banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner

Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront | 1 hour 30 minutes

48 Reviews | Chicago
From $35.00 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 10 travelers in total.
Adult (5-100) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 10
2
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Art Deco Riverfront
2 Adults x $35.00
$70.00
Approx Total
$70.00

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
  • Narration by a professional and certified guide
  • Coat check
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Storage for luggage or strollers

Overview

Tour the lobbies of five opulent Art Deco skyscrapers built near the banks of the Chicago River during the business boom of the Roaring '20s. Learn how Art Deco reflected the era’s fun-loving optimism with lavish materials and geometric ornament. Discover the origins of Art Deco while admiring buildings like the Carbide and Carbon Building (now Pendry Chicago), the Chicago Motor Club Building (now the Hampton Inn) and the colorful, but often overlooked, Trustees System Service Building (now the Century Tower)—all of which are designated Chicago landmarks. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.

Meeting points

Meet inside the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour departure time.

End point

Open in Google Maps

End near Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Plaza

Itinerary

  • Chicago River

    Discuss buildings built in the Art Deco style along the riverfront

    1 hour 30 minutes

  • N/A

    View the exterior of the building

    10 minutes

  • Carbide and Carbon Building

    View the Carbide and Carbon Building

    10 minutes

  • N/A

    Visit the former Chicago Motor Club Building, 66 E Wacker Place

    10 minutes

  • N/A

    Visit the Trustees System Service Building

    10 minutes

  • Merchandise Mart

    Visit Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Plaza

    10 minutes

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change without notice due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.
  • Pets are not allowed.

Free Cancellation

September 10100% refund
September 11No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

5.0

48 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    48
  • 4 stars
    0
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 48 reviews with 5 stars

Fun and informative

Published on Dec, 2024

Very fun and informative tour. The buildings were beautiful and the docent, Marcia provided great context. I loved going into the lobbies and noticing the recurring themes.

Fantastic tour in spite of freezing cold!!

Published on Dec, 2024

Mitch (our tour guide) was excellent!! Very knowledgeable, friendly, mindful of the fact it was 9 degrees when we started so asked us several times if we were ok or needed to step into another building to warm up. Just a fantastic tour of these beautiful historic buildings. Highly recommend.

First Lady tour is perfect by all means

Published on Oct, 2024

Amazing tour. Amazing guide with so much knowledge. We took a lot of pictures. Learnt so much about the city, all the stories about the architecture were amazing

A fantastic way to experience the City of Architecture

Published on Oct, 2024

Definitely a great way to learn about Chicago's stunning architecture! You'll see spaces and details you might not otherwise have noticed, and learn all sorts of interesting facts. Highly recommended!

Chicago art deco buildings

Published on Oct, 2024

Our guide was Rebecca, who was wonderful. She was very knowledgeable about the subject, which made the tour interesting. The group had various questions and she answered them with great details. Highly recommend!

Compare Similar Experiences

Current

Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrape ...
3173P22
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
48
From
$35 /   Person
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
5580ARC
time

1 hour

time Free Cancellation
14,058
From
$49 /   Person
Chicago in a Day: Food, History and Arch ...
5713P139
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
927
From
$132 /   Person
Chicago River Architecture Tour with Sma ...
Likely To Sell Out
92538P1
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
817
From
$49 /   Person
Chicago River Cocktail Cruise
Likely To Sell Out
92538P2
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
86
From
$59 /   Person
Chicago: Culture and Architecture of the ...
5713P138
time

2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
79
From
$50 /   Person
Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Luxury Mini ...
New On TravelOne
61552P20
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
38
From
$65 /   Person
Chicago Luxury Minibus City Tour and Arc ...
Likely To Sell Out
92538P7
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
15
From
$99 /   Person
Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Minibus Tou ...
New On TravelOne
61552P21
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
3
From
$99 /   Person
Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour
6138CCT
time

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

time Free Cancellation
2,758
From
$49 /   Person
Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tou ...
Likely To Sell Out
76126P5
time

45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
2,050
From
$28 /   Person
Chicago Night Crimes Tour by Bus
6138NCT
time

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
424
From
$55 /   Person
Chicago Private Tour
New On TravelOne
485936P1
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$300 /   Group
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
5580ARC
time

1 hour

time Free Cancellation
14,058
From
$49 /   Person
Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Walking To ...
61552P8
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
7,121
From
$35 /   Person
Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightsee ...
5096CHICAGO
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,953
From
$50 /   Person
Skydeck Chicago Admission Ticket
5671SKYDECK
time

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,538
From
$44 /   Person
Chicago in a Day: Food, History and Arch ...
5713P139
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
927
From
$132 /   Person
Chicago River Architecture Tour with Sma ...
Likely To Sell Out
92538P1
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
817
From
$49 /   Person
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
5580SKY
time

