Since its completion in 2006, Cloud Gate has become one of Chicago's most emblematic monuments. The brainchild of British-Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor, it was inspired by liquid mercury, and its seamless, highly polished surface reflects and distorts the people moving around the Millenium park, the lights of Michigan Avenue and the surrounding skyline. The surface contracts and expands with temperature changes, so it sits on flexible supports to accommodate movement. The sculpture is made up of 168 stainless steel plates, meticulously welded together and polished to eliminate visible seams. The structure is over 33 feet high, 66 feet long, and 42 feet wide, and weighs about 110 tons. Its underside features a concave chamber, often called the “omphalos” (Greek for “navel”), which creates fascinating mirrored reflections and echoes. It is also where the original name derives from: Kapoor called it "Cloud Gate" because the arch-like underside creates a “gate” to the sky and skyline, emphasising reflection and interaction.
One of the sculpture’s defining features is its interactivity. People can walk under and around it, take self-portraits of themselves reflected on the surface, and observe how the reflection changes with the weather and light. Cloud Gate is especially popular for tourists, engagement photos, and social media, becoming a symbol of modern Chicago.
Located in America’s Midwest along the Great Lakes shoreline, Chicago - known colloquially as the Windy City - occupies America’s third-largest metropolitan area: a huge, vibrant expanse packed with incredible history and architecture and fine public art. Discover the compelling character of America’s third-largest city, renowned for its jazz-and-blues heritage, striking architecture, historic streets and a fine array of public art.
On your private half-day tour, you will:
When it was founded in 1837, Chicago’s early buildings were clustered around the mouth of the Chicago River. On your Private Chicago Half Day Highlights tour, explore the city famed for its bold architecture, past and present, incredible museums, and innovations in a wide variety of fields, from natural history and buildings to food and science.
On your Private Chicago Half Day Highlights tour, visit all the city’s major sites, including favourites such as the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park and Hancock Tower. Your guide is a local who has plenty of tales about Chicago life together with an in-depth knowledge of its character.
As you journey down the Magnificent Mile, you will learn how Chicago has earned each of its nicknames, including the City of Broad Shoulders, the Second City, and of course, the Windy City. Lastly, your guide will escort you to the Hancock Tower to bid on your adieus.
You will then travel to the top of the Hancock Tower’s Observation Deck, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the entire city at your own leisure.
One of the oldest public transportation networks in the US, the Chicago “L” is a bona fide character in the Windy City’s story, inextricably linked with its history and urban development. Stretching across 8 lines and over 100 miles of track, the L is not only a great way to get around but also a chance to immerse yourself in the spirit of the city. Our private 2-hour tour around the most iconic parts of the L system is a unique experience full of quirky history, local legends, and interesting trivia, ensuring a truly memorable journey through the heart of Chicago.
On this 2-hour private tour, you will:
Capture the essence of Chicago on an urban adventure that blends history, architecture, and local legend, all while riding the city’s most iconic transit system: the "L." Beginning beneath the glowing marquee of the historic Chicago Theatre, your expert local guide will lead you on a fascinating 2-hour exploration of the city’s past and present, where every station and skyline view tells a story.
From the very first elevated trains that stitched together a growing metropolis to the steel and glass towers that define Chicago today, this immersive tour reveals how the "L" has shaped the character and growth of the Windy City. With your own full-day CTA pass in hand, you’ll learn how to navigate the system like a seasoned local, hopping between stations and neighbourhoods as your guide shares tales of innovation, resilience, and some of Chicago’s most renowned citizens.
Along the way, you'll pass legendary landmarks like the soaring Willis Tower and the grand Harold Washington Library. You’ll have plenty of time to admire beautiful buildings from street level and elevated tracks alike as your guide offers insights into Chicago’s distinctive architecture. A visit to Quincy Station — one of the oldest and best-preserved in the system — offers a glimpse back in time to the golden age of transit, while a stroll through the bustling Loop reveals the beating heart of Chicago’s cultural and financial life. Weather permitting, you’ll have an option to take a short stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk and soak in spectacular city views.
The tour includes a stop to enjoy a tasty local treat, and your guide can also provide plenty of insider recommendations for the best places to eat, shop, and explore after the tour ends. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Chi-town, this is your chance to experience Chicago the way locals do, with a view from the tracks and a story at every stop.
Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.
Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.