Chicago Tours: Book Tickets Now

See Chicago with a guide who knows the stories behind the skyline. Book your tour today.

Architecture of the Magnificent Mile

From $35.00

Big Bus Chicago: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

From $49.00

Chicago Architecture: A Walk Through Time

From $30.00

Chicago: 45 Minute River Architectural Cruise Tour

From $28.00

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Chicago: 90-Minute Urban Adventure River and Lake Cruise

From $46.00

Chicago: Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady

From $57.00

Chicago: Architecture River Cruise From Michigan Avenue

From $46.00

Chicago: Architecture River Cruise from Navy Pier

From $46.00

Chicago: Guided Bike Tour

From $55.00

Chicago: Skyline Lake Tour

From $34.00

Chicago's Golden Age Architecture Tour

From $35.00

Lake Michigan and Chicago River 1.5-Hour Night Sightseeing Cruise

Lake Michigan & Chicago River: 1.5-Hr Night Sightseeing Cruise

From $50.00

Chicago rewards people who look up, and a good guide tells you exactly where to look. You can take a walking route through the Loop, cycle along the lakefront, or go on a river cruise past a century of skyscrapers, and you'll finish the day knowing the city far better than when you started.

Browse the tours below and book ahead to get the time slot you want.

Which Chicago Tours are Right For Me?

Architecture tours in Chicago

After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the city rebuilt itself almost from scratch, and architects treated it like a testing ground. The result is a downtown where you can walk from a 19th-century masonry landmark like the Rookery to the steel and glass towers of the modern skyline in a few blocks. Architecture tours make sense of it all, explaining why the buildings look the way they do and who fought over them.

Look out for the Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower and the corncob-shaped towers of Marina City along the way.

River and lake sightseeing tours

The Chicago River cuts straight through downtown, so a boat is one of the easiest ways to see a lot of the city without walking miles. River tours slide under the bridges and past the tall buildings of the Loop and River North. Tours that head out onto Lake Michigan turn around to show you the full skyline from the water.

Sunset and evening departures are worth considering if you want the city lit up for photos.

Walking and bike tours

Some parts of Chicago are best seen at street level. A walking tour of the Magnificent Mile or the Loop lets you step into grand lobbies, notice details on facades and hear the history behind the corners you'd otherwise walk right past.

Bike tours cover more ground, often following the Lakefront Trail with the lake on one side and the city on the other, and they're a good pick if you only have one day and want to see several neighborhoods.

Guided museum and behind-the-scenes tours

Chicago's big museums can be overwhelming on your own, especially somewhere as large as the Art Institute of Chicago. A guided visit takes you straight to the pieces worth your time and explains why they matter, which is a much better use of an afternoon than wandering between galleries.

Behind-the-scenes tours go further, taking you backstage at historic venues like the Chicago Theatre or through buildings you'd never get into alone.

Good to Know About Chicago Tours

Most river tours run from spring through late fall, and a few operators keep sailing through the winter.

Weather near the lake can change quickly, so bring a light layer even in summer.

Wear comfortable shoes, since walking tours cover a fair distance on foot.

Summer weekends sell out first, so book early if your dates are fixed.

Several river tours depart along the Riverwalk, so check your exact meeting point before heading out.

Open-air boat decks get strong sun in July and August, so pack sunscreen.

Bike tours may have age or height limits, so check the details if you're bringing kids.

Plan to arrive a little early, as downtown meeting points and docks get busy.

Chicago Tours - Gallery

Chicago's Top 5 Picks

The Art Institute of Chicago

Explore 5,000 years of global masterpieces in Grant Park. Book your tickets for this iconic landmark.

Chicago History Museum

Discover 200 years of iconic stories and sightseeing. Secure your official tickets for this premier Chicago attraction today.

Chicago Architecture Center

The city's premier hub for sightseeing and historical design. Secure your tickets to explore immersive exhibits.

Centennial Wheel

Discover 360-degree Chicago sightseeing from Navy Pier. Book your entry now for this top experience.

Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

Discover innovative exhibits and immersive performances. Get your tickets for this iconic attraction.

FAQs about Chicago Tours

What's the best tour for a first visit to Chicago?

An architecture river cruise or a hop-on hop-off bus tour is a good start, since both cover many of the major sights in one go.

Can I take a tour in Chicago in winter?

Yes, walking, bus and museum tours run through the colder months, although most river tours are seasonal and wind down after November.

How long do Chicago tours usually last?

Most last between 45 minutes and a few hours, depending on the type of tour you choose.

Do I need to book in advance?

It's a good idea, especially for weekends and summer evenings when popular time slots fill up fast.

Are Chicago tours good for kids?

Many are family-friendly, particularly boat and bus tours, but check any age requirements for bike tours before booking.

Do tours run in the rain?

Most go ahead in light rain, though operators may reschedule if there are strong winds or storms.

Which tour is best for architecture fans?

A river cruise shows you the most buildings in the shortest time, while a walking tour takes you inside lobbies and up close to the details.

Are there evening tours in Chicago?

Yes, sunset and night tours are available and are a great way to see the skyline lit up after dark.

Where do most tours start?

Most start downtown, around the Loop, the Riverwalk or Navy Pier, and your exact meeting point will be confirmed on your booking.

Is a guided museum tour worth it?

If you're short on time, yes, because a guide takes you straight to the highlights rather than leaving you to find them yourself.

What should I bring on a tour?

Comfortable shoes, water and an extra layer will cover you for most tours in the city.

Are Chicago tours wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility varies from tour to tour, so check the details or contact the operator before you book.