a helicopter tour of chicago

Chicago's most trusted helicopter service

Award winning Helicopter tours, Charters, and Aerial Film Services.

Chicago Helicopter Charter

Charter any of our 3 helicopters from the fast and nimble Hughes 500, our Twin Engine VIP Bell 222, or our Eurocopter AS355 Twin Star! 

Aerial Film Production

Heli Chicago operates a Eurocopter AS355 “Twin Star” for TV and Movie production in Chicago. We have supported many of your favorite local TV shows locally for the last 15 years.

Most Popular  Tours

Downtown Chicago

45 minutes | Up to 3 passengers United Center – Soldier Field – Navy Pier – Willis Tower – John Hancock – The Bean – Wrigley Field – Museum Campus – Mag Mile – 70 Miles of flight

Intro Flight

30 Minutes | Ages 8 +,  Fly a hughes 500 helicopter with one of our experienced instructors. See what it takes to be a Helicopter Pilot. Makes for a great gift for aviation lovers.

NW Suburbs Ride

30 Minutes | Up to 3 passengers Fly over the Fox river, and scenic Barrington Hills. This ride is perfect for first time flyers or anyone who wants to experience a helicopter on a budget

Twin Engine Helicopter Tour

45 Minutes | Up to 6 passengers Fly on our largest helicopter. Great for bigger groups. See: Downtown Chicago – United Center – Navy Pier – The Bean – Wrigley Field, and more

More…

Helicopter Marriage Proposal 

Give your Significant other a magical proposal they will never forget. Propose while hovering over the beautiful City of Chicago. 

Need a transfer? 

Charter a helicopter in chicago.

Heli Chicago can also drop you off or pick you up with our on demand charter service

O’Hare to Dowtown 

Downtown to o’hare, schaumburg to lake geneva, chicago to milwaukee, custom charters, call to book, fly with heli chicago, see chicago from the sky.

Heli Chicago

Chicago’s most trusted helicopter service.

All Passengers Must adhere to policies put in place by Heli Chicago and the Federal Aviation Administration. 

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Just imagine for a moment, the sun is setting and the sky is a million different colors. You see the majestic Chicago skyline in the distance. You are airborne climbing above the trees and rooftops of the city. You look down and see the hustle and bustle of the metropolis below as you soar through the air peacefully above. You're so close to Chicago's iron giants, you feel like you can touch the top of the Sears Tower with your fingertips. Your pilot takes you along the shoreline as you float over Soldier Field and Navy Pier. The lights of the city begin to twinkle below you and stars shine around you.  This is truly a VIP experience of the Windy City.

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Chicago Aerial Tours

With more than a decade of experience in providing Chicago Aerial Tours and flight instruction we can deliver the best experience. The advantage of being at Midway Airport and close to the downtown area makes the tour more enjoyable because you are right in the action.

Chicago Aerial Tours is located at the private terminal at Midway Airport 63rd St and Laramie AVE

Atlantic Aviation 6150 S Laramie Ave Chicago IL 60638

Phone: 773-466-8687 (TOUR)

Online Secure Payments

Copyright © 2024 - ChicagoAerialTours.Com All Right Reserved

All Tours Start and End at the Vertiport Chicago 

1339 S Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60608

Minimum Passengers:                             2 Per Tour

Maximum Passengers:                             3 Per Tour

Weight Limit Per Passenger:                        295 lbs.

Maximum Weight Limit Per Group:          590 lbs.

Age Limit:                                                              None

*295 lbs is the Maximum Per Passenger. This applies to single riders. Purchasing a second ticket does not exempt you from the 295 lbs. weight limit.

Booking Credit Card and Photo ID are Required at the Time of Ride. If the Tour was purchased as a gift, the purchaser must fill out a card authorization prior to the flight. 

More Questions?

Specialty tours.

Marry Me  Tour

Birthday Bash

Ultimate Date Night

Chicago Tour

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The best Chicago helicopter tours

Get airborne and see the city's most famous landmarks from above on a high-flying Chicago helicopter tour

You've probably seen the city from the sky while arriving at O'Hare or Midway, but to get the best views of Chicago's picturesque urban sprawl, you need to take a helicopter tour. Luckily, you don't have to travel far to board an airborne tour of the skyline—did you know there's a heliport in  Bridgeport ? From 2,000 feet up in the air, you'll be able to take some killer photos of  Chicago beaches and Chicago buildings . Prepare to fly with our guide to the top Chicago helicopter tours.

