Chicago Greeter Service

Explore Chicago with a friendly, knowledgeable Chicago Greeter as your guide! Visitors can register for a free 2-4 hour guided walking tour of a neighborhood or special local interest of their choice. This free service matches an individual, family or small group of friends with one of over 200 enthusiastic volunteer Greeters who love sharing their expertise and passion about the city and all there is to see and do here. For more information, visit http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/tours/tourism/chicago_greeter_tours.html.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Historic Water Tower

One of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire, the Historic Water Tower is an icon on North Michigan Avenue and houses the City Gallery, which showcases Chicago photography. The tower was built in 1869 by architect William W. Boyington.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum is a major museum and research center for Chicago and American history. From permanent galleries to special exhibitions and exciting programs, people of all ages are able to experience the past and better understand the present. Please call for museum hours, pricing and exhibitions.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Music Tour

Chicago Music Tour, Inc. specializes in guided bus tours of Chicago music history, including jazz, rock, blues, classical & soul. Tours feature a soundtrack of songs for each sight or stop. Open since 2011, the tours have received widespread acclaim. Tours include the Chicago Bound Blues Tour, Chicago Rocks 1980-2005, The Chicago Music Tour, Raised in Chicago Jazz Tour, Michigan Avenue Serenade Soul Tour, & Chicago Rock Stars tour. Tours run on weekends, but are available for private events.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Neighborhood Tours

These half-day bus excursions celebrate the history, stories, traditions, and most importantly, the people of our great city. Tours departing weekly from the Chicago Cultural Center. Explore Chicago's neighborhoods with local tour guides. All tours are conducted by motorcoach and by foot, and depart from the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 East Randolph Street. Check in at 9:30 am in the main seating area behind the Randolph Cafe. Unless otherwise specified, tours do not include lunch or refreshments. All tours are $30 for adults and $25 for seniors/students/children, with the exception of Taste of the Neighborhoods ($50/$45). Cash and major credit cards are accepted. Chicago Neighborhood Tours is presented by the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Opera Theater

This opera company specializes in a unique repertoire that focuses on works from the 17th, 18th and 20th centuries, performed beautifully in a small venue.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Pedway Tour

The Chicago Pedway Tour will lead you through the Pedway, the backdrop for an amusing and enlightening tour of some of the hot-spots (or a least warm-spots) of downtown Chicago. The tour focuses on interesting anecdotes and tales about some of the great buildings downtown, but it’s also a study of the city underneath the city. The Pedway is a strange and wonderful place and adds so much to the city’s personality. These are great tours for Chicagoans who want to learn more about the city and for tourists who want a full Chicago experience without ever going outside. The tour is 90 minutes and is $20. Monday/Thursday/Saturday at 10:30 am. Please note: the start location for the Monday and Thursday tour is at 40 W. Lake St. in the “Gallery of Shops.” The start location for the Saturday tour is at start at Block 37 – 108 N. State St.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Photo Safaris

A professional photographer takes visitors to a landmark Chicago destination while giving tips on composition, lighting and exposure. These sessions are for photographers of any skill level with any kind of camera, digital or film.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Private Tours

Provides tours in nine languages. Each tour comes with a chauffeur, expert guide, and luxury vehicle. Group tours available.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago River Architecture Tour - Wendella Sightseeing Boats

The Chicago River Architecture Tour is a 60-minute journey through the heart of the city. Led by an architectural expert, this in-depth tour traces the history and innovations of urban architecture in Chicago.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Riverwalk

Experience the magnificence of the city from a different perspective. The city’s Riverwalk features walkways and seating areas along the water's edge, where visitors can enjoy views of architecture, and watch the Chicago’s historic bridges rise for boats heading out to Lake Michigan. With attractions such as cafes, boat cruises, bike rentals and more, there’s plenty to do. (Chicago Riverwalk runs along the south bank of the Chicago River, from Lake Shore Drive to Franklin Street.)

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Savvy Tours

Chicago Savvy Tours specializes in architectural and historical tours of Chicago, and offers a variety of services for both private and group tours.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Chicago's internationally acclaimed professional theater dedicated to presenting the works of William Shakespeare.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Recipient of the 2008 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Chicago Shakespeare Theater offers a broad spectrum of theatrical experiences year-round, engaging and entertaining audiences from all walks of life and from around the world. The plays of William Shakespeare form the core of our company's work and Subscription Series, featuring selections from Shakespeare’s 38-play canon complemented by other dramatic works—from traditional classical theater to new classics that resonate with Shakespeare’s timeless insights into the human condition.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

The world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) performs at the grand Symphony Center on Michigan Avenue in the Loop. The CSO is led by Music Director Riccardo Muti, and often collaborates with some of the biggest names in classical music. In the summer, the CSO takes up residence at the outdoor Ravinia Festival in north suburban Highland Park. Photo credit: Todd Rosenberg as photographer for CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Theater Stories Walking Tour

Stroll around the downtown theater district and hear stories from the golden age of Chicago theater, a century defined by a pioneering spirit and cataclysmic events.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co.

