Tours and Tickets to Experience Art Institute of Chicago

Discover Chicago like never before with complete freedom to explore at your own rhythm, lingering at fascinating locations or moving swiftly through others as your interests guide you. Our expertly crafted audio experience unveils exclusive historical insights and hidden stories that even longtime residents don't know, transforming you from tourist to insider as you uncover the authentic soul of the Windy City. Unlike rigid group tours that rush you past remarkable details, you'll have the flexibility to choose which attractions captivate you most, creating a personalized journey that matches your curiosity and schedule perfectly. You'll experience the city as locals do – unhurried, authentic, and deeply connected to the stories that shaped this magnificent metropolis, all while enjoying a superior experience that combines the convenience of independence with the depth of expert knowledge.

Make the most of your visit to the Art Institute of Chicago with a local, Chicago-based company that knows the museum inside and out. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a beginner, this opportunity lets you learn about the museum and its pieces through the eyes of an art historian guide without the crowds. Enhance your visit by hearing the stories behind major works.

Explore one of the country’s great art museums—and discover many of its collection highlights—on this small-group Art Institute of Chicago tour. Meet your guide right out front, and see works from artists the likes of Picasso, Chagall, Seurat, O’Keeffe, and many more. As you go, your guide will share the stories behind the masterpieces, and will help bring the history of the museum and its collection to life.

The Art Institute of Chicago is home to over 300,000 works of art by local and international artists. With so much to explore, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the options during a visit. Sit back and let an expert guide handle the planning as they take you through the museum’s major pieces. Learn about the history and context behind each piece in this culturally enriching experience.

Follow a self-guided adventure during this special smartphone-based game in Chicago’s Millennium Park. Learn about the city’s iconic works of art and architecture while enjoying views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Play anytime you’d like, seven days a week, with no data or Wi-Fi needed.

Discover the vibrant essence of Chicago with a self-guided tour through the Loop, the city’s historic downtown. This journey unveils a blend of striking skyscrapers and hidden architectural gems, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Uncover the rich history from the Great Fire of 1871 to the architectural masterpieces that define the skyline. Stroll past renowned theaters, museums, and captivating public art pieces that contribute to the city’s creative spirit. The Loop offers a unique perspective on Chicago's past and present, whether it's your first visit or a familiar stroll. — Self-guided exploration of Chicago’s historic Loop area — Learn about the city’s architectural innovations and history — Visit iconic landmarks like the Art Institute and Millennium Park — Perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned Chicagoans alike

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.

Get the most out of your trip to Chicago as you enjoy discount access to five of the city’s top attractions with the CityPASS®. This easy-to-use mobile ticket grants you free entry into top-tier sights including the Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, plus your choice of admission to three of the following attractions: Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, Adler Planetarium, or Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour.

Amy Bizzarri, author of "Chicago's Iconic Dishes, Desserts, and Drinks," has curated this tour of Chicago's most historic cocktail hotspots. You'll learn some history, a bit of architecture, and have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best drinks the city has to offer! A perfect experience for a last-minute, grown-up night out! This tour is app-guided, so you can start and stop and restart at your convenience. Feel free to break the experience up over several days, if you are not up for a one-day cocktail crawl! The eATLAS app will guide you to each of the 5 stops in the heart of Chicago's Loop. They are all within an easy walking distance. The drinking age is 21 years old, so be prepared to show ID if you are planning on drinking cocktails. A specific drink is recommended but not required at each stop. The cost of food and drinks is NOT included in the Adventure. This is the Part 2 of a 2-part series of cocktail-focused tours. Be sure to check out Part 1!

Mobsters and Movies takes you through the real haunts of Capone, Dillinger, and The Outfit—then shows you how the very same streets turned into movie magic. Walk the same corners seen in 'The Untouchables' and 'Public Enemies,' and hear how Chicago wrote the script for American gangster history. This isn’t just another sightseeing tour—it’s a front-row seat to crime, cinema, and the city that made them both. Your guides aren’t just storytellers—they’re trained true crime historians, film buffs, and Chicago insiders who bring every scene to life. Step inside exclusive interiors where real mobsters plotted and Hollywood crews once brought the Windy City to the Silver Screen. We take you deeper into the story than any other tour can. Expect vivid tales, insider trivia, and behind-the-scenes stories that make Chicago’s gangster past feel as real as the movies it inspired.

First-time visitors to Chicago seeking a quick overview of the city will enjoy this 90-minute small-group walking tour. Your guide will take you to some of Chicago’s most beautiful and interesting buildings, including the Tribune Tower, the Art Institute, the Willis Tower, and more. Learn about Chicago’s architecture, history, and culture while getting your bearings.

Save 20% when you bundle these two iconic Chicago experiences! Discover Chicago by road and river with a 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Ticket and Shoreline Architecture Cruise combo! This ticket includes a 48-hour pass for our hop-on, hop-off Chicago sightseeing bus tour, and a pass for admission to Shoreline Sightseeing's must-do 75-minute Architecture River Cruise! You'll see the city's world-famous architecture from iconic streets like Magnificent Mile, Lake Shore Drive, State Street, Clark Street and Grand Ave, and from all three branches of the Chicago River. Create your own itinerary and explore at your own pace with unlimited bus exit and entry. Over 40 Chicago landmarks await you on the 75-minute Shoreline Architecture Cruise, from hidden architectural treasures to the city’s most famous landmarks. Expert live guides explain how Chicago’s buildings, architecture and engineering made the city famous.