RECOMMENDED: Find more to explore on the best  Chicago tours

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1.  Vertiport Chicago: Chicago City Sights Helicopter Tour

Soar above the streets of Chicago in a state-of-the-art helicopter during this guided tour (via two-way headset) of the skyline. Your pilot will tell you all about the landmarks you're seeing, from the Shedd Aquarium to Lincoln Park. After 15 minutes (it will fly by, trust us) you'll be back on the ground and itching to see the city from above once more. $165 per person

2.  Chicago Helicopter Experience: Chicago Helicopter Tour Nighttime Experience

You can gaze up at Willis Tower (it will always be Sears Tower in our hearts) from the streets or afar, but you'll never really experience its magnificence until you're flying by it at night. The skyscraper is just one the many landmarks you'll see from above on this Chicago Helicopter Experience tour, which departs from a small airport near Bridgeport.  $178 per person

Book Online

3.  Vertiport Chicago: Chicago by Night Helicopter Tour

Chicago's skyline is beautiful during the daytime, but it's especially stunning when the sun goes down. Enjoy all of the twinkling lights below during Vertiport's night helicopter tour, which offers twilight views of Willis Tower, Navy Pier and other Chicago landmarks. Whether you're capping off a romantic evening or enjoying the sights with a friend, this late night 15-minute flight will leave you with some spectacular Instagram photos.  $165 per person

4.  Adrenaline365

5.  Vertiport Chicago: Private Helicopter Tour

Experience aerial views accompanied only by a pilot on this private helicopter tour, which take off from Chicago's Vertiport. For 15 minutes, you'll be able to look down on the city below you and pretend that you're king of it all. Plus, there will be no one else (except for that pesky pilot) to get in the way of your photos.  $349 per person

6.  Chicago Aerial Tours: Flight Lesson

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"American Aeronautics Academy has over a decade of flight training experience!"

Airplane and helicopter tours starting as low as $97 per passenger.

Always a Private Flight NO Waiting for Other Groups NO Schedule Dependent on Others

Always a Window Seat No Getting Stuck in the Middle Seat No Extra Fees for Night or Sunset

American Aeronautics Academy at Chicago Midway Airport caters to all aspiring and certified pilots. Whether your goal is to fly part time for recreation or to pursue a career in aviation, the highly trained staff at American Aeronautics Academy have a program designed to meet your needs.

Located at Midway Airport in Chicago Illinois, we offer an ideal location for beginning your aviation endeavors! Uniquely, Midway Airport is able to provide you with the experience of working with courteous and professional air traffic controllers in a busy radar controlled environment. The experience and confidence gained here will prepare you to flying into any busy airspace in the U.S. For those that want to practice flight maneuvers, there are many open areas around Chicago Midway Airport. Another benefit of flying from Chicago Midway Airport is the breathtaking view of Chicago's beautiful skyline, which is best seen from high in the sky. Give Aero Aviation Academy a call and talk to our experienced flight instructors on how we can give you the best experience of your life.

Airplane Tour Private Flight

Our most popular and most sold! The advantage of the airplane over the helicopter is the cost effectiveness, they simply burn less fuel!

Info & Tickets

Per Passenger 3 passengers max per flight

Helicopter Tour Private Flight

A scenic flight around downtown Chicago in a HELICOPTER low and slow enough to observe the lights and details of our beautiful city.

Priced Per Passenger 4 passengers max per flight

1st Official Flight Lesson

Chicago Aerial Torus has a long history of flight instruction. With this fun flight service we can put you the passenger at the flight controls.

Airplane Flight Lesson 1 Student & 1 Passenger

Chicago Aerial Tours is the oldest flight tour provider in Chicago!

Buy an Aerial Tour as a GIFT!

A Chicago downtown tour makes a great gift for any holiday, birthday or any other occasion! You can purchase any of these tours as a GIFT!

More Info & Tickets

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American Aeronautics Academy

With more than a decade of experience, Aero Aviation Academy can deliver top notch flight training at reasonable prices.

