Welcome to Chicago - a world-class city offering enough attractions, entertainment and character to charm even the most discerning urbanite. Take a Chicago tour with a friendly local guide and discover the best the Windy City has to offer.

Take a riverboat cruise for a fresh perspective on Chicago's striking architecture. Your guide will point out the world's first skyscraper, whose steel frame revolutionized the building of office towers. Stroll around captivating pieces of public art, including Frank Gehry's Pavilion, on display in Millennium Park and make sure to visit the Art Institute's legendary galleries. If you're in need of retail therapy, head straight to Chicago's Magnificent Mile, and don't forget to indulge in a deep-dish pizza; your guide will make sure to take you to the best spot in town.

Whether you want to hang out at Wrigley Field or the Theatre District, your guide can customize a Chicago tour to suit your unique travel interests.

Chicago

Walking around Downtown Chicago Architecture Tour

Explore downtown Chicago by foot during this three-hour walking tour of the Loop (thus named thanks to its elevated trains) and discover what makes Chicago an iconic architectural city. My photographic "eye" will show you specific details and ornamentation you might not see otherwise. Be prepared to take a lot of pictures looking up, up close, and panoramically, all the while discussing the rich history of this city, starting with the natives on which land Chicago was built, the fur traders who came afterwards, and how the Great Chicago Fire reshaped the city and ushered modern architecture. And for all the film and TV buffs out there, I will also point out where block busters as well as the Chicago One series have filmed.

Chicago has my soul, my heart, and my life. I can't wait to share it with you.

An Introduction to Chicago's Downtown Architecture and Art

Did you know that Oak Park, Illinois is home to the world's largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings and houses?

Oak Park was first settled in 1835 and later incorporated in 1902. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 people fled the city to build in the suburbs. Rapid growth & development was prompted by railroads and streetcars connecting the village to jobs in nearby Chicago.

Just due west of the city, Oak Park is a lovely half-day excursion definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Especially if you are an FLW fan.

Let's check out some of the most beautiful buildings by FLW that put Oak Park on the map!

Explore Chicago and the buildings designed by the fantastic Frank Lloyd Wright on this tour by public transportation or car!

Half Day Tour of Chicago's Suburb Oak Park

Chicago was home to the the world's first skyscrapers and on this tour we will explore and go inside some of the best examples of these great buildings.

We will start along Historic Michigan Avenue and take in an old Athletic Club, then tour the Loop area by foot going inside buildings from the 1880's and 1890's, as well as Art Deco buildings from the the Roaring Twenties.

If you like we will stop for coffee and pastries at the half way point and discuss the places we have visited. This tour can easily be extended if you'd like to take in some additional fantastic architecture.

This tour is best experienced on weekdays as most buildings are open, however it is also available on weekends with limited access to some buildings.

Louis Comfort Tiffany's mosaic ceiling (vault) inside Macy's

On tour across the street from John C. Kluczynski Federal Building by Mies van der Rohe

Explore the best Chicago Architecture in The Loop

Chicago Architecture Walking Tour

What better way to see Chicago's famous skyscrapers than on a short water taxi ride followed by a stroll along the Riverwalk. Avoid the packed tour boats and walk at your pace!

We start out with a 15 minute ride along the river using Chicago's Water Taxi service

After we disembark the boat we will walk along the Riverwalk taking in the beautiful architecture along the way.
I will discuss the design of each building, answer any questions you may have and time permitting perhaps go inside one of the skyscrapers.
You will have ample time to take pictures and we will end up returning to where we started.

150 North Riverside viewed from the river

The Wrigley Building viewed from the river

Discover the city by walking along Chicago's Riverwalk on this Chicago architecture tour!

Chicago Water Taxi and Riverwalk Tour

Chicago is known for its skyscrapers and Louis Sullivan is often referred to as the father of skyscrapers! Frank Lloyd Wright called him his "Lieber Meister" (German for "Beloved Master").
On this private tour, I will take you by car to see many of the best Louis Sullivan designed buildings in the city

The tour starts from your hotel with a discussion about Sullivan's background and philosophy on architecture. From there we will drive around the city visiting many of Sullivan's great remaining buildings in the Chicago area. Along the way I will discuss the history and design of each building. Where permitted we will make several stops allowing you to get out and take pictures of the various buildings.

Oak park tours

Explore with 5 tours and 3 guides.

Sylvie S.

$ 400 (USD)

Mimi F.

$ 495 (USD)

Colm R.

$ 285 (USD)

Colm R.

$ 241 (USD)

Colm R.

$ 295 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Oak park

Customize your tour