Best Tours in Chicago
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Top sights in Chicago
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Unlock the architectural wonders of Chicago with the purchase of this insightful audio tour, which includes a ticket to The Art Institute of Chicago. Designed for art buffs and enthusiasts of urban design, this route takes participants on an enlightening circuit through towering achievements in cityscape artistry and historic cultural venues. The journey begins with the Beaux-Arts elegance of The Art Institute of Chicago and then weaves its way toward the diverse styles of The Gage Group buildings. Commence at The Art Institute and proceed to marvel at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's storied home, Symphony Center. The tour moves on, taking you past the intricate facades of the Fine Arts Building and into the radiant embrace of the Chicago Cultural Center's stained glass domes. Along the way, explore the auditory brilliance of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion from afar, admire The Rookery's masonry, and stand before the towering Art Deco silhouette of the Chicago Board of Trade Building. Your steps will echo through the epochs of the Monadnock Building and culminate in the majestic Auditorium Building of Roosevelt University. The path you'll tread on this self-guided escapade is lined with visual and historic opulence. Although an inside audio guide of The Art Institute of Chicago isn't included, the sights and narratives encountered throughout Chicago's streets promise to create a tapestry of memories enriched by the grandeur of architectural mastery.
Explore the world's most remarkable art pieces at the Art Institute of Chicago! The Art Institute of Chicago opened in 1879 and housed in a magnificent Beaux-Arts building on Michigan Avenue, serves as a school and museum for the fine arts. It hosts masterpieces by famous artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Edward Hopper, Pablo Picasso, and many others. On the 1st floor, you will find the art of different cultures — China, Japan, India, and Africa. Here, you will discover a few pieces dating back to the Neolithic period. You will also see the artworks of Ancient Rome and Greece, the cornerstone of Western civilization. Stop by and admire the statue of the Aphrodite of Knidos, the first monumental female nude in classical sculpture. On the 2nd floor, you will be introduced to Modern American Art and European Decorative Arts and invited to the greatest collection of Impressionist artwork in the world. The 3rd floor offers a significant exhibition of Modern Art and the most renowned objects to explore. Don't miss the outdoor Bluhm Family Terrace to enjoy the stunning Chicago skyline while appreciating and living through your new art experience.
The world-famous ice cream attraction is now sprinkling its yummy joy in Chicago! Step into an ice cream wonderland designed to ignite your senses through a theatrical experience, hosted by a truly talented ice-cream team. Spanning over 13,500 square feet of The Shops of Tribune Tower, this lip-smacking addition to Chicago is impossible to miss. Prepare to be served unlimited ice cream treats as you journey through 14 magical installations on a 60 to 90-minute tour. Stop and sample various sweet treats along the way, all of which will have you licking your lips and ignoring what it'll do to your hips! (YOLO, ya'll). Ride on the pink *Sprink-L line*, put your golf skills to the test in the *Putt-Putt* course or take a dip in a pool filled with millions of sprinkles. Come with an empty stomach and get ready to leave with a new appreciation of flavour and sensation!
Spice up your visit to Chicago on this in-app audio tour through the creepiest places of the city of lights! Walk along the bubbling Chicago Loop to see the places of hangouts and crimes of cheeky bootleggers and stylish mobsters in the roaring 1920's. Hear the story of rise and fall of the most infamous gangsters of all times - Al Capone and John Dillinger. On your way, you will see such iconic sights of the city as Cloud Gate with its unusual perspective of Chicago's skyline reflected on its mirror surface. Take a selfie with the authentic Chicago Theater representing the era of swirling jazz parties and shiny speakeasies. Dark windows of ghost-haunted Congress Plaza Hotel, which inspired Stephen King's "1408" story, will surely give you goosebumps. Enjoy the skyline of Chicago Riverwalk and hear about the Eastland disaster concealed by its waters. Du Sable Bridge will give you an insight to such historical events as Great Chicago Fire and Fort Dearborn Battle, as well as to a cinematic gangster chase. Marvel at gothic architecture of the Holy Name Cathedral and find the traces of bullets in it. Then, take a short bus ride to Lincoln Park to learn the mysteries of the largest city's park. In this area, you will visit the site of spine-chilling St. Valentine Day Massacre. The tour ends at the Biograph Theater securing the story of the elusive John Dillinger. Choose to visit restaurants and attractions to enforce your Chicago gangsters and ghosts experience.
Sloomoo Institute in Chicago immerses you in a transformative world of touch, sound, scent, and sight – a sensory delight complete with your own custom container of slime (an $18 value)! A mix of science and magic, the space is full of compounds from slime to kinetic sand to new innovations that entertain, soothe and surprise. Check out otherworldly CGI videos, kaleidoscopic glow-in-the-dark moments, a 150-foot DIY bar to design your own slime in up to 4,320,000 unique combinations. Every element of the experience was created to awaken your creative spirit.