American Aeronautics Academy is located at Chicago Midway International Airport (KMDW) - 63rd St and Latrobe AVE

American Aeronautics Academy 5236 W 63rd St Chicago IL 60638

Phone: 773-869-6300

Online Secure Payments

Copyright © 2024 - AmericanAeronauticsAcademy.Com All Right Reserved

3 of the Best Chicago Helicopter Tours

Soar above the city of Chicago on exhilarating helicopter rides that grant you unparalleled vistas of Lake Michigan’s shimmering expanse and the iconic cityscape.

(Photo: Chicago Helicopter Tour / Courtesy GetyourGuide.com)

Discover the Windy City in new ways as we introduce three of the best helicopter experiences that offer an unparalleled perspective of Chicago’s vibrant landscape. The aerial journey above the city’s renowned landmarks shows off skyscrapers and picturesque Lake Michigan from a whole new vantage point. From flyovers of Navy Pier and Millennium Park to sweeping views of the architecture lining the Chicago River, these helicopter rides promise an unforgettable experience. Join us as we uncover the magic of these top-rated tours that will take you high above the bustling streets of Chicago.

Downtown Chicago Helicopter Sightseeing Tour

In this 15-minute tour, you’ll wear headphones as your pilot helps you discover Chicago from the seat of a Bell 206, turbine-engine helicopter. The spacious helicopter that prioritizes safety and comfort flies above such sights as the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower, Shedd Aquarium and Solider’s Field. From central Chicago, the helicopter experience takes you on a flight north over the Chicago River, past downtown, looping over Wrigley Field and then flying south along the Chicago beaches on Lake Michigan and Navy Pier. From $239.

Book at GetyourGuide.com

Private Helicopter Flight

(Photo: Private helicopter rides / Courtesy GetyourGuide.com)

If you are looking for something longer and more personal, Heli Chicago provides the sort of helicopter experience that people put on their bucket lists. The MD500 helicopter takes you and up to two other guests on a helicopter ride over Chicago. Taking off from the Schaumburg Regional Airport, tour highlights include the Willis Tower, the John Hancock Building, Navy Pier, McCormick Place, Buckingham Fountain, Museum Campus and Wrigley Field. The pilot provides live commentary through noise-canceling headphones. During the summer, you can opt to have the doors off during the flight for an extra rush. Past customers highly recommend the night-time tours. From $795.

10-Minute Tour 12 Miles Up

This helicopter experience offers a ride for up to three people (infants can be held in a lap) as the craft flies above the city of Chicago for a 10-minute tour. Starting at Vertiport Chicago, you’ll spend three minutes over downtown and the Loop, three minutes over Museum campus (which includes Soldier Field, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and The Field Museum) and then four minutes over Navy Pier with its iconic Ferris wheel. Tours are offered 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. From $375.

Book at Viator.com

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Private 45-Minute Chicago Skyline Helicopter Tour

• All Fees and Taxes
• Live commentary on board
• Noise cancelling headsets
• Free Parking
• Free photos of and in front of the helicopter! (Our pilots are great photographers.)
• Schaumburg Regional Airport, 905 W Irving Park Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193, USA Meet at the passenger waiting area downstairs at the Schaumburg Regional Airport below Pilot Pete's restaurant. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled flight time. Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification in order to travel.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Each passenger must weight less than 260 pounds (Aircraft structural weight and balance limit)
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Wrigley Field
• United Center
• Soldier Field
• Millennium Park

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Schaumburg Regional Airport 905 W Irving Park Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193, USA Meet at the passenger waiting area downstairs at the Schaumburg Regional Airport below Pilot Pete's restaurant. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled flight time. Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification in order to travel. See address & details
• Pass by United Center Soldier Field Grant Park Millennium Park John Hancock Center Navy Pier Wrigley Field
• You'll return to the starting point

