
Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 73 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture worth booking?
Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture is a 1.5-hour experience in Chicago, United States, from $35 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 73 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (73)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $35 per person
Looking for iconic Mid-Century Modern architecture? What better place than Chicago with its triumvirate of modern architects (Mies van der Rohe, Bertrand Goldberg and SOM) and a city ready and willing to accept them. Find out what set these buildings apart from their predecessors and how they helped set the stage for the future. If you’re interested in iconic buildings, public art, urban planning or government this is your tour. Find out the stories behind inland steel, Marina city, the IBM building and other "Mad Men" worthy skyscrapers. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.
What you get
About this experience
Looking for iconic Mid-Century Modern architecture? What better place than Chicago with its triumvirate of modern architects (Mies van der Rohe, Bertrand Goldberg and SOM) and a city ready and willing to accept them. Find out what set these buildings apart from their predecessors and how they helped set the stage for the future. If you’re interested in iconic buildings, public art, urban planning or government this is your tour. Find out the stories behind inland steel, Marina city, the IBM building and other "Mad Men" worthy skyscrapers. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.
What's included
Included
- Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
- Walking tour of Chicago's modern and postmodern architecture
- Narration by a professional and certified guide
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Storage for luggage or strollers
- Coat check
What you'll see and do
Chicago Architecture Center
Your tour begins at the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), formerly the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Visit the CAC to view a 4,000-building scale model of Chicago or shop in the award-winning store.
10 minutes here
View the Prudential Building.
Pass by without stopping
View the Aon Center.
Pass by without stopping
View the Inland Steel Building.
Pass by without stopping
Daley Center
Marvel at Richard J. Daley Center, one of the first buildings to be covered in an unpainted steel called Cor-Ten. The docent will also discuss the famous "Chicago Picasso" artwork in the plaza.
15 minutes here
Discuss the AMA Plaza, formerly home to the office of Mies van der Rohe.
Pass by without stopping
Marina City
Highlights include Marina City, a mixed-use residential-commercial building designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg, envisioned as an urban experiment designed to draw middle-class Chicagoans back to the city after more than a decade of suburban migration.
15 minutes here
View the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Chicago
Meet at the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet at the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601
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
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Chicago Architecture Center
Know before you go
- 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
- Pets are not allowed.
- The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 72 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
72 verified traveler reviews for Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Enthusiastic and comprehensive
The docent supporting my tour was Beth who was truly excellent throughout. It turns out the tour only had one participant in that being me. I was so happy that the tour was allowed to go forward with a solo customer. Beth was greatly knowledgeable and enthusiastic throughout. I had a wonderful time.
Response from the operator: Wow what a treat! We're delighted you enjoyed the private tour with Beth and appreciate the 5 stars. We hope to see you again!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing tour!
Ed Noris was so great! He spent his time explaining the architecture and you can see his passion for it! We loved the tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the Modern Architecture tour and appreciate the 5 stars. We hope to see you again!
via Tripadvisor
Terrific tour guide
The guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and very good at explaining lots of interesting information.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the River Cruise and appreciate the kind words. We hope to see you again!
via Tripadvisor
Fabulous Tour
Delta Greene our guide was fantastic. She gave us many details about how they were built when they were built and the style and structure. She asked questions. I would love to have her again if I should return for another tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you enjoyed the Modern Architecture tour with Delta and appreciate the recommendation. We hope to see you again the next time you visit Chicago!
via Tripadvisor
Modern Architecture Walking Tour
I was fortunate to have a private tour with Delta. Before the tour I had no knowledge (or appreciation) for modern architecture. She changed that! Delta was a wealth of interesting information and stories and she patiently answered all of my questions. What a great experience! I highly recommend the CAC architecture tours.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the fantastic review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour with Delta and appreciate the recommendation. We hope to see you again!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 26
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Chicago Architecture Center, who run 16 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.5.
See everything Chicago Architecture Center runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chicago.
How much does Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture 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 Walking Tour: Modern Architecture take?
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Plan for about 1.5 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 Walking Tour: Modern Architecture worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 73 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chicago, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture?
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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 Walking Tour: Modern Architecture suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture?
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Around 26 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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture 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 Walking Tour: Modern Architecture?
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Included: Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center; Walking tour of Chicago's modern and postmodern architecture; and Narration by a professional and certified guide. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Storage for luggage or strollers; and Coat check. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture?
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Meet at the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601 Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture 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 Walking Tour: Modern Architecture?
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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.
Is Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture 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 Walking Tour: Modern Architecture?
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Across 73 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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