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Beyond Chicago
Best of Chicago: Architecture & Highlights City Private Tour

Best of Chicago: Architecture & Highlights City Private Tour

Chicago, USA

Best of Chicago: Architecture & Highlights City Private Tour

Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Chicago, USA
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Discover the best of Downtown Chicago—and learn all about its architecture and history as you go—on this private walking tour. Choose a morning or afternoon tour, meet your guide outside the Chicago Theatre, and set off on foot. Look forward to highlights ranging from the Picasso Statue and Chicago Riverwalk to the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park, all while learning insider stories about the city.
  • An ideal introductory tour for first-time visitors to Chicago
  • Exploring on foot makes it easy to soak up the city’s atmosphere
  • Receive personalized attention on a private tour just for your party
  • Includes a train pass and snacks for your convenience

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9
based on 94 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Discovering Hidden Gems in Downtown Chicago

Robin_R, Jul 2024
Great walking from a very personable and knowledgeable guide. While we were hesitant to take a walking tour, we were glad that we did. It afforded us an opportunity to go inside a lot of beautiful “hidden” gems in the area together with an informed narrator. The walking was not a burden at all because we had so many stops to take in the awesome beauty that we discovered along the way. We would highly recommend this tour and our guide, Dave Lifton. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great Chicago experience

Thomas_C, Nov 2023
Dash was a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable about in the Chicago and very enthusiastic about the city

Honest review

Marilyn_L, Aug 2023
I had a great time on this walking tour. Just fyi there is another sign up if you want to add the food walking tour. First tour is 3 hours, second is 2. Our guide did an amazing Job. You could tell he was very passionate about his city. We had about 12 people on the tour - and a few were kids. I don’t know that I would bring younger kids on this tour if they don’t enjoy this type of activity. I felt safe, and I learned a ton!

Excellent! Do it on the day you arrive

Debbie_G, Jun 2023
Dave was so knowledgeable about the history of the city. It was informative and fascinating and he is a great you’re guide

Our guide was very...

Debbie_B, Jun 2023
Our guide was very informative. We learned a lot of fun facts too! Seeing the inside of some historical buildings was amazing.

Awesome

Randal_M, May 2023
Dash is very knowledgeable concerning the architecture in the various buildings it was apparent he enjoyed his job top notch tour

Great tour!

Mary_P, Apr 2023
We learned so much about the architectural history of Chicago on this tour. Rich was a great guide! Also enjoyed the Garrett popcorn and the Franco chocolate samplings!

Road less traveled

Robin_W, Mar 2023
Never would have known to "look up" at Macy's. We also went back to the Walnut Room for Mrs. Hering's chicken pot pie.

Great tour with some quirkiness!!

Verna_N, Feb 2023
Great walking tour, learnt many facts & tasted some local treats. Rich was a great guide, we were even treated to his rendition of a couple of songs & some music to walk the Pedway!!! Highly recommend

Fantastic walking tour!

Stacie_S, Sep 2022
David was amazing!! I loved the fact that he was willing to tailor the tour to our interests when possible. It was a great way to not only see the landmarks but, learn the city's history from a Chicagoan. Also enjoyed the snacks! Best walking tour in Chicago!!!

Must-have walking tour!

BiancaMay_C, Aug 2022
Dash was a fantastic tour guide, and my experience was simply amazing. I didn't just learn about facades and architecture, I also got an in-depth look into Chicago's history, even going inside buildings such as the historic Cultural Center, Palmer's, and the Athletic Club. I absolutely recommend this walking tour!

Great personal tour

Gilbert_T, Jul 2022
We had a great personal tour this weekend with Dash! It was a perfect day to tour the city and soak in some beautiful views. Dash was a great guide. We definitely got to see and learn more about some of the outstanding architecture, art, and hidden gems throughout the city. We also enjoyed a couple local treats along the way! 👍

One the the best tour he had in years!

Youcheng_W, Jul 2022
We had one of the best tour guide with us. He, Chat, is a musician and artiest and if perfect for leading the tour. With his extensively knowledge and the love of Chicago. We can not have any better person who can tell us the stories, facts and the histories of the Chicago architectures. We had a great time and learned a lot of this beautiful city and people.

So glad I signed up

Jill_N, Jun 2022
Learned so much about Chicago. Dash speaks loudly, with enthusiasm, knows a lot and makes it fun. He was considerate, gave potty breaks and the time flew by

Chicago Dave knows his stuff!

peersrebecca, May 2022
Chicago Dave is an excellent tour guide who obviously really loves the city. Thoroughly enjoyed our tour and great value for money

Dash was a great guide....

Kristen_M, Apr 2022
Dash was a great guide. Very knowledgeable. He made exploring the city fun! Chicago is such a city of rich history. It was a joy to experience some of it.

Insightful architecture and history tour

Lisa_C, Apr 2022
We had a great tour with Dash! He clearly had a lot of knowledge about the city and his energy and enthusiasm made for a wonderful tour. We have visited Chicago several rimes but learned so much more from Dash and really appreciated the unique places he took us and great insights into the architecture and history of the city. Dash is a great ambassador for Chicago! Many thanks!

Dash was a great guide....

Jonathan_H, Apr 2022
Dash was a great guide. He is incredibly knowledgeable. He also clearly loves telling visitors about his city. He made it a great experience for us.

Amazing tour. Very useful and enjoyable

Pablo_N, Jan 2022
Kelly was the best guide we have ever had. She gave us plenty of information and details about this interesting city; doing it very enjoyable and reliable. 5/5 stars. I really recommend it. Thanks!!!