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Michigan Avenue

Michigan Avenue: Our most recommended tours and activities

Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

1. Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

Experience more of Chicago by boat than on any other architectural cruise. See architectural highlights and enjoy an open-air deck or climate-controlled interior as you travel the main River and its north and south branches. View all of Chicago's architectural highlights during this comprehensive sightseeing tour. Be entertained by the expert and friendly tour guides as they explain the 130 year-long history behind the skyline, while bartenders and staff keep you comfortable with refreshments.  Choose between the fresh air of the open-air decks or enjoy the comfort of the climate-controlled interiors during your cruise. The tour starts at the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) bridge and goes up the main branch of the Chicago River past Wolf Point. It then cruises along the north and south branches of the river, before heading back past the Chicago Riverwalk towards Lake Michigan. On the way, learn about ornate, historic early skyscrapers like the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower, the imposing art deco Merchandise Mart, mid-century skyscrapers like the Mies Van der Rohe AMA Building. Don't miss the circular Marina City Towers, the majestic Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower and the tallest building in Chicago) the soaring AON Center, and more modernist structures like Aqua, Trump Tower, Nuveen, and the new Vista Tower. During your cruise, have the opportunity to enjoy a full-service cash bar featuring authentic Chicago products, including local beer and spirits, and Garrett’s Popcorn. Don’t forget to take a selfie at the Grand Staircase at the front of the boat or pose for photos at the picturesque stern or bow of this classic vessel.

Chicago: 360 Chicago Observation Deck Skip-the-Line Ticket

2. Chicago: 360 Chicago Observation Deck Skip-the-Line Ticket

Marvel at the views from 1,000 feet over Chicago’s legendary Michigan Avenue with this ticket to the 360 CHICAGO observation deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center. Save time with skip-the-line access to this popular attraction. Head up to the 360 CHICAGO observation deck to take in breathtaking views of Chicago’s lakefront and view the city skyline from above. Take a peek at 4 neighboring states from this height. Feel the thrill of a 40-second ride in one of North America's fastest elevators to the observation deck to experience what 'Travel & Leisure Magazine' voted one of the best views in America. Enjoy an interactive exhibit on the Ground Floor that highlights Chicago’s rich history and showcases 9 of the city’s culturally unique neighborhoods. On the 94th floor, explore the history and architecture of the magnificent city stretched out before you. To enhance your experience, download the Magnicity App for a guided tour right from your smartphone. The App includes an interactive viewfinder, unique facts, stories and recommendations. Enjoy a thrilling photo opportunity at CloudWalk, a breathtaking 3D mural with the optical illusion of walking in the clouds. Relax and take in the view at the 94th floor’s Cloud Bar which serves up iconic Chicago snacks, neighborhood-inspired Cocktails, and a local brew, Moody Tongue, on tap. By purchasing this timed ticket, you get to skip the ticket desk and present your barcoded voucher to security to be scanned - you may have to wait in a short line at security, then head directly into the Ground Floor Exhibits, and then on to the Elevator Line.

Chicago: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

3. Chicago: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Experience the Windy City like never before with our hop-on, hop-off double-decker sightseeing bus tour! Marvel at the stunning skyscrapers of Chicago, including the iconic John Hancock Center, the towering Willis Tower, and the historic Wrigley Building. Our knowledgeable tour guides will provide you with fascinating facts and insights into Chicago's rich history as you explore the city's most impressive landmarks. Hop on and off as many times as you want to visit attractions such as the world-renowned Shedd Aquarium and Field Natural History Museum. Travel along the famous Magnificent Mile, considered one of the world's great avenues, and cross over the Michigan Avenue Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the Chicago River. With our convenient stops located throughout the city, it's easy to navigate your way around and explore at your own pace. Choose between a 24 or 48-hour ticket, and take your time discovering all that Chicago has to offer. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience - book your hop-on, hop-off bus tour today!

Chicago: Underground Pedway & Downtown Secrets Walking Tour

4. Chicago: Underground Pedway & Downtown Secrets Walking Tour

Come experience Chicago's famous "Pedway" – the mysterious underground tunnels downtown that keeps us all warm & dry in bad weather. Wandering the Pedway, through hidden corridors of stained glass and even underground swimming pools, you'll access interiors that seem to come up out of nowhere. In the first part of our 2-hour walk, on weekdays, you'll see beautiful and historic government building interiors, learning not only about the design and history of the buildings, but also about the movies filmed there. On weekends, as government buildings are closed, we instead explore a couple stunning interiors with stained glass mosaics that will leave you awe-struck. You'll walk under full blocks of buildings, up and down staircases, accessing these buildings through the Pedway's secret passages. In the second part of our walk, you'll discover some of the other "secrets of the Loop" hidden in plain sight. What is the meaning behind "The Bean"? What is the significance of Chicago and Route 66? How can someone walk right by a garden and not even SEE it -- or walk by a building and not see it, for that matter? You'll find so many secrets, packed into a leisurely 2-hour walk with your expert Chicago guide. Ending with a fabulous “secret” interior near the Art Institute, you’ll be in the perfect central spot for continuing your exploration of downtown Chicago on your own after the tour!

