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Tours/Chicago/Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour

Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour

4.9(72)Chicago2 hours
VIATOR4.8(17)TRIPADVISOR4.9(55)
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
+13 photos
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour

At a glance

Duration
2 hours
Price from
$35 / person
Location
Chicago, United States
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 72 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 30
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Empire Tours - Chicago
Meeting point
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time. Your esteemed tour guide will be waiting to check you in inside Union Station within the Great Hall, under the Clinton Street sign.

Description

We invite you to step inside the city’s most exclusive, jaw-dropping architectural treasures. Led by an expert local storyteller, you’ll discover breathtaking hidden spaces, from Frank Lloyd Wright’s sunlit masterpiece inside the Rookery to the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass domes at the Cultural Center and Marshall Field Building. Walk through the stunning Gilded Age luxury of the Palmer House and iconic movie backdrops along La Salle Street at a relaxed, conversational pace. We combine world-class history with photo vantage points, ending with personalized local recommendations. Don’t just see Chicago, experience it from the inside out.

Schedule & prices

Runs
Every day
Start times
10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM
Next available
Mon, Oct 12
Adult (ages 13–64)
$35
Senior (ages 65+)
$33
Youth (ages 7–12)
$25
Child (ages 0–6)
Free

Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.

Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $335.

Larger groups pay less per person.

From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 11.

Tour Options

Tour times
Upgrade to a Private Tour!

Private Tour: An exclusive, private experience created solely for your group!

Itinerary

15 min

Dive into the beating heart of Chicago’s world-famous architecture. Unlike massive, impersonal bus tours where you just look through a window, we explore the Loop. Your expert guide brings the city's dramatic history to life with gripping stories of the Great Chicago Fire and the architectural rivalries that built the modern skyscraper. Perfect for capturing incredible street-level photos without the rushed feeling of standard city tours.

15 min

Step into Chicago's dramatic canyon of finance. This historic corridor is famous for its towering art deco skyscrapers and iconic movie backdrops (as seen in The Dark Knight). While other tours leave you fumbling with your camera in crowded corridors, we position you at the absolute best, insider vantage points to get that perfect, frame-worthy shot looking down the canyon toward the Board of Trade.

The Rookery Building
Admission included15 min

We don't just stare at the outside of this masterpiece, we step right inside. You will walk into the breathtaking, light-filled lobby redesigned by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Your guide will point out the hidden, intricate details of the grand iron staircase and shimmering gold ornamentation that most tourists walk right past.

Admission included15 min

Experience the pinnacle of Chicago's Art Deco era. We take you inside this historic landmark to marvel at its stunning, multi-story marble lobby and gleaming elevator indicators. We pause here to appreciate its understated elegance and share the fascinating history of the last major skyscraper built in the city before World War II.

Marquette Building
Admission included15 min

Prepare to be dazzled by a hidden artistic treasure. Instead of just a quick glance from the sidewalk, we bring you into the lobby to view the spectacular, glowing Tiffany micro-mosaic murals that chronicle early Chicago history. We skip the dry academic lectures and instead give you a fun, captivating breakdown of the stories behind the art, ensuring an intimate viewing experience away from the crowds.

Palmer House Hilton Historic Lobby
Admission included15 min

Step inside America’s longest continuously operating hotel for a taste of pure Gilded Age luxury. Admire the spectacular lobby and gaze up at its 21 breathtaking, frescoed ceiling panels. You’ll discover the scandalous love story behind its creation, and learn the delicious history of how the very first chocolate brownie was invented right here.

Chicago Cultural Center
Admission included15 min

We take you inside to witness one of Chicago's greatest architectural crown jewels: the world’s largest stained-glass Tiffany dome. Standard tours often point at the building from across the street, but we make sure you stand directly underneath all 38,000 pieces of shimmering glass.

Marshall Field And Company Building
Admission included15 min

End your journey at a legendary retail palace. We explore the massive historic building to marvel at the jaw-dropping, iridescent blue-and-gold Tiffany mosaic ceiling, the largest of its kind in the world.

What's included

Included
Expert tour guide
Not included
Gratuities
Since the Rookery is closed on Sundays, an alternative stop will be included in the tour

Traveller Ratings

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

4.9
72 reviews
5
68
4
2
3
1
2
1
1
0

How it compares in Chicago

  • Starting price $35 is 39% below the typical $57 for tours of similar length in Chicago

Excurgo comparison of 522 Viator tours, recalculated daily.

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation

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

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour take?

Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 8 stops.

How much does Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour cost?

Prices start at $35 per person for this Chicago experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $335. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

What days does Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour run?

According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.

How much does Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour cost for children?

Children aged 0–6 pay nothing, adults from $35.

Can I cancel Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking 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 Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time. Your esteemed tour guide will be waiting to check you in inside Union Station within the Great Hall, under the Clinton Street sign. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.

What languages is Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking 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 30 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Is Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour worth it?

Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 72 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Empire Tours - Chicago.

Reviews(72)

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

D
D5966ZZcharlenes
October 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great tour

The tour was very informative, interesting. The guide accommodated for the HOH and slower walkers. Learned alot and the interiors he showed us were unbeliveable.

8
88Budnik
October 7, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Beautiful day with the architecture of Chicago

Angel was a great guide and so knowledgeable about the history and architecture of the buildings in the city. We fit a lot in the two hours and we even went back today to see some of the buildings again. Love the Frank Lloyd Wright store in the Rookery. We also really appreciated the bar/lunch suggestion from Angel to visit Cindy's at the top of the Chicago Athletic Association on Michigan Ave for a stunning view of Millennium Park and the lake. A hidden gem for sure.

K
karen_s
October 7, 2026 · via Viator
Matthew, our tour guide...

Matthew, our tour guide was very engaging. Interesting and shared a lot of information. I lived in Chicago all my life and have never seen the inside of these treasures or heard the stories behind them. Highly recommend this tour.

Q
QueenOfTheRoad7
October 6, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great way to see historic interiors in Chicago!

Angel was a fabulous guide! Great seeing the interiors of the beautiful buildings and nice not having to figure out which buildings are tourist friendly to enter.

B
BeenAlmostEveywhere
October 6, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Must do tour

It was really good tour, going smoothly . Angel was great.

G
Go568026
October 5, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great tour with Angel

Angel is a great tour guide. She is patient and not rushed. Her history was interesting and informative. She gives exterior architectural information along with interior. She also shares things to do and see for after the tour. . The places we went were very beautiful. I would do this tour again

3
361kimberlyj
October 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great way to spend an afternoon in the city!

Annie was great, very knowledgeable about the city and had a lot of fun little tid-bits to share!

W
williammX1360LA
October 2, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Classic Architecture

Great experience! Our host Avery was outstanding!

R
Rosalie_G
September 27, 2026 · via Viator
Fun architectural tour

Fun tour seeing the wonderful art deco lobbies of many Chicago buildings. Great guide, full of energy and well-informed with Chicago facts.

B
BuddyJams
September 26, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Chicago Architecture

Angel was a great tour guide. She was clear and talked loud for everyone to hear and was great at keeping everyone together.

$35/ person
4.9(72)
Duration2 hours
LanguagesEN
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booked and paid on Viator.com
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

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

No booking fees from Excurgo
Payment and confirmation are handled by Viator
Excurgo support

Excurgo earns a commission from Viator when you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

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