• Discover68029866711 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful! I was recently diagnosed with MS, and was very unsure about traveling. But the air line staff put me at ease. I'm in a wheel chair and unable to walk without assistance, my walker was taken at the door which is fine but I realized I couldn't walk to my seat. Then an angel by the name of Chris who helped with taking us to the door proceeded to assist me. I was so nervous, but he assured me that "he got me" he offered his arms and walked backwards with me in front of him, encouraging me to take my time and take it slow. He stayed with me until I was seated. This meant a lot to me, and it made my experience to be awesome. Thank you so much Chris and Southwest for employing an amazing staff from curbside check in, the wheel chair assistants to the flight crew. Darlene Read more Written January 25, 2024
• 97laneg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great flight Steve was a great instructor, made me comfortable at the controls & made landing & hovering look easy. This was my first time flying a helicopter, Steve let me fly & was there to keep us safe & keep me out of trouble. Read more Written July 1, 2023
• bobbysusanbrunner 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Eye level to skyscrapers The viewing of skyscrapers from eye level is a bucket list event! We loved the pilot Matt. The Vietnam era helicopter was a plus. Read more Written March 28, 2023
• lelesd2023 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Once in a lifetime experience My husband and I flew with Chuck, he was awesome and very nice. The experience was amazing even though I was scared of heights he made sure we was comfortable. Read more Written March 21, 2023
• A2240SCsoniap 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Northwest side tour. Awesome and best. Northwest Side Tour. Under rated tour but it was much better than skyline tour. Pilot Sara was awesome and full of energy and she made this tour more enjoyable and fun. Would recommend this tour. Love it Read more Written June 24, 2022
• Megsymo1976 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles AMAZING opportunity to see the city from the sky! We did a 45 tour with 6 passengers from the airport to the city and it was amazing! We had guests ranging from 9 to 74 years old and everyone enjoyed the experience. Chris Bachman was our pilot and he was amazing! He circled the city a number of times making sure all passengers got to see all the special locations. It really felt like a magical experience and we will do it again for sure! From booking online to getting instructions to completing the ride, this was a hassle free experience that I would recommend to EVERYONE! Thank you Chris!! Read more Written December 28, 2020
• PeterJW420 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unforgettable The team, the people, the entire experience is worth everything. The staff and pilot are very professional and very knowledgeable. Working with them for our experience was easy, communication was outstanding and overall the experience will never be forgotten. If/when we do another tour or ride, it will be with heli chicago. Read more Written December 27, 2020

More to explore in Chicago

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Private 45-Minute Chicago Skyline Helicopter Tour provided by Heli Chicago

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Great opportunity to start your own helicopter tour company. If you have a commercial helicopter license and a helicopter start flying tours tomorrow. Please contact owner using the contact form .

We no longer fly any tours for personal reasons. Consider flying with our friends at Chicago Helicopter Experience .

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Grand Chicago Tour (45 min)

Fly above the Chicago skyline. This tour takes you over all of Chicago’s most notable landmarks and parks, Soldier Field, Millennium Park, Sears Tower, John Hancock Building, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park, Wrigley Field, Montrose Beach and much more. This tour also includes the North Shore.

$398.00 per person

Private Skyline Tour (35 min)

Fly a private helicopter tour from Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling, IL straight to the Chicago skyline and back. See the impressive Downtown Chicago Skyline, Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, and many of the Chicago landmarks.

Flight time is about 35 minutes. (Twice as long as other operators)

$275.00 per person

(minimum 2 people)

Northern Chicago Tour (15 min)

If you’ve always wanted to fly in a helicopter, this tour is for you. You’ll experience a scenic tour of Chicago’s northern suburbs. If you live in Wheeling, Northbrook, Glenview, Wilmette, Skokie or Evanston, this is your chance to see your neighborhood from above.

$149.00 per person

Safety Requirements

Weight limit is 250 lbs per seat. Passengers must be 16 years old or older, with valid photo ID, or accompanied by an adult to fly. Other restrictions may apply. Tours may be canceled due to unsafe weather conditions. Prices subject to change without notice.

Chicago Helicopter Tours

(312) 620-4000 1071 S Wolf Rd Hangar 10 Bay 4 Wheeling, IL 60090

© Chicago Helicopter Tours. All Rights Reserved. All flights are operated by Midwestern Helicopters, headquartered in Kenosha, WI, but fly from Chicago Executive Airport

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Chicago Helicopter Tours

• Wrigley Field - Soldier Field - Sox Park - Magnificent Mile
• Lake Shore Drive - North Avenue Beach - Willis Tower
• John Hancock Building - Lincoln Park Zoo
• Shedd Aquarium - The Field Museum and many more!
• Nothing more to pay on the day!

