Top Chicago Cultural Tours

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.

Enjoy the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at one of the Windy City's most storied venues on this insider tour of the Chicago Theater. Let your guide lead the way, as you hear about the theater's architecture, history, and famous performers throughout the years. Stand on the famed stage and take in the atmosphere, and see artist signatures from notable performers, including Frank Sinatra and Dolly Parton. A great activity for fans of music and live performance.

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.

Explore Chicago’s historic Loop through the prism of its architecture. This three-hour trek will cover defining moments from 350 years of Chicago’s history, including the first Europeans to come through here, the Great Chicago Fire, the origin of the skyscraper, the 1893 World’s Fair, Prohibition and the creation of Millennium Park. Along the way, you’ll discover some of the Loop’s most beautiful interiors, found in buildings that thousands of people walk past every day, completely unaware of what’s inside…And how things created inside those buildings shaped our current world for the better. You’ll hear the stories of the men and women--including Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Daniel Burnham, Potter and Bertha Palmer, and Muddy Waters--who made Chicago what it is today, and those, like Jeanne Gang, who are defining Chicago’s architectural future.

Experience Chicago in a new way on this small-group Segway tour. Visit Chicago’s "front yard," and see more of the sights in less time. Glide along the fragrant floral paths of Grant Park to the famous Buckingham Fountain. Then, travel along the banks of Lake Michigan to the Museum Campus for top-notch views of the city’s iconic skyline. Guided Segway training and helmets are included, making this a beginner-friendly tour.

Explore Chicago by Segway with the benefit of a scenic 7- or 8-mile tour led by your guide. Start with an orientation to operating the Segway and a few minutes to practice. Then roll through the paths of Grant Park to Buckingham Fountain and glide along the Chicago lakefront to view attractions such as Museum Campus, Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, and Soldier Field, homefield for the Chicago Bears.

Best Chinatown Food and Walking Tour in town! The Chicago’s Chinatown Food and Walking Tour is a 3-hour immersive culinary and cultural experience designed to highlight the unique tastes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Chicago’s Chinatown. This comprehensive tour combines a curated food-tasting journey with an exploration of iconic landmarks, making it the most enriching and flavorful Chinatown experience available in such a short duration. All of the restaurants and shops we pick for you are our member businesses of Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce with guaranteed food quality and hospitality! You get the most of your money and time! A minimum of 4 participants is required for this experience. If the minimum is not met, the tour may be canceled, and you will receive a full refund.

Discover Pilsen, one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its colorful street art, rich Mexican heritage, historic architecture, and thriving local culture. This locally led Pilsen walking tour offers an authentic, insider experience beyond typical Chicago sightseeing. - Pilsen-based experts with 40+ years of combined experience - Explore iconic sites like 16th Street murals, Thalia Hall, and local cultural landmarks - Official Pilsen tour partner of the Chicago History Museum - Bilingual tours available in English and Spanish - Multiple routes and flexible options, including walking, running, or biking tours -BOOKING: Please note the tour guide will contact you to schedule an exact time for your tour after you have completed the booking. There is no option to pick a start time.

Our tour will take you through Millennium Park, starting at the Millennium Park Welcome Center. We’ll wander past shining sculptures, playful fountains, and peaceful gardens, all while soaking in the city’s energy, ending at Queen’s Landing, where the city meets the lake, and the skyline stretches as far as you can see. You'll learn the history of the city, see the sites, learn about what you are seeing and be guided step by step by our walking tour app.

Explore one of the country’s great art museums—and discover many of its collection highlights—on this small-group Art Institute of Chicago tour. Meet your guide right out front, and see works from artists the likes of Picasso, Chagall, Seurat, O’Keeffe, and many more. As you go, your guide will share the stories behind the masterpieces, and will help bring the history of the museum and its collection to life.

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.

Explore the Chicago History Museum on a private tour customized for you. Benefit from expert commentary that brings the city's history to life while providing richer context behind the museum's collections and exhibits. The intimate format allows a flexible pace, deeper interaction with your guide, and the opportunity to focus on the stories and topics that interest you most.

Enjoy an only-in-Chicago night out—and admire views of the city's skyline (and its evening fireworks shows) that most visitors miss—on this Lake Michigan cruise. Make your own way to the departure point at Navy Pier, hop aboard your well-appointed vessel, and set sail. In between marveling at the views, you can also purchase drinks and snacks from the on-board cash bar, if you wish.

