Lonely Planet Experiences Private Chicago Tour: Culture & Architecture
Chicago, USA
From USD 59.00
Office phone number: +1 312 973 3877
Lonely Planet Experiences Private Chicago Tour: Culture & Architecture
Chicago, USA
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Chicago has it all – amazing architecture, great food, and iconic sights both old and new. This private tour takes you to some of the city’s best spots alongside a local guide where you’ll get the inside scoop on what makes Chicago so special. Not only that, we’ll throw in a couple of sweet, local treats to keep you going as we explore on foot and via local transportation.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of four travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for four travellers
Experience the best travel stories for yourself. Join a local expert and uncover hidden gems on this city adventure hand-picked by the world's leading travel publisher. Lonely Planet Experiences powered by Urban Adventures bring stories to life in the best-loved cities around the globe.
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Highlights
- Marvel at the stunning Chicago skyline and discover why Chicago’s architecture is among the best in the world
- Get around The Loop like a local: at street level, underground, elevated rails, or perhaps even on the water
- Enjoy a couple of classic made-in-Chicago snacks like Chicago-style popcorn and homemade chocolate
- Immerse yourself in the best of Chicago culture and discover why Chicago’s art, food scene and architecture is one of a kind
- Feel the energy and buzz in one of Chicago’s beautiful lakefront parks and get that photo-op at the world-famous Bean
- Each Lonely Planet Experience comes with six-months free access to Lonely Planet’s Guides App which includes over 8,000 destinations guides and unbeatable discounts to Lonely Planet Guidebooks
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Schedule details
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Meeting point:
The Chicago Theatre (underneath the marquee), 175 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60601
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- Starting time: 10.00 AM
- Ending point:
A central location near Millennium Park and Michigan Ave.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local, English-speaking guide, popcorn tasting, chocolate tasting, water taxi or "L" ticket.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Chicago is known as one of the most architecturally striking and culturally dynamic cities in the United States. Join us on a tour of some of Chicago’s greatest hits: incredible architecture both old and new, delicious local treats, a uniquely Chicago transit ride, stunning river views, and much more!
We start our private tour under the dazzling marquee of the Chicago Theater (where you might recognize the neon sign from the movie musical Chicago) before heading off into the bustling city. Our first stop is inside one of the best-preserved spaces built for shopping in Chicago, featuring an unforgettable atrium at its core.
We’ll then head towards the Chicago Pedway. This unique feature of Chicago is used by locals and commuters daily to move about the city in a network of underground tunnels — especially necessary during the Midwest winters. We’ll head back above-ground near City Hall, and on most weekdays, be able to head inside to see the classic interior design and architecture.
Next, we’ll make our way to a spot where we’ll share a sweet treat, and a local tradition: Chicago-style popcorn. Weather permitting, we’ll take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk while taking in views of several soaring buildings, including Marina Towers, the Britannica Building, and the Sears Tower (now known as the Willis Tower).
From there, we’ll either hop on the ‘L’ train or a water taxi on the Chicago River (depending on the weather and time of year). Either option offers a uniquely local Chicago experience! The ‘L’ train is recognized as a Chicago landmark having been featured in movies and TV shows for decades. You’ll enjoy feeling like a local as you zip past buildings and catch even more awesome views. If your guide takes you on a water taxi, you’ll be seeing the Chicago skyline from a totally different perspective, as well as sharing in the daily commute of local Chicagoans late for work.
Once you’re back on solid ground, we’ll make our way to another delicious destination. Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy views of the world-famous Wrigley Building and the incredible Chicago Tribune building, the heart of Chicago’s thriving and historic journalism industry. Your second tasty confection is locally made chocolate from a Chicago staple.
Finally, we’ll take a stroll through the beautiful lakefront parks along Michigan Avenue. We’ll end up in the picturesque Millennium Park, home to the iconic Bean sculpture. Here (or nearby), your guide will conclude your tour and point you in the right direction toward more amazing sights, great lunch spots, or a drink recommendation inside one of the most amazing spaces in the city.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of four travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for four travellers
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local, English-speaking guide, popcorn tasting, chocolate tasting, water taxi or "L" ticket.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: Please dress comfortably and casually in weather-appropriate attire. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: This tour runs year-round and will proceed rain or shine unless such weather constitutes a dangerous situation.
Closure of sites: In the event of road or attraction closures, your guide will do their best to work around the obstacles or take your tour to alternate locations.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Children over the age of 6 will be charged the adult price. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6 with you. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page. For children above that age, please count them as an adult.
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Dietary Notes
We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests. You can do so in the ‘Additional information’ box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@chicagourbanadventures.com.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +1 312 973 3877
Email address: info@chicagourbanadventures.com
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