•   $0 - $100
•   $100 - $300
•   $300 - $500
•   $500 & Above

Chicago invented the skyscraper. Its famous skyline, including the broad-shouldered Willis Tower and the monolithic onyx of the John Hancock Building, is recognized around the world.

And while you could tour this amazing architecture by boat or by bus or by carriage... what better way to experience these world famous skyscrapers than from the sky?

And what better way to cover all this magical ground than with a Maui helicopter tour?

Hop aboard a luxury helicopter and stretch your journey out farther than you could ever imagine.

Climb in and our pilots will take you down into the canyon of the Loop with all the new and old skyscrapers, and up the shopping mecca Michigan Avenue known as the Magnificent Mile, out to historic Wrigley Field in the north neighborhoods, over by the beaches of mighty Lake Michigan to the museum campus where you'll hover above the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, the ferris wheel at Navy Pier and even Soldier Field, home of the Monsters of the Midway, the Chicago Bears.

Then lift your gaze out over the endless plains of Illinois, at a horizon that seems an eternity away.

High in the air, above it all, is the best way to see the City of Big Shoulders, Chicago Illinois!

How long is a Chicago helicopter tour?

With Chicago sprawling along the lakeshore, it’s easy to jump right into seeing the sights since the heliports are located right within the city. Flight packages range between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on what you prefer to see and what flight path you choose.

How much is a helicopter tour of Chicago?

Because a variety of Chicago flight packages are available, a variety of price points are available as well. Pricing ranges between $100 per passenger and $320 per passenger, with plenty of options in-between.

How many people can ride a Chicago helicopter at a time?

That’s up to you! Different aircraft are used in different tour packages, allowing you the opportunity to choose between private and shared flights. Private flights can seat 2-3 passengers at a time and provide a more intimate experience. Shared flights can seat up to 6 passengers at a time, allowing you and your whole group to enjoy your Chicago aerial adventure together. There’s even a private package available for parties larger than 3 or who want more elbow room!

How do I book my Chicago helicopter tour?

Booking your Chicago flight is easy! Each helicopter package’s web page includes a description of what you will see and what to expect. Once you’ve decided which you like best, just click the Book Now button on the flight web page or call our helpful reservations staff and you’re on your way to an amazing Chicago helicopter adventure!

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Chicago City Lights Helicopter Tour

Our City Lights Experience is a magical night time flight over Chicago which provides celestial views of the city lighting up the night sky.

• One hour experience
• Your flight covers 25+ miles of the Chicago Skyline in 15 minutes
• All flights depart from our private downtown heliport
• See Chicago's iconic Landmarks and skyscrapers light up the night sky including: Willis Tower - John Hancock - Millennium Park - Buckingham Fountain - The Museum Campus - Navy Pier - Lincoln Park Zoo - Wrigley Field - Soldier Field - and much more!
• We fly 7 days a week from 1pm to 10:30pm all year round

The Experience

You will be with us for about an hour and the flight will cover 25+ miles of Chicago in 15 minutes. We can fly by the city in 3 minutes but we slow it down so you can take in all the breathtaking views.

Flights depart from our downtown heliport where you will relax in our passenger lounge taking in views of helicopters landing and taking off while snapping some photos at our selfie stations.

Popular Chicago Helicopter Tours

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9 Great Chicago Architecture Tours

I f you're looking for the best Chicago architecture tours, you've found them here! As a local who has explored these tours on weekends, during staycations, or while showing visiting friends around Chicago, I can honestly say that this list shares the most unique and fun experiences.

The city has great options including the best architectural boat tours, helicopter tours, walking tours, and more.

If you have limited hours, take the Hop On/Hop Off bus tour in Chicago or visit the top Chicago attractions to get the most out of a short amount of time.

Architecture Tours You Should Try in Chicago

Chicago architecture cruise.

Check rates for Chicago Architecture Cruise

If you love touring on water, then this cruise is for you. I've taken this cruise several times while showing friends the city and they loved it too.

On this cruise, you will ride the Chicago River and see the city's famous architecture. You'll see the impressive flat skyline including over 40 famous buildings such as Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, and the John Hancock Building with audio narratives. The tour covers all three branches of the Chicago River.

Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express

Check rates at Navy Pier Centennial Wheel

This is one of my favorite ways to see the city and the Chicago skyline. You circle only once, but the ride is super slow, and you'll have some great photo ops when you get to the top.

