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Architectural and Historical Private Tour in Downtown Chicago

New To The Site! Chicago, USA
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from $199 per group

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Small portion of Michigan Ave. Chicago's answer to New York's Fifth Ave.
The latest in ultra-modern, soaring skyscrapers
SMALL (!) portion of downtown, as seen from Lake Michigan. You will see many more buildings than this!
1880's Chicago. It was a large business center, even then. This lobby is breathtaking.
Interior of one of Chicago's extremely ornate 1890's libraries, designed to overwhelm the viewer via its beauty, and ornateness.

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140 to 150 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

To me, one can appreciate a given building, or piece of public sculpture, far better when a tour guide explains the historical and cultural context. What was important in that era, and what was the architecture of that era thus trying express? I do know a lot about this. Thus, you will gain this information about each point of interest. I have taken other tours here, and I just do not hear a word from that point of view. This tour will be like an open history book to an America that no longer exists: Roman and Greek architectural styles, as well as French and British-influenced styles. Of course, you will see the latest in office building architectural styles from around the world, for those of you who just love the modern era as well.

What's Included

  • No fees during tour whatsoever. We simply walk, and take in all the breathtaking points of interest.

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup point
    Pickup details

    I typically am holding a cigar! Sounds like some cheesy, Grade B cops and robbers movie, eh? know, this sounds weird, but it works EVERY time.

    OR
    Meeting point

    West Washington Street
    Chicago, IL 60602, USA

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    Options & Pricing

    Opening Hours • Daily 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    What To Expect

    Picasso Statue

    Pablo Picasso was the single greatest influence on twentieth century painting. You will recognize his style immediately. Mayor Daley and he were, in all truth, friends. Daley commissioned a breathtaking, two story sculpture in classic Picasso style, to adorn the giant Civic Center Plaza, in the hear of downtown Chicago. As much as the Chicago Cubs, deep dish pizza, and Lake Michigan, "The Picasso," to Chicagoans, is part of the essential breathing, beating heart of what Chicago is to us. Google it!
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    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Chicago Cultural Center

    This splendid building, from 1900, served as the main library. To me, it is the single most beautiful, even jaw-dropping interior in the United States. Chicago meant to tell the world that it was a heavy hitter on the cultural map, and the space honors all the great achievements of western civilization, in the most beautiful marble and tile work.
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    30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The big bean Chicago

    This is the most notable addition to large-scale, outdoor public sculpture in Chicago in the past twenty years. Google it if you wish. It manages to be ultra beautiful, ultra modern, breathtaking, and gentle all at the same time.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Tribune Tower

    For those who wish to get a glimpse of stonework from virtually every great structure in the world, this has it. Built in 1925, they have managed to get a sample of stonework from any great place you can name, and that item is embedded into the exterior. Great Wall of China, Louvre in Paris, Pyramids in Egypt, Houses of Parliament in England, St. Peters Basilica of Rome, on and on. It is as if you are taking a free tour of the world's greatest buildings!
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    20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Financial District

    New York City of course has always been the nation's financial center. But Chicago, since 1870, has easily been the second. Nowhere is this better seen than on LaSalle St. Each bank there, some from 1880, scream out grandeur, and also beauty. You will be walking into the age before the automobile, when railroads ruled, when ladies dressed in Victorian clothing, and men wore top hats and smoked cigars any time they wanted to. It will be sort of like walking back into Ancient Rome with all its grandeur, as this style was what architects used in the heyday of this district
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    40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Symphony Center - Chicago Symphony Orchestra

    This building, the very grand Art Institute (1893) across the street, and a few giant civic monuments form a wonderful quadrant of architectural beauty, and are very "Chicago." The giant park in which the museum is located offers a sweeping and stunning view of a portion of Chicago's best and most modern skyscrapers.
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    20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 4 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Architectural and Historical Private Tour in Downtown Chicago?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CDT). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We’re here to help.
    Live Chat, Text, Call, or Email our friendly customer support with your questions.

    Activity code: C-436214P1


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    Frequently Asked Questions (7)

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

    Filter by:

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Architectural and Historical Private Tour in Downtown Chicago?
    A:
    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CDT).
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • No fees during tour whatsoever. We simply walk, and take in all the breathtaking points of interest.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
    A:

    This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the Architectural and Historical Private Tour in Downtown Chicago is as follows:

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Architectural and Historical Private Tour in Downtown Chicago will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024

    What's Included

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    • No fees during tour whatsoever. We simply walk, and take in all the breathtaking points of interest.

    Additional Info

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

    Report Product Issue

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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    Cancellation Policy

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    Free cancellation
    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CDT).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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