Chicago Architecture and Aesthetics Small Group Max 12 Tour
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the architectural soul of Chicago on a thoughtfully curated half-day city tour. Travel through the city’s most influential districts, from historic riverfront landmarks to groundbreaking modern skyscrapers. Explore the Loop’s civic, financial, and architectural core, admire world-renowned towers, and experience Chicago’s most celebrated public spaces. This small-group tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Chicago’s skyline, history, and urban design, concluding with a panoramic skyline view before returning guests to the original pickup point. Ideal for first-time visitors and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Explore Chicago’s iconic riverfront skyscrapers and historic bridges
See legendary architecture including Willis Tower and Marina City
Discover the heart of Chicago’s financial, civic, and architectural power
Pass by Millennium Park and spend time at Cloud Gate (The Bean)
Enjoy a panoramic Chicago skyline view, included for all guests
Available options
Tour W/Pick-up（CC1）
What's included
Travel with an expert Tour Guide/Driver Guide for a Smooth and Insightful Journey
Bottled water
Granola Bar
Ride in Comfortable and Professionally Maintained Vehicles (vehicle based on number of guests)
Detailed itinerary
1
Itinerary:
Michigan Avenue & Chicago River: (20 mins) - Tribune Tower – Wrigley Building – DuSable Bridge
Chicago Riverside Skyscraper Experimental Zone: Trump Tower (Pass by) - 330 North Wabash (Pass by) (formerly IBM Building / Langham Hotel) - Marina City (Corn Cob Towers) (Pass by)
Chicago School & Loop Core Area: The MART (Merchandise Mart) (3 mins) - Civic Opera House (Pass by) - The CME Group Building(Pass by) - Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) (10 mins)
Financial Order and Urban Power: Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) (Pass by) - Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (Pass by)
Public Spaces · Road Culture · Urban Symbols: Historic Route 66 Begin Sign and Art Institute of Chicago (10 mins) - Millennium Park (Pass by)- Cloud Gate (The Bean) (30 mins)
Chicago City Skyline (10 mins)
2
Stop 2
Michigan Avenue & Chicago River: Begin along Chicago’s most famous boulevard and riverfront, where the city’s architectural identity was shaped. See the Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, and cross the DuSable Bridge for classic skyline views
3
Tribune Tower: A neo-Gothic landmark famous for embedding stones from historic sites worldwide, symbolizing Chicago’s global ambition.
4
330 North Wabash: Designed by Mies van der Rohe, this minimalist tower exemplifies Chicago’s influence on modern international architecture.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Marina City: Instantly recognizable for its “corn cob” shape, these twin towers pioneered mixed-use urban living.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
Merchandise Mart: Once the world’s largest building by floor area, it remains a global hub for design and commerce.
7
Civic Opera House: An Art Deco landmark blending culture and business, reflecting Chicago’s commitment to the arts.
8
CME Group Building: Home to the world’s largest derivatives marketplace, symbolizing Chicago’s global financial influence.
9
Willis Tower: Once the tallest building in the world, this engineering marvel remains a defining symbol of Chicago.
10
Stop 10
Chicago Board of Trade Building: An Art Deco masterpiece highlighting Chicago’s historic role in commodities trading.
11
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago: A powerful symbol of Chicago’s role in national monetary policy.
12
Historic Route 66 Begin Sign: Celebrates Chicago’s place in American road culture and cross-country travel history.
Art Institute of Chicago (Exterior): One of the world’s premier art museums anchoring the city’s cultural scene.
13
Stop 13
Pass by
Millennium Park: A modern public space blending art, architecture, and community design.
14
Stop 14
Cloud Gate: Known as “The Bean,” this reflective sculpture invites visitors to interact with the city’s skyline.
15
Chicago Skyline View: The tour concludes with a panoramic view uniting historic towers and modern icons
What's not included
Personal Expenses
Gratuities
Meals, Food and Drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Age and Safety: Guests under 18 must be with at least one adult. Pregnant women can join the tour only if they are 24 weeks pregnant or less by the end of the trip.
Tickets and Charges: We do not accept City Passes or personal tickets for attractions. Admission and meal prices may change without notice. Tickets cannot be refunded if prices drop and no price matches on attractions are allowed.
Booking Details: Provide accurate information, including your name, contact details (preferably a mobile number), and flight information. Errors can affect your travel and any losses due to incorrect information will be your responsibility.
Leaving the Group: If you choose to leave the group, inform the tour guide in advance and sign a departure agreement. You will not receive a refund for any missed parts of the tour.
For state law, Children under the age of 6 require a booster seat in order to participate in the tour group. Please understand that the violations and fines are borne by the guests themselves. There is no need for a booster seat for bus travel on the day of travel.
Check-In Documents: Bring a valid photo ID to board the bus. It's also a good idea to have a copy of your email confirmation.
Closed Attractions: If attractions are closed or altered due to holidays or other reasons, we will adjust the itinerary and/or replace it with an equivalent attraction to maintain the tour’s quality.
