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Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Windy City with Free Chicago Walking Tours. Our guided explorations take you through the vibrant tapestry of Chicago's most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks, unveiling the stories and spectacles that make the city truly unique.
Our meticulously curated tours, lasting approximately 2-hours, cover a distance of just over a mile, ensuring a comfortable pace for all. Spearheaded by seasoned Chicago tour guides, each walk is a blend of entertainment, education, and exploration. Check out our comprehensive TOUR CALENDAR to find and book your next adventure, or delve into the details of each tour by clicking on the images below!
For larger groups of more than 6, or to book a private, personalized tour, navigate to our PRIVATE TOUR page and complete the contact form. Our private tours offer an intimate, tailored experience, making them perfect for family outings, educational trips, or corporate team-building exercises. With rates starting at a mere $250 for a 2-hour guided tour accommodating up to 20 individuals, Free Chicago Walking Tours offers the most competitive private tour rates in the city.
Discover Chicago from a new perspective, witness its architectural marvels, historical landmarks, and cultural hubs, all while enjoying a leisurely walk. Whether it’s the bustling Magnificent Mile, the historical charm of the Wrigley Building, or the serene beauty of Millennium Park, each tour is a window into the soul of Chicago.
Free Chicago Walking Tours is not just a tour service, it’s your gateway to experiencing Chicago like never before. Reserve your spot today and step into Chicago’s rich tapestry of history, architecture, and culture. Your captivating journey through the heart of Chicago awaits!
Participants will embark on a festive journey through city streets adorned with twinkling lights, majestic trees, and exquisite window displays, accompanied by stories of Chicago's rich holiday traditions and historical seasonal narratives. The tour's highlight includes a visit to the "perfect" Christmas tree at Millennium Park, alongside several other picturesque spots.
The adventure begins just outside Bloomingdale's on the 2nd floor of 900 N. Michigan Ave Shops, home to a stunning indoor 50ft Christmas tree. The route meanders down the iconic Magnificent Mile, famed for its holiday-ready shops, offering numerous indoor stops for guests to warm up.
Embark on a cozy adventure with the Chicago Pedway Tour, unveiling the “city below the city” stretching from the State of Illinois Building to the Cultural Center. This warm, indoor expedition uncovers the Pedway's history, linking over 50 buildings across 40 Downtown Chicago blocks. Marvel at renowned architecture, art, and impressive office lobbies as you traverse this subterranean network.
The Pedway Tour offers a unique glimpse into Chicago's heart, all while staying comfortable indoors. As you meander through its interconnected pathways, the Pedway unveils a blend of the city's historical richness and modern allure. Experience the Windy City from a vantage point like no other, and discover the stories etched beneath its bustling streets.
Dive into Chicago's architectural marvels, birthplace of the skyscraper, and home to legendary design maestros shaping the Chicago style. Millions flock here to bask in its architectural heritage, yet many overlook the rich interiors of these historic and modern structures. Our tour remedies this, guiding you through buildings whose interiors narrate the city's history, culture, and artistry.
While the skyline captivates, the inner beauty of Chicago's buildings is equally enchanting. With years of delivering insightful architecture tours, we unveil the mesmerizing interiors often missed. Our guests are continually awestruck by the elegance within, and we're confident you'll share this sentiment, discovering a new dimension of Chicago's architectural narrative.
Chicago Crime & Gangster TourJoin us on a thrilling exploration of Chicago’s notorious past with Free Chicago Walking Tours’ Chicago Crime & Gangster Tour. Journey through the rise of the Chicago Mafia, and uncover hidden and famed Mob haunts in the scenic locales of River North and the Loop.
Wind your way through the River North area learning about the multiple gangs and their leaders that were vying for a piece of the prohibition pie. Stops at Marina City Towers and the Lasalle Street Bridge will help explain how all of these characters crossed paths and shaped the future of Chicago.
Chicago Off the Grid TourForget stuffy museums or the standard architecture strolls and get lost in the beauty of Chicago's urban jungle on the new Off the Grid Tour. Hosted by ACME Hotel Company and Free Chicago Walking Tours, the immersive walking tour showcases some of the city's most Instagrammable spots including Death Alley and the Tiffany Glass Dome at the Chicago Cultural Center, among others.
