Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Chicago, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Explore the hidden side of Downtown Chicago—and see sights that even many locals miss—on a small-group walking tour of the Pedway (an underground network of tunnels that connects Chicago buildings) and the vibrant Loop. Ideal for architecture fans, this tour includes insider stories and landmarks you wouldn't spot on your own—plus a chance to see Windy City icons like the Picasso Statue and Millennium Park.
- This small-group tour ensures a personal sightseeing experience
- See Chicago gems that are often overlooked by locals and tours
- This tour is perfect for visiting architecture lovers
- Discover the best of the Pedway network and the vibrant Loop
What's Included
- Local guide
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 120 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
We will meet in front of 120 N. LaSalle Street. There is a massive mosaic over the entrance -- you can't miss it!
End point
- Aqua, 225 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
This tour will end just north of Millennium Park.
Itinerary
1
Chicago Pedway
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
The Picasso
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Macy's on State Street
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Chicago Cultural Center
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Block 37
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
New East Side (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Marcellus_C
This was an excellent activity that gave us a history of the underground walkway, in addition to some of the historical buildings in Chicago. Henry was very knowledgeable--he was able to answer 95% of our questions (some of our questions did come out of left field!). Keep in mind - the tour starts across the street from City Hall and ends elsewhere. It wasn't a strenuous walk at all (one of us had knee issues--he didn't complain at all.) About the only "climbing" we did was on stairs exiting the underground pedway. Henry also gave us plenty of opportunities for bathroom breaks. My only regret was not eating a good breakfast before taking the 2+ hour walk. (P.s. Henry was an excellent guide for this because of his background in architectural/structural engineering.). I would take this tour again!
Reviews
4.9
based on 462 reviews
Julia_B, Apr 2026
Heath was very knowledgeable about the labyrinth of corridors under the city. A great way to spend the afternoon underground while it’s raining above.
Marcellus_C, Apr 2026
This was an excellent activity that gave us a history of the underground walkway, in addition to some of the historical buildings in Chicago. Henry was very knowledgeable--he was able to answer 95% of our questions (some of our questions did come out of left field!). Keep in mind - the tour starts across the street from City Hall and ends elsewhere. It wasn't a strenuous walk at all (one of us had knee issues--he didn't complain at all.) About the only "climbing" we did was on stairs exiting the underground pedway. Henry also gave us plenty of opportunities for bathroom breaks. My only regret was not eating a good breakfast before taking the 2+ hour walk. (P.s. Henry was an excellent guide for this because of his background in architectural/structural engineering.). I would take this tour again!
Maria_T, Apr 2026
Very informative and held our attention the whole tour. He was very knowledgeable and his engineering background made it even better. Definitely worth doing!
Jaydene_H, Apr 2026
We had an amazing experience on the Chicago Architecture Pedway Tour, and a big part of that was thanks to our guide, Henry. He brought the city to life with fun and engaging facts about Chicago while leading us through the hidden underground pedway system—something we never would have discovered on our own if we hadn’t taken the tour.
What really set Henry apart was his background in structural engineering. He seamlessly wove in technical insights that added a deeper layer of understanding to the architecture and infrastructure we were exploring, without ever making it feel overwhelming. It gave the tour a unique and enriching perspective.
On top of that, I was genuinely impressed by his ability to memorize everyone’s name in the group—it made the experience feel much more personal and interactive.
Overall, this tour was informative, unique, and incredibly well-led. Highly recommend it to anyone looking to experience a different side of Chicago!
Adam_E, Apr 2026
My husband and I really enjoyed this tour! Adam did a great job with sharing interesting details about Chicago's history and the pedway. We would highly recommend this tour!
mck6719, Apr 2026
Be flexible. They are working on parts of the pedway and the weather can al influence your decisions.
Alison_H, Apr 2026
Our tour guide, Ben, was unbelievably knowledgeable about not only the history and inner workings of the Chicago Pedway system, but the history of Chicago itself. Very engaging tour guide.
Of course, with “Ped” being a dead giveaway, this was a walking tour, but there were A LOT of stairs. I noticed only one ramp and a small handful of elevators (Chicago Cultural Center, the hotels, and maybe a few others). Be prepared to climb a lot of stairs along the way. If you aren’t good with stairs, then this might not be the tour for you.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your review! And yes, this route has a few staircases and revolving doors, so we ask that guests with mobility issues contact us if there are any concerns. Oh -- and "Ben" is actually named Adam! :) He does kind of look like a Ben, though, to be fair. Glad you had a good time!
meghan5306, Apr 2026
2 hours of travel you could never find on your own. Must see for Chicago history tour. Amazing time!
