
Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 579 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop worth booking?
Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop is a 2-hour experience in Chicago, United States, from $35 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 579 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (579)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $35 per person
This tour explores some of the best hidden details, secret buildings and spaces, and untold stories that add wonderful bits of color and texture to the overall narrative of Chicago. On this tour, we will explore the famous and mysterious Chicago Pedway, a system of underground tunnels connecting 40 blocks downtown, popping in and out of buildings to see beautiful and fascinating interior spaces. You'll learn to use this system that most locals don't even fully know or use, and you'll be encouraged to continue exploring Chicago on your own after the tour!
What you get
About this experience
This tour explores some of the best hidden details, secret buildings and spaces, and untold stories that add wonderful bits of color and texture to the overall narrative of Chicago. On this tour, we will explore the famous and mysterious Chicago Pedway, a system of underground tunnels connecting 40 blocks downtown, popping in and out of buildings to see beautiful and fascinating interior spaces. You'll learn to use this system that most locals don't even fully know or use, and you'll be encouraged to continue exploring Chicago on your own after the tour!
What's included
Included
- Local guide
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Chicago Pedway
We will follow the tunnels and stairs that take us under many blocks in downtown Chicago, accessing buildings like City Hall, with all of its interesting interior details.
45 minutes here · Admission included
The Picasso
We'll get a close-up view of this famous public art piece, given by Picasso to the city of Chicago as a gift, before diving down into the Pedway again.
10 minutes here
Macy's on State Street
We will walk through one of our favorite parts of the Pedway under the old Marshall Field's (now Macy's). On WEEKENDS, we will see some interior as well; on WEEKDAYS, we will skip this interior for a different one.
10 minutes here
Chicago Cultural Center
On WEEKEND tour offerings, we will see the interior of this beautiful 19th century building near Millennium Park.
10 minutes here
Block 37
We will access this massive commercial complex via the Pedway, checking out a few favorite spots.
10 minutes here · Admission included
New East Side
We'll keep the rest of the tour a secret! Come join us on an underground adventure!
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Chicago
We will meet in front of 120 N. LaSalle Street. There is a massive mosaic over the entrance -- you can't miss it!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This tour will end just north of Millennium Park.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Inside Chicago Walking Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 575 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
575 verified traveler reviews for Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
This will blow your mind!
Adam was a great tour guide, very entertaining and informative! This was a very interesting full two-hour tour packed full of Chicago history. Definitely worth the price.
via Tripadvisor
Fun and informative
Great tour! Our guide was really knowledgeable about the Pedway and its history and was clearly a big fan of the Pedway. I learned a lot, the tour was well paced and I enjoyed the time spent walking “the underground”. Recommend closing this tour!
via Viator
Informational
Adam was a great tour guide! As someone that lives in Chicago, it was fun to learn more about the city.
via Tripadvisor
Take this tour!!
Colleen was personable, considerate annd knowledgeable. She clearly loves her job. We learned and saw so many things. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!!!
via Viator
Worth it!
Spencer was a fantastic guide. Great energy, very knowledgeable. Chicago has so many hidden gems. Love this city.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 203
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Inside Chicago Walking Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 79.1 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Inside Chicago Walking Tours runsWhy this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chicago.
How much does Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop cost?
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Prices start at $35 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chicago usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chicago is not rushed.
Is Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 579 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Chicago, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop?
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Around 203 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chicago can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chicago and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chicago within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Chicago?
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Chicago's signature experience is still the architecture boat cruise, and the difference between the docent-led originals and the party-boat imitators is the single biggest quality gap in the city. Beyond the river: gangster history walks, Art Institute access, deep-dish and hot-dog crawls, and skydeck timed entry. Outty Ranking leans on guide credentials and how consistently the promised route runs. On Outty we rank every Chicago experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Original Chicago Architecture Interiors Tour: Dazzling Interiors, Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour, Chicago Murder Mystery Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
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May to October. Winter cruises stop running when the river ices. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Chicago?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop?
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Included: Local guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop?
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We will meet in front of 120 N. LaSalle Street. There is a massive mosaic over the entrance -- you can't miss it! Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Chicago. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop?
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Across 579 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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