See (and taste) the best of Chicago in just half a day on this bicycle tour of the Windy City’s most iconic sights and neighborhoods. Follow your guide along the Lakefront Trail, admire views of Millennium Park, and discover the Chicago Riverwalk. As you go, stop to sample culinary classics of Chicago, like deep-dish pizza, a true Chicago hot dog, and a tasty dessert for good measure.

Skip navigating around the city with a map and guidebook and explore Chicago's iconic landmarks in just a few hours on this sightseeing tour led by an expert guide. Board a comfortable, large-windowed minibus and explore Downtown and North Side neighborhoods, stopping to 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.

Experience Chicago in style on this unique Tea Around Town tour—a cozy blend of sightseeing, culture, and afternoon tea. Ride in comfort through the Windy City’s most iconic spots, including Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), the Magnificent Mile, and Lake Michigan’s skyline views. Sip premium teas and savor gourmet sweet and savory bites as you enjoy stories of Chicago’s rich history and architecture. Perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers, this intimate experience combines the elegance of tea time with the excitement of a city tour. Plus, take home a custom Tea Around Town tumbler as a keepsake of your memorable Chicago adventure.

Discover the stories, styles, and spirit that built Chicago into the architectural capital of the world. On this walking tour through the Loop, you’ll explore the birthplace of the skyscraper, visit landmarks like the Chicago Theatre, the Pablo Picasso at the Daley Plaza, and Millennium Park, and see how the city rose from the Great Fire to define modern design. Led by a friendly local guide who’s passionate about Chicago’s history and architecture, this tour brings the skyline to life one building, story, and photo stop at a time. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a first-time visitor, or a curious local, you’ll walk away seeing Chicago in a whole new way.

Skip the corny jokes and never-ending speeches — our shared tours are built for travelers who want the real Chicago, not a stand-up routine. ✔️ Over 20 iconic stops ✔️ Zero wasted time ✔️ Only the best views, landmarks, and photo spots We don’t stall, we don’t drag things out — and when we say “See All of Chicago,” we mean it. From skyline views and lakeside gems to architectural icons and hidden local favorites, our guided route is packed with unforgettable stops — and none of the filler. Let’s explore the city — the right way.

Skip the hassle of planning your Chicago itinerary with this convenient hop-on hop-off tour, covering the city's must-see sights. With multiple strategically located stops, explore the Windy City at your own pace, hopping off to visit top attractions like the iconic Art Institute and famous skyscrapers. Enjoy insightful audio commentary as you cruise through the city, learning about its rich history and vibrant culture. Perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time, this tour offers flexibility and ease, ensuring you don’t miss any of Chicago’s highlights. Book your ticket today and experience the best of Chicago hassle-free!

Ready to explore Chicago like never before? Whether you have just a couple of hours or a full day, my personalized city tours offer a unique and unforgettable experience, customizable from 2 to 8 hours. From the iconic skyline to hidden gems off the beaten path, I’ll take you on a journey that captures the heart and soul of this incredible city. I’ll also capture professional photos along the way, so you can take home memories of your adventure. With flexible pickup options, including quick tours during layovers at O'Hare, I make it easy to see the best of Chicago, no matter how much time you have. Book your tour today and let me show you the Windy City through the eyes of a local!

In the beloved 1980s teen comedy “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” the Art Institute of Chicago plays a starring role—and on this immersive, small-group tour, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Ferris and his friends all while visiting the museum’s best-known masterpieces. Meet your guide inside of the museum in the Modern Wing (tickets own expense). You can look forward to seeing masterworks by Chagall, Seurat, Cassatt, and more, all while hearing behind-the-scenes stories.

Use clues at each attraction to find your next destination and challenge yourself to use logic, imagination, observation, and team spirit to complete the game. Uncover local information and facts about the city as you explore. Discover hidden gems and narrow streets. Without a schedule and at your own pace, pause anytime and continue later or even another day. Work as a team or compete with each other. A unique team-building activity perfect for couples, families, companies, students and groups of friends. You will visit: Navy Pier Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge Maggie Daley Park Millennium Park The Art Institute of Chicago Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain Queen’s Landing Field Museum Shedd Aquarium Adler Planetarium

Stroll through Chicago's winter streets, lit up for the holidays, without the hassle of navigating the city yourself on this gourmet walking tour. Learn about Chicago's celebrated holiday traditions like the European-inspired Christkindlmarket, the beautiful decor and windows on State Street, and ice skating at Millennium Park. Sample generous tastes of classic Chicago foods and holiday treats as you walk.

The perfect tour for first timers to Chicago or those who want to explore Chicago's top attractions and highlights. Stroll through the beautiful streets of downtown Chicago and learn about the City’s rich history, colorful characters, and get insider tips. Enjoy a 2hr walking tour & receive a bonus FREE 2hr bike or kayak rental, adding value to your experience. Enjoy biking along the scenic Lakefront Trail or kayaking on Lake Michigan. Bobby's Bike Hike walking tours have been recognized nationally by National Geographic, USA Today, and Conde Nast Magazine. Explore the amazing sites that Chicago made famous; Millennium Park, Chicago Riverwalk, amazing Architecture of the Wrigley Building and Chicago Theater, & Michigan Avenue dubbed ‘the Magnificent Mile’ for it’s world-renowned shopping. Bobby’s local expert guides lead you through downtown Chicago’s most iconic landmarks and share their knowledge about the City along the way. The tour covers 1.5 miles(2.25km) on easy, flat terrain.