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CHICAGO'S ORIGINAL ARCHITECTURE TOUR®
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Choose your adventure, chicago river architecture tour (90 minutes).
Take in the world-renowned architecture as our expert guides tell the story of 130 years of architectural innovation.
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Chicago River Architecture Tour (45 minutes)
This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich history and architectural heritage features highlights from Wendella's full-length architecture tours.
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We're In the People Business
This was one tour that I can honestly say was worth doing & probably should be a must do/ see on your visit to Chicago.
Ginette, 2023
We were recommended the architecture boat tour by a few locals and it was absolutely amazing!! Beautiful views from anywhere you sat and an extremely knowledgeable and funny tour guide led the trip. Great value for money and so so worth it. Thank you!!
Jessica W, 2024
The skyline was beautiful and the buildings all shined differently. Pictures come out amazing!
Christina, 2023
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The 17 best architecture tours of Chicago
Discover Art Deco skyscrapers, modern marvels and Frank Lloyd Wright–designed homes on these architecture tours of Chicago
Even if you're a longtime local, there's something special about taking in the city's architecture on foot or from the water with the help of an expert. From glass and steel castles to ornate Art Deco buildings to street art and cultural landmarks in our neighborhoods, there's a reason these tours are among the best attractions in Chicago . Nerd out over the design, engineering and construction behind the most beautiful buildings in Chicago on guided walks, bus rides and boat tours . First-time visitors will be happy to know that these architecture tours double as sightseeing walks of the best Chicago attractions —you might even be able to snap a few Instagrams along the way. Here's a few of our favorite tours that are equally engaging for tourists and Chicago lifers.
RECOMMENDED: Check out the full guide to the best Chicago tours
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Architecture tours of Chicago
Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
For a comprehensive overview of Chicago’s skyline, there’s no better vantage point than aboard Chicago's First Lady. You’ll spy more than 50 architecturally significant buildings, from the Wrigley Building to newcomers like the St. Regis. An expert guide will give you the lowdown on Chicago’s rise from the Great Fire of 1871, the advent of balloon-frame construction and other crucial moments in the city’s history. Choose to cruise by day or watch the city light up with an evening option. $52
Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour
You're certainly not short on great options to see Chicago's stunning architecture from the river. On Shoreline Sightseeing's signature 75-minute tour, you'll observe more than 40 landmarks, including Tribune Tower and Marina City. A knowledgeable guide shares the stories behind the architects, engineers, movers and shakers that gave us the nickname "City of the Big Shoulders." $43-47
Chicago's Original Architecture River Tour
Travel the Chicago River in style with a bartender, an entertaining tour guide and killer views as you explore the city's architecture on all three main branches of the Chicago river. A 45-minute version is also available. $42
Must-See Chicago
Want to check out Chicago's architecture but short on time? Try this 90-minute "Greatest Hits" walking tour from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, which offers an informative, fast-paced introduction to key landmarks. The tour includes stops at more than a dozen buildings, including the Chicago Theatre, Aqua Tower, Willis (Sears) Tower, the Wrigley Building and the Art Institute of Chicago. Make sure to bring something to take notes! $30
One of the coolest aspects of Chicago architecture is that it's always evolving, with new landmarks continuing to shape our skyline. This 90-minute tour from the Chicago Architecture Foundation is all about what's new in Chicago, taking guests to buildings like 462 N. Park and the St. Regis and discussing their impact on the city's changing built environment and economy. $30
Frank Lloyd Wright Trust Bus Tours
These tours, led by experts dedicated to preserving and educating about the work of Chicagoland's most famous architect, are definitely not cheap, but a must for Frank Lloyd Wright superfans. (Frankenstans?) The "Wright Around Chicago" includes stops at the gorgeous Rookery Building and Wright's home and studio in Oak Park, while the "Wright Along the Lake" tour includes a visit to the exquisite 1915 Emil Bach House. Oh, and lunch and a prosecco toast are included. $195
Free Tours By Foot's Architecture Tour
If you're traveling on a budget, you can still get an excellent overview of Chicago's architecture thanks to Free Tours By Foot's pay-what-you-can two-hour walking tours. These volunteer-led tours take you to key landmarks like Cloud Gate, Marina City, the Leo Burnett Building and works by Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe.
Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers
Take a trip back to the Roaring Twenties with this tour, which takes you through the history of many iconic Chicago buildings. Choose from the Loop route, which includes One North LaSalle and the towering Board of Trade, or the Riverfront route for the gold-topped Carbide and Carbon building and the Holabird and Root-designed 333 N. Wacker Drive. Admire the geometric shapes, vibrant colors and sophisticated elegance that Art Deco construction is so well known for on these two-hour walking tours. $30
Chicago Mahogany Tours
Although these tours (which are created and by civic historian and TikTok star Shermann "Dilla" Thomas) aren't exclusively architecture-focused, the built environment plays a huge role in their explorations of the history, contributions and legacies of South Side neighborhoods like Roseland and Back of the Yards. And from Bronzeville's beautiful boulevards to Pullman's historic workers' homes, there's plenty for architecture buffs to explore on these important tours.
Chicago For Chicagoans
Live in Chicago and feel like you've done all the downtown-centric architecture tours? Maybe it's time to give Chicago for Chicagoans a go. The tours, developed for locals by locals, are designed to build community and give Chicago natives a stronger appreciation for their neighborhoods and neighbors. Enjoy walking tours and fun scavenger hunts of Albany Park, Chinatown, Pilsen, Beverly and more—and the tours frequently end at local restaurants if all that walking works up an appetite.
Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture
If you prefer sleek metal and glass designs to ornate Gothic architecture, you’ll want to book a spot on this two-hour walking tour of the city’s most famous modern buildings. Peep minimalist designs from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, admire the Beaux-Arts beauty of the Harold Washington Library and ogle the chic contemporary look of One South Dearborn, among others. $30
White City Revisited
The announcement that the World’s Columbian Exhibition of 1893 would be held in Chicago spurred an explosion of new construction. Beaux-Arts buildings sprung up all over Jackson Park and the South Side—so many sparkly new buildings, in fact, that the area earned the nickname “White City.” More than 125 years later, visitors can still see the architectural impact of the fair on the city. This tour includes a visit to Jackson Park's Garden of the Phoenix and the Skylanding sculpture by Yoko Ono. $30
Private Chicago Architecture Tour
Don’t want to share your tour guide with a group? Reserve a private tour to spend an entire afternoon exploring the city’s most impressive buildings. You’ll stop at everything from Willis Tower to Gothic facades on the Magnificent Mile to Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park. Did we mention you’ll be chauffeured from stop to stop in a luxury town car or SUV, too? $930.60
Women in Chicago Architecture
As in so many industries, women’s contributions to the world of architecture have only recently begun to get their moment in the sun. Discover some of the female architects leaving their mark on Chicago’s skyline on this 45-minute virtual tour led by an expert from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, featuring sites like the Aqua Tower and Equitable Building. Who built the world? Girls! $8 for the public, free for members
Brick of Chicago
What's so exciting about brick? Common brick built much of Chicago, and this tour, created by local teacher Will Quam, takes you around neighborhoods like Logan Square, Hyde Park and Bronzeville to show how the built environment created our interesting and beautiful city. After marveling at churches and greystones and Gilded Age mansions, you'll find yourself taking a second, more appreciative look at the world around you. $12–19
Historic Austin
This 2-hour neighborhood-centric Chicago Architecture Foundation tour takes you through historic Midway Park, shows you works by prominent local architects including Frederick Schock, William Drummond and Dwight Perkins and gives you an opportunity to marvel at the neighborhood's grand Queen Anne and Prairie homes. During the tour, you'll also hear from Austin residents about their efforts to revitalize the neighborhood following decades of disinvestment and racist housing practices.
Walk Pilsen
Explore the cultural influence and impact of the many immigrant groups who have called Pilsen home and the intersection of art and architecture on this tour from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. On this two-hour tour, you'll visit residential, commercial, residential and cultural sites, from the 18th Street Pink Line station's murals to the Sokols, century-old Czech athletic clubs. $30
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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady
Experience why we're the #1 rated boat cruise in Chicago, tickets are on sale now for the 2024 season!
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Voted as one of the Top 10 Boat Tours in North America by USA Today readers for 3 years in a row and Chicago Reader's Best Tour for over 10 years ! Looking for the ultimate Chicago architecture experience? Buy a combo ticket for the river cruise AND visit the Chicago Architecture Center—you'll save $9!
For more than 25 years, the CAC's expertly trained docent volunteers have led the CAC River Cruise, sharing fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River. Hear how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world's largest cities in less than 100 years. In just 90 minutes, you'll get the best overview of Chicago’s architecture and its history.
The CAC River Cruise is available in 4 languages: Continental French, Latin American Spanish, Japanese and Korean. To access these languages, please download the "Listen Everywhere" app in advance. Once you are on board the boat, the app will connect and allow you to listen in your selected language as the boat makes its way down the river.
*Continue your exploration with a visit to the CAC! Combo tickets include admission to the Center for just $5 (regular price $14). Admission is valid up to 7 days before or after your cruise.