We operate Chicago’s premier Hop On Hop Off ® city sightseeing tours in the classic red & green Trolleys and fun-filled Double Decker buses. We also offer private group transportation for special events such as weddings, parties, and corporate outings. For 19 years the Hop On Hop Off® sightseeing tour has been the gold standard for entertaining and informative tours. Covering 13 miles and 14 stops, the Signature Tour is an eye-popping adventure through the heart of Chicago, giving you the option of Hopping On and Off at your choice of stops to visit the hottest retail, cultural, and family attractions. Summer tours include neighborhood tours and night tours.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Union Station

This architectural gem has been featured in many movies over the years, including Derailed. But it's the marble staircase here—featured in the climatic scene from The Untouchables—that still attracts visitors over 20 years later.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago's Chinatown

Chicago's own Chinatown features beautiful Chinese-style buildings, as well as exotic dining and shopping experiences that have made the neighborhood a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago's First Lady Cruises

Located at the Michigan Avenue Bridge, Chicago's most luxurious touring vessels offer one of Chicago's top tourist attractions, the critically-acclaimed Chicago Architecture Foundation river cruise with commentary by trained, certified docents, and the American Girl Dinner & River Cruise created especially for families and girls (8-12).

CITY: Chicago

Chopin Theatre

The Chopin Theatre is a two-stage complex in the heart of Wicker Park that plays host to various theatrical and literary events. Roadworks Productions has been the resident theatre company, producing at least three main stage shows each season.

CITY: Chicago

Cinespace Chicago Film Studio

Cinespace Specializes in the development, management and operation of studio facilities. Our space is approximately 1.5 million square feet.

CITY: Chicago

Circle Theatre of Oak Park

Circle Theatre is an artist-based company whose mission is to produce exciting and innovative theatre accessible to our widely diversified suburban and city audience. Through variety-filled seasons including drama, comedy, musicals, and new works, Circle Theatre challenges, entertains, and educates audiences and artists of all ages.

CITY: Oak Park

Citadel Theatre

Citadel Theatre is dedicated to producing inspiring theatre by bringing together gifted professionals from all the theatrical disciplines to create exciting, compelling work of the highest caliber.

CITY: Lake Forest

City Gallery at the Historic Water Tower

City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower presents exhibitions by Chicago Photographers. One of Chicago's most popular landmarks with the gallery curated by Chicago's public art program.

CITY: Chicago

City Segway Tours - Chicago

Chicagoland's first guided Segway tour provides an informative ride with unique and fascinating Chicago stories, fantastic photo ops and the chance to ride the coolest machine in the world.

CITY: Chicago

Civic Opera House

The world-renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago performs in one of North America's most beautiful opera houses, the Civic Opera House. The decorative character of the entire building is a hybrid of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. Comedy-tragedy masks and cornucopia of instruments abound as playful ornaments around entrances, inspired by the Paris Opera House designed by Jean-Louis-Charles Garnier. The famous painted fire curtain (depicting the parade scene from Aida) and the interior decoration details of the Civic Opera House were created by American artist Jules Guerin in a palette of salmon pinks, roses, olives, golds and bronzes.

CITY: Chicago

Clarke House Museum

Built in 1836, Clarke House is Chicago's oldest home.

CITY: Chicago

Clockwise Theatre

Clockwise Theatre's goal is to offer alternative entertainment choices, including world premiers of plays with an emphasis on Midwestern playwrights, new or unusual small-scale musicals, and programming for the teenage-young adult audience. Clockwise hopes to offer a welcoming canvas on which to work, mobilizing the energy of the young, wisdom of the old, vision of the artist, and the rich cultures woven throughout Waukegan and the Midwest.

CITY: Waukegan

Collaboraction

Collaboraction creates original works of theatre that emphasize high production values, push boundaries, and highlight issues that are socially relevant to a diverse community of Chicagoans.

CITY: Chicago

Columbiana - Wicker Park

After witnessing her parents’ murder as a child in Bogota, a young woman grows up to be a cold-blooded assassin in search of the mobster who killed them.

