Top Chicago Arts & Design

An authentic Chicago tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. This unique excursion tells the story of more than 200 years of fascinating social, cultural and political history, and explores more than a century of groundbreaking architecture. The journey begins with an up-close perspective of Chicago's internationally-known architecture as seen from the Chicago River. Then venture through the Chicago Lock on to the calm, cool waters of Lake Michigan for expansive views of Chicago's extraordinary 26-mile skyline. Take the selfie of a lifetime on this inspirational experience!

Experience one of the world’s most beautiful cities on a cruise down the historic Chicago River. On this architecture cruise, head down the main branch of the Chicago River, up the north branch to the East Bank Club, and then south past Willis Tower (Sears Tower) to the old Post Office Building. Take in magnificent city skyline views as you see more than 40 notable buildings, including the John Hancock Center and the Wrigley Building, and learn about their distinctive architecture from your onboard guide, an expert in architecture.

Ready to discover some of the best Chicago has to offer with a local by your side? Join us on an epic tour of some of the city’s greatest hits: incredible architecture both old and new, delicious local treats and iconic Chicago dishes, a uniquely Chicago transit ride, stunning river views and much more!

Enjoy Chicago’s famous sights and fabulous views on this award-winning small-group sightseeing tour of the city. On this tour, you will travel through Chicago with an expert guide in a comfortable minibus, enjoy world renowned architecture including the world's first skyscrapers, Museum Campus (for the BEST skyline view in town), Millennium Park (Home of "The Bean"), Buckingham Fountain, The Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, Chicago River, The Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive and more! Along the way, your guide will provide historical, informational and at times humorous commentary about the area. Four photo stops are a part of each tour. The small-group atmosphere with a maximum of 10 people ensures a more personal experience.  You also have the option to upgrade to include THE most popular Architecture River Cruise in Chicago! For good reason, our partner Shoreline Sightseeing, has been the most booked tour on TripAdvisor for the last 5 years! And yes, there is a bar on the boat.

Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to enjoy and admire. This comprehensive 90 minute tour will navigate through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River while your professionally-trained architectural guide tells the story of more than 130 years of innovation in design, style and technique and why it is important today. The Chicago River Architecture Tour is the most authentic and encompassing Chicago experience the city has to offer.

The best views of Chicago can be yours at 360 Chicago Observation Deck! Perched 94 stories above the Windy City, the 360 Chicago provides commanding views of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s towering skyscrapers, including Willis (Sears) Tower. Located in the heart of downtown on Michigan Avenue, the observatory is steps away from other top Chicago attractions. It will be the high point (literally) of your Chicago trip! Upgrade your ticket onsite to include TILT, a thrill ride that offers visitors unique, downward facing views from 1,030 feet. Or grab refreshments at our newly CloudBar.

Interested in exploring Chicago from the perspective of ghosts and gangsters? Want to really immerse yourself in the history of this great American city, right from the locations that started it all? This tour visits the locations frequented by some of Chicago's most notorious gangsters along with many of the most haunted locations in Chicago! You can get the best of both worlds with this 2 in 1, history-based guided walking tour of Chicago’s gangsters and ghost stories, right from the famous Chicago Loop Vice District! Tour departs from 71 E Wacker Drive.

Escape into Chicago's underworld on a crime and mob tour with stops on-and-off the luxury, climate-controlled bus. Walking tour paths explore historic crime scenes with great photo opportunities. True crime stories about Chicago Gangster Al Capone, The Untouchables, The Chicago Mob, Prohibition, John Dillinger, Frank “The Enforcer” Nitti, Cap George Streeter, Leopold & Loeb, H.H. Holmes and more. Visit historic landmark buildings like: The Biograph Theater, Holy Name Cathedral, Cook County Criminal Court House, Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, etc. Tour famous Chicago neighborhoods: Streeterville, River North, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Loop and Magnificent Mile. Locals and tourists agree that this educational and entertaining thing to do in Chicago is a unique cultural experience.

Gaze upon the city sights from the pinnacle of Chicago, the Skydeck. Located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, formerly Sears Tower -- the third-tallest building in the world -- the Skydeck offers spectacular sweeping views and is full of interactive exhibits. To complete your exciting Chicago experience, head to the Ledge, a glass balcony showcasing unbeatable views of Chicago’s top attractions like Wrigley Field and the Navy Pier. We added a brand new Chicago Experience that you start with by the box office prior taking the elevator trip to the 103rd floor. It is a 45,000 sq ft. museum of today. The New Experience is part Chicago History, part Architecural tour, part Selfie Museum and part Children's Museum. This is fun and interactive for all ages. Ride our "L" Train, see our infinity pizza bed, take pictures ontop of Willis Tower and so much more! This is the best way to see Chicago in one setting. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the SkyDeck

Admire all of Chicago's fabulous lakefront sights and attractions on this Lake Michigan boat tour. Cruise along Lake Michigan and take in amazing views of the city’s famous skyscrapers from a great vantage point. Feel free to bring a lunch and enjoy drinks from the onboard bar as you relax on this sightseeing cruise.

The lakeside metropolis of Chicago is famous for its striking skyscrapers, world-class museums and colorful history. Explore the “Windy City” at your own pace, with the choice of 24 Hour and 48 Hour tickets, all which include a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour with stops strategically located near the city’s top attractions. Hop on to experience sites like the Adler Planetarium and Navy Pier or hop off along the Magnificent Mile to shop, see the great city at heart-stopping heights from Willis Tower’s Skydeck.