A blend of history, architecture, and scenic splendors with our Riverwalk & North Loop Walking Tour, offering a diverse taste of Chicago’s essence. Commencing at Du Sable Bridge, the seed of Chicago’s rich history dating back to the 1670s, we amble along the Chicago River, pausing at iconic sites like Trump International Hotel & Tower, Marina City Towers, and the Heald Square Monument, each narrating unique chapters of Chicago's tale. The Eastland Disaster tale by the river shores adds a historic poignancy to our expedition.
The tour unfolds Chicago’s artistic flair at Monument with a Standing Beast and the famed Picasso, culminating at the Chicago Cultural Center. Here, the world’s largest Tiffany Glass-domed roof awaits, marking a grand finale to a tour drenched in Chicago's multifaceted narrative, an experience not to be missed.
Chicago Total Loop TourImmerse in the cradle of American “downtown” in our Chicago Total Loop Walking Tour, encompassing the architectural grandeur, retail history, and the iconic Chicago River. We start at The Sears Tower and learn about "the architectural equivalent of the moon landing", the innovative design and construction of what would be the tallest building in the world for 25 years.
This unique two-hour, two-mile journey weaves through the heart of Chicago, unveiling the rich history, vibrant public art, and characters that form the essence of the city. From the grandeur of Millennium Park to the stunning display of Chicago's Picasso, we'll explore stories etched in stone and time.
Chicago Gold Coast Neighborhood Walking TourChicago's Gold Coast is one of the city's most iconic neighborhoods. With the shores of Lake Michigan on the east, this is one of the most expensive zip codes in all of Illinois. Nestled among these quiet, tree-lined streets you'll find elegant multi-million dollar brownstones, numerous historic mansions and some of the wealthiest families in Chicago.
But this area wasn't always so wealthy. Once upon a time, this was marshland used as burial grounds. The area began to change in 1882 after Potter Palmer, one of Chicago’s business legends, built a castle-like mansion on Lake Shore Drive. Thereafter, Chicago’s wealthy citizens transformed this area into the city’s most exclusive residential enclave.
Chicago Loop & Public Art Walking TourChicago is home to more than 500+ pieces of public art in more than 150 municipal facilities across the city. Chicago’s Loop is home to some of the most fascinating and picturesque pieces in the collection including sculptures by Picasso, controversial pieces such Monument with Standing Beast and learn how Chicago was invaded by decorative life size cows in 1999!
Throughout the tour you’ll be introduced to the artists responsible for the pieces, how the city reacted to their unveiling and get up close and personal with Chicago’s most prized possessions.
Chicago Millennium Park & Michigan Avenue Walking TourYou will get to see so much of what makes Chicago so special on this tour. The Magnificent Mile, The Chicago River, Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain and more! Your meeting spot is outside the entrance to on of Chicago's most beautiful buildings - The Wrigley Building.
From there the group will head south down Michigan Ave learning about some of the folks that helped put Chicago on the map hundreds of years ago. You'll have incredible photo opportunities of the Chicago River as you make your way to Chicago's famous Millennium Park.
With a variety of engaging tours lasting around 2-hours, we offer a comfortable pace to explore just over a mile of Chicago's most captivating neighborhoods. Our experienced Chicago tour guides lead you on a journey of discovery, sharing intriguing stories and fun facts that bring each locale to life.
Our diverse tour offerings are designed to cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re enchanted by the holiday lights, intrigued by the historical narrative, or keen on architectural wonders, we have a tour tailored just for you.
Free Chicago Walking Tours are built by Our Local Chicago Guides who all share a passion for the city we call home. Each guide has carefully constructed their tours to ensure the perfect mix of their personalities, Chicago's history & Chicago's architecture.
If you're new to Chicago be sure to read our Chicago Blog for tips and tricks on how to make your stay more pleasant including Your Guide to Getting Around Chicago & Top 20 Free Things to do in Chicago.
