We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Chicago Architecture Foundation

224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60604
312-922-3432
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #17 of 153 activities in Chicago
Type: Tours
Activities: Group tours/city tour
Owner description: Touring with the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) is the best way to explore Chicago. From our most popular tour, the Architecture River Cruise... more » Owner description: Touring with the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) is the best way to explore Chicago. From our most popular tour, the Architecture River Cruise to our more than 85 different walking, bus, bike, Segway and train tours you are sure to get a true Chicago experience. As a non-profit organization, our tours are led by highly-trained volunteer guides who are passionate about sharing the history of our beautiful city. Tours depart year-round. « less
Write a Review

234 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    190
    35
    5
    3
    1
Date Rating
Munich, Germany
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013 NEW via mobile

Took the "El" tour today and even though I have been to Chicago a few times alreay (some if them several weeks at a time) I have never seen some of today's tour. Our guide Kahleen was very enthusiastic, the tour was very informative and Lots of fun ! 2 hours flew by like nothing. I have become a member... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Buffalo, New York
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013 NEW

Intriguing, informative, invigorating (you'll walk as much as you ride). Chicago history comes alive as a great lesson in applied civics and urban development.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by LNM1108 for Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

Step inside the doors of the Chicago Architecture Foundation and you will be surprised. There are wonderful things to purchase, Chicago items that are souvenirs but beautiful and practical items to take home and use. You can also purchase tickets here for a wide range of tours of Chicago architecture by boat, foot, bicycle and bus. There are also exhibitions... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 9 more reviews by Barb K for Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013

I actually live in Chicago ( I recently moved here) and I wanted to get to know the city a bit more. So when my parents came to visit me, we went on one of the architecture walking tours. They have a few walking tours and they are divided up into era's. We took the one that includes buildings on... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 11 more reviews by cmm218 for Chicago
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013

I had bought a ticket for a river boat cruise in the CAF store (which is very nice, by the way, make sure you take your time browsing there) for $40. That is a lot of money for 90 minutes. Due to some bridge repairs however, the boat couldn't navigate the river that morning, so we went through the lock... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by RegardsVal for Chicago
haslett michigan
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

We took this tour to see some buildings we hadn't seen before and it was well worth it. The docent (Tom) was excellent, and the driver amazing (to weave in and out of busy Chicago in a bus!)...The tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Robie house was wonderful. I really recommend it!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 11 more reviews by jalpotz for Chicago
Baltimore, Maryland
Top Contributor
114 reviews 114 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 46 cities Reviews in 46 cities
51 helpful votes 51 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

We were in Chicago last week and had some terrific weather so we decided to take the architecture cruise again. It was very informative, interesting and just a great way to spend 90 minutes. Their ships are comfortable and the docents that do the commentary are very good at what they do. We highly recommend this trip to just about... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by kjtripper for Chicago
Fairfield, Connecticut
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013 via mobile

We just completed the Devil in the White City tour and enjoyed it immensely. The tour begins with a 45 minute slide lecture about Eric Larson's book and the fair. Then there is a two and a half hour bus tour which includes stops at Jackson Park and Prairie Avenue. Our docent, Kathleen Carpenter was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Bic20 for Chicago
Quebec City, Canada
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2013

Excellent way to visit Chicago and focus on modern architecture buildings (1950-present). The docent was knowledgable and very friendly. She talked clearly so we could easily understand what she was saying (english is not not our main language). The use of headphones was particularly appreciated since downtown can be very noisy.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Grand Cayman
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2013

Enjoyed fabulous tour with ex-teacher Barbara. Despite the chilly temperature (March), Barbara "warmed up" the section of the city we visited with her historical facts and interesting anecdotes, and the tour was a wonderful introduction to this interesting city. I thought the headpieces for people on the tour was a thoughtful addition. I know without them I certainly wouldn't have... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Jane F for Chicago

Been to Chicago Architecture Foundation? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Chicago Architecture Foundation, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing