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Offered languages
- English
Discover the amazing history and architecture of Chicago with expert tour guide Dave Lineal. Walk among gigantic towers of downtown and learn how Chicago became a global force in culture, commerce, and architecture. Our tour will explore building interiors like the world's oldest skyscrapers, City Hall, the underground Pedway, and the old library. We will observe public art like the Picasso and the Bean. While immersed in the places where it happened, Chicago's colorful stories will vividly spring to life.
This walking tour aims to enhance your understanding of modern-day Chicago by a deep dive exploration of its history.
Your guide to the city is the friendly and well-informed Dave Lineal: local artist, culture vulture, and historian. Dave is tested and certified by the Chicago Tour-Guide Professionals Association.
This is an outdoors / indoors all-weather walking tour with a duration of two hours. We will meet under the marquee at the Chicago Theater, 175 N. State Street.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
In front of the Chicago Theater entrance on State street -- under the Chicago Theater sign
Tour will end a short walk from the Chicago Theater (where tour began)
Itinerary
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1Chicago River
Chicago is named after its river! We will walk the beautiful Chicago river walk and learn why the Chicago River has been so important throughout the history of Chicago. We will also explore what the river means to Chicago today.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Cloud Gate
"The Bean!" Chicago's most iconic piece of public art sits in lively Millennium Park. We will ponder the art piece, learn about its creation, and find the spot to take the perfect Chicago Bean selfie.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3The Picasso
Picasso's largest piece of art sits in a public plaza in Chicago. We will explore the piece that kicked off Chicago's rich heritage of public art.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Chicago Pedway
Chicago has over 40 blocks of underground sidewalks. We will walk a few blocks down here and learn about this remarkable system.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5City of Chicago - City Hall
The seat of Chicago government works in a massive building that dates back to 1906. We will explore the historic interior & learn about Chicago city government.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Palmer House Hilton Historic Lobby
The Palmer House is the oldest continuously operated hotel in the United States. We will experience some of the grandeur of the jazz age in its astounding lobby.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago's original public library was built in 1897 and today functions as a remarkable civic building called the Chicago Cultural Center. A jaw-dropping palace of culture, the building sparkles with the glass works of Tiffany and marbles from around the world.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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