Chicago River Architecture Walking Tour

Experience the story of Chicago through its skyline on a walking tour that stretches from the city’s 19th-century roots to its most striking modern towers. From Beaux-Arts to modernist to Art Deco, this architecture tour has it all.
Start near beautiful Millennium Park to enjoy those lakefront views. Then follow your guide past architectural gems from the 1920s and landmarks like the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower, plus eye-catching storefronts including the world’s largest Starbucks and a Harry Potter-themed shop.

Step off Michigan Avenue to explore luxury spots like Cartier and St. Laurent before wrapping up at the former John Hancock Center. If you’ve selected the upgrade, you’ll head up 1,030 feet to 360 Chicago to be dazzled by panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the pinnacles of skyscrapers below your feet.

Come see what makes this mile truly magnificent!

Meeting Point

Federal Building Columns

E Randolph Service St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

Meet your guide in between the Federal Building Columns. Your guide will be wearing an orange hat that says ExperienceFirst

What's included:

• Professional local guide
• Guided walking tour of Michigan Avenue
• 360 Chicago ticket (if you upgrade)
• Visits to Rush Street, Millennium Park, and more

Not included:

• TILT (can be purchased on-site)

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Millenium Park

N Clinton St, Chicago, 60661, Illinois

Meet your guide at the Federal Building Columns and learn about the history of Chicago’s lakefront. Then get a glimpse of Italian Renaissance style at the Chicago Cultural Center nearby.

20 minutes

Chicago Riverwalk

22 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, 60601, Illinois

Admire the beauty of the Beaux Arts and Art Deco movements on the water with three distinct Chicago buildings from the 1920s. You’ll also learn about the impact of the Chicago School of Architecture.

20 minutes

Magnificent Mile

Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Experience the Mag Mile in a unique way. Observe the world’s largest Starbucks, Burberry’s unique façade, and walk by the nation’s only Harry Potter themed store outside Orlando. See major architectural movements from Art Deco to late Modernist.

50 minutes

Chicago River

Chicago, Illinois

High end retail is never too far from commercial retail and you will experience storefronts of the elites like St. Laurent, the Esquire Theater, and Cartier.

20 minutes

360 Chicago Observation Deck

875 N Michigan Avenue, 94th Floor, Chicago, 60611-1803, Illinois

If you upgrade to add on the 360 Chicago observation deck, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Magnificent Mile, Lake Michigan, and more from 1,030 feet up. Your visit is self-guided, so feel free to stay as long as you like. If you wish, you can also upgrade your ticket on-site by adding the TILT thrill ride experience.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included