Self-Guided Chicago Walking Tours
Chicago
Explore Chicago's iconic landmarks at your own pace with our self-guided walking tours. Discover Millennium Park, Riverwalk, and more. Book now!
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chicago Lawn - The Chicago River flows through the heart of downtown Chicago, surrounded by stunning skyscrapers. The architecture and river views are breathtaking. Note: This 3+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Chicago Bundle in 2-3 hours.
  • Wrigley Building - The Wrigley Building is a famous terra cotta structure with a large clock tower and plenty of character. Named after William Wrigley, Jr., who made his fortune from chewing gum, it stands next to the luxurious Hotel Intercontinental, which houses an incredible observatory.
  • DuSable Bridge - Also known as the Michigan Avenue Bridge, the DuSable Bridge is not only architecturally beautiful but also features flags with a fascinating history, which you’ll learn about on the tour.

Read more about Ultimate Chicago Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Bundle - https://www.viator.com/tours/Chicago/Singapores-Little-India-Self-Guided-Historic-GPS-Tour/d673-259665P6?mcid=56757

  • Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago - This massive glass tower is hard to miss. Standing at 1,399 feet with 98 stories, it’s one of the tallest skyscrapers in the country, using the same building technique as Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial - Featuring a sunken rectangular pool and fountain, this memorial honors Illinois residents who died in the Vietnam War. It’s a somber yet beautiful tribute to those who sacrificed everything.

  • Marina Towers Condominium Association - These twin towers, resembling giant corn cobs, are an iconic part of Chicago’s skyline. They function as a “city within a city,” with amenities like a theatre, gym, pool, ice rink, bowling alley, 360-degree roof deck, and marina.

  • Dearborn Street Bridge - Built in 1962, the Dearborn Street Bridge replaced a poorly designed bridge that residents despised. You’ll learn why and what was done about it as you admire this landmark.

  • Reid Murdoch Building - Built in 1914, this building now houses the Encyclopedia Britannica headquarters. Though it may seem short and unimpressive next to its newer neighbors, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Chicago’s past.

  • 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza suite 107 - This enormous building has its own zip code! Designed in the art-deco style, the Mart covers an astounding four million square feet.

  • The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum - This museum not only features exhibits on the city’s river and its importance but also offers bird’s-eye views of the river from the top floor!

  • William P. Fahey Bridge - As Chicago’s newest river-spanning bridge, the Columbus Drive Bridge showcases the city’s evolving construction technology and philosophy.

  • NBC Tower - Modeled after New York City’s 30 Rockefeller Center, this famous tower is another excellent example of the art deco style. It was also the former recording site for the Jerry Springer Show and the Steve Harvey Show.

  • Jay Pritzker Pavilion - Also known as Pritzker Pavilion or Pritzker Music Pavilion, this bandshell is located in Millennium Park in the Loop community area of Chicago, Illinois. It sits on the south side of Randolph Street, east of the Chicago Landmark Historic Michigan Boulevard District.

  • Lurie Garden - Lurie Garden is a 2.5-acre garden at the southern end of Millennium Park in the Loop area of Chicago, Illinois. Designed by GGN, Piet Oudolf, and Robert Israel, it opened on July 16, 2004. The garden features a mix of perennials, bulbs, grasses, shrubs, and trees.

  • Chicago Skyline - Standing in the middle of Lurie Garden, you’re surrounded by towering skyscrapers. The building with a diamond-shaped roof, known as the Crain Communication Building, is shorter but distinctive. Completed in 1984, it was once the headquarters of Sears Roebuck Company. The Prudential Tower, completed in 1955, was the first major skyscraper built in post-World War II Chicago, offering views from an observation deck known as “The Top of the Rock.”

  • Nichols Bridgeway - This pedestrian bridge in Chicago starts at the Great Lawn of Millennium Park, crosses Monroe Street, and connects to the third floor of the West Pavilion of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern Wing.

  • The Boeing Store - The space in front of you always features different contemporary art sculptures, often large-scale and highly symbolic. Spend some time here to understand the artist’s vision.

  • Crown Fountain - An interactive public art and video sculpture in Millennium Park, designed by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa and executed by Krueck and Sexton Architects, opened in July 2004.

  • Cloud Gate - A public sculpture by Indian-born British artist Sir Anish Kapoor, located at AT&T Plaza in Millennium Park, Chicago. The sculpture and plaza are situated above Park Grill, between Chase Promenade and McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink.

What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Experience Chicago’s charm with the Self-Guided Chicago Walking Tours. Dive into the stunning Millennium Park, pose by the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, and escape urban chaos in this celebrated green space. Transition to a serene stroll along the Riverwalk, where unique architecture lines the water’s edge, each building telling a story. This combo tour is your ticket to explore, understand, and fall in love with the intricate beauty of the Windy City at your own pace.

After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Follow the audio instructions and the route from there.

This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

New, extra validity — now, it’s yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
  • How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action’s Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing savings: Walking Tours: While each person typically needs their tour, couples or small groups can share one using split headphones.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: • The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Location
The Wrigley Building
Michigan Avenue
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1
Adult
June 2024
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