Chicago Riverwalk Architecture Tour

A scenic walk through Chicago’s iconic architecture

$34 per adult €33 per adult £27 per adult C$49 per adult A$54 per adult
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  • Local experts

    Personal stories and insider travel tips
  • Top-rated

    Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars
  • Worry-free booking

    Flexible scheduling and refunds

$34 per adult

€33 per adult

£27 per adult

C$49 per adult

A$54 per adult

$34 per adult €33 per adult £27 per adult C$49 per adult A$54 per adult
review-star
  • Local experts

    Personal stories and insider travel tips
  • Top-rated

    Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars
  • Worry-free booking

    Flexible scheduling and refunds

Highlights

  • Explore the six distinct districts of the Riverwalk, each with its own name, urban landscape, and activities.
  • Marvel at the Chicago River, the only river in the world that flows backwards.
  • Discover the secrets hidden in facades of famous buildings.
  • Learn about the “Founder of Chicago” who established a trading post that flourished into a world-class city.
  • Admire striking modernist architecture that combines form, function, and history.

What you'll do

Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, you’ll stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk and marvel at the surrounding architecture and landmarks that have shaped this city and beyond.

Our Chicago Riverwalk Architecture Tour is led by expert guides with a passion for sharing this city’s history, ...

Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, you’ll stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk and marvel at the surrounding architecture and landmarks that have shaped this city and beyond.

Our Chicago Riverwalk Architecture Tour is led by expert guides with a passion for sharing this city’s history, architecture, and legacy with you.

You’ll hear the legend of the “Founder of Chicago,” learn why the Chicago River flows backwards, discover secrets hidden in plain sight within the facades of well-known buildings, and much more.

Whether you’re visiting Chicago for the first time or have lived here your whole life, this tour is a journey worth taking. Come explore Chicago’s Riverwalk and famous architecture with us, and you’ll be astonished at all you’ll discover.

Itinerary

  • Tribune Tower

    Gothic Revival design adorned with flying buttresses and Art Deco sculptures

  • Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Statue

    Tribute to the “Founder of Chicago”

  • Wrigley Building

    One of the most recognizable buildings in Chicago, featuring a Spanish-inspired clocktower

  • Chicago River 

    Where the history of the city is written in water

  • Riverwalk

    A century in the planning and finally completed in the last decade

  • Jewelers Building

    Once the tallest building in the world outside NYC

  • Marina City

    A whole community in one development

  • Merchandise Mart

    The largest building in the world when it opened in 1930, integrating elements from warehouses, department stores, and skyscrapers

  • 333 West Wacker

    At the exact spot where the three branches of the Chicago River meet

Plan your trip

Tour ending point

This tour ends at the Riverwalk near Wacker Drive and Lake Street.

Refund policy

We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Reviews

Our tour guide, Isabel, was a hoot and a half! So fun, so knowledgeable and so personable! Loved learning about the beautiful architecture!

— Tori
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Isabel And Chicago Architect
This was the best way to appreciate the Chicago architecture. The tour guide was so fun — made sure to mix humor and facts and get views as a local, which makes it the best experience we had in Chicago.

Aditya

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Great way to experience the architecture tour!
We had the best time with Chris on our Walking Architecture tour! It was fun, informative and really a great way to experience the stunning Chicago architecture.

Suzana

Meeting point

Meet your guide next to the Tribune Tower by the Jack Brickhouse Statue at the front of Pioneer Court (near N. Michigan Ave).

FAQs

How much walking is there?

Our Chicago Riverwalk Architecture Tour covers about a mile at a leisurely pace. 

What is the cancellation policy?

We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t eligible for refunds or rescheduling.

When should I get there?

Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.

What if it rains?

Our tours run rain or shine. If there’s extreme weather and we have to cancel, you’ll get a full refund.

Are gratuities included?

Tips aren’t included but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.