Every city has tall buildings, but Chicago is where the skyscraper took off, and this guided walking tour of Chicago, IL shows why that still matters. Instead of rattling off dates, the tour brings more than a century of ambition to life through the people who dreamed big, the rivalries that pushed design forward, and the small details that are easy to miss. By the end, the skyline feels less like a wall of glass and steel and more like a cast of familiar characters.

It's a laid-back outing, with a flat, step-free route and a friendly pace that leaves plenty of time for questions and photos. First-time visitors get the perfect orientation to the city, while locals are often surprised by what they've been walking past for years. It's a great fit for new arrivals, curious travelers, or anyone who loves a good story told on location. The ticket also includes a follow-up visit to the Chicago Architecture Center.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: All age groups are welcome.
• Physical limitations: Need to be able to walk just under 1 mile on paved, flat terrain.
• Experience level: All levels are welcome, no architecture knowledge needed.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: All participants must pay to participate, children included.
• Individuals with disabilities: This tour is fully wheelchair and walker accessible on a step-free route, and service animals are welcome. Personal listening devices are available, compatible with standard 3.5mm earphones. Sign language interpretation is available with at least two weeks' notice by contacting tickets@architecture.org.
• Pets: Sorry, no pets allowed. Service animals are welcome.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
• What's included: Guided walking tour and one day of Chicago Architecture Center admission, valid within 7 days of the tour.
• Who will be present: You will have a CAC-certified guide, trained in Chicago's architecture and history, with you at all times. Other guests will be joining.
• Photo/video: Photos are allowed and encouraged.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: Rain or shine, the experience will be running.
• Arrival: Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes in advance at the Chicago Architecture Center
• Parking: Discounted parking is available at 111 E. Wacker Drive for up to 4 hours. The Center is also easy to reach by CTA train (Clark/Lake, Lake, and Washington stations), CTA bus, or Metra.
• What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate layers.
• What to bring:
  • An umbrella or rain jacket, since tours run rain or shine
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle on warm days
  • Gloves and a warm layer in colder months
  • A phone or camera for the many photo stops along the route
  • Secure storage for luggage and strollers is not available, so pack light
• Restrooms/lockers/changing rooms: Restrooms are available at the Chicago Architecture Center before departure. Lockers and luggage storage are not available.

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

• The tour starts at the Chicago Architecture Center and ends at the Marquette Building, 140 S. Dearborn Street.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds or rescheduling are allowed once the experience is booked.