*Please note that infant tickets must be purchased with a Priority or General Boarding Adult ticket.
Evening River Cruise
The city's most popular tour is now offered in the evening. Serene and bathed in softer light, the city's architecture takes on a whole new life in the setting sun. Wind-down from the work-week by enjoying a cocktail with friends and family and experience Chicago's skyline on our luxury boats.
All departures lATER THAN 5:00 PM
- CAC Members please call 312.922.8687 or come to the CAC Box Office at 111 E. Wacker Drive to redeem your BOGO benefit.
- You can buy a CAC membership over the phone and redeem your BOGO annual benefit at the time of your membership purchase.
- Each person must have a ticket, including infants and children.
- All tours depart rain or shine.
- Arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time. Allow extra time for traffic and parking in summer.
- Cruise guests board 15 minutes before departure time.
- GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING
- A full-service bar and snack bar are available onboard.
- Tickets start at $54.00 for daytime cruises, $59.00 for evening cruises. Upgrade your ticket for $5 to include Chicago Architecture Center admission. Your visit must occur within 7 days before or after your tour. View the CAC's hours .
- Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat. Allow extra time.
- Find more information, including available parking, in our FAQs
Interested in a tour for a group of 20 or more? Please contact our group sales team at [email protected] . Private rentals are available.
Directions to Chicago’s First Lady boat dock
See a map here or enter 112 E. Wacker Drive into your GPS. Located at the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, a black awning marks the boat dock entrance stairs that lead down to the river. If you have limited mobility, see these directions for an alternative way to reach the dock.
About our Boat Partner
We’re proud to partner with Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, operator of Chicago’s finest fleet of cruising vessels. Its boats hold up to 250 passengers and feature open-air upper decks, full-service bars, climate-controlled lower cabins and upscale marble and granite restrooms. Being onboard is sure to be an experience you'll never forget.
Photos From This Tour
Upcoming Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady Tours
Thursday apr 25.
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Friday Apr 26
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Saturday Apr 27
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Sunday Apr 28
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Monday Apr 29
Tuesday apr 30, highlights of this tour.
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Chicago Architecture Center
The Chicago Architecture Center offers an engaging overview of the city’s long history of groundbreaking architecture, from Frank Lloyd Wright to Daniel Burnham to Jeanne Gang. It’s the perfect launch pad for discovering the city’s stunning buildings and their enduring legacy, whether you’re wandering the exhibits or setting off on an architecture tour.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Chicago Architecture Center
About the Chicago Architecture Center
The acclaimed Chicago Architecture Center is a nonprofit organization that offers exhibits, tours, programs, and events that spotlight the city’s storied architectural legacy.
Founded more than 50 years ago, the center has grown into one of the city’s largest and most active cultural groups. Hundreds of docents and volunteers serve more than 50,000 members and guests each year. The center’s physical location houses a variety of fascinating exhibits, along with a curated gift shop.
The Chicago Architecture Center is located at One Illinois Center (111 E. Wacker Drive), a building designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a pioneer of modern architecture. Mies van der Rohe is recognized today as one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. Another great thing about the building: sweeping views of the skyline and proximity to the stunning Chicago Riverwalk .
Chicago Architecture Center exhibits
The Chicago Architecture Center is home to cutting-edge exhibits that explore the past, present, and future of Chicago’s architecture. The range of permanent and rotating exhibits has covered a variety of topics, including innovative architects, climate change, landscape architecture, Chicago neighborhoods, and beyond.
The centerpiece of the center’s Chicago Gallery is The Chicago City Model Experience , which includes more than 4,200 individual buildings, reproduced with detailed accuracy. Watch as dynamic video, touch screens, and light projections bring to life everything from the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871 to the triumphant rebuilding of the city and a new era of architectural wonder.
Chicago Architecture Center tours
The Chicago Architecture Center offers more than 85 architecture tours led by expert docents. Learn the captivating stories behind the city’s grand hotels, soaring skyscrapers, distinct residential styles, parks and public spaces, cemeteries, and so much more.
Guests can choose from walking tours, “L” train tours, bus tours, and popular river boat tours.
The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady was voted Chicago’s #1 boat tour by TripAdvisor users. It’s led by highly trained Chicago Architecture Center docents, who tell the stories of over 50 buildings along the Chicago River. In the meantime, you’ll relax on a luxurious vessel and enjoy amazing views of the city skyline.
Chicago’s First Lady boats depart just below the Chicago Architecture Center on the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive, along the Chicago Riverwalk.
The Chicago Architecture Center , One Illinois Center, 111 E. Wacker Drive
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