CITY: Chicago

Combined Lake and River Tour - Wendella Sightseeing Boats

The Combined Lake and River Tour offers a comprehensive overview of Chicago, with breathtaking views of the magnificent skyline and an up-close perspective from the Chicago River.

CITY: Chicago

ComedySportz Theatre - Chicago

ComedySportz is the longest running short-form improv show in Chicago. Now in our 25th year! It's not stand-up comedy about sports...it's improv comedy played as a sport! We're also known for corporate training and corporate entertainment, improv classes and as a great place for any group celebrating a special occasion. If you like great comedy improvisation, visit our theater, the ComedySportz Theatre.

CITY: Chicago

Contagion - Central Elementary School

An international team of doctors is contracted by the CDC to deal with the outbreak of a deadly disease.

CITY: Wilmette

Contagion - Chicago Midway Airport

An international team of doctors is contracted by the CDC to deal with the outbreak of a deadly disease.

CITY: Chicago

Couples Retreat - O’Hare International Airport

In this comedy, four couples head to a tropical island resort where they end up working on their romantic relationships, despite their best efforts to just have fun.

CITY: Chicago

Court Theatre

For more than 50 years the University of Chicago's Court Theatre has celebrated the power and relevance of classic theater. Call for shows and tickets.

CITY: Chicago

Crown Hall

Located on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology, S.R. Crown Hall is widely regarded as Mies van der Rohe's masterpiece, and is one of the most architecturally significant buildings of the 20th century Modernist Movement.

CITY: Chicago

Cuneo Mansion and Gardens

The opulent Cuneo Museum and Gardens, located on 75 acres and dotted with formal gardens and statuary was the perfect setting for the wedding scenes in "My Best Friend's Wedding." The gazebo where the best friends were caught kissing was built specifically for the film, but Cuneo's owners liked it so much they decided to keep it permanently. Take a guided tour through the historic Mediterranean-style Cuneo mansion to see Renaissance artworks and lavish European furnishings.

CITY: Vernon Hills

Czechoslovak Heritage Museum

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Highlights the history and culture of the Czech Republic and Slovakia through authentic folk costumes, lead crystal, chain, ceramics, embroidery, and historical displays. Donations welcome.

CITY: Oak Brook

D'Arcy Museum, Loyola University Chicago

Medieval, renaissance and baroque art, including paintings, sculpture, and rare decorative art.

CITY: Chicago

Daley Plaza

In the center of downtown Chicago, see the world-renowned Picasso sculpture. "Under the Picasso" entertainment features music dance and cultural programs weekdays at noon.

CITY: Chicago

Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago

The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago is the city's leading presenter of contemporary dance, showcasing artists of regional, national and international acclaim.

CITY: Chicago

David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art

The Smart Museum of Chicago's Fine Art Museum. Located on the University of Chicago Campus, the Smart Museum houses a collection of over 7,500 objects, spanning 5,000 years of artistic creation.

CITY: Chicago

Deep Space Adventure

Adler Planetarium will reveal Deep Space Adventure, a new, immersive space experience like no other in the world. Visitors will come aboard the observation deck of a futuristic starship for an adventure through deep space.The centerpiece of the experience is the Grainger Sky Theater (formerly the historic Sky Theater), which will open as the most technologically advanced theater ever developed.

CITY: Chicago

Derailed - Millennium Park

In this thriller, two married business executives meet on a Metra train to Chicago and begin a dangerous affair. Chicago filming sites include Union Station, a 1920s stunner designed by Daniel Burnham that is still a major rail hub in the city today; and the ice rink at Millennium Park, Chicago's 24-acre showplace for the arts that also features the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a unique outdoor performance venue.

CITY: Chicago

Derailed - Union Station

In this thriller, two married business executives meet on a Metra train to Chicago and begin a dangerous affair. Chicago filming sites include Union Station, a 1920s stunner designed by Daniel Burnham that is still a major rail hub in the city today; and the ice rink at Millennium Park, Chicago's 24-acre showplace for the arts that also features the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a unique outdoor performance venue.

CITY: Chicago

Devonshire Cultural Center

Home of the Skokie Art Guild and Devonshire Playhouse, the Cultural Center offers children's and adult theater, as well as visual and performing arts.

CITY: Skokie

Diversey River Bowl

Diversey River Bowl features a phenomenal light show, great sound system, video arcade and bowling fun. Open lanes every night.