Health Requirements: Good health is required to enjoy the tour. Contact us for policies on passengers with disabilities. We do not guarantee accessible buses or seating without prior notification.
Tour Adjustments: Guides or drivers may change the tour schedule due to weather, traffic, or other conditions to ensure a smooth trip.
Terms and Conditions: We may update these terms occasionally. Check our product website before booking. We are not liable for any consequential or incidental damages related to these terms.
Itinerary Changes: We may adjust the tour itinerary if needed, but the included attractions will not be reduced.
Meeting point
Pick up time selection: 9:00am or 2:00pm
Important notes
Please notify your order number or invoice number upon payment. Present your receipt and voucher upon check-in.
Know Before You Go
1. The maximal waiting time for any late passengers is 10 minutes beyond the meeting time announced by the Tour Guide. While JUPITER LEGEND Corporation makes every effort to provide on-time service, it does not guarantee to arrive at or depart from any point.as a specific time, which may be affected by any number of factors including weather, traffic, strikes, government shutdowns, war or mechanical prob- lems. JUPITER LEGEND Corporation is not liable for any inconvenience or expense caused as a result of such a delay, not liable for the expense of connecting air or train or bus service missed as a result of a delay and not liable for any other travel expense caused as a result of a delay.
2. JUPITER LEGEND Corporation and Ctour Holiday reserve the right, when operating conditions require, transferring passengers from one vehicle to another en route.
3. The following documents are recommended to make your check-in process smooth: A valid photo ID is required to board the vehicle; We recommend you bring a copy of the email confirmation to board the vehicle.
4. This product is a group activity. If you choose to leave the group, please inform in advance, and obtain the consent of the tour guide. You need to sign the departure agreement form and the unfinished part will be regarded as your own abandonment. The group fee will not be refunded.
5. Pets and animals are not allowed on the vehicle.
6. Emergency contact: (Toll Free) +1(866)585-8747 or +1(212)334-4222.
About Chicago
Chicago is a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and world-class cuisine. Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, it offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe.
Top Attractions
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a famous public park in downtown Chicago, known for its modern art and architecture. It's home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as 'The Bean'.
Park
1-2 hours
Free
Art Institute of Chicago
One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Art Institute of Chicago houses an impressive collection of artworks from around the world.
Museum
2-3 hours
$25 (adults), Free for children under 14
Skydeck Chicago
Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan. Visitors can step out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending out from the building.
Observation Deck
1-2 hours
$28 (adults), $20 (children 3-11)
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.
Entertainment
2-4 hours
Free to enter, individual attractions have varying costs
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.
Sports
2-4 hours (game duration varies)
Ticket prices vary depending on the game and seating
Must-Try Local Dishes
Deep-Dish Pizza
A thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. It's a Chicago classic and a must-try for pizza lovers.
Dinner
Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some restaurants.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
A steamed or grilled all-beef hot dog topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all served on a poppy seed bun.
Snack
Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some hot dog stands.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Thinly sliced beef cooked in its own juices and served on an Italian roll. It's typically dipped in the juices and topped with sweet or hot peppers.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains gluten and beef. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some Italian beef restaurants.
Chicago-Style Popcorn
A sweet and savory snack made with caramel and cheese-flavored popcorn, often sold in colorful boxes at street corners and ballgames.
Snack
Contains dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some popcorn stands.
Popular Activities
Kayaking on the Chicago River
Biking along Lake Michigan
Rock climbing at First Ascent
Picnicking in Millennium Park
Yoga in the park
Spa treatments at The Peninsula Chicago
Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago
Attending a performance at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Chicago for outdoor activities, festivals, and sightseeing. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's parks and attractions.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Polish, Chinese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Chicago is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Some areas of the city have higher crime rates, and visitors should research their destinations before traveling.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
- • Avoid walking alone in isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night
Getting there
By air
- O'Hare International Airport • 27 km (17 miles) from city center
- Midway International Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center
By train
Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center
By bus
Greyhound Station, Megabus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The 'L' is a convenient and affordable way to get around Chicago. It consists of eight color-coded lines.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
The Loop
Lincoln Park
Wicker Park
Magnificent Mile
Pilsen
Day trips
Navy Pier
2 km (1.2 miles) • Half day to full day
Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.
Wrigley Field
10 km (6.2 miles) • Half day to full day
Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.
Museum Campus
3 km (1.9 miles) • Half day to full day
The Museum Campus is a 57-acre park located on the southern tip of Grant Park in Chicago. It's home to several world-class museums, including the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium.
Festivals
Lollapalooza • Early August (4-day festival)
Chicago Jazz Festival • Late August to early September (weekend festival)
Chicago Food Festival • Early September (weekend festival)
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and long wait times
- Use the Ventra card for easy and convenient payments on public transportation
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods and culinary scene to get a true sense of Chicago's character and culture
- Take an architecture river cruise to see the city's stunning skyline and learn about its architectural history
- Visit the city's many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy nature and outdoor activities, even in the heart of the city
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
