Uncover Chicago’s hidden underground tunnels and secret spots on this captivating walking tour. Perfect for history lovers and urban explorers, it reveals the city’s lesser-known sides that add depth to your visit. Ready to see Chicago in a whole new way?
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; moderate walking involved
Wildlife
History
The Chicago Pedway system was developed in the 1950s to connect buildings and provide safe passage for pedestrians during harsh weather conditions, shaping the city’s underground urban experience.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes sustainable urban exploration by highlighting eco-friendly building designs and encouraging respect for the city’s historic sites.
Inside Chicago Walking Tours
Uncover Chicago’s hidden underground tunnels and secret spots on this captivating walking tour. Perfect for history lovers and urban explorers, it reveals the city’s lesser-known sides that add depth to your visit. Ready to see Chicago in a whole new way?
Inside Chicago Walking Tours offers immersive, expert-led walking tours across Chicago, Illinois, showcasing the city's film locations, architecture, history, neighborhoods, and seasonal celebrations. Tours include 2-hour experiences such as Lights, Camera, Alleys: Chicago in the Movies, a movie-focused walk through iconic filming locations led by a passionate movie expert; Haunted by Our Dark Side: Chicago Ghosts, Gangsters, and True Crime Tour, a spine-chilling exploration of haunted history and notorious events; Chicago in the Roaring '20s: Art Deco, Flappers, Gangsters, & Prohibition, which highlights Art Deco architecture and Prohibition-era stories; and The World Within (Part Two): Secret Interiors of the Riverfront, revealing glamorous Art Deco details and vaulted lobbies along the Chicago River.
Other offerings include From Great to Grave: Architectural Masters in Life & Death (Graceland Cemetery Tour), which combines architectural history with visits to Graceland Cemetery gravesites; Two Truths & a Lie: Debunking Architecture Tour Myths & Urban Legends, an interactive myth-busting format supported by architect insights; The Christmas Tree Crawl: The Magic of Chicago at the Holidays, a seasonal pop-up tour that uncovers decorations, traditions, and warm indoor stops; and Chicago by Red Line: Chinatown, a neighborhood-focused trip ending in Chinatown’s culinary area. Tours emphasize close-up views, secret interiors, nostalgic film trivia, and historical storytelling.
Guides reference primary sources, architectural records, and on-site observations to ensure accurate storytelling for guests of all interests alike.
Tours Offered
9 tours
Curated routes across Chicago
Film Locations
Ferris Bueller & The Untouchables
See iconic movie sites
Expert Guides
Movie & Architecture
Passionate subject specialists
Typical Length
2 hours
Most tours run two hours
Reserve a spot on a 2-hour walking tour to experience film locations, secret riverfront interiors, architectural gravesites, and haunted history.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
You'll be exploring both underground tunnels and street-level streets, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Bring a camera
Capture the unique architecture, murals, and secret passageways that make this tour special.
Check the weather forecast
While much of the tour is indoors, some segments are outdoor, so be prepared for rain or shine.
Arrive early
Getting to the meeting point a few minutes early ensures you don’t miss any part of the tour.
Comfortable walking shoes
You'll be walking for a couple of hours through indoor and outdoor parts of Chicago, so supportive shoes are a must.
Light rain jacket or umbrella
Be prepared for possible weather changes, especially during spring and fall.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture the hidden murals, architecture, and unique passageways along the route.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your walk, especially on warm days.