Chicago

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Chicago: Culture and Architecture of the Prohibition Era

Recommended by 92% of travelersBadge of ExcellenceChicago, USA

Chicago Walking Tour Legacy of the Prohibition Era

From $49.96

per person

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Walk Chicago to see the legacy left behind by the Prohibition Era. See the gorgeous Chicago skyline and discover why this city's architecture is among the best in the world. Take in famous landmarks like the Chicago Riverwalk, Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Magnificent Mile, and many more, all while your guide shares insider tips and stories you'd miss on your own. Then, taste surprise local treats along the way.

Get the iconic photo at the world-famous Bean sculpture
Discover the inspirations that the Prohibition Era had on the city in the 1920s
Enjoy some Chicago-style popcorn during your tour
Personalized attention on small-group tour (or private) for maximum 16 people

What's Included

Discover Chicagos’ incredible architecture both old and new
Taste local tradition: Chicago-style popcorn
Enjoy stunning river views
Pass by where Chicago Theatre where musical Chicago was filmed
Stroll through the beautiful parks
Join Friendly Local English-speaking guide
Get tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay

Additional Food & Drink
Tips/gratuities for your guide

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

The Chicago Theatre
175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
The Chicago Theatre (underneath the marquee), 175 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60601

End point

Millennium Park, Chicago, IL, USA
Millennium Park and Michigan Ave

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible

Most travelers can participate
This is a child-friendly tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge.
Experiences happen rain, shine, or snow. Please dress accordingly.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but please note that this tour covers about 4.8 km (3 miles) of walking.
We can accommodate vegetarian options but cannot accommodate other food allergies or dietary preferences. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.8

79 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 79 reviews

Must do!

andreajacobsen2, Dec 2024

It was amazing. I grew up in Rockford, IL and grew up going to Chicago a few times a year. But I never knew about its rich full history and of course its beautiful architecture. I know the boat tours are popular, but I recommend doing this one instead!! Going inside the buildings and learning about its history and viewing the ceilings and interior was amazing.

Best city tour I’ve ever had

Rob_B, Nov 2024

My gf and I had the best tour with Dave. He knew so many hidden spots and all the history we were interested in. Highly highly recommend

Curious and entertaining guide

Emilia_L, Oct 2024

The cultural center tour was fantastic. The explanation was educational. It was billed as a prohibition tour but the information on that topic was limited.

Chicago so much to see

Sergio_L, Sep 2024

The former library is beautiful. The stops were informative. Overall it was the right amount of time for a walking tour.

Really interesting tour...

Sam_H, Aug 2024

Really interesting tour all of it was fascinating. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and his enthusiasm Chicago and the tour was brilliant

Tour

Akinsiku_T, Aug 2024

The tour guide was on time, patient and understanding. He was kind and accommodating. The tour was done in a bit of a rush and we didn’t enjoy the tour as much as we could have. It was a small group of two couples- it would have been nice if we were addressed by our names too, just like it was for the other couple.

Somewhat disappointing

Yan_B, Jun 2024

David was very engaging and clearly excited to show off the city. I was however disappointed with the itinerary. I was hoping to see more architecture (Wrigley building, Tribune tower, NBC building, Flamingo sculpture, etc. Instead, we spent way too much time in Marshal Fields and buying pop corn.

Have to do this trip first when you visit Chicago

Adam_R, May 2024

Dash was an amazing host. So much information and history. He kept the group together even through the hectic parade. We had a wonderful tour. I only wish we had done Dash’s tour on our first day here

Really great tour and tour guide

Dominique_B, May 2024

We had a lot of fun in this tour and learnt a lot. Dave is very knowledgeable and engaging. We visited some of the iconic places in the Loop, talked about history and lots of anecdotes which really made a difference. We also sampled a few local food at his recommendation. Highly recommend it.

Trivia Walk instead of Architecture Walk

David_S, May 2024

Really nice guy but no real insights into architecture. Just a nice walk with some info about when buildings were built and what they were used for. I was hoping to really learn about their architects and architectural decisions. This was more of a “trivia” walk. If you’re going to do this, don’t do it after you’ve already been in the city for a few days as you will just touch in most highlights that you already naturally pass by.

Wonderful Private Tour

Ligia_P, Mar 2024

Our guide, Kevin, was very nice, knowledgeable, and catered the tour to our interests since it was just me and my friend. We especially loved a return visit to the Art Institute (which we had visited the day before but had managed to miss seeing the Monets, Van Goghs, and other important works). We also enjoyed the walking tour in the downtown Loop area, including seeing the Chicago River and the Merchandise Mart Building. I have a bum knee at the moment and was worried about a walking tour, especially stairs, but Kevin was mindful of the situation and we went slowly. My friend and I asked many questions and learned a lot -- I went home afterward to read up on Richard Nickels and his tragic death giving rise to the architecture preservationist movement in Chicago. Thanks, Kevin, for a great tour!

Great architecture tour of Chicago

Eric_S, Mar 2024

It was a great and informative tour. Really learned a lot about the culture and architecture history of the city. The chocolate and popcorn tasting was an additional plus.

Dave’s Chicago tour

marymtait, Mar 2024

The buildings and their architectural history. Dave was an excellent guide! He was a very comfortable person. I felt free to ask any questions and to ask for more info.

Experience Chicago Architecture

LeviJames_D, Mar 2024

The walk tour is something not to be missed for three reasons, especially when you’re on a short trip. Our guide, “tall Dave”, knows a lot about the history of the places we visited, shows interesting photos, and makes sure everyone is well accommodated. The sites have very fascinating architecture, some of them are hidden gems that do not usually appear in top places to visit when you Google. Finally, the group is pretty small, hence, it’s easier to interact with the guide, ask questions, and have fun with fellow tourists. So if you’re planning to visit Chicago, this tour should be in your checklist.

Very nice tour

Isadora_K, Feb 2024

We can see most of the main landmarks of the city, which has an impressive architecture and it is beautiful! Guide Rich is very attentive and helpful, a lovely person!

Great walking tour

Marla_O, Feb 2024

Our guide, Dash, was very informative and really got a lot in during our 2.5 hour tour. It was a little crisp out but he did a good job getting us inside as needed to warm up. I’ve spent a decent amount of time in Chicago but never really taken the time (except for a river tour) to look closely at the buildings. It was nice to slow down and take them in. The only negative was pre-trip when I had to jump through hoops to get another person added to our private group. They eventually accommodated.

Very detailed information about the city. Good!

Esteve_A, Jan 2024

The treats the guide offered to us. It was very kind of Rich and we would do it again if we came back.

Learn about some incredible buildings

Craig_R, Nov 2023

I was very lucky to be the only person on the tour which was probably because it was a very cold day. The temperature did not get above freezing. Dave the tour guide was very friendly and we spent a pleasant time walking around Chicago looking at the outside and inside of some amazing buildings. Dave knew his stuff and had plenty of interesting anecdotes. A good starter to Chicago architecture.

Worth it.

William_T, Nov 2023

Rich was a great guide. Courteous, knowledgeable and witty. A very enjoyable walking tour, great sights.

Don’t just see the outside of buildings.

Charles_H, Oct 2023

Very knowledgeable guide who’s enthusiasm for Chicago is contagious. The ability to walk inside buildings, see the remarkable details you won’t see from outside, and learn the amazing history of Chicago were outstanding.