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Discover Chicago on Foot: Essential Free Tour Guide

One of the best ways to connect with a city’s soul is by walking through it. Chicago, with its stunning architecture and fascinating history, is the perfect setting. Below are two walking tours (the Art & Skyscrapers one, in a free walking tour mode) recommended by our sponsor Civitatis and ideal for uncovering the secrets of the “Windy City” with an expert guide.

❓ Quick FAQs About Free Tours

  • 💰 What does “Free Tour” mean? It’s a walking tour led by a professional guide with no fixed price. At the end, you’re free to tip whatever amount you deem fair based on your satisfaction.
  • 🇪🇸 What language are the tours in? Both tours are conducted entirely by an English-speaking guide.
  • ⏰ How long do they last? The general city tour lasts 2½ hours, while the mafia-themed tour takes between 1h 30m - 2h 30m, depending on the option chosen.
  • 👥 Can I join with a large group? No, spots are limited to no more than 6 people per booking, even if booked separately. For larger groups, a private tour is recommended.

🏙️ 1. Free Chicago Essentials Tour: Art & Skyscrapers

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Perfect for first-time visitors. This tour takes you through Chicago’s architectural icons and green spaces—from Picasso’s art to the reflections on the famous “Bean.”

📍 Highlights along the route:

  • Daley Plaza: Tour begins at Picasso’s enigmatic sculpture, an urban art icon.
  • Theater District: Explore the origins of skyscrapers and the history of Willis Tower.
  • Art Institute of Chicago (exterior): Marvel at one of the world’s greatest art museums, founded in 1879.
  • Millennium Park: Stroll through the lakefront garden, including the iconic “Cloud Gate” (The Bean).
  • Wrigley Building: Tour ends here, crossing the Chicago River for one of the city’s most famous photos.

ℹ️ Practical Details:

  • Duration: 2 h 30 min.
  • Meeting point: Daley Plaza, by the Picasso Statue.
  • Endpoint: Wrigley Building.
  • Pets: Allowed.

🎟️ Book your spot! This popular tour fills quickly. Although it’s a “free tour” on a pay-what-you-want basis, online reservation is mandatory. 👉 Book your Free Chicago Essentials Tour here.

🕵️ 2. Chicago Crime & Mob Tour (Paid Tour)

Uncover Chicago's dark past on this bus tour, exploring the historic crime scenes of notorious gangsters like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and the city's first serial killer, H. H. Holmes. A chilling and fascinating experience awaits.

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📍 Key Itinerary Stops:

  • Gangster Hangouts: Explore the nooks and crannies of neighborhoods like River North and Lincoln Park where the Mafia spun its web.
  • Biograph Theater: The infamous site where public enemy number one, John Dillinger, was killed after being betrayed.
  • Holy Name Cathedral: Witness the lingering bullet holes from a bloody Prohibition-era mob hit.
  • Historic Crime Scenes: Hear the macabre stories of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and the traps set by the serial killer H. H. Holmes.
  • Courthouse & Restaurants: Pass by the Cook County Criminal Courthouse and learn the hidden mob stories behind iconic restaurants.

🗓️ Tour Options: Day or Night?

This tour offers two distinct experiences, both starting and ending at the same location and including bus transport with an English-speaking guide.

  • Day Tour: 1h 30m to 2-hour tour focusing on the historic sites and stories. (Operates daily at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm).
  • Night Tour: A longer, 2 to 2.5-hour tour that follows the same itinerary but spends more time at each location, complete with a "delicious" surprise stop revealed along the way. (Operates Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 7:30 pm).

ℹ️ Practical Details:

  • Duration: 1h 30m - 2h 30m, depending on the option chosen.
  • Meeting Point: 163 E Pearson St.
  • Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible.
  • Pets: Not permitted.
  • Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts.

🎟️ Book Your Spot! This popular tour explores the dark side of Chicago and seats fill up quickly. Booking in advance is highly recommended to guarantee your place on the bus. 👉 Book Your Chicago Crime Tour Here.

🗺️ Looking for Other Chicago Experiences?

Beyond walking tours, Chicago offers river cruises, bus tours, food experiences, and visits to famous museums. If you'd like a different experience, a private tour, or want to explore all available activities, check out more options below.

✨ Explore more tours and activities. From architecture to food, find the perfect experience for your trip. 👉 See all tours and activities in Chicago.

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