Chicago: 1.5-Hour Romantic Sunset Cruise

5. Chicago: 1.5-Hour Romantic Sunset Cruise

Relax as you glide over the Chicago River and into Lake Michigan on this cruise. Enjoy the glow of the sunset on Chicago's sparkling skyline. Have the option to purchase delectable drinks and snacks at the onboard bar as you sail. Start your sunset cruise on the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue. Make your way along the main branch of the river towards Lake Michigan before entering the Chicago Locks, a modern engineering marvel, that will transfer the vessel onto the great Lake Michigan. The vessel will cruise along Lake Michigan as the sun sets behind the wonderful skyline offering several amazing views. Your local tour guide will give a very brief commentary along the Chicago River and entrance to Lake Michigan, but most of the 1.5-hour cruise is spent without narration, leaving you to watch the sun put on a beautiful display with the City skyline. Admire the many angles of the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan, one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. Capture magical views of Chicago's twin super-skyscrapers, the famous Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and the John Hancock Building. You'll also get to admire the majesty of Grant Park with its famous Buckingham Fountain, and iconic Chicago venues such as Soldier’s Field, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. During your cruise, treat yourself at the full-service cash bar featuring authentic Chicago products. Try local beer and spirits and Garrett’s Popcorn. Choose between the fresh air of the open-air decks or enjoy the comfort of the climate-controlled interiors during your cruise. Don’t forget to take a selfie at the Grand Staircase at the front of the boat or pose for photos at the picturesque stern or bow of this classic vessel.

Chicago: Treasures of the Golden Age Walking Tour

6. Chicago: Treasures of the Golden Age Walking Tour

This Historic Treasures of Chicago tour covers the most significant historic architectural landmarks in Chicago’s Loop. Your expert guide, trained by the Chicago Architecture Center, will focus on great cultural buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which harkened back to earlier time periods and were designed in revival styles such as Beaux Arts, neo-Georgian and neo-Gothic. Marvel at exteriors and interiors of dazzling beauty and startling originality, and get a glimpse inside some of the city's most beloved buildings.    The highlights of this walking tour will include the Chicago Cultural Center, home to the world's largest Tiffany dome; the iconic Marshall Field's department store, now Macy's on State; and the Palmer House, a beautifully restored hotel from the 1920s. 

Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago Exclusive Guided Tour

7. Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago Exclusive Guided Tour

Getting to see famous artworks by true contemporary masters is a rare experience, but on a busy day at the art museum you might not even be able to enjoy what you’re seeing! On this exclusive, small group tour of the Art Institute of Chicago, your guide will show you the most famous pieces in a collection of 300,000, and you’ll actually get to enjoy them before the crowds. Meet your expert guide by the Lions on Michigan Avenue, then slip into the doors of the Art Institute for an exclusive guided tour. First, visit the gallery and take in George Seurat’s can’t-miss masterpiece A Sunday on La Grande Jatte. Then, wander over to enjoy alone time with three of Van Gogh’s pieces: The Bedroom, Self Portrait, and The Drinkers. Next, continue your journey into Impressionism with the Claude Monet’s mesmerizing artworks such as Stacks of Wheat, Water Lilies, and Water Lily Pond. Watch these pieces come to life as your guide shares the stories behind these iconic paintings. Visit galleries featuring works by American artists such as Georgia O'Keefe, Edward Hopper, and Jacob Lawrence. Here, you will even get to see the iconic American Gothic by Grant Wood! Finally, enjoy the intriguing works of Spanish artists Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Learn the story behind Picasso's The Old Guitarist before seeing Dalí’s Inventions of the Monsters and the head-scratching Venus de Milo With Drawers statue.