CITY: Chicago

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center offers a total 840,000 square feet of flexible exhibition space. Configure it any way you like. You may need a 500-booth to 800-booth area, or 100 to 200 booths. If you’re planning a larger show, you’ll appreciate our continuous 250,000 square-foot space for 1,225 booths. Or you can create a multiple hall layout for up to 3,566 booths. Customized floor plans are our specialty, so just ask.

CITY: Rosemont

Donny's Skybox Theater

Donny’s Skybox Theatre and the de Maat Studio Theatre are dedicated to presenting productions that are rooted in the crafts of theatrical improvisation and sketch comedy as taught by The Second City Training Center. Alumni, faculty, students, and other members of the extended Second City family unite to develop new voices and points-of-view in a manner that honors the history of the work and seeks to propel it into the future. Donny’s Skybox is a studio environment where both emerging and established artists are encouraged to experiment, innovate, and grow.

CITY: Chicago

Double Door

Find a lot of standing-room shows of predominantly rock bands that play to packed crowds. Play pool, watch the evening's performance on a video screen downstairs, or simply check out the music scene with beer in hand.

CITY: Chicago

Downtown Arlington Heights Shopping & Entertainment District

Diverse collection of charming local shops and major retailers. Outstanding restaurants, theaters, nightlife, and entertainment, all within walking distance.

CITY: Arlington Heights

Dreidels & More

Unique Judaic giftware and ritual items. Many imported from Israel and handmade.

CITY: Chicago

Drink Nightclub

Drink is the perfect place to join your friends for a few cocktails, have your next event, or dance the night away with Chicaog's hottest DJs.

CITY: Schaumburg

Drury Lane Children's Theatre

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Be a part of the sparkling lights and glamour of Broadway at the award winning Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace. The Children's Theatre features stellar performances made just for kids that will entertain and inspire.

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Drury Lane Theatre & Conference Center

The Drury Lane Theatre & Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace is a beautiful, unique and versatile facility that combines ideal location, functionality and elegance to make it one of Chicagoland's finest facilities for business and entertainment. 971-seat proscenium style live theater featuring musicals, comedy, hollywood personalities and dinner theatre. Banquets for 2,500. 40,000 square feet of trade show space. Conveniently located to the airports.

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place

An intimate 549-seat performance space presenting contemporary plays and musicals as well as classics from Broadway and beyond.

CITY: Chicago

DuSable Museum of African American History

The nation's first independent museum dedicated to the history of African Americans.

CITY: Chicago

Eagle Eye - Emmit's Irish Pub

Two young strangers are thrown together by a phone call from a mysterious woman who pushes them into increasingly dangerous situations as she tracks their every move and controls them via technology while they are pursued by the FBI.

CITY: Chicago

Eagle Eye - Rock N Roll McDonald's

Two young strangers are thrown together by a phone call from a mysterious woman who pushes them into increasingly dangerous situations as she tracks their every move and controls them via technology while they are pursued by the FBI.

CITY: Chicago

Eagle Eye - Various El Stations

Two young strangers are thrown together by a phone call from a mysterious woman who pushes them into increasingly dangerous situations as she tracks their every move and controls them via technology while they are pursued by the FBI.

CITY: Chicago

Elawa Farm

Built in 1917 for A. Watson Armour, Elawa Farm is a stunning example of estate farm architecture. Come and learn about Historic Elawa Farm and what it looked like way back when and what is happening today at the farm. This farm is a 16-acre parcel of land, including the original farm complex buildings that were part of an early 20th century gentleman's farm and has a unique combination of natural setting, designed landscapes and buildings of architectural and historic significance.

CITY: Lake Forest

Elk Grove Farmhouse Museum

The oldest farmhouse in Elk Grove Village. Restored to reflect life during the civil war. The home of Heinrich and Maria Schuette. School and scout programs available. Open year-round.

CITY: Elk Grove Village

Elmhurst Art Museum

Exhibiting late 20th Century American Art, Elmhurst Art Museum offers exhibitions ranging from national touring works to local emerging and mid-career Chicago and Illinois artists. The Museum offers public tours, programs, guest lectures and art classes. It's award-winning structure contains a dramatic glass entrance gallery, three museum galleries, an educational pavilion, and the Ludwig Mies van der Rohe-designed McCormick house.

CITY: Elmhurst

Elmhurst Art Museum

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - The museum's award-winning structure contains a dramatic glass entrance gallery, three museum galleries, an educational pavilion, and the Ludwig Mies van der Rohe-designed McCormick house.

