Chicago’s Architecture: What to See, Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s architecture is the number one reason to visit this midwestern U.S. city. And there is no better way to understand the sweeping accomplishments than to book an architectural walking tour.
While I have visited Chicago countless times for business, I never took the time to be a tourist. In April, I remedied this situation.
Upon arrival, I immediately booked the CAC First Lady Architecture Cruise. USA Today readers voted it the #1 boat tour in the United States.
“Led by the Chicago Architecture Center’s expertly trained docent volunteers, this 90-minute cruise reveals fascinating stories behind Chicago’s majestic buildings in a way no other tour can.”
It fascinated me to float down the river and see such historic buildings as Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and Marina City. The tour highlights over 50 buildings in total, including modern landmarks like the Aqua Tower and Navy Pier.
Bring a jacket even in the summer, as the winds will chill you to the bone. Although you can sit down below, the best views are on the deck!
An adult ticket costs $56. You can add admission to the center for just $5 (regular price $15) as an event extra. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
While I have visited Chicago countless times for business, I never took the time to be a tourist. In April, I remedied this situation.
Upon arrival, I immediately booked the CAC First Lady Architecture Cruise. USA Today readers voted it the #1 boat tour in the United States.
“Led by the Chicago Architecture Center’s expertly trained docent volunteers, this 90-minute cruise reveals fascinating stories behind Chicago’s majestic buildings in a way no other tour can.”
It fascinated me to float down the river and see such historic buildings as Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and Marina City. The tour highlights over 50 buildings in total, including modern landmarks like the Aqua Tower and Navy Pier.
Bring a jacket even in the summer, as the winds will chill you to the bone. Although you can sit down below, the best views are on the deck!
An adult ticket costs $56. You can add admission to the center for just $5 (regular price $15) as an event extra. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
How it works: The full article is featured in the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Download the app to your mobile device to read the article offline and create a self-guided walking tour to visit the sights featured in this article. The app's navigation functions guide you from one sight to the next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Sights Featured in This Article
Guide Name: Chicago’s Architecture: What to See
Guide Location: USA » Chicago
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Teresa Markle
Read it on Author's Website: https://femalesolotrek.com/2025/05/30/chicagos-architecture-what-to-see/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » Chicago
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Teresa Markle
Read it on Author's Website: https://femalesolotrek.com/2025/05/30/chicagos-architecture-what-to-see/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Chicago Architecture Center
- The Palmer House
- Chicago Board of Trade
- The Rookery
- Willis Tower
- 190 South LaSalle
- Merchandise Mart
- Chicago Cultural Center
- Macy’s on State
- Wrigley Building
- Tribune Tower
- Aqua Tower
- Navy Pier
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