Chicago: Food, History and Architecture Tour with Tastings

8. Chicago: Food, History and Architecture Tour with Tastings

Discover the architecture and food scene of Chicago on a guided day tour. Learn more about the city's history and vibrant food scene as you discover various bustling neighborhoods and historic areas. Start the tour under the dazzling marquee of the Chicago Theater. Explore the bustling city where the first stop is inside one of the best-preserved spaces built for shopping in Chicago, featuring an unforgettable atrium at its core. Then, head towards the Chicago Pedway. This unique feature of Chicago is used by locals and commuters daily to move about the city in a network of underground tunnels. Make your way above ground at City Hall, and admire its classic interior design and architecture. Next, visit a spot for a tasty sweet treat, and a local tradition, Chicago-style popcorn. Take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk while taking in views of several soaring buildings, including Marina Towers, the Britannica Building, and the Sears Tower (now known as the Willis Tower). From there, visit another delicious destination for locally made chocolates from a Chicago staple. Meander through the beautiful lakefront parks along Michigan Avenue, finishing at picturesque Millennium Park, home to the iconic Bean sculpture. Travel by ‘L” train or ride share with your guide from Millennium Park up to the River North neighborhood, the original Chicago foodie destination. Your food tour starts with a very well-known Chicago fare, the Chicago-style hot dog. Every Chicagoan has his or her own preference as to how the dog should be made, and you’ll get a chance to try your guide’s favorite version. Next up is the world-famous Chicago deep-dish pizza. An entire meal unto itself, this staple of the Chicago food scene originated in River North in the 1940s when workers and families needed filling dishes at low prices. Your guide will take you to a pizza place that’s an icon to Chicago natives to try the real deal for yourself. After you’ve filled up on pizza and hot dogs, continue your tasting journey with a classic Chicago sandwich, the Italian beef. Sample this sandwich in a real Chicago institution with no-frills decor. Our tour ends here, and your guide will be happy to direct you back to your accommodation or share tips for what else to see in the city.

Chicago: Beautiful Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour

9. Chicago: Beautiful Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour

Segways are amazingly fun and there is no better way to tour a world-class city like Chicago than on your own personal set of wheels--a Segway! Our eight-mile Lakefront Chicago Segway tour lets you learn about and view and many Chicago's attractions in a highly unique way. As you glide effortlessly and enjoy the lakefront, you can learn the history of our city from your friendly and professional tour guide. Immerse yourself in the area's countless attractions, gorgeous parks and gardens, and stunning photo opportunities. See sights like Grant Park, the BP Bridge, the Bean, and the Buckingham Fountain, as well as generous views of Lake Michigan and the majestic skyline. Segways are safe to use, easy to learn, and fun to ride. We offer a thorough training session from our certified guides before we begin the tour.

Chicago: History, Culture and Architecture Walking Tour

10. Chicago: History, Culture and Architecture Walking Tour

Start your tour under the dazzling marquee of the Chicago Theater (which you might recognize from the movie-musical Chicago) before heading off into the bustling city. Your first stop is inside one of the best-preserved spaces built for shopping in Chicago, featuring an unforgettable atrium at its core. Then head towards the Chicago Pedway, a uniquely Chicago feature used by locals and commuters daily to move about the city in a network of underground tunnels. Afterward, head back above-ground near City Hall and head inside to see the classic interior design and architecture. Next, enjoy a sweet treat, and local tradition: Chicago-style popcorn. Weather permitting, take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk while taking in views of several soaring buildings, including Marina Towers, the Britannica Building, and the Willis Tower. From there, make your way to another delicious destination. Along the way, enjoy views of the world-famous Wrigley Building and the incredible Chicago Tribune building, the heart of Chicago’s thriving and historic journalism industry. Your second tasty confection is locally made chocolate from a Chicago staple. Finally, take a stroll through the beautiful lakefront parks along Michigan Avenue. Round up your tour in the picturesque Millennium Park, home to the iconic Bean sculpture. Here, your guide will conclude your tour and point you in the right direction toward more amazing sights, great lunch spots, or drink recommendations.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Michigan Avenue

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What people are saying about Michigan Avenue

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 3,512 reviews

It was great to see the entire city from that view. I was there for about 1.5 hours it wasn't too crowded and I could spend as much time as I wanted. My only compliant is the parking situation. I paid over $30 for parking in the garage and that included the 360 validation of $5. I paid more for parking than the ticket.

It was one of the best tours I have been on. Dave is an excellent city guide, very kind, personable and considerate of his group. He took us places I never knew existed in Chicago and he inspired us about Chicago and how very unique and fun the city is. I will take another tour with him the next time I’m back.

Excellent tour! The tour guide was very knowledgeable of history and architecture of the city. The food choices were great!

iam really recommend this company..excellent service, punctuality and very professional guide

Great excursions. Beautiful views and information.