Top 20 Experiences in Chicago
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Experience one of the world’s most beautiful cities on a cruise down the historic Chicago River. On this architecture cruise, head down the main branch of the Chicago River, up the north branch to the East Bank Club, and then south past Willis Tower (Sears Tower) to the old Post Office Building. Take in magnificent city skyline views as you see more than 40 notable buildings, including the John Hancock Center and the Wrigley Building, and learn about their distinctive architecture from your onboard guide, an expert in architecture.
Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to enjoy and admire. This comprehensive 90 minute tour will navigate through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River while your professionally-trained architectural guide tells the story of more than 130 years of innovation in design, style and technique and why it is important today. The Chicago River Architecture Tour is the most authentic and encompassing Chicago experience the city has to offer.
Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile
Experience Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy for all to admire. This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich history and architectural heritage features highlights from Wendella's full-length architecture tours. Hop aboard our world class vessels as our local authentic tour guides showcase our amazing city.
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Admission
The best views of Chicago can be yours at 360 Chicago Observation Deck! Perched 94 stories above the Windy City, the 360 Chicago provides commanding views of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s towering skyscrapers, including Willis (Sears) Tower. Located in the heart of downtown on Michigan Avenue, the observatory is steps away from other top Chicago attractions. It will be the high point (literally) of your Chicago trip! Upgrade to the Sip and View ticket, which includes one drink at the newly renovated CloudBar. The Sip menu includes a rotating selection of beer, wine and cocktails. Once onsite, you can purchase tickets to TILT, a thrill ride that offers visitors unique, downward facing views from 1,030 feet. You may also choose to upgrade your Sip and View ticket from the Sip Menu to the Elevated Menu for an additional $8.
Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour
Interested in exploring Chicago from the perspective of ghosts and gangsters? Want to really immerse yourself in the history of this great American city, right from the locations that started it all? This tour visits the locations frequented by some of Chicago's most notorious gangsters along with many of the most haunted locations in Chicago! You can get the best of both worlds with this 2 in 1, history-based guided walking tour of Chicago’s gangsters and ghost stories, right from the famous Chicago Loop Vice District! Tour departs from 71 E Wacker Drive.
Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour
Escape into Chicago's underworld on a crime and mob tour with stops on-and-off the luxury, climate-controlled bus. Walking tour paths explore historic crime scenes with great photo opportunities. True crime stories about Chicago Gangster Al Capone, The Untouchables, The Chicago Mob, Prohibition, John Dillinger, Frank “The Enforcer” Nitti, Cap George Streeter, Leopold & Loeb, H.H. Holmes and more. Visit historic landmark buildings like: The Biograph Theater, Holy Name Cathedral, Cook County Criminal Court House, Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, etc. Tour famous Chicago neighborhoods: Streeterville, River North, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Loop and Magnificent Mile. Locals and tourists agree that this educational and entertaining thing to do in Chicago is a unique cultural experience.
Skydeck Chicago Admission Ticket
Gaze upon the city sights from the pinnacle of Chicago, the Skydeck. Located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, formerly Sears Tower -- the third-tallest building in the world -- the Skydeck offers spectacular sweeping views and is full of interactive exhibits. To complete your exciting Chicago experience, head to the Ledge, a glass balcony showcasing unbeatable views of Chicago’s top attractions like Wrigley Field and the Navy Pier. We added a brand new Chicago Experience that you start with by the box office prior taking the elevator trip to the 103rd floor. It is a 45,000 sq ft. museum of today. The New Experience is part Chicago History, part Architecural tour, part Selfie Museum and part Children's Museum. This is fun and interactive for all ages. Ride our "L" Train, see our infinity pizza bed, take pictures ontop of Willis Tower and so much more! This is the best way to see Chicago in one setting. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the SkyDeck
Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
Discover Chicago's best on our Big Bus tour. Board our open-top, double-decker bus and see the city's iconic landmarks, from the Magnificent Mile to Millennium Park. Utilize our convenient stops to explore vibrant neighborhoods and attractions, including Willis Tower, the Chicago Riverwalk, and more. Spend your day shopping on Magnificent Mile, enjoying Navy Pier's Ferris Wheel, or tasting authentic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Our flexible tour lets you create your own itinerary, with a free app to track bus arrivals. Listen to digital commentary in multiple languages, offering expert insight into Chicago's history and culture, while recommending the best places to eat, drink, and shop. Offering comfortable seating and panoramic views, our Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour is an ideal way to explore the city. Hop off as often as you like within your ticket's validity period, and simply hop on again when ready to continue.
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Admire all of Chicago's fabulous lakefront sights and attractions on this Lake Michigan boat tour. Cruise along Lake Michigan and take in amazing views of the city’s famous skyscrapers from a great vantage point. Feel free to bring a lunch and enjoy drinks from the onboard bar as you relax on this sightseeing cruise.