Navy Pier is among the most visited destinations in the world. It offers beautiful views from the wheel, and it's a must-do when in the area! Located right on the pier, you have spectacular views of the city's skyline, architecture, and waterfront.

45-Minute Private Helicopter Flight

Check rates at 45-Minute Private Helicopter Flight

I was scheduled to go on this flight but it was canceled due to bad weather. At least they are good at following safety protocol. Too bad that I missed this amazing experience by helicopter. From what I hear, you will get the best views of touring Chicago architecture, and the experience of flying amongst the clouds. 

Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge

Check rates for Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge

Having been on the Skydeck a couple of times, it never disappoints. What I didn't like much was that there is a limited time that you have to stand in the box. But if there were no supervision, the line would be from the street.

But here, you will have some of the most breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. You'll also see why home is to beautiful parks and cultural attractions such as the Adler Planetarium in Millennium and the Shedd Aquarium in Grant Park.

Look north to see Chicago's iconic skyscrapers and landmarks from Lincoln Park to the world-famous Wrigley Field.

Night Tour with Willis Tower Entry & Skyline Cruise

Check rates at Night Tour with Willis Tower Entry & Skyline Cruise

This tour is a wonderful way to spend the evening while touring in Chicago. You'll immerse yourself in one of the tallest architectural buildings in Chicago along with a Chicago boat tour. 

Experience the Windy City’s most popular attractions on this overnight tour. Watch the night light show of Buckingham Fountain. Cruise along the Chicago skyline and climb to the top of the iconic Willis Tower.

Big Bus Panoramic Sunset Tour with Live Guide

Check rates at Big Bus Open-Top Panoramic Night Tour

If this is your first visit to this city, this is a great way to tour Chicago , Illinois and how it shines at night. There is so much to see on both sides of the bus since the architecture of Chicago is interesting

Experience the stunning skyscrapers of Windy City that light up at night. Take a panoramic nighttime tour from the Magnificent Mile to Michigan Avenue past the Chicago Theater and Buckingham Fountain.

Chicago History, Culture, and Architecture Walking Tour

Check rates at Chicago History, Culture, and Architecture Walking Tour

This is a great way to hear about Chicago's history and architecture. Take a private stroll or share walks with family or friends for this architecture tour. You can see old and new architecture, try delicious local treats, see beautiful boats tour the river. 

Chicago Architecture Center Exhibit Admission

Check rates at Chicago Architecture Center Exhibit

The Chicago Architecture Center or CAC is located at the south end of Magnificent Rock near Michigan Walker Intersection. You'll discover super-sized models of architecture from around the world.

The vouchers give you access to two floors of imaginative exhibitions at the city's newest cultural venue.

Chicago Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking Tour

Check rates at Chicago Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking

The luxurious materials and geometric decorations of Art Deco represent the opulence and optimism of the decadent 20s. Visit some of the city's most beautiful architecture and learn about the history and characteristics of this modern decorative style.

Final Thoughts on the Best Chicago Architecture Tours

These are the best ways to tour Chicago architecture and see all the unmissable attractions. I've taken every single one of these tours, including ones not mentioned and found them worth the money.

I enjoyed seeing the towering skyscrapers and iconic landmarks. The tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the architectural history of the Chicago. Not to mention, it's nice to play tourist in my own back yard.

As a visitor, be sure to plan your tour in advance and consider factors such as weather and time of day to make the most of your experience. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning views along the way.

Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or simply looking to appreciate the city's remarkable skyline, a Chicago architecture tour is a must-do activity. The buildings are inspiring structures and some are a marvel of innovative designs that have shaped this iconic city.

Whether you go on water, in the air, or on foot , book your tour today and embark on a journey through Chicago's architectural wonders.

Queensland premier Steven Miles questioned over bringing two government jets on crime prevention tour

Live Moment Queensland premier Steven Miles questioned over bringing two government jets on crime prevention tour

Queensland's premier has faced questions over his use of government jets, as the state government announces plans to bolster police numbers and give Cairns a dedicated chopper.

Premier Steven Miles said he believed the use of two government jets to travel across regional Queensland this week to make crime prevention announcements was appropriate.

Mr Miles, Police Minister Mark Ryan and newly minted Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski have travelled to several regional cities a day this week, including Cairns, Townsville and Hervey Bay.

