University of Chicago Area Walking Tour (Self Guided), Chicago

The leafy streets, beautiful architecture and historic buildings make a walk around the Hyde Park area of Chicago a real joy. This is one of the most famous of the city’s neighborhoods and at its heart is the University of Chicago and its campus. This august institution is sometimes referred to as "Nobel Alley" because of the large number of Nobel laureates who have worked here.

Wander through the campus and stop by its landmark buildings. Visit the Mansueto Library, a stunning glass edifice that resembles a half-buried glass Faberge egg. Cinemagoers may recognize it from the movie Divergent. Next, go to the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, a Gothic building that is the tallest structure on the campus. It is named after the University's Baptist founder, John D. Rockefeller. Tour Robie House, designed by one of the country's greatest ever architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. The property was named a National Historic Landmark in 1963.

Browse the exhibits of the Oriental Institute, a museum dedicated to the history, art and archeology of the ancient Near East. The museum's treasures include ancient artifacts from numerous countries such as Israel, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Iran. See statues, pottery and everyday objects that are thousands of years old.