Top Illinois Private Sightseeing Tours

On most tours of Chicago, you only see a small selection of the city’s highlights, but you can customize this flexible-duration private tour to suit your schedule and tastes. Choose to discover hidden gems that most tourists miss, snap photos of landmarks like the Willis Tower, explore the Windy City’s shopping scene, and much more.

Take in sweeping views of Chicago from the air during a scenic helicopter flight that offers a premier experience of the Windy City. This private 45-minute flight provides an aerial look at landmarks such as Millennium Park, Navy Park, and Wrigley Field. Ideal for a special occasion, this helicopter tour accommodates up to three people and includes the use of noise-cancelling headsets to hear the pilot clearly.

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

The Art Institute of Chicago is home to over 300,000 works of art by local and international artists. With so much to explore, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the options during a visit. Sit back and let an expert guide handle the planning as they take you through the museum’s major pieces. Learn about the history and context behind each piece in this culturally enriching experience.

Discover the architectural gems of the Windy City from an ideal vantage point—and learn insider facts and stories about the city's top attractions—on this Chicago River cruise. Travel in comfort aboard a boat equipped with both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Covering more than 130 years of architectural history, this tour is the perfect opportunity to see a huge area of the city without the hassle of taxis and public transit.

Walk through Galena, an unusually intact nineteenth-century town carved into a steep river valley, with a self-guided audio tour that plays automatically as you go. Starting downtown, you’ll follow a scenic route past brick storefronts and terraced hillsides using an app with GPS playback. Along the way, you will pass historic landmarks like the DeSoto House Hotel, the bustling Main Street, and the scenic Galena River waterfront. You will uncover how a booming 1820s lead-mining rush built this city, and how fading industry inadvertently preserved it as an outdoor museum of the Victorian Midwest. Explore at your own pace—pause to browse Main Street's galleries, stop for a coffee, or admire the hillside views. The audio resumes whenever you're ready, so you can move freely without keeping up with a group. This is a self-guided experience (no in-person guide). Download the tour in advance and use it anytime—it works offline and follows your location along the route.

Explore historic Springfield and hear Lincoln's history and the stories behind the sites connected to Honest Abe. Go at your own pace and schedule. Advantages of this tour? Our app offers immersive location aware walking tours navigated by your smart phone. Go at your own pace, on your own schedule and on your own terms. It's like a real life tour guide. Best deal in town. We use professional narration, production and music to bring the history to life. Walk at your own pace and hear the stories of what you see. Stop anytime. The tour never expires. Listen remotely after taking the in person tour. You’ll see his old home, his church, his office, the buildings he frequented, murals of Abe and the places named in his honor. And I’ll share with you his coming-of-age story from a one room log cabin in Kentucky to becoming the 16th President of the United states.

Discover the creative side of Chicago beyond the city limits with this small-group tour of suburban hidden gems! Visit charming historic districts, offbeat local landmarks, striking public art, scenic waterfronts, and under-the-radar eateries as your expert guide shares insider stories you won’t find in guidebooks. With transport included and group size kept small, it’s a relaxed, camera-worthy way to explore unique neighborhoods, architectural treasures, and distinctive local culture. Ideal for repeat visitors, adventure seekers, or anyone curious to see more than the Magnificent Mile.

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.

Experience Chicago in unparalleled style with a 10-mile cruise through the city in a luxury or exotic vehicle. Glide through iconic streets, turning heads at every stop, while taking in the captivating sights of the Windy City. Whether you're a resident or visitor, this exclusive ride offers a fresh perspective of Chicago's vibrant energy and charm. Don’t miss the chance to explore the city like never before—reserve your adventure and drive through Chicago’s heart in true sophistication. All tour vehicles are subject to availability During This Ride You May See Views Of The Following Land Marks: Little Italy Willis Tower Harold Washington Library The Chicago Theatre Millennium Park Grant Park Buckingham Fountain Magnificent Mile Gold Coast Museum of Science & Industry Lake Michigan And much more! We cannot guarantee that all sites on this list will be seen in your tour.

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 architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright on a private, fully personalized tour in Chicago, home to the world’s largest collection of his buildings. Travel in comfort with your English-speaking driver, who shares insights into Wright’s life, ideas, and influence on modern architecture. Begin at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, where he lived and developed many revolutionary designs. Continue through the Oak Park to admire beautifully preserved Prairie School homes and early residential works. Visit Unity Temple, one of Wright’s most celebrated modern religious buildings, then return toward Chicago to see The Rookery Building with its grand lobby and intricate design. Conclude at Robie House, a masterpiece of Prairie School architecture showcasing Wright’s signature horizontal lines and integration with the landscape. This flexible experience offers architecture enthusiasts a relaxed way to explore Wright’s legacy and the evolution of modern American design.

