With flexible pickup options, including quick tours during layovers at O'Hare, I make it easy to see the best of Chicago, no matter how much time you have. Book your tour today and let me show you the Windy City through the eyes of a local!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Holy Name Cathedral, built in 1875, is the historic seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago and one of the city’s most beautiful churches. Known for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, stained-glass windows, and peaceful interior, it stands as an important landmark rebuilt after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Panoramic Views: Stunning 94th-floor views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. TILT Experience: Lean out over the city in a glass platform for a thrilling view. Interactive Displays: Learn about Chicago's history and landmarks. Observation Decks: Both indoor and outdoor areas for 360-degree views. Photo Opportunities: Great spots for capturing city views
A premier shopping district along Michigan Avenue, lined with luxury boutiques, historic landmarks, and renowned eateries.
Scenic Views: Enjoy stunning views of the Chicago River and iconic architecture. Walking and Biking: Ideal for strolling or biking along the water. Boating: Rent kayaks or take a river cruise to see the city from the water. Dining: Outdoor restaurants, cafes, and bars along the river. Public Art: Discover art installations and sculptures throughout the Riverwalk. Events: Live music, festivals, and entertainment depending on the season. Relaxation: Enjoy quiet spots to sit, relax, and take in the riverfront atmosphere.
LondonHouse Rooftop is a popular upscale rooftop bar located at the top of the historic LondonHouse hotel on the Chicago River. It offers panoramic views of the city skyline, the river, and iconic landmarks like the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower, making it a top stop for photos and sightseeing in downtown Chicago.
An iconic venue hosting concerts, plays, and special events in a historic setting.
A stunning architectural gem hosting free art exhibitions, performances, and public events.
Cloud Gate (The Bean): Visitors will see the iconic reflective sculpture, perfect for photos with the Chicago skyline. Crown Fountain: An interactive water feature with video projections and playful water sprays. Jay Pritzker Pavilion: A stunning outdoor amphitheater, often hosting free concerts and events. Lurie Garden: A peaceful garden offering a scenic spot to relax amidst beautiful landscaping. Interactive Activities and Events: Temporary exhibits and cultural events to engage with during their visit. Biking and Walking: Nearby paths for biking or walking to explore the lakefront and nearby areas. Food and Shopping: A variety of food options and shops for a complete experience. Learn About the History: Opportunities to discover the park's history and cultural significance.
One of the oldest and largest art museums in the U.S., housing an extensive collection spanning centuries and cultures.
Originally opened in 1871 as a wedding gift from Potter Palmer to his bride Bertha Honoré, the hotel was rebuilt after the Great Chicago Fire and has since become a symbol of resilience and luxury. It holds the distinction of being North America's longest-operating hotel.
The Marquette Building, located at 140 S. Dearborn Street in Chicago’s Loop, is a celebrated example of early skyscraper design and a cornerstone of the city’s architectural heritage
The Rookery Building remains a cherished piece of Chicago's architectural heritage, reflecting the city's innovative spirit and historical depth.
The Chicago Board of Trade Building is a historic Art Deco skyscraper completed in 1930 and one of the most iconic landmarks in the Chicago Loop. It was the longtime home of the world’s oldest futures and options exchange, symbolizing Chicago’s role as a global financial center. The building is especially known for its striking statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, at its top.
The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is a free museum that explores the history of money, banking, and the U.S. economy. Visitors can view exhibits on currency, see a real cash-processing area, and even lift a bag containing $1 million in $1 bills.
Panoramic Views: Stunning views from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower. The Ledge: A glass-floored balcony extending outside for a thrilling view straight down. Interactive Exhibits: Learn about Chicago’s history and architecture. Souvenirs: Unique Chicago-themed gifts available at the gift shop. Photo Opportunities: Perfect spots for breathtaking photos of the city.
Chicago Union Station stands as a remarkable blend of functionality and architectural beauty, reflecting the city's rich history and its pivotal role in America's transportation network.
Chicago’s Chinatown is a vibrant cultural district known for its traditional Chinese architecture, authentic restaurants, shops, and the iconic Chinatown Gate on Wentworth Avenue. It’s a popular stop for visitors looking to experience cultural food, history, and colorful street scenery just south of downtown.
A historic park on the South Side, home to the Museum of Science and Industry and beautiful lagoons.
The Obama Presidential Center is a future landmark in Jackson Park dedicated to President Barack Obama’s legacy. It will include a museum, public gardens, and community spaces designed to highlight civic engagement, education, and Chicago’s South Side history.
A Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece located in Hyde Park, exemplifying Prairie School architecture.
a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Its beautiful campus blends Collegiate Gothic architecture with striking modern buildings, set among tree-lined quads and lush gardens. Highlights include the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, the iconic Harper Library, and the Robie House—an architectural masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright.
A scenic lakefront area encompassing the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, offering insights into natural history, marine life, and astronomy.
World-Class Exhibits: Explore natural history exhibits, including fossils, ancient civilizations, and rare artifacts. Sue the T. rex: See the famous and largest T. rex skeleton ever discovered. Interactive Displays: Engage with hands-on exhibits and educational programs. Cultural Exhibits: Learn about global cultures through diverse collections from around the world. Family-Friendly: Features activities and exhibits designed for all ages, making it great for families. The Field Museum offers a fascinating journey through science, history, and culture, with iconic exhibits like Sue the T. rex and engaging displays for all ages.
Buckingham Fountain is one of Chicago’s most famous landmarks, located in Grant Park. Built in 1927, it is one of the largest fountains in the world and features dramatic water displays set against the backdrop of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. It’s especially popular for photos and shows during the warmer months.
A bustling entertainment hub featuring a 15-story Ferris wheel, theaters, restaurants, and seasonal events, drawing approximately 8 million visitors annually
The Lincoln Park Conservatory is a historic glass greenhouse located in Lincoln Park, built in the late 1800s. It features beautifully maintained indoor gardens with tropical plants, orchids, ferns, and seasonal floral displays, offering a peaceful escape from the city year-round.
Free Admission: Explore one of the oldest and most popular free zoos in the U.S. Wildlife Exhibits: See a wide variety of animals, including lions, gorillas, and penguins. Historic Conservatory: Visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory with beautiful plant displays and seasonal flowers. Beautiful Gardens: Stroll through well-maintained gardens, perfect for relaxation and photography. Family-Friendly: Enjoy activities and exhibits suitable for all ages, making it a great spot for families. Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory offer a mix of wildlife encounters, lush gardens, and family-friendly experiences, all in a scenic, accessible setting.
The Elks National Memorial is a grand neoclassical monument honoring members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks who served in World War I. Completed in 1926, it features a massive dome, intricate marble interiors, and impressive murals and sculptures. It’s one of Chicago’s hidden architectural gems located near Lincoln Park
Iconic Ballpark: Visit one of the oldest and most famous baseball stadiums in the U.S. Chicago Cubs Experience: Watch a Chicago Cubs game or tour the stadium. Historic Atmosphere: Explore the rich history and tradition of Wrigley Field, including its ivy-covered outfield wall. Museum and Exhibits: Learn about the Cubs’ legacy through displays and memorabilia. Photo Opportunities: Capture iconic shots of the field, scoreboard, and vintage features.
outdoor dining and riverfront area at the base of the Trump International Hotel & Tower along the Chicago River. It’s a popular photo stop offering close-up views of the riverwalk and surrounding skyline, especially the Wrigley Building and Michigan Avenue Bridge.
Highlights
Private transportation
Bottled water
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
Parking Fees
What's included
Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
Parking Fees
Not included
Gratuities
Pickup Locations & Times
I offer flexible pickup locations to make your experience as convenient as possible. Whether you're staying in downtown Chicago, a vibrant neighborhood, or even have a layover at O'Hare Airport, I can arrange a pickup that works for you. If you're at O'Hare, I'll customize a quick tour to help you make the most of your time, ensuring you get back to your flight stress-free. Just let me know where you’re located, and I’ll ensure a smooth, memorable start to your tour!
Traveller Ratings
4.6
38 reviews
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chicago City Private Tours take?
Chicago City Private Tours lasts about 2–8 hours. The itinerary has 30 stops.
How much does Chicago City Private Tours cost?
Prices start at $199 per person for this Chicago experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 6 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Chicago City Private Tours for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. I offer flexible pickup locations to make your experience as convenient as possible. Whether you're staying in downtown Chicago, a vibrant neighborhood, or even have a layover at O'Hare Airport, I can arrange a pickup that works for you. If you're at O'Hare, I'll customize a quick tour to help you make the most of your time, ensuring you get back to your flight stress-free. Just let me know where you’re located, and I’ll ensure a smooth, memorable start to your tour! Pickup points include CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyGYnJPDP6jER29NqrT4PJcY=, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyNGs/y0Udzksaan4bpFm0fQ=.
What languages is Chicago City Private Tours offered in?
The experience is available in AR, EN, FR.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(38)
R
Not worth the money.
Not worth the trouble. Extra fee charged after ticket was issued. Your guide tried, but was not very good.