On this small-group Windy City bike tour, you won't just pedal past the lakefront neighborhoods of Chicago's North Side—you'll see more of the city than you could if exploring on your own. Follow a local guide along quiet streets, city parks, and scenic beaches, starting at Lake Shore Drive and continuing along Rush Street and the Magnificent Mile. As you go, glimpse offbeat attractions like the Playboy Mansion, Oprah’s penthouse, and the Victorian houses of Old Town.

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.

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.

With this AI app, you're no longer restricted to crowded group tours or rigid scripts. Explore iconic Chicago sites like Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile—or dive deep into 1920s mobster hangouts and hidden Prairie Style masterpieces. Ask about literally anything that catches your eye—from a Gilded Age historic district to a secret jazz club or a towering steel-and-glass skyscraper. The Windy City's deepest secrets are entirely yours to uncover. Point & Discover: Snap a photo of any monument or museum masterpiece to instantly receive a captivating and accurate story. It’s like having a historian in your pocket! Ultimate Freedom: Navigate seamlessly with interactive map-based audio tours. Your schedule, your pace, your rules. Choose Your Vibe: Select a narrator persona that matches your style—from a deep-diving scholar to a fun companion for the kids. Get Started: 7 Days of Premium Access available instantly for iPhone and Android.

Discover the vibrant essence of Chicago with a self-guided tour through the Loop, the city’s historic downtown. This journey unveils a blend of striking skyscrapers and hidden architectural gems, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Uncover the rich history from the Great Fire of 1871 to the architectural masterpieces that define the skyline. Stroll past renowned theaters, museums, and captivating public art pieces that contribute to the city’s creative spirit. The Loop offers a unique perspective on Chicago's past and present, whether it's your first visit or a familiar stroll. — Self-guided exploration of Chicago’s historic Loop area — Learn about the city’s architectural innovations and history — Visit iconic landmarks like the Art Institute and Millennium Park — Perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned Chicagoans alike

We invite you to step inside the city’s most exclusive, jaw-dropping architectural treasures. Led by an expert local storyteller, you’ll discover breathtaking hidden spaces, from Frank Lloyd Wright’s sunlit masterpiece inside the Rookery to the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass domes at the Cultural Center and Marshall Field Building. Walk through the stunning Gilded Age luxury of the Palmer House and iconic movie backdrops along La Salle Street at a relaxed, conversational pace. We combine world-class history with photo vantage points, ending with personalized local recommendations. Don’t just see Chicago, experience it from the inside out.

Discover Chicago's soaring ambition and neighborhood soul with your self-guided audio tour, allowing you to explore America's most architecturally significant city at your own pace. Begin at Millennium Park where Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate reflects the skyline that pioneered skyscraper design and continues to push architectural boundaries today. Wander along the Chicago Riverwalk where boat tours explain how the city reversed the river's flow and rebuilt in steel and stone after the Great Fire of 1871. Marvel at the ICAs world-class collection. Explore the Magnificent Mile's shopping and historic Water Tower, then discover the vibrant neighborhoods where Polish, Mexican, and African American communities have shaped Chicago's culture. Experience the blues at clubs where Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy defined a genre, then savor deep-dish pizza in the taverns that perfected this Chicago original.

Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago with engaging tours that delve into the rich history and culture of areas like Bronzeville, led by Historian Dilla, who uncovers the unique stories and contributions of these communities, providing an authentic experience of Chicago's diverse heritage. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about local culture, these tours offer fascinating insights into the Windy City's past and present. The tours vary in duration but typically last around 2 hours, making them perfect for a quick but enriching adventure. - Discover the history and culture of Chicago's neighborhoods - Tours available in Bronzeville - Led by knowledgeable Historian Dilla for an authentic experience

Get to know the Windy City the easy and comfortable way on a small-group minibus tour. Instead of long walks and navigating public transit, see major landmarks like Museum Campus, Buckingham Fountain, the Magnificent Mile, and Millennium Park from an uncrowded minibus with large picture windows. Your driver and guide knows where to find all the best views, and there are plenty of photo stops along the way.

Skip navigating around the city with a map and guidebook and explore Chicago's iconic landmarks in just a few hours on this sightseeing tour led by an expert guide. Board a comfortable, large-windowed minibus and explore Downtown and North Side neighborhoods, stopping to visit several locations and hear about the historical and cultural factors that make Chicago unique. Upgrade your tour with a popular open-top boat tour on the Chicago River that focuses on the city's renowned architecture.