Loop Architecture Private tour in Chicago

Chicago , United States

Loop Architecture Private tour in Chicago

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About this experience

Skip the crowds this is a private tour for your group only! Embark on a captivating journey through the Loop’s architectural wonders with our Loop Architecture Tour in Chicago. Explore the iconic Chicago Board of Trade Building and the historic Rookery Building, steeped in timeless elegance. Marvel at the striking Calder sculpture in Federal Plaza, a highlight of the city’s public art scene. Admire the innovative design of the Marquette Building, a masterpiece of the Chicago School of Architecture. Step into the luxurious Palmer House, a landmark boasting historical significance. Discover the rich legacy of the Marshall Field and Company Building, a symbol of Chicago’s commercial prowess. Finally, delve into the cultural richness of the Chicago Cultural Center, showcasing the city’s artistic diversity. Join us on this unforgettable journey through Chicago’s architectural gems in the heart of the Loop.

Available options

German Guided Tour

French Guided Tour

English Guided Tour

Chinese Guided Tour

Spanish Guided Tour

What's included

Professional local guide services

Detailed itinerary

The building is a popular sightseeing attraction and location for shooting movies, and its owners and management have won awards for their efforts to preserve the building and for office management. The building was listed as a Chicago Landmark in 1977 and a National Historic Landmark and National Register of Historic Places honoree in 1978.

The Rookery Building is a historic office building. After the Great Chicago Fire, a quickly constructed building was used as an interim city hall.

Public square is known for its massive Alexander Calder sculpture & seasonal farmer's market. The piece was commissioned by the Government Services Administration and installed in 1974 to great fanfare, unveiled following a parade celebrating Calder’s work, with the artist sitting atop a circus wagon pulled by 40 horses.

The building was one of the early steel-frame skyscrapers of its day, and is considered one of the best examples of the Chicago School of architecture. The building features several distinct elements that have earned it honors as a Chicago Landmark, a National Historic Landmark, and a National Register Historic Place.

The Palmer House – A Hilton Hotel is a historic hotel in Chicago's Loop area. The Palmer House was the city's first hotel with elevators and the first hotel with electric light bulbs and telephones in the guest rooms.

Marshall Field established numerous important business "firsts" in this building and in a long series of previous elaborate decorative structures on this site for the last century and a half. It is regarded as one of the three most influential establishments in the nationwide development of the department store and in the commercial business economic history of the United States.

Cultural Center is one of the city's most popular attractions and is considered one of the most comprehensive arts showcases in the United States. The Chicago Cultural Center underwent an extensive renovation in 2021 - 2022 with the goal of unearthing the original beauty of the building.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

DE CMN EN FR ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Monadnock 53 West Jackson – by Intelligentsia coffee shop (53 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604, United States)

About Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and world-class cuisine. Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, it offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe.

Top Attractions

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a famous public park in downtown Chicago, known for its modern art and architecture. It's home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as 'The Bean'.

Park 1-2 hours Free

Art Institute of Chicago

One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Art Institute of Chicago houses an impressive collection of artworks from around the world.

Museum 2-3 hours $25 (adults), Free for children under 14

Skydeck Chicago

Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan. Visitors can step out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending out from the building.

Observation Deck 1-2 hours $28 (adults), $20 (children 3-11)

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.

Entertainment 2-4 hours Free to enter, individual attractions have varying costs

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.

Sports 2-4 hours (game duration varies) Ticket prices vary depending on the game and seating

Must-Try Local Dishes

Deep-Dish Pizza

A thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. It's a Chicago classic and a must-try for pizza lovers.

Dinner Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some restaurants.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

A steamed or grilled all-beef hot dog topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all served on a poppy seed bun.

Snack Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some hot dog stands.

Italian Beef Sandwich

Thinly sliced beef cooked in its own juices and served on an Italian roll. It's typically dipped in the juices and topped with sweet or hot peppers.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten and beef. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some Italian beef restaurants.

Chicago-Style Popcorn

A sweet and savory snack made with caramel and cheese-flavored popcorn, often sold in colorful boxes at street corners and ballgames.

Snack Contains dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some popcorn stands.

Popular Activities

Kayaking on the Chicago River Biking along Lake Michigan Rock climbing at First Ascent Picnicking in Millennium Park Yoga in the park Spa treatments at The Peninsula Chicago Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago Attending a performance at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Chicago for outdoor activities, festivals, and sightseeing. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's parks and attractions.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Polish, Chinese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Chicago is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Some areas of the city have higher crime rates, and visitors should research their destinations before traveling.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Avoid walking alone in isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night

Getting there

By air

O'Hare International Airport • 27 km (17 miles) from city center
Midway International Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center

By bus

Greyhound Station, Megabus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The 'L' is a convenient and affordable way to get around Chicago. It consists of eight color-coded lines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

The Loop Lincoln Park Wicker Park Magnificent Mile Pilsen

Day trips

Navy Pier

2 km (1.2 miles) • Half day to full day

Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.

Wrigley Field

10 km (6.2 miles) • Half day to full day

Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.

Museum Campus

3 km (1.9 miles) • Half day to full day

The Museum Campus is a 57-acre park located on the southern tip of Grant Park in Chicago. It's home to several world-class museums, including the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium.

Festivals

Lollapalooza • Early August (4-day festival) Chicago Jazz Festival • Late August to early September (weekend festival) Chicago Food Festival • Early September (weekend festival)

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and long wait times
Use the Ventra card for easy and convenient payments on public transportation
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods and culinary scene to get a true sense of Chicago's character and culture
Take an architecture river cruise to see the city's stunning skyline and learn about its architectural history
Visit the city's many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy nature and outdoor activities, even in the heart of the city