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Guide discussing A Sunday on La Grande Jatte

Skip-the-line: Art Institute of Chicago Guided Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Original Chicago Architecture Interiors Tour: Dazzling Interiors

Discover the hidden gems of Chicago’s Loop area on a walking tour that showcases the best of the neighborhood’s stunning interiors and architectural must-sees. Step behind the facades to explore beautifully designed interiors—from art deco spaces to stained glass mosaics—as you follow a carefully curated route led by a guide. Along the way, learn about the city’s architecture, art, and history, and experience a side of Chicago often missed by travelers, all from a local’s perspective.

Original Chicago Architecture Interiors Tour: Dazzling Interiors

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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Join us in the daytime or evening for City lights and breathtaking views

Get a front row perspective on the exquisite buildings that line the Chicago River during a 45-minute architecture cruise. Hear live commentary about the history and architectural heritage of Chicago on this family-friendly tour, which highlights landmarks such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower. Sit on the open-air top deck or the sheltered bottom deck for the ultimate view of Chicago.

Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

45 minutesFree Cancellation

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Offbeat Street Art Tour of Chicago: Urban Graffiti, Art, and Murals

Discover a side of the Windy City that many visitors overlook—and immerse yourself in its vibrant street art scene—on this urban walking tour. With your art-expert guide in the lead, you can focus on soaking up the city's ambiance, and spotting artworks and murals you may not have discovered on your own. As you go, listen to in-depth commentary about the artists and artworks, and explore some of the city's hippest neighborhoods.

Offbeat Street Art Tour of Chicago: Urban Graffiti, Art, and Murals

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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360 panoramic views of the Chicago skyline at sunset.

Drink in a one-of-a-kind perspective on the Windy City when you go for an evening cruise, perfectly timed to coincide with the sunset. Hop aboard your open-top vessel (with an enclosed and climate-controlled lounge) in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, and cruise along the Chicago River. Then, see the skyline from a distance, and watch the skyscrapers light up, when you continue to Lake Michigan for a sunset viewing.

Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Admire some of the Windy City's most iconic views—and enjoy a time-saving, relaxing way to sightsee—aboard this pet-friendly Chicago River architecture boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including dozens of notable buildings, like the Wrigley Building and the John Hancock Building. In just one tour, you cover multiple branches of the Chicago River and learn insider facts and stories you'd otherwise miss.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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A picture of Chicago Chinatown’s landscape shows vibrant streets, iconic arches, and rich culture—everything guests explore on our Chinatown Food Tours. Food Tours in Chinatown bring it all to life.

Immerse yourself in one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods—and head off the tourist trail to discover sights and bites many visitors miss—on this small-group Chinatown food and walking tour. With your guide in the lead, learn about the cuisine of different regions of China, and discover the history of Chicago's Chinatown. Along the way, enjoy a generous array of tastings, from dim sum to Sichuan cuisine and beyond.

Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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Paint your own street art at Studio WIP

Paint your own street art at Studio WIP

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Museum of Ice Cream Chicago Admission Ticket

Enter a land of sugar and adventure with admission to Chicago’s Museum of Ice Cream. Immerse yourself in a vibrant world of interactive exhibits, including sprinkle-filled pools, whimsical selfie spots, and exclusive ice cream sampling stations offering seasonal flavors. Whether you’re an art lover or a dessert enthusiast, this playful, family-friendly experience promises fun and memories for all. Avoid disappointment by booking your preferred time.

Museum of Ice Cream Chicago Admission Ticket

1 hour 30 minutes

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See Chicago's magnificent skyline at night!

Discover the beauty of Chicago at night during a 1.5-hour cruise on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Watch the city sparkle as you pass landmarks such as Museum Campus, Willis Tower, Aon Center and the John Hancock Building, and the illuminated waters of Buckingham Fountain. You'll learn about the history of the city from live commentary by your knowledgeable guide as you glide along the waterfront of Chicago.

Chicago By Night River and Lake Cruise

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Treasures of Chicago

Get an insider's introduction to Chicago's most celebrated buildings during this architecture-focused walking tour of Michigan Avenue, State Street, and the vibrant Loop area. Revisit the heyday of the skyscraper and visit stunning, art deco-era interiors, from the Palmer House Hotel to the Chicago Cultural Center. Admission to the Chicago Architecture Center is included, with an introduction by the docent.

Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Treasures of Chicago

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Chicago CityPASS®

Get the most out of your trip to Chicago as you enjoy discount access to five of the city’s top attractions with the CityPASS®. This easy-to-use mobile ticket grants you free entry into top-tier sights including the Chicago's most famous aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, plus your choice of admission to three of the following attractions: Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, Adler Planetarium, or Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour.

Chicago CityPASS®

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Skydeck - Willis Tower Admission

Visit the Skydeck, located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), with ease thanks to this prebooked ticket option. Avoid long lines at the ticket office and enter directly to access the highest point in Chicago. Peruse interactive displays and exhibits showcasing Chicago's history. Then walk out on to the Ledge, a glass balcony that offers unimpeded views of Navy Pier and Wrigley Field.

Skydeck - Willis Tower Admission

30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Art Institute of Chicago Skip-the-Line Exclusive Guided Tour

The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the finest American and Impressionist painting collections in the world, but it can be overwhelming to explore on your own. Remove the guesswork and maximize your time inside the museum on a private tour that covers major highlights by Picasso, Chagall, Warhol, Hopper, and others. Plus, there's no waiting to get inside, as the tour includes a skip-the-line ticket.

Art Institute of Chicago Skip-the-Line Exclusive Guided Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Private Arrival Transfer from Chicago Airports (ORD) (MDW)

Ensure a hassle-free arrival at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway Airport (MDW) with this private transfer service to your downtown Chicago hotel (or farther-flung Chicagoland destination). Take the stress out of finding a taxi at Chicago's busy airports and book a private vehicle in advance. Travel in style by luxury sedan or SUV that can accommodate up to six passengers.

Private Arrival Transfer from Chicago Airports (ORD) (MDW)

1 hourFree Cancellation

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The Field Museum

Delve into the world of natural history with admission to Chicago’s Field Museum. Choose general admission or upgrade to visit one or more special exhibits. Spend as long as you like exploring the museum's extensive collection of artifacts. Get to know SUE, the world's largest T. Rex, or stroll through the sparkling Hall of Gems. Also take advantage of daily tours led by knowledgeable Field Museum docents, free with admission.

Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets

4 hoursFree Cancellation

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Chicago Architecture Tour and Speedboat Ride and Lake Michigan

Discover Chicago's world-renowned architecture during this sightseeing cruise. Board a comfortable riverboat for a trip down the Chicago River, viewing landmarks like the Willis Tower and the Tribune Tower while listening to in-depth commentary from your guide. Then board a speedboat for an exciting ride up the shore of Lake Michigan for views of Grant Park, the Museum Campus, and other top sights.

Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

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Skyline Queen showcasing the Chicago Skyline!

See the Second City from the water with a sightseeing cruise along the Chicago River and the Lake Michigan shoreline, offering a unique perspective of towering skyscrapers and historic architecture. This tour offers stories about the city’s history and culture as you pass by Chicago's landmarks, museums, and buildings. Capture unforgettable images of the city skyline from Lake Michigan, ensuring a unique look at Chicago, perfect for all ages.

Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Chicago River Ghost & Dark History Night Cruise

See Chicago from a different perspective on this evening cruise that explores the city’s darker side. As twilight settles over the skyline, glide along the Chicago River while hearing chilling tales of disasters, infamous criminals, and eerie legends tied to the city’s past. This relaxed river cruise blends atmospheric storytelling with some of the best nighttime views of Chicago’s renowned skyline and landmarks. Grab a drink from the onboard bar, settle in, and let the city’s shadowy history unfold as you cruise through the heart of downtown. By the end of the journey, you’ll have experienced Chicago’s skyline in a whole new way—while uncovering the chilling events, legends, and mysteries that shaped the city. Please arrive 30 minutes in advance!

Chicago River Ghost & Dark History Night Cruise

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise

Maximize your Chicago sightseeing on a river cruise—and travel aboard a unique historical vessel, which other tours don’t offer—on this one-of-a-kind excursion. Pick from different departure times and board a classic Chicago fireboat, which served the city’s fire department from 1937 to 1981. As you sail Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, view architectural highlights including the Wrigley Building and Chicago Lighthouse, and chart the boat’s firefighting history via the on-board displays and commentary.

Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Cultural Centers Tiffany Dome

Chicago Architecture and True Crime: Spooky Edition

1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

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Haunted Chicago: Crime, Ghosts, and Capone Walking Tour

Haunted Chicago: Crime, Ghosts, and Capone Walking Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House Admission

Discover one of Chicago’s top architectural marvels when you explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s UNESCO-listed Frederick C. Robie House, located right on the University of Chicago’s campus. Considered a masterpiece of Prairie School architecture, the building is famed for its cantilevered roof and rich wood details. Save money when you book tickets to the house in advance; call ahead to reserve a space on one of the museum’s frequent, small-group public tours.

Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House Admission

1 hourFree Cancellation

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Top Attractions in Chicago

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Entrance to Chicago Riverwalk surrounded by skyscrapers, Chicago

Attractions

Chicago Riverwalk

The Magnificent Mile in Chicago on a warm spring day.

Attractions

The Magnificent Mile

A woman exploring the view from the Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower.

Attractions

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (Sears Tower)

The red velvet seats and bohemian interior of the Chicago Theater.

Attractions

Chicago Theatre

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People Also Ask

What are the best art and culture tours in Chicago?

There are plenty of high-quality Chicago art and culture tours to choose from. Looking at ratings and reviews given by previous customers, these are the best tours available right now:

What are the most affordable art and culture tours in Chicago?

Chicago art and culture tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you're looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

Are guided art and culture tours in Chicago worth it?

Yes, guided art and culture tours in Chicago are considered worth it by travelers. They provide an engaging way to explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums, and iconic architecture with insights from knowledgeable local guides. Whether you're cruising the river, touring the Art Institute, or sampling food in Chinatown, these tours offer a deeper understanding of Chicago's creative and cultural identity.

Per one customer who booked the Chicago in a Day: Food, History & Architecture Walking Tour, "David was an awesome guide of the city. Chicago is an amazing town and we learned so much. The food and architecture is top-notch. We had a great time and our group was fun!"

What should I know before booking art and culture tours in Chicago?

What are the best tips for enjoying art and culture tours in Chicago?

What Chicago art and culture tours are one hour or less?

Even if you're short on time, you can find fun Chicago activities to fit your schedule. Here are some of the best Chicago art and culture tours to enjoy in an hour or less:

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