The Chicago Architecture Foundation is a treasure. In this city of "big shoulders," architecture is king. There are so many important architectural treasures in the city that even native-born... More

The Chicago Architecture Foundation is a treasure. In this city of "big shoulders," architecture is king. There are so many important architectural treasures in the city that even native-born Chicagoans can learn a thing or two from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. They offer a wide variety of tours in the city, including walking, river cruises, and bus tours to important sites outside the main city center. Check their schedules or ask at the desk what they're having that day. The also have an excellent gift shop, which I highly recommend. Here you can find great books, modern home furnishings, postcards, and the perfect trinket to take home if you're a tourist. Don't miss one of Chicago's best institutions, located just across from the Art Institute.
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this is a great place to go if youre not sure how to really take advantage of the cities' architecture. the foundation sponsors tours around the city by boat, foot, and bus. They also have some... More

this is a great place to go if youre not sure how to really take advantage of the cities' architecture. the foundation sponsors tours around the city by boat, foot, and bus. They also have some great souviniers and gifts. Their prices are a little steep, but they have some really unique items and architecture books.
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At the Chicago Architecture Foundation, they take you on great tours of the city. My favorite Chicago Architecture Foundation tour is the boat tour, on which the point out significant building in... More

At the Chicago Architecture Foundation, they take you on great tours of the city. My favorite Chicago Architecture Foundation tour is the boat tour, on which the point out significant building in the loop and in other places along the Chicago River. Also, the Chicago Architecture Foundation has a tour of Millenium Park which I highly recommend. They give you so much history, even people that have lived in the city all their lives will learn something new.
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I joined a few years ago and loved all the perks-discounts at the store, free museum tours...They have lots to choose from all over the city, some are free, some are discounted to members. Most are... More

I joined a few years ago and loved all the perks-discounts at the store, free museum tours...They have lots to choose from all over the city, some are free, some are discounted to members. Most are lead by volunteers who love architecture. The boat tour is most popular!
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Alright, so we're all familiar with the usual touristy rubbish that passes for city tours. The guides typically don't know anything, the buses don't go anywhere interesting, and ultimately you could... More

Alright, so we're all familiar with the usual touristy rubbish that passes for city tours. The guides typically don't know anything, the buses don't go anywhere interesting, and ultimately you could have seen more yourself by walking. The Chicago Architecture Foundation, by contrast, specializes in narrated walking and riverboat tours of the downtown area of Chicago that points out interesting highlights in the development of Chicago as a city. Their tours are a little more expensive than the more touristy ones, true, but hopefully you will get more out of it. I highly recommend the river tour. If you don't want to know all about the history of Chicago architecture, however, you can try the cheaper river tours offered by their competitors. The view is the same, the only difference is the narration.
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