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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.

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.

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.

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.

Chicago Private Tours

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

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.

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.)

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.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Children's Theater of Elgin

Exceptional theater productions are performed by children for children.

CITY: Elgin

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.

Cinemark Imax Theatre

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - The Cinemark Imax experience is a 5-story tall, 7-story wide version of educational and recreational film subjects of both 2-D and 3-D.

CITY: Woodridge

Cinespace Chicago Film Studio

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

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.

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 of West Chicago’s Gallery 200

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Gallery 200 is fast becoming a haven for art lovers as a quality destination for buying and browsing great local art. The gallery, a cultural initiative supported by the City of West Chicago, hosts artist opening receptions, art talks and workshops.

CITY: West 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.

Civic Center Authority Visitor Center

The Bedford Park Heritage Corridor Visitor Center is full of information and literature of exciting things to do and see throughout the Heritage Corridor. The Visitor Center provides National Heritage Corridor promotional literature and I&M Canal related resources to the public. It is operated by the Civic Center Authority in partnership with Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Village of Willow Springs. The Center is staffed by volunteers recruited and managed by the Civic Center Authority. Open Saturday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM.

CITY: Bedford Park

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.

Clarke House Museum

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

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.

College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center

The McAninch Arts Center is home to five resident professional ensembles: Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, DuPage Opera Theatre, Arts Center Jazz Ensemble, New Classic Singers and New Philharmonic.

CITY: Glen Ellyn

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.

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.

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.

Contagion - Central Elementary School

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

Contagion - Chicago Midway Airport

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

Contagion - Sherman Hospital

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

CITY: Elgin

Contagion - Tellabs

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

CITY: Naperville

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.

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.

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.

Cuneo Mansion And Gardens

Historic mission dating from 1914 nestled on 75 acres of vistas and formal gardens. The Italianate architecture is the work of architect Benjamin Marshall, who was commissioned by Samuel Insull to create a summer villa.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Deerfield's Annual Fine Arts Festival

Fun for the whole family featuring art from across the U.S., live music, catered festival food, kid's art activities and more! Artists representing media such as painting, photography, jewelry, fiber, sculpture, mixed media and ceramics hail from 20 states will be exhibiting. New this year will be Dancing in the Streets with the Big Band Sound of Deerfield, featuring Bob Gand, followed by Blue Road Band, featuring Special Guest Shirley King.

CITY: Deerfield

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DuPage Children's Museum, Inc.

Where children and adults learn to play together. Enjoy exhibits, workshops and materials that stretch the imagination and stimulate creativity. A fun environment for exploration and discovery.

CITY: Naperville

DuPage County Historical Museum

Housed in an 1891 Richardsonian Romanesque building, the museum highlights 150 years of DuPage County history with participatory activities, changing exhibits and extensive model railroad display.

DuPage Heritage Gallery

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Located in a three-story atrium, renovated in 2000, visitors learn of the stories, accomplishments and lives of famous DuPage citizens portrayed through memorabilia and photo panels.

Durant House Museum

This authentically restored and furnished 1843 prairie farm house features costumed interpreters who involve visitors in mid-19th century farm life.

CITY: St. Charles

DuSable Museum of African American History

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

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.

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.

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.

Edman Memorial Chapel - Wheaton College

This large auditorium, seating more than 2400 people, is the site of campus chapels, concerts, commencements, and various community-related events such as the Artist Series.

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

Elgin Area Historical Society Museum

Housed in an 1856 landmark building, permanent exhibits include artifacts from the Elgin National Watch Co. and Elgin Road Race memorabilia.

CITY: Elgin

Elgin Community College Visual and Performing Arts Center

World class music, dance and theatre. Enjoy an evening out, entertainment for the family, or a chance to satisfy your cravings for culture.

CITY: Elgin

Elgin Community Theatre

Award-winning community theatre featuring classical and contemporary musicals and play selections.

CITY: Elgin

Elgin Fire Barn No. Five Museum

Get caught up in the history and spirit of firefighting. View the 1929 American Lafrance Fire Engine and 1869 Horse Drawn Silsby Steamer.

CITY: Elgin

Elgin Public Museum

In beautiful Lord's Park, this museum features over 15,000 specimens of natural history with newly expanded family focused hands-on exhibits.

CITY: Elgin

Elgin Symphony Orchestra

Named "Orchestra of the Year" an unprecedented three times by Illinois Council of Orchestras, the ESO performs over 60 concerts a year thrilling more than 50,000 patrons, from Chicagoland to Wisconsin and Indiana.

CITY: Elgin

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Esteban’s

Known for its live salsa music and dancing, Esteban’s hosts Expression Nite on Thursdays, featuring drag performers. The dinner menu, served Wednesday through Saturday evenings, offers Latin American specialties.

CITY: Naperville

Eta Creative Arts Foundation

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

Evanston Art Center

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

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.

Evanston Symphony Orchestra

The ESO was founded in 1945 by a handful of veteran and amateur musicians who were passionate about making music together. Concerts take place on Saturdays at 2:30 PM.

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.

Fabyan Estate and Forest Preserve

Created by Colonel and Mrs. George Fabyan, who lived on the 600-acre estate from 1905 to the 1930s, the estate includes a restored villa with diverse collections, a Japanese garden and a Dutch windmill.

CITY: Geneva

Fabyan Japanese Garden

A tranquil oasis where history melds with nature and design. This historic garden affords the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of Japanese gardening and enjoy a moment of harmony with nature.

CITY: Geneva

Fabyan Windmill

Authentic, five-story, 1850's working windmill located on Fox River Trail, Volunteer millers serve as docents on the weekends. Open May 15-Oct 15.

CITY: Geneva

Facets Multimedia

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

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.

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.

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.

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