Chicago is known for its history, culture, architecture, and it's also full of many famous film locations. This tour is hinged on an idea to showcase the city's downtown via movies — an excellent experience for a movie buff! You'll start exploring the Chicagoan cinematic scenery from the Union Station, a railroad station used as a backdrop for a whole bunch of motion pictures. Continue with the Willis Tower, a set for the "Divergent" movie that invites you to see an aerial view of the city from Skydeck, an observation deck on the 103rd floor. Then, take a few selfies with Chicago's most notable public sculpture, the fabulous Cloud Gate, affectionately called "The Bean." From there, come over to spacious Daley Plaza and contemplate a whimsical "Untitled" sculpture by Pablo Picasso, another iconic emblem of Chicago. After that, you will pass by the Chicago Theater that сonceals a stunning ornate architecture inside, outshining its punchy neon sign. Another eye-catcher on the route is the Seventeenth Church of Christ Scientist, a distinctive building in the area with a supernatural exterior. Next, you will cross the bridge over the Chicago River to explore more buildings of concrete and glass that often get spotted in movies. Downtown Docks is the place to chill at the end of the tour. Lay back at the wooden benches watching Marina City and the river cruises passing under the bridges. Join the tour and imagine yourself being on a film set!
Millennium Park in downtown Chicago is a collection of bold architecture, public art, and landscape design hosting numerous free events for locals and visitors. This self-guided audio tour will walk you around it, and the creators themselves will be your guides. You will start at the sleek Exelon Pavilions to catch up with the green LEED program and its intricacies and learn how these green buildings benefit the city. Don't miss seeing the Harris Theater, which is 30 feet below Lake Michigan's waterline, designed by the same local firm HBRA Inc. Back on the surface, you will get tongue-tied by the swooping shapes of the open-air Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a concert venue with a one-of-a-kind audio reverb system. Next, you will enjoy a panorama of Chicago's famous Michigan Avenue architecture from the snake-like BP Bridge, the starchitect Frank Gehry's other creation. From there, you will come to explore the tranquil Lurie Garden that replicates the ecosystem of a midwestern prairie amidst the urban noise of Chicago. At Wrigley Square, you will admire the Greek peristyle-shaped Millennium Monument in honor of the benefactors who made the construction of the park possible. Finally, you will learn what the Crown Fountain, a celebrated public artist Jaume Plensa's brainchild beloved by Chicago kids, has to do with stadium scoreboards. Join the tour to experience Millennium Park's visual amenities and get inspired by creative design ideas!
Explore the great multicultural city with its outstanding architecture and picturesque riverfront at your own pace with this in-app audio tour. During this tour, you will discover different aspects of Chicago: its unique architecture with beautiful skyscrapers and bridges, rich history, and cultural characteristics. You'll start your tour at Michigan Avenue Bridge – the most well-known moveable bridge in Chicago, and one of the few double-deckers in the city. Then, while listening to incredible facts about groundbreaking events in Chicago, you'll walk to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with its waterfall and a beautiful sculpture. On our way to Chicago Cultural Center, you will see the most remarkable buildings in Chicago. Take a selfie in Marina City – a complex of two cylindrical towers, known locally as the "corn cobs" due to their unique shape. Merchandise Mart will amaze you with its Art Deco architecture that reflects the optimism of the 1920s. Then, stop by the impressive Reliance Building securing the city's rich history. Finally, marvel at the largest Tiffany-stained glass dome in the world at the Chicago Cultural Center. This tour is all about architectural details, fascinating stories, and the heritage of one of the finest cities of America.
Whether you are a first-timer in the city or a history buff, this in-app audio tour will plunge you deep into the Chicago atmosphere and make you experience it like never before! You will start from Grant Park and walk through the must-see landmarks securing incredible stories. Marvel at the famous Willis Tower; feel the vibes of the railroad capital at the historic Union Station; relax in the shades of Millenium Park or take a selfie near Cloud Gate; admire the stunning Chicago Theatre; take in the views of the scenic Chicago Riverwalk, enjoy jazz in a cozy music club, and complete the tour at the vibrant Navy Pier. Along your way, you will hear about Chicago's turbulent history, from the Great Fire to mafia wars, and find out how it managed to become even stronger. Not only that — you will examine the cutting-edge architecture by world-famous architects, find one public work by the world's greatest artist, and witness the rich heritage of the 1893 World's Fair, which will make you feel how creative and innovative Chicago is today. The tour will guide you through the hidden gems that are often overlooked and will tell you little-known facts that even locals might not know. With this self-guided tour, you have the freedom to explore the city on your own schedule. Take your time and soak in the sights and sounds of this fantastic city. And with a detailed map, historic photos, and informative audio narration, you'll never miss a beat.
