Magnificent Mile Tour With Optional 360 Chicago Upgrade
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience the story of Chicago through its skyline on a walking tour that stretches from the city’s 19th-century roots to its most striking modern towers. From Beaux-Arts to modernist to Art Deco, this architecture tour has it all.
Start near beautiful Millennium Park to enjoy those lakefront views. Then follow your guide past architectural gems from the 1920s and landmarks like the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower, plus eye-catching storefronts including the world’s largest Starbucks and a Harry Potter-themed shop.
Step off Michigan Avenue to explore luxury spots like Cartier and St. Laurent before wrapping up at the former John Hancock Center. If you’ve selected the upgrade, you’ll head up 1,030 feet to 360 Chicago to be dazzled by panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the pinnacles of skyscrapers below your feet.
Come see what makes this mile truly magnificent!
Available options
Tour + 360 Chicago Upgrade
Tour + 360 Chicago Upgrade: Enjoy a guided tour the Magnificent Mile and off-mile stops plus your ticket to the 360 Chicago observation deck.
Mag Mile Walking Tour
Explore the landmarks new and old on the Magnificent Mile with an expert local guide. Does not include 360 ticket.
What's included
Professional local guide
Guided walking tour of Michigan Avenue
360 Chicago ticket (if you upgrade)
Visits to Rush Street, Millennium Park, and more
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your guide at the Federal Building Columns and learn about the history of Chicago’s lakefront. Then get a glimpse of Italian Renaissance style at the Chicago Cultural Center nearby.
2
Stop 2
Admire the beauty of the Beaux Arts and Art Deco movements on the water with three distinct Chicago buildings from the 1920s. You’ll also learn about the impact of the Chicago School of Architecture.
3
Experience the Mag Mile in a unique way. Observe the world’s largest Starbucks, Burberry’s unique façade, and walk by the nation’s only Harry Potter themed store outside Orlando. See major architectural movements from Art Deco to late Modernist.
4
Stop 4
High end retail is never too far from commercial retail and you will experience storefronts of the elites like St. Laurent, the Esquire Theater, and Cartier.
5
Stop 5
If you upgrade to add on the 360 Chicago observation deck, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Magnificent Mile, Lake Michigan, and more from 1,030 feet up. Your visit is self-guided, so feel free to stay as long as you like. If you wish, you can also upgrade your ticket on-site by adding the TILT thrill ride experience.
What's not included
Gratuities
TILT (can be purchased on-site)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.6
7 reviews
5★
6
4★
0
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
72 reviews
5★
70
4★
2
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
If you purchased the upgrade, you can enjoy a self-guided 360 Chicago visit after the walking tour. You're welcome to spend as long as you like on the observation deck. This ticket doesn't include TILT. If you feel up to the challenge, you can purchase the TILT upgrade on-site.
Meeting point
Meet your guide on the north side of the Cancer Survivors’ Garden in front of the Federal Building Columns (corner of Field Boulevard and E. Randolph Street). Your guide will be wearing an orange hat that says ExperienceFirst.
Important notes
Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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