Inside the Loop: Chicago Architecture Tour

For most visitors to Chicago, The Loop is top of the must-see list. Home to the city's most impressive architecture and its most storied buildings, this has been the beating heart of Chicago for over a century. In the city that gave the world its first skyscraper, there truly is no better place to start your visit than at the feet of these giants - and no better company than our experienced, expert local tour guides.

Your morning of exploring starts at the Monadnock Building. With a base six feet thick, and tapering as it goes up, this engineering marvel is the tallest load-bearing brick building ever constructed. In fact, it's two buildings in one. The older, north face, dates back to 1891, and the south face to two years later when larger windows and more ornate design were possible due to the innovation of the steel frame.

That's just one of so many innovations in skyscraper design that you'll learn about on your tour of The Loop. But of course, Chicagoans had to innovate. When the world's first skyscraper was revealed here in 1885, there was no precedent to follow. Since then the city's design motto of 'Think Big' has driven constant change and evolution across the skyline.

As you stroll through the financial district with your local guide, you’ll revel in Chicago’s imposing Art Deco architecture, designed to make you look up. Towering above you, atop the magnificent Board of Trade Building you’ll see t

Then, it’s on to the Rookery where you’ll enter a breathtaking lobby designed by a young Frank Lloyd Wright. Throughout the tour you’ll be astounded by the details you'll discover behind doors you would never have opened on your own - like secret glass mosaics. That's the benefit of traveling with a local guide.

Hear the stories of the colorful characters that brought this city to world prominence. Discover where the brownie was invented. Marvel at the intricate golden Palmer House Peacock Doors. Then finally, stand in awe of the largest Tiffany Glass Dome in the world.