Explore Chicago’s vibrant street art and creative neighborhoods on a private, fully personalized tour. Travel in comfort with your English-speaking driver, who shares insights into the city’s artistic communities, mural culture, and the stories behind each neighborhood. Begin in Pilsen Murals District, famous for colorful public artworks celebrating local heritage, then visit the National Museum of Mexican Art to see traditional and contemporary exhibits. Continue along 16th Street Murals Corridor, featuring large-scale murals reflecting social movements and cultural identity. Next, explore Fulton Market, a trendy district filled with galleries, restaurants, and creative spaces, and finish at Wabash Arts Corridor in downtown, where towering murals create a striking open-air gallery. This flexible, door-to-door private tour offers an immersive, relaxed way to experience Chicago’s dynamic art scene and creative spirit.

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.

Have only a short stay planned in Chicago? Make the most of your time in the Windy City, and see more of the city in less time, when you book a private driving tour of Chicago. Pick between several convenient tour times, and meet your guide and driver directly at your hotel. Over the course of your excursion, you’ll make stops at highlight attractions like the Lincoln Park Conservatory, Millennium Park, and Museum Campus. You’ll also learn about Chicago’s history and can spy other remarkable sights as you go.

Don’t miss Chicago’s famous sights and fabulous views on this award-winning private sightseeing tour of the city. Travel through Chicago with an expert guide on a comfortable minibus, stopping at iconic locations like early skyscraper "The Rookery" (Frank Lloyd Wright architecture), Museum Campus (for the BEST skyline view in town), Millennium Park (The Bean), Buckingham Fountain, The Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, Chicago River, The Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive and more! Along the way, your guide will provide historical and informational commentary about the area and its beautiful attractions. Your private tour ensures a more personal experience. If you would like to take the tour at a time other than what is offered, please note in special requests field when booking. The best way to tour at this time! Sanitized vehicles with just your group.

If it’s your first time in Chicago or you just have limited time, make the most of a day in the Windy City on a private driving tour. Instead of navigating public transit or waiting for ride shares, relax as a dedicated driver takes you to all the major attractions of downtown and beyond, including Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue, Wrigley Field, Millennium Park, and Museum Campus. Plus, get local insight into Chicago along the way.

We create custom walking tours for groups of all sizes and interests, blending delicious food experiences with rich historical storytelling. From downtown explorations for high school students, to tavern tours tracing Chicago’s beer history, to local neighborhood food tours, every tour is crafted to be engaging, flavorful, and unforgettable.

“Step into Fayoum’s hidden desert and feel like part of a Bedouin family: receive a gift that transforms your look, live their lifestyle, ride thrilling dunes in a private 4×4, sandboard across golden sands, explore ancient whale fossils at Wadi Al-Hitan, marvel at Wadi El-Rayan waterfalls, drift on the mystical Magic Lake, and savor a secret homemade Egyptian feast. Immerse yourself in authentic Egyptian culture and warmth, and feel right at home in the heart of the desert!”

Explore Grafton's chilling past on this one-hour walking tour, where history meets the supernatural. - One-hour walking tour focused on Grafton's history and ghost stories - Expert guide shares haunting tales and historical insights - Ideal for history enthusiasts and paranormal fans - Stroll along the scenic riverfront while uncovering chilling legends

Roam the lively heart of Lincoln Square with its cafés, delis, and other fun and fascinating stores; stand beside the Berlin Wall; take in ghastly history, gorgeous murals, and 300-year-old oak trees; and, at your journey’s end, find yourself rewarded by the sight of an architectural gem. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Join the game! Highlights include: • Explore Merz Apothecary, Gene's Sausage Shop and Delicatessen, Lincoln Square Mural and lesser-known places. • Enjoy a uniquely crafted story brought to you by our top-notch/gifted/talented writers. • Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt. After your booking you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience, although several people can share a phone.

Experience Chicago’s glowing skyline and scenic lakefront on a private, fully personalized night tour. Travel in comfort with your English-speaking driver, who shares stories and insights about the city’s architecture, neighborhoods, and history as the skyline comes alive after sunset. Begin along the Magnificent Mile, where illuminated skyscrapers and elegant streets create a stunning urban scene. Continue to the Chicago River for reflections of iconic buildings, then visit Navy Pier with its sparkling Ferris wheel and waterfront views. Drive along Lake Shore Drive to admire the dramatic skyline over Lake Michigan, and finish at Adler Planetarium for one of the city’s most spectacular panoramic night views. This flexible, door-to-door private tour offers a relaxed, immersive way to enjoy Chicago’s landmarks and lakefront illuminated under the night sky.

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.