CITY: Elmhurst

Elmhurst Historical Museum

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - This prize-winning museum features changing interpretive exhibits on Elmhurst history as well as national touring exhibits. Programs for children, families and adults throughout the year.

CITY: Elmhurst

Ernest Hemingway Birthplace

Visit the Victorian home where Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway was born in 1899 and learn about his early family life.

CITY: Oak Park

Ernest Hemingway Museum

Explore displays featuring rare photos of Hemingway, his childhood diary, letters, early writings, and other memorabilia. Enjoy videos documenting the author's life and work. Bookshop on site.

CITY: Oak Park

Ernest Hemingway Museum and Birthplace

The museum displays rare photos of Hemingway, his childhood diary, letters, early writings and other memorabilia. The Birthplace Home features some original furniture and belongings of the Hemingway family.

CITY: Oak Park

Eta Creative Arts Foundation

This South Side cultural arts center features year round main stage productions and an art gallery.

CITY: Chicago

Evanston Art Center

For over 68 years, the Evanston Art Center has presented exhibitions of contemporary visual arts.

CITY: Evanston

Evanston Arts Depot

This cultural center is a restored train station in the heart of Evanston. Home of the Piccolo Theatre and Custer’s Last Stand Festival which takes place each June.

CITY: Evanston

Expressions Graphics

We are a printmaking workshop open to the public, displaying local artists' original prints at reasonable prices. We also offer jewelry, cards, pottery and one-of-a-kind works.

CITY: Oak Park

Facets Multimedia

Facets Multimedia screens a diverse assortment of films, including the latest from Eastern Europe, South America, Africa and the former Soviet Union.

CITY: Chicago

Fantasea at the Shedd Aquarium

Dolphins soar, belugas dance and penguins parade in Fantasea, the aquatic show at the Shedd Aquarium. The marine mammal presentations showcase the natural talents and learned skills of the animals—and their trainers.

CITY: Chicago

Federal Reserve Bank

A thirty story court house and a forty-five-story office building, the federal building was completed after Mies' death in 1969. The building's sober black and gray exterior expression, the steel mullion and glass model, counterpoints the curving forms and bright red paint of Alexander Calder's sculpture. Photo courtesy of AIA Chicago, Wes Urschel.

CITY: Chicago

Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Chicago Board of Trade

This classic Chicago teen comedy involves the wise-cracking title character who decides to cut school and see the city with his friends. Their romp around Chicago includes stops at The Art Institute (one of the world's leading art museums that's known for its important collection of French Impressionist paintings), Chicago Board of Trade (the world's oldest futures and options exchange that's housed in a magnificent Art Deco building), and the Willis Tower Skydeck (offering dizzying views of the city from atop one of the world's tallest buildings). The movie's famed Twist and Shout scene was filmed during the city's annual Von Steuben Day Parade.

CITY: Chicago

Ferris Bueller's Day Off - The Art Institute

This classic Chicago teen comedy involves the wise-cracking title character who decides to cut school and see the city with his friends. Their romp around Chicago includes stops at The Art Institute (one of the world's leading art museums that's known for its important collection of French Impressionist paintings), Chicago Board of Trade (the world's oldest futures and options exchange that's housed in a magnificent Art Deco building), and the Sears Tower Skydeck (offering dizzying views of the city from atop one of the world's tallest buildings). The movie's famed Twist and Shout scene was filmed during the city's annual Von Steuben Day Parade.

CITY: Chicago

Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Willis Tower Skydeck

This classic Chicago teen comedy involves the wise-cracking title character who decides to cut school and see the city with his friends. Their romp around Chicago includes stops at The Art Institute (one of the world's leading art museums that's known for its important collection of French Impressionist paintings), Chicago Board of Trade (the world's oldest futures and options exchange that's housed in a magnificent Art Deco building), and the Sears Tower Skydeck (offering dizzying views of the city from atop one of the world's tallest buildings). The movie's famed Twist and Shout scene was filmed during the city's annual Von Steuben Day Parade.

CITY: Chicago

Fireworks Cruise

This fun boat ride for the whole family offers panoramic views of Chicago lakefront fireworks aboard Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline popular 90-minute commentated lakefront fireworks sightseeing boat cruise on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.

CITY: Chicago

Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Theatre

For two decades Fleetwood-Jourdain has been thrilling audiences with a unique brand of inspirational and invigorating theater, with a particular focus on the African American experience.

CITY: Evanston

Floating World Gallery

The best Japanese art gallery probably in the world outside of Japan. Elias Martin's knowledge and passion will educate you and amaze you. A must see in Chicago.

CITY: Chicago