To transport the travelling parties — which also included local MPs — two government jets were used on multiple days to travel between Brisbane and north Queensland.

Steven Miles said the Queensland Government Air (QG Air) planes were needed for the busy schedule.

"It was determined that was the most appropriate way to deliver the itinerary," he said.

"It just would not be possible for me to have done that without access to those QG Air planes."

Mr Miles said he used commercial flights for travel when possible.

"That itinerary was based on my desire to make sure that I, the police commissioner, and police minster are in regional Queensland as much as we can possibly be," he said.

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How can a Polair helicopter assist police?

• Police say Polair capabilities can enhance police operations in regional areas
• Polair helicopters have advanced camera, thermal imaging and night vision capabilities
• The helicopters are used daily to help police with tracking offenders, surveillance operations and search and rescue missions

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If crime rates are going down in Cairns why is a police helicopter needed?

Police Minister Mark Ryan says in the financial year to date, which is about nine months, the number of offences against properties in Cairns is down 12 per cent   and the unlawful use of a motor vehicle is down 20 per cent.

He says the new helicopter will be there to complement the work that police do.

"Polair is not just about apprehending offenders, it is about saving lives. "The very first call for service the Townsville helicopter was called to was a little boy lost in the bush. "Police tell me that they may not have found that boy if it was not for the helicopter. "That is why you need Polair."

MP says a police helicopter is a 'game changer' for Cairns

"If you are a crook out there you will now be observed from a very high altitude, you won't even know that the machine is even up there, but it will see you," Barron River MP Craig Crawford says. "It can lock on to the vehicle that you have stolen, it can see your heat signature when you are running through the park in the middle of the night. "You will be caught, you will be found, you will be charged and you will go in front of a magistrate."

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On Monday, Mr Miles travelled from Brisbane to Cairns to hold a press conference alongside Mr Gollschewski after he was announced as the new police commissioner.

Mr Miles spoke in Cairns again on Tuesday, before he travelled to Townsville then Hervey Bay to make announcements about tackling youth crime with Mr Ryan and Mr Gollschewski.

The trio went from Brisbane to Cairns and Townsville again on Wednesday to spruik a new police helicopter and funding for more police officers.

Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie said the premier was   "wasting valuable resources with two luxury jets flying to the same location".

"The same five locations with his police minister," he said.

"They couldn't fly in the same plane together?"

Official guidelines state the government jets should only be used when commercial flights are unavailable or inadequate.

'Aggressive recruitment campaign'

The dedicated police helicopter will be used to combat crime, as the state government announces plans to bolster the force with 900 new officers.

The ambitious recruitment target comes ahead of the looming state election and two days after Steve Gollschewski was appointed as police commissioner.

The commitment includes a boost of 500 sworn officers and 400 unsworn personnel over the next three years.

Despite a competitive labour market, the state government said an "aggressive recruiting campaign" had led to a 200 per cent jump in the number of recruits in the pipeline over the last year.

Nearly 700 aspiring officers are undergoing training and more than 2,000 applicants are in the recruitment process.

"The extra personnel will be allocated to areas across Queensland, ensuring we are future-proofing our police and keeping pace with population growth," Commissioner Gollschewski said.

"Despite the recruiting challenges being experienced in policing jurisdictions across Australia, the QPS is continuing to see a healthy pipeline of police recruit applicants."

New police chopper

With crime shaping up as a key issue in this year's state election, the Queensland government has also committed to purchasing a police helicopter for Cairns.

The aerial asset will include sophisticated thermal imaging cameras and night vision capabilities.

Townsville received a police chopper in January, which is flown daily to track offenders and stolen cars, conduct surveillance operations and search for missing people.

So far, it has taken 110 flights and located 74 persons of interest and 41 stolen vehicles. 

"We heard yesterday from the police in Townsville that the helicopter there can allow them to do some tasks that might have once taken weeks in just minutes," Premier Steven Miles said. 

Commissioner Gollschewski said he was "delighted" that Cairns would be getting its own chopper. 

"We've seen how extraordinarily successful these assets are both in south-east Queensland and in Townsville," he said.

"They are a game changer for our police here and they will be a game changer for the community."

The announcements are the latest in a suite of new government initiatives to combat crime.

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