Marvel at the magnificent architecture on the Chicago River with expert tour guides! All ages welcome. Each architecture river tour is narrated by a professional guide which leads passengers down the Chicago River to discover the city’s most renowned landmarks. In addition to historical insight on well known structures such as the Civic Opera House, Trump Tower & the Merchandise Mart, passengers will also get a chance to learn about current and upcoming developments. The Chicago River Cruise navigates the three primary branches of the river including the main branch to Navy Pier, the north branch to Goose Island and the south branch to Chinatown.

Experience Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy for all to admire. This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich history and architectural heritage features highlights from Wendella's full-length architecture tours. Hop aboard our world class vessels as our local authentic tour guides showcase our amazing city.

Leave the hustle and bustle behind! Explore Chicago's shores with a leisurely trip around Lake Michigan. Take in the world-famous skyline, enjoy spectacular views, and discover the Windy City from the water. Windy is the Official Ship for the City of Chicago. At 148 feet long, she is one of only a few 4 masted Schooners built in the United States. You will enjoy a relaxing sail around aboard a truly historic vessel. Select from Pirates and Maritime Stories Sail at 1pm, Skyline/Architectural Theme at 3pm and 5pm, and Skyline Sunset Sail at 7pm. This sail is approximately 75 minutes. The ship leaves promptly at the scheduled time, please allow for time to park, off the pier if necessary.

Chicago CityPASS® — Discover Chicago's best attractions at one great price with an easy to use mobile ticket. Spend less, experience more. Save 48% or more on prepaid admission to 5 must-see attractions: • Shedd Aquarium • Skydeck Chicago Plus your choice of admission to 3 of the following attractions: • Field Museum • Art Institute of Chicago • Museum of Science and Industry • 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck • Adler Planetarium • Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour

The Art Institute of Chicago attracts nearly as many visitors as other leading galleries like the Met, Louvre & British Museum. On this 2.5 hour exclusive guided museum tour, you’ll be able to skip the line and explore it’s most famous pieces with the help of an engaging guide who will lead the way. Highlights Generally Include: (if artwork is not on loan or being restored etc.) Paris Street, Rainy Day by Gustave Caillebotte Sunday on La Grande Jatte - Georges Seurat Sky Above Clouds - Georgia O'Keefe Nighthawks - Edward Hopper A Picture of Dorian Gray - Ivan Albright America Windows - Marc Chagall The Old Guitarist - Pablo Picasso Inventions of Monsters - Salvador Dali Four Mona Lisas - Andy Warhol

Enjoy Chicago’s famous sights and fabulous skyline views on this award-winning small-group sightseeing tour of the city. Travel through Chicago with an expert guide on a comfortable minibus, stopping at iconic locations like early skyscraper "The Rookery" (Frank Lloyd Wright architecture), Museum Campus (for the BEST skyline view in town) and The Buckingham Fountain. You'll also see The Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, The Chicago River, Millennium Park, The Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive and more! Along the way, your guide will provide historical and informational and at times humorous commentary about the area and its many attractions. The small-group atmosphere with maximum of 10 people ensures a more personal experience.  

The Frederick C. Robie House on the University of Chicago campus is considered one of the most important buildings in the history of American architecture. This Prairie style masterpiece is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the 20th Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright List. Discover the residence Wright described as “a cornerstone of modern architecture” on guided tours that take in both the exterior and interior of the building. Inspired by the expansive landscape of the Midwest prairie, Wright’s Robie House is the most famous of the architect’s groundbreaking Prairie houses. Public tours are available Thursday - Monday. The museum is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Save when you book directly at Visit to learn more.

The MCA Chicago is one of the nation’s largest multidisciplinary museums devoted to the art of our time with an international reputation for presenting ground-breaking exhibitions. Here, the public can experience the work and ideas of living artists and understand the historical, social, and cultural context of the art of our time. Although not on permanent display, works from the collection appear regularly in our many rotating exhibitions. Since our inception in 1967, it has been our mission to exhibit new and experimental work in all media, paired with ambitious learning programs. The MCA engages audiences of today and tomorrow, working closely with our community to create space for dialogue, learning, and growth The MCA boasts an award-winning store and Marisol, the restaurant and bar, featuring innovative flavors in an immersive art environment. Please call the Box Office for questions or exchanges.

The Offbeat Street Art Tour is the first tour in Chicago that truly celebrates Chicago's street art scene. No other tour takes guests out into the streets to showcase and highlight the vibrant street art scene which many people overlook on a daily basis. We hope you join us to experience something truly unique in Chicago.

Discover horrific instruments of torture and execution. Get a fully audio-guided immersed experience. Explore the interactive exhibits at your own pace. Feel the chilling Ghost Hunting Experience using Ghost Hunting app.

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) was founded in 1966 as the Chicago Architecture Foundation to save the historic Glessner House. Since then, the CAC has grown to become one of the largest cultural organizations in Chicago. Visit the CAC to view our 4,250-building scale model of Chicago, shop in our award-winning store or participate in a fun family event in our ArcelorMittal Design Studio. In our Skyscraper Gallery, explore supersized scale models of famous skyscrapers, including Jeddah Tower, soon-to-be the tallest building in the world! On the Chicago Model, view more than 4,200 buildings in one spectacular room at the cinematic and interactive Chicago City Model Experience. At the Chicago Gallery learn how Chicago became the "city of architecture," with a look at its fascinating neighborhoods, housing styles and famous architects.

Learn about the great architectural landmarks of Michigan Avenue and State Street. The 40 years between 1890 and 1930 saw the creation of some of Chicago’s the most memorable buildings, many of which are featured on this tour. After the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, Chicago was determined to become a great cultural and commercial metropolis. This tour is a testament to that era's ambitions. See buildings by Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Holabird and Roche and other noted architects and hear the stories behind the city's architectural gems.