“Cities are poems.
Chicago writes its lines in steel and glass.”
If you listen closely, the Windy City hums with stories. A skyline built by risk takers and visionaries. Bridges that survived mobs and mistakes. Gardens tucked into the middle of downtown. And a giant chrome bean that somehow became everyone’s favorite selfie partner. Chicago charms you before you even realize it.
This Chicago walking tours bundle brings together two essentials in one: a Millennium Park self-guided walking tour and a Chicago Riverwalk tour. Millennium Park blends art, music, and green space, from bold architecture to quiet corners with skyline views. The Riverwalk lets you follow the water through the heart of downtown, with towers rising on all sides like open pages from the city’s past.
With the self-guided audio tour, you explore at your own pace, with no rushing through groups and no fixed schedule. The app uses clear directions and location-aware stories to connect what you see with what happened there, so Chicago feels less like a checklist and more like a living, breathing city you are getting to know.
Along the way, you spend time with the sleek curves of the Pritzker Pavilion, the calm paths and layered plantings of Lurie Garden, the playful faces of Crown Fountain, and the mirrored world of Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. Down on the Riverwalk, the story continues past the DuSable Bridge and Wrigley Building, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Marina Towers, Dearborn Street Bridge, the Merchandise Mart, Wolf Point, Tribune Tower, and NBC’s Chicago headquarters. Each landmark adds another layer to Chicago’s personality, from engineering feats and tragic shipwrecks to media empires and bold design.
Side effect alert: May trigger sudden interest in architecture podcasts, an unstoppable urge to photograph reflections, and a firm belief that Chicago’s bridges deserve their own fan club. Comfortable walking shoes recommended. Deep dish strictly between you and your conscience.
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Where To Start?
Starting Points: 99 Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
The tour begins on the plaza above the Chicago Riverwalk, in front of the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. From there, walk towards the Riverwalk entrance and down the stairs to start the tour. Please note, this is a suggested starting point. We are not affiliated with the museum or any nearby businesses, so their staff will not have information about this tour.
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good Wi-Fi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Audio Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Welcome
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Parking Lot to Park
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Jay Pritzker Pavilion
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Frank Gehry
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Gehry's Fame
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Pavilion Acoustics
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The Pavilion Today
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BP Pedestrian Bridge
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Lurie Gardens Entrance
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BP Pedestrian Bridge
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Kathryn Gustafson
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Dark Plate and Light Plate
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Carl Sandburg
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Nichols Bridgeway
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Contemporary Art (Boeing Gallery South)
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Crown Fountain
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Walk to the Bean
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Under the Bean (Cloud Gate)
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The Chicago tour through Millennium Park begins at the park’s north end.
The “Secret Garden” in Millennium Park offers beautiful green spaces, a peaceful boardwalk, and fantastic skyline views.
Yes, the Chicago Loop is highly walkable, with many attractions, shops, and restaurants within easy walking distance.
Yes, Chicago is a very tourist-friendly city, offering a wide range of attractions, tours, and activities to cater to visitors.
The best months to visit Chicago are during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is pleasant, and there are various events and festivals.
The best way to tour Chicago is by taking guided walking tours, boat tours on the Chicago River, or hop-on-hop-off buses to explore the city’s main attractions.
Chicago offers excellent public transportation, including buses and the ‘L’ train system, making it easy to explore the city without a car. Walking and biking are also popular options.
One of the most famous routes in Chicago is the Magnificent Mile, a stretch of Michigan Avenue known for its upscale shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks.
Many consider North Michigan Avenue, also known as the Magnificent Mile, to be one of the prettiest streets in Chicago due to its stunning architecture, shopping, and dining options.
Celebrities often reside in affluent neighborhoods like Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, and Streeterville, where luxury homes and amenities are abundant.
The Riverwalk tour starts at the historic DuSable Bridge, and visitors will learn about this picturesque bridge and the iconic Wrigley Building.
Explore 200+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free. Assistance available all day via call, chat, or email.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Tours are valid forever.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or Wi-Fi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated videos, text guides, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