Chicago Favorites Food & Walking Tour plus FREE Bike/Kayak Rental
The perfect tour for first timers to Chicago or those who want to explore Chicago's famous foods along with the city's top attractions, all on one tour. Stroll through the beautiful streets of downtown Chicago & taste the Windy City’s favorite eats! Bobby’s Bike Hike, whose food tours are ranked Top 10 in America by USA Today and Top 20 in the world by Tripadvisor, offers this quintessential food & walking tour to explore the foods Chicago made famous; a slice of deep-dish pizza, a Chicago-style hotdog, Italian beef, & brownies. Bobby’s expert guides will lead you through downtown Chicago’s most iconic landmarks; including Millennium Park, State Street, Chicago Theatre, Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue, & the Wrigley Building, all the while explaining the tales from Chicago’s rich food-centric history. Enjoy your food tour and receive a bonus 2-hour FREE bike or kayak rental, adding value to your experience. Bike along the Lakefront Trail or kayak on calm, clear Lake Michigan.
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady
The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady has long been the gold standard among all Chicago tour experiences, and is the only Chicago architecture boat tour led by highly trained expert docents. On this 90-minute cruise, you will enjoy an overview of historic and modern architectural styles including stories about the people who designed and built Chicago. As a certified nonprofit, all ticket purchases directly support education efforts and community engagement projects. No visit to Chicago is complete without experiencing this award winning tour, so accept no substitutes.
Chicago CityPASS®
Visiting Chicago? Experience 5 must-see attractions, handpicked and packaged together at a 48% savings, with Chicago CityPASS® tickets. Spend less time planning and more time exploring. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order. Valid for 9 consecutive days including the first day of use. Get admission to 5 attractions. Includes: • Shedd Aquarium • Skydeck Chicago Plus choose 3 of the following: • Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour • Field Museum • 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck • Museum of Science and Industry • Art Institute of Chicago • Adler Planetarium Download and visit the My CityPASS® App to access tickets, make reservations (if required), and view attraction details.
Chicago Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise
The Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise departs near the DuSable (Michigan Avenue) Bridge on Wendella's world class tour boats. The Cruise will navigate from the Chicago River, through the Chicago Lock and out onto Lake Michigan. Watch the sun slowly set behind the city from the tranquil waters of Lake Michigan on this serene and romantic cruise.
Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour
Welcome to Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours! We’re proud to present you with an in-depth, expert architectural-based river boat tour that delves into one of the most remarkable American cities today. Known for unique, daring, and historical architectural pursuits, it’s hard to cover all of the design and building treasures that make up the Windy City today. If you’re ready to learning more about the designs, people, and innovations behind these creations, throw on your captains hat and get ready to cruise along the Chicago River and see what architects from around the world travel to see in Chicago. Tour departures from 465 N. McClurg Ct.
Chicago in a Day: Food, History and Architecture Walking Tour
Ready to discover some of the best Chicago has to offer with a local by your side? Join us on an epic tour of some of the city’s greatest hits: incredible architecture both old and new, delicious local treats and iconic Chicago dishes, a uniquely Chicago transit ride, stunning river views and much more!
Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour
There’s never been a better time to be a beer drinker — and Chicago, with its thriving brewery scene and many destination-worthy beer bars, is the perfect city for suds lovers. Visit three of its craft breweries on this all-inclusive, 3.5-4hour tour, where you’ll get to tour one brewery production facility and enjoy copious samples of local brews. To keep things interesting, you’ll travel in a barrel-shaped bus. Morning and evening departure times are both available.
Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets
Explore over 40 million artifacts, including SUE, the world’s largest, most complete T. rex ever discovered! Discover 23 mummies in a recreated Egyptian tomb, our dazzling Gem Hall or journey to the powerful Aztec empire! Meet Maximo our newest titanosaur at over two stories tall! The health of our guests and staff is always our top priority and we welcome you back to safely explore nearly half a million square feet of open gallery space.
BYOB Spray Paint 'n' Sip at Studio W.I.P. Chicago
Studio W.I.P. by Native 312 Events offers a unique spin on BYOB paint night! Join us as we host an intimate look into the world of Street Art as we learn about some different styles and techniques with guest artists. Then you get your hands dirty as you walk around our gallery setting and test out your skills in different mediums like aerosol spray and stencil. At the end of your workshop you will be able to go home with your own piece of art!
Chicago Gangster and Food Walking Tour
Taste some of Chicago's most iconic foods while walking through one of the Prohibition Era’s most fashionable and notorious neighborhoods. Sample prime steak, deep dish pizza and the world famous “Chicago hot dog" while treading the streets of Capone’s closest friends and dreaded enemies. Even visit an old tunnel used by prohibition gangsters in the basement of one of the establishments! Learn about Chicago's world famous cuisine and the gangsters who ate it all in one special unique tour!
Chicago Guided Cocktail Cruise
When in Chicago, cruising down the Chicago River is a must. Except with us, you’ll be taking in the architecture of the buildings that line the beautiful river. We provide detailed explanations of the construction and history of over 50 significant buildings, wrapping up at the end of the river. The Chicago River Cocktail Cruise allows you to experience an architecture tour with a cocktail in your hand!