30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
761
From
$33 /   Person
Chicago Walking Food Tour With Secret Fo ...
Special Offer
7812P19
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
649
From
$80 /   Person
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural ...
92538P4
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
613
From
$29 /   Person
Chicago Gangster and Food Walking Tour
61552P17
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
472
From
$75 /   Person
2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Chicago
85696P1
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
422
From
$65 /   Person
Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Mic ...
5042CHISUN
time

2 hours to 3 hours

time Non Refundable
347
From
$122 /   Person
Recently Viewed
Overnight Halong Bay-Lan Ha Bay Cruise w ...
51722P1
time

48 hours

time Partially Refundable
697
From
$145 /   Person
Street Food Tour of Naples with Top-Rate ...
104566P11
time

2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
383
From
$45 /   Person
Rome Golf Cart Tour: Highligths of the E ...
Special Offer
360122P1
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
359
From
$153 /   Person
Dubai City Half Day Sightseeing and Land ...
103429P6
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
83
From
$90 /   Person
San Francisco, Golden Gate, Sausalito an ...
415653P4
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
5
From
$690 /   Group
Jewish Life in Berlin - Private Walking ...
3817JEW
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
21
From
$317 /   Group
90-Minute Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing ...
49191P1
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Non Refundable
3,013
From
$42 /   Person
Private Full-Day Red Dragon Yacht to Ang ...
Likely To Sell Out
21125P10
time

8 hours 30 minutes

time Non Refundable
272
From
$2,286 /   Group
Small-Group Tour: Charleston Old Walled ...
35710P2
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
255
From
$29 /   Person
New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruis ...
3780STEAM
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
4,276
From
$44 /   Person
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Customize Your Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover
TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or should we recommend one?

Where do you want to go next?

Is this your first time visiting ?

When do you plan to travel?

Select the general vibe you're looking for on this trip

What theme best captures the vibe you want for this trip?

Choose your preferred travel flow

Customize your trip's activity flow

Who's traveling and how many of you?

Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Women Only
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Women Only
Join A Group

What kind of accommodation do you prefer?

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Choose Hotel Options

We’ll help find the meals that suit your taste

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Tell us how you’d like to travel between places

What are your preferences for Arrival/Departure Airport Transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Select your preferred guide style

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Do you need dining recommendations/reservations support from the guide?

Let us know if you want flight assistance

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

Reset keyword
    Theme
    Adventure & Outdoor Activities
    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Flyboarding Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Caving Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Sea Caving
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Heli-Hiking Helicopter Tours Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Go Kart Hummer Tours Motor Sports Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Fun & Games Scavenger Hunts Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Theme
    Cruises & Water Journeys
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Ferry Services Pack Animal Tours Water Equipment Rentals Water Parks Water Transfers
    Theme
    Eco & Sustainable Travel
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Bike Rentals Bike Tours Cycling Cycling Classes E-Bike Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Self-guided Tours Walking Tours
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    Involves Animals Involves Poverty Stricken Communities National Parks Nature Parks
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Theme
    Food & Culinary Experiences
    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Olive Oil Tasting Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Wine Making Workshops
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Breakfast Brunch Dinner Dinner and Show Tickets Lunch Restaurants
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings High Tea Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Theme
    Historical & Heritage Sites
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Attractions & Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Museums Planetariums
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Crime Tours Ghost Tours Underground Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Classic Car Tours Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers
    Theme
    Local Culture & Traditions
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Photography Tours Pottery Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Costume Dress Up Experiences Cultural Tours Culture Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Theme
    Luxury & Romantic Getaways
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Once in a Lifetime Experiences Private and Luxury Viator Exclusive Tours Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator VIP Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Photo Shoots Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations
    Theme
    Nature & Scenic Experiences
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Horseback Riding Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises Sailing
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Eco Tours Fishing Charters
    Hiking & Exploration
    Glacier Walks Hiking Tours National Parks Natural Attractions Nature Parks Nature Walks Outback Tours Parks
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Jet Ski Rentals Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Shark Diving Snorkeling Swim with Dolphins
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Aquariums Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Safaris Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins Whale Watching Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching Zoos & Wildlife Parks
    Theme
    Nightlife & Festivals
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Carnival Christmas Festivals Halloween Mardi Gras Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Live Concerts Music Tours Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Theme
    Seasonal & Holiday Trips
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Winter Sports
    Theme
    Spiritual & Religious Journeys
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Spas Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Easter Lunar New Year Sufi Whirling Shows
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Theme
    Sports & Active Travel
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Cycling Cycling Classes Sports Lessons
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes

    Choose your preferred travel flow