Operator response
Thank you for your review. To clarify, the extra fee you were charged was for the SUV upgrade, which you requested and agreed to prior to the tour. We want to be transparent that this was not an unexpected charge – it was communicated and approved by you in advance. We're sorry the guide wasn't up to your standards. We'll address this with our team. Thank you for your feedback.
A
Ilyas was very...
Ilyas was very accommodating and customized the tour to show me what I wanted to see. He dropped me off right at the sights or parked very close and came with me and took a lot of pictures.
A
Very poorly organized!
The tour guide was excellent and despite having lived in the city in the past, we discovered hidden treasures. We have undertaken many private tours through Viator and previously all have been superb. The reason for the low score here is because the local agent charged us an additional $79 for the Tour as they said the original vehicle would be too small. We agreed the day before and we toured in a BMW X3. Trust me, with 4 adults, three of which were over 6’ tall (and the tour agent knew this), it was not very comfortable. I dread to think what the original vehicle was and smacks of a scam. In addition, as we were waiting to be picked up to start the Tour at 9:00am, the Agent emailed and said that the Tour would be starting one hour later as they had to collect the upgraded vehicle. All in all, the organization was very poor with just a sorry! We would try Viator again but would recommend not using them in Chicago as their Agent is very poor.
Operator response
Thank you for your feedback, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you experienced. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns. We're glad to hear that you enjoyed your tour guide and discovered some hidden treasures in Chicago – that means a lot to us. Regarding the vehicle upgrade, we did inform you that the upgraded SUV would be a BMW X3, and we received your confirmation to proceed with it. We understand that space was still tight for your group, and we regret that it didn't meet your comfort expectations. We will take this into consideration for future groups of similar size. As for the delayed pick-up, we completely understand your frustration. Unfortunately, traffic in Chicago can be unpredictable and sometimes causes unavoidable delays beyond our control. We sincerely apologize for any disruption this caused to your schedule. We take your feedback seriously and will work with our local team to improve communication and coordination. We hope you'll give us another chance in the future to provide you with the exceptional experience we strive for. Thank you again for your honest review.
F
A Really Good Day
It was one of the most courteous tour experience. Our guide was knowledgeable of what we desired. Muhammad is a good driver and we felt safe throughout the whole downtown Chicago experience.
Operator response
Thank you! So glad Muhammad made you feel safe and gave you exactly what you were looking for. We'll pass this along to him – thanks for touring with us!
D
All Day Chicago Tour
This all day tour is well worth the money spent to learn about the history and architecture of Chicago. Ilyse was a fantastic tour guide and gave us lots of information as we moved around the city. He was flexible and asked what buildings and attractions we would like to see. He was an expert driver through all the Chicago traffic and he didn’t cancel our tour even though he suffered a neck injury the day before the tour.
Operator response
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the tour with Ilyse. He's an expert guide and driver, and we really appreciate you acknowledging his dedication despite his injury. We'll share this with him – thanks for choosing Chicago City Tours!
A
Great way to explore Chicago
The trip was great. This was our first time in Chicago, so we got to see a lot of the city. Our tour guide was very flexible and he knew a lot about the city. He even gave us suggestions on where to eat and things to look out for such as the weather. My son had to change plans because of his summer school, but even then our guide was able to adjust to a new time and show us around. All in all great experience and I would recommend it to people who want an overview of the city.
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We're delighted that your first visit to Chicago was memorable and that our guide's flexibility and expertise enhanced your trip. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to serve you again in the future.
A
Leave the driving to others!
Saturday from O’Hare was crazy, but our driver got us to the Loop and then we spent several hours stopping several places before arriving at our hotel. We had many choices, but we decided to let him chose what he thought made the most sense and allowed us to see the most places. A very enjoyable afternoon.
Operator response
Thank you for your kind words! It sounds like you had a wonderful afternoon exploring Chicago — what a great way to experience the city. I'm so glad our driver could make it a memorable trip for you and your grandson. Hope the rest of your visit was just as enjoyable!
3
A Perfect Chicago Tour with an Exceptional Guide
Excellent tour covering Chicago's rich history, stunning architecture, fascinating museums, and vibrant Chinatown. Isaac was a friendly, knowledgeable guide who made the experience even better. He also took exceptional photos with his camera, giving us great memories to take home. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to explore the city in depth!"
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Thank you for your kind review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and that Isaac helped make your experience memorable. We'll be sure to pass along your compliments to him. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Chicago soon!
N
Fantastic City Tour
Excellent tour with friendly, considerate, flexible & knowledgeable tour guides
Operator response
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're glad you enjoyed the tour and appreciated our friendly, flexible, and knowledgeable guides. We hope to welcome you back to Chicago again soon!
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