F
Highly recommended
Wonderful tour led by the lovely Talia - an experienced and vibrant guide - very entertaining.
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
+13 photos
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Highlights
Expert tour guide
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
4.9
44 reviews
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
Reviews(44)
L
I highly recommend the...
I highly recommend the Secret Interiors Architectural tour. We attended as a multi-generational family group with ages ranging from 23 to 79, and every single one of us had a wonderful time. The experience was engaging for everyone, and we couldn't have asked for a better guide. Thank you, Talia, for such a memorable experience!
W
So beautiful. Way better than the boat tours.
Amazing! I feel like we had an insider tour. Our tour guide Talia was great and very knowledgeable! Would highly recommend.
H
Loved seeing all the...
Loved seeing all the architecture buildings and some beautiful inside ceilings. Our tour guide Angel was great except one thing. At one of the sights she mentioned “the Thanksgiving lie” between the native Americans and pilgrims. I found that very offensive and not historically accurate.
K
Great experience
We had an absolutely fantastic walking tour of Chicago with Talia, and she was simply brilliant! She was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, friendly, and brought the city’s history to life with fascinating stories, fun facts, and plenty of personality. Talia has a wonderful way of making history feel exciting rather than like a lecture. She kept us interested and entertained throughout, and you could really tell how passionate she is about Chicago. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she made the whole experience feel relaxed, personal, and genuinely enjoyable. If you’re visiting Chicago, I would highly recommend booking a Viator walking tour with Talia. She’s an exceptional guide and made our time in the city even more memorable. Five stars without hesitation — Talia was fantastic!
Q
In and out Architecture Treasures
We loved this tour. Sites we would never have seen were fascinating, beautiful and educational. Just long enough in the summer. Price was great. plenty of people however ear bud option might be nice for hearing in larger groups. Angel was awesome as a tour leader. She is very personable and knowledgeable. Thank you so much!!
2
Great architectural tour
Grant was an awesome guide! He was very knowledgeable and made the tour very interesting. I’ve lived in the Chicago area over 60 years and have never been inside some of the buildings we went into. The architecture is beautiful and he made it very fun. Highly recommend this tour!
J
Informative tour with engaging guide
Adam was a very entertaining guide and I learned a lot about Chicago on the tour
N
Well worth It
Grant was an excellent guide. We got to see the beautiful interiors of several buildings that otherwise I would not have visited. He is very knowledgeable and good company.
J
Wonderful tour
This is in my opinion one of the best tours I have taken! It helps a first timer in this wonderful city to orientate, see the fabulously stunning interiors and history of some of the iconic chicago buildings. Highly reccomended. Thank you Tania for your insights. You were a brilliant guide