Martha_H, Apr 2026
Adam gave a great tour about an area of Chicago we knew nothing about. Super fun, flexible and knowledgeable. We'd recommend him to others!
Kimberly_N, Apr 2026
Excellent experience best appreciated by adults. Information shared is historical as well as scientific. Our guide, Henry, was outstanding. Very personable and engaging. He was well prepared. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
Anwar_R, Apr 2026
Our guide Henry was very knowledgeable and engaging. High energy and gave a good background of Chicago history, architecture and infrastructure.
Two hours is about the right time for the walking tour. Only one toilet stop. There are lots of steps but in some areas of the tour can use elevators.
jean_m, Apr 2026
That there’s a lot of walking and some stair climbing . That it’s definitely a full two hours. One stop for bathroom . But our guide, Adam, was great! Very knowledgeable. I learned a lot.
Danielle_T, Apr 2026
Henry is very knowledgeable about the various buildings and shares interesting information. Definitely check it out.
Kim_G, Mar 2026
Henry was amazing and went above and beyond explaining not only the pedway but the other architecture! Highly recommend!! Worth every cent! I have been to Chicago many times but this was all new information to me- super fun!
Maria_M, Mar 2026
We booked the The Underground Pedway & Secrets of the Loop tour on a whim and couldn't have been more impressed! Heath was a knowledgeable, energetic and enthusiastic guide! His passion for the city is beyond evident. We both learned and saw places we had no idea even existed, even having lived in the city for over a decade! Don't miss this tour to learn about the city under the city! Who knew!?!?
STEPHEN_K, Mar 2026
There is plenty of great history shared with you as you walk through an alternate way of getting around.
Angie_C, Mar 2026
Very interesting tour. A lot of walking. Some areas not open on the weekends. Probably not good for kids. Our tour guide Adam was very good.
Julienne_T, Mar 2026
Heath was our tour guide and he was terrific! His face seemed very familiar and probably have met him as one of the various other tours that we have done. He was very knowledgeable about the history of the pedway and he did it with great enthusiasm, very funny and sarcastic (in a good way). What a way to learn about Chicago than traveling the city through the pedway! Awesome tour, bring a water bottle and have comfy sneakers for the tour! Thanks!
Beth_S, Mar 2026
We learned so many new things about the history of the city, and saw some beautiful architecture. Our guide was expertly knowledgeable and answered any questions easily. Parts of the Pedway were closed on the weekend so I'd love to come back and explore more on my own.
Fatima_H, Feb 2026
It was amazing to learn about pedway system. Our tour guide henry was knowledgeable. You can tell he was proud of chicago.
Bryon_S, Feb 2026
This tour includes some outdoor walking but most was indoor so it was a nice activity in the cold weather. Adam was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about Chicago.
Crystal_B, Feb 2026
Heath was fantastic. His passion and energy just radiates from him. I took my little sister and niece on a hooky day off Monday. So worth it!
Lashell_D, Feb 2026
The guide Adam was great very knowledgeable and funny. I can tell he loves Chicago and wants us to know about all the hidden gems.
The only improvement I can see is I like walking but there were times when we were just standing while he talked and that just kills my back and there was no where to sit. I could have really really used a coffee and we passed by several places empty and so wished I could have grabbed even a water. If they put a coffee break and could sit during the long commentaries then it would be a perfect tour. There was one restroom break but I think there could have been more upon request.
XX_X, Feb 2026
Henry is very knowledgeable in both history and architecture, he is friendly to talk to, very considerate and passionate all the time, great experience, a must go tour in Chicago .
Diane_L, Feb 2026
It was wonderful to learn so much Chicago history. The stained glass, mosaics, and art deco ornamentation were just some of the highlights.
Carolyn_S, Feb 2026
I would have liked to see some other sites. Guide was a little long winded in certain sections that weren't the best places to stop.
Eileen_S, Feb 2026
Adam was wonderful! Our group was thrilled with his knowledge and enthusiasm! He was a very good and professional speaker. We would be happy to take another one of his tours!
Danna_S, Feb 2026
Henry was wonderful! Very knowledgeable, articulate, and enthusiastic about the tour. Great tour for winter.
Joy_K, Feb 2026
Henry was very knowledgeable and he made it very personable with his connections to so many places through the city of Chicago.
Henry was an awesome tour guide. He remembered everyone’s name (a group of 20) and made sure to spend a little 1:1 time with each of us.
It was interesting to learn about the history of the city. There is so much to learn and it is so unique. The city of Chicago is beautiful. I was just hoping the pedway itself had more to see.
Kelly_F, Feb 2026
Henry was a wonderful guide. It was a good blend of history and architecture. And it was amazing to see parts of the city most folks don’t know is right here…
From $35.00
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