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Private tour in Chicago Mimi F

Half Day Explore Chicago Neighborhoods Tour

5.0

(9) reviews

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Mimi F.

4.9

Guide rating

73

Reviews

Tours delivered

20 hrs

Avg. response time

Come explore a fabulous city with a native and life-long Chicagoan. I offer many unique, off-the-beaten-path tours and can also customize your very own personal walking tour. All my routes can be seen by car as well. I am a Certified Tour Guide & member of the Chicago Tour-Guide Professionals Association and a former docent with the Chicago Architecture Foundation for 5 years. I would love to share my passion and knowledge of this great city with you in a fun and non-traditional way. Please take a look at my routes and see if there is anything that piques your interest. Great for singles, couples & families on vacation, here for business or checking out the city before college. Let the urban adventures begin! I am a native Chicagoan and I am still here because what's not to love! I am a Certified Tour Guide (CTG) & member of the Chicago Tour-Guide Professionals Association. A former docent with the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Mimi F.

Overview of your Chicago tour

This tour starts at the Chicago River, the birthplace of the city! What started as a small prairie trading post in the 1770s settled by Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, has grown into a bustling metropolis known for its world-class art & architecture. I'll share the Chicago Rivers' fascinating history and point out some of its prominent features. Then we will stroll up north to the historic Water Tower & still functioning Pumping Station pointing out beautiful, iconic buildings & the Magnificent Mile along the way. Then we'll head north to explore the neighborhood of the Gold Coast. Hard to imagine this beautiful, upscale neighborhood used to be marshland and cemeteries. You will see elegant brownstones and historic mansions of some of the wealthiest families of Chicago. We'll end the tour in Old Town, a noteworthy historic neighborhood to explore and have lunch. Are you ready for an urban adventure? Join me!

Recent Reviews

Kathleen O.United States
May 2026

We enjoyed our half-day exploration of Chicago's sites with Mimi, and it was a great way to start our visit to the city. She brought our attention to and provided the history of many sites and buildings that we might have missed on our own. Her enthusiasm and love of the city was evident during our time with her, and she made sure to point out additional places and restaurants during the remaining few days of our time there. (All the restaurants she recommended that we were able to try were amazing!)

Amelia (Amy) S.United States
July 2023

What an amazing way to see Chicago! Mimi was well informed about the history and architecture of the city. She took us to some places that we probably wouldn't have seen as tourists. She also had some tips about places to visit after our tour and restaurant recommendations. She was very attentive during the tour, adjusting to the speed of our group or need for breaks. I can't wait to return and book another tour!

Joy P.United States
March 2019

This was our second tour with Mimi and just as wonderful as the first one. If you want to get to know Chicago, tour with Mimi. Her enthusiasm, knowledge and communication skills make her a terrific guide.

Laura Y.United States
November 2017

Mimi was interesting, informative and flexible. The tour was great!

Chris R.United States
November 2017

Mimi is great. She knows Chicago and is very friendly and accommodating. We will definitely use her again. C. Ray Colorado

Jan M.United States
October 2015

My husband and I were in Chicago for short time. We had one evening open and we wanted to do a food tour. Mimi was wonderful in arranging a great tour with lots of Chicago favorites and a bunch of history of city as well. Plus, she is a very nice person, easy to be with!

Your Chicago tour itinerary

Approximately 4+ mile walk. We start outside of Fannie May Chocolates 343 N Michigan Ave: • Chicago River & bridges • Magnificent Mile • Tribune Tower • Wrigley Building • Historic Water tower & pumping station • The Drake hotel • Gold Coast neighborhood • Old Town neighborhood In between points of interest, I will share some fascinating stories of Chicago history. This is your tour! I'd be happy to adjust to your liking as our allotted time allows. Please be prepared and dress accordingly. Tours will take place regardless of the weather. Depending on the season I would suggest layers and possibly an umbrella THIS TOUR TAKES PLACE COMPLETELY OUTSIDE. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A LONGER TOUR TO SEE MORE I RECOMMEND COMBINING THIS WITH MY DOWNTOWN 'LOOP' HIGHLIGHTS ROUTE.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

This is a walking tour.

What's included
Other: A map will be provided to all of my guests
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. You are responsible for your own transit cost back from the end location
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

343 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60602, United States

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Outside of Fannie May - 343 N Michigan Ave

Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
City Highlights
Tour reference number
9805
Languages
English
Activity level
Light

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Chicago best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers interested in exploring Chicago's rich history and architecture. It's ideal for those who enjoy walking and want to discover the city's neighbourhoods like North Michigan Avenue, Gold Coast, and Old Town. It's also great for anyone looking to connect with a local guide for deeper insights into Chicago's past and present.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Chicago be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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