Harold Washington Library Center (Chicago Public Library) Tours and Tickets

Explore the hidden side of Chicago on a 2-hour walking tour of The Loop, a bustling neighborhood that’s full of wild history, architectural landmarks and some of the city’s most fascinating characters. Follow your local guide along the sidewalk, and stop to notice the overlooked details and untold stories that even life-long locals sometimes miss. Experience the city one small piece at a time on a route that traces a path between Chicago’s littlest treasures, and get an inside look at life in the Second City.

Discover the architectural splendor of downtown Chicago—and learn all about the city’s early skyscrapers, urban planning, and modern history—on this small-group tour. Meet your guide in the morning on Michigan Avenue and set off by foot and by L train. You’ll see world-renowned landmarks like the Rookery Building, will visit the Chicago Cultural Center to admire the world’s largest Tiffany dome, will explore the Fine Arts Building, and much more.

Explore Chicago’s amazing architecture from the unique perspective of elevated trains and station platforms. Learn the history behind the famous "L" system and hear how it has shaped the development of buildings within the Loop. The city's first elevated train started making trips in 1892. Now considered one of Chicago’s most defining features, the "L" offers incredible views of downtown. By being more than 20 feet off the ground, you'll see architectural details that are missed by most pedestrians at street level. This is our most comprehensive tour in the Loop, passing hundreds of buildings and highlighting ones of architectural significance.

Explore Chicago's iconic landmarks on this sightseeing tour led by an expert guide. Board a comfortable, large-windowed minibus and explore downtown and Northside neighborhoods. You have a chance to get out and visit several locations and hear about the historical and cultural factors that make Chicago unique. Upgrade your tour with a popular open-top boat tour on the Chicago River that focuses on the city's renowned architecture.

Get to know the Windy City the easy and comfortable way on a small-group minibus tour. Instead of long walks and navigating public transit, see major landmarks like Museum Campus, Buckingham Fountain, the Magnificent Mile, and Millennium Park from an uncrowded minibus with large picture windows. Your driver and guide knows where to find all the best views, and there are plenty of photo stops along the way.