Embark on a journey through Chicago's awe-inspiring sights with this in-app audio tour, designed for enthusiasts of architecture and cultural vibrancy. With the ticket to Skydeck Chicago included, you'll start high above, relishing unrivaled urban vistas, and then gradually descend into the streets teeming with architectural marvels and historic tales. The tour begins at the majestic Skydeck Chicago atop Willis Tower and leads travelers on an enriching route through the city's iconic landmarks. You'll marvel at The Rookery Building's intricate designs, take in the public art prowess at the Chicago Picasso, and feel the cultural pulse at the historic Chicago Theater. Your self-guided itinerary ensures a memorable exploration of the Windy City's most captivating spots. From the grandeur of Buckingham Fountain to the towering presence of 875 North Michigan Avenue, your journey through Chicago is punctuated with moments of wonder. Remember, while you'll have an enlightening self-guided tour of Chicago's streets and sights, an audio tour inside Skydeck Chicago will not complement your visit there.
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About Chicago
The best tours to do in Chicago with kids are:
The best walking tours to do in Chicago are:
The must-see attractions in Chicago for a first visit are:
Insider tips for visiting Chicago
Alexandra Sam is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2020 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Chicago on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Chicago.
When I visit Chicago for shopping, I usually head to Wicker Park first for indie boutiques along Milwaukee Avenue—great vintage, local designers, and the kind of spots locals actually browse on weekends. In Chicago, I also love Andersonville for Scandinavian home goods, bookstores, and small shops with real neighborhood character. If you want polished fashion, Gold Coast has Oak Street’s designer storefronts, but I’d pair it with nearby Rush Street side blocks for smaller finds. For anyone planning to visit Chicago, these areas belong in any travel guide Chicago locals would trust, especially if you want things to do in Chicago beyond the obvious downtown retail stretch.
When I’m in Chicago on my own, I recommend spending a few hours walking the Riverwalk, then hopping on the water taxi to Chinatown or Ping Tom Park. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Chicago because you get skyline views, people-watching, and a real feel for how Chicago moves. If you like museums, I’d pair that with a solo wander through the Art Institute’s modern wing, where it’s easy to linger at your own pace. Among the best attractions in Chicago, this combo feels social without needing company. For anyone comparing tours in Chicago and wondering what to see in Chicago, this is the most relaxed, local-feeling option I know.
When I want quieter attractions in Chicago, I usually send people to the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool in Lincoln Park—it feels tucked away, especially early in the morning. In Chicago, I also love the Garfield Park Conservatory’s fern room and the mosaic-lined passages inside the Pedway near the Cultural Center, which most visitors miss completely. Locals know Promontory Point is one of the best answers to what to see in Chicago if you want skyline views without the usual crowds. If you’re comparing tours in Chicago, I’d skip the obvious stops and spend time in these places instead; they show a more intimate side of Chicago.
In my travel guide Chicago advice, I usually tell friends to give Chicago at least three full days, and four if they want the city to feel less rushed. When I visit Chicago, one day usually goes to the lakefront and downtown architecture, another to neighborhoods like Pilsen or Andersonville, and a third to a museum plus a good long meal. Chicago rewards slow wandering more than box-checking. If you only stay two days, you’ll still cover major things to do in Chicago, but you’ll miss the part locals love most: lingering in neighborhood cafés, bookstores, and parks instead of racing between landmarks.
When I visit Chicago for food, I usually send people beyond downtown. In Chicago, I love Pilsen for taquerias, pan dulce, and casual spots where you can eat well between murals and galleries. I also recommend Devon Avenue for South Asian restaurants and groceries—go hungry and wander a few blocks. For Italian, locals know Heart of Chicago on Oakley has old-school red-sauce places that feel unchanged in the best way. If you want a broader mix, Logan Square is one of my favorite things to do in Chicago at dinner time, especially for inventive bistros and late-night cocktails. Any solid travel guide Chicago should point you to neighborhoods like these.
When I want a break from central Chicago, I usually head to Oak Park for Frank Lloyd Wright homes and quiet, tree-lined streets that feel completely different from downtown Chicago. I also recommend the Chicago Botanic Garden up in Glencoe if you want a slower day; locals love it in late spring and early fall. For lake views, I like taking the South Shore Line over toward Indiana Dunes for a half-day escape. These aren’t the first attractions in Chicago people usually name, but they add depth to what to see in Chicago. If you’re browsing tours in Chicago, I’d mix in one of these nearby outings for a better feel of the region.
In my travel guide Chicago advice, I usually say late May through June and again in September are the sweet spots. When I visit Chicago then, the lakefront is lively, patios are full, and you can actually enjoy long walks without summer’s heavy humidity or winter’s biting wind. Chicago in early fall is especially good if you want neighborhood festivals, baseball, and easier reservations. If you plan to visit Chicago in July or August, just expect hotter, stickier afternoons. For the best balance of weather and things to do in Chicago, I’d choose June if you want beach energy, or September if you prefer a more local, relaxed rhythm.