Chicago Greeter
Chicago Greeter
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About
Chicago Greeter highlights interest areas and more than 25 neighborhoods for visitors to explore. Chicago Greeter is designed to match a friendly, enthusiastic, and city knowledgeable local with a visitor for a two - four hour FREE informal, insider orientation to Chicago's sights. Through the Chicago Greeter service, visitors meet with a greeter who takes them around the city and demonstrates its walk-ability and the user-friendliness of its public transportation system.
Chicago, Illinois
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
3,057 reviews
Excellent
2,931
Very good
102
Average
12
Poor
3
Terrible
9
Stacey
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Solo
I booked a solo tour with Sue on what turned out to be one of the coldest days in Chicago this January. Even with the weather, I got to see so much in terms of architecture, public art, and learning about the history of the city. There were so many places that I had merely walked by in order to get to meetings, and on the tour with Sue I got to see interiors, learn about their significance, and the story behind how and why they were built. I'll never see those spaces the same way again.
It was an awesome experience, and I would recommend it to anyone, even those who "know" Chicago. I may even book another one when visiting in better weather!
It was an awesome experience, and I would recommend it to anyone, even those who "know" Chicago. I may even book another one when visiting in better weather!
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jutta
15 contributions
Dec 2019
Stephan was very knowledgeable and certain had done his research. He was easy to get on with and very funny. We were fortunate that he showed us places we could go without having to pay, like the Popcorn shop for free tasters and the London Hotel for a great view of the City without having to pay admission to a Skydeck etc. We spend nearly 4 hours walking around and learning a lot about historical factors, amusing tit bits and architectural wonders as well as genius engineering. We finished up at the Art Centre, were again Stephan got us in for free - brilliant. We could not recommend this FREE service enough, thank you. Watch out for others who also advertise as Chicago Greeting services, they charge !!!
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cedrick
Washington DC, DC29 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
If you're short with time this is a must do when you're in Chicago.
I had the great fortune of having Christine as my guide and she really is fantastic. Although this was 2nd visit to Chicago, my first visit was thwarted by a snow storm so I didn't get to see much. This time around was amazing.
I had a few days to enjoy the city and I wanted to make the most of them so I contacted Chicago Greeters, with the hope of gaining a greater understanding of the city and to figure out how to navigate the city.
Prior to meeting your greeter you fill out some information and you choose what you would like to focus on during your visit. Being that I basically didn't know much about the city and wanted more than the popular tourist spots, I ticked a few boxes.
I was so lucky to get a greeter who understood my excitement and how much I wanted to do.
Christine delivered. Our focus was architecture, because I've found that you could walk around a city and notice buildings but not get much information about them. Christine not only pointed out and explained the beautiful and varied buildings but we were able to go inside some of them to appreciate the designs inside.
Our greeter answered our questions about the city and gave spot on suggestions according to our interests, which saved us an enormous amount of time.
If you're able to get a space with Chicago Greeters (You have to reserve), try to get Christine, she's awesome.
I had the great fortune of having Christine as my guide and she really is fantastic. Although this was 2nd visit to Chicago, my first visit was thwarted by a snow storm so I didn't get to see much. This time around was amazing.
I had a few days to enjoy the city and I wanted to make the most of them so I contacted Chicago Greeters, with the hope of gaining a greater understanding of the city and to figure out how to navigate the city.
Prior to meeting your greeter you fill out some information and you choose what you would like to focus on during your visit. Being that I basically didn't know much about the city and wanted more than the popular tourist spots, I ticked a few boxes.
I was so lucky to get a greeter who understood my excitement and how much I wanted to do.
Christine delivered. Our focus was architecture, because I've found that you could walk around a city and notice buildings but not get much information about them. Christine not only pointed out and explained the beautiful and varied buildings but we were able to go inside some of them to appreciate the designs inside.
Our greeter answered our questions about the city and gave spot on suggestions according to our interests, which saved us an enormous amount of time.
If you're able to get a space with Chicago Greeters (You have to reserve), try to get Christine, she's awesome.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeOz1
Pontardawe, UK12 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
My girlfriend and I went on a Chicago Greeter Tour today and our guide was the brilliant Christine Kandaras. She was very friendly, very knowledgeable and extremely keen to answer all our questions. We met up at the Chicago Cultural Center which she gave us the history about it and then toured around the downtown area with Christine showing us building after building and art sculptures, explaining the history behind each of them. An incredible free tour. Can't recommend it enough and I'm grateful for people like Christine and her colleagues who volunteer their time to give us the opportunity to see and discover places we'd never have seen or just walked past and missed them. Thank you again Chicago Greeter and especially Christine.
Written March 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrián N
San Jose, Costa Rica3 contributions
Sep 2021
We took a tour in Spanish with Ed, and was the best idea to start our trip in Chicago. Ed gave us so much interesting information and in such a gentle way that we can only recommend this tour to everyone that want to know about the city from a local perspective. And the fact that Chicago Greeter offers this tours for free is unbelievable.
Written October 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron M
Roanoke, VA23 contributions
Jul 2021
By serendipity I came across the Chicago Greeter ad while rechecking my itinerary for my upcoming Chicago trip and lucky as a Leprechaun finding a pot of Gold we were as Richard, our greeter, introduced us to Chicago in a way that no guidebook could have. He was 100% committed to an urban adventure with us and never ceased to amaze us with his bright smile, good humor, and keen sense of what makes Chicago tick. He hit the highlights we requested from the Greeter questionnaire while making us feel at home in a city neither my wife nor I had ever visited. Although our senior, "we" had to work to keep pace with him. The Chicago Greeters are such a well-kept secret that not even our well-travelled friend who has lived in Chicago for over 30 years and is a cultural guru knew of their existence! As we mentioned to Richard: "it's not a matter of if we return to Chicago but when"; and when we do we will ask Richard to once again show off a remarkable city.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
katie l
Toronto, Canada27 contributions
Mar 2020
This was my partner and I's first visit to Chicago. Judith greeted us with a big smile and took us around the city and check out some beautiful gems and wonderful spots. She was very informative about the city's architecture, history, culture, etc. I also appreciate that she was also very genuine and honest with everything. We did a river architectural tour the next day and they mentioned a lot of the things that Judith had already told us, that just shows how knowledgeable she is. We ended the tour at a cute local bar in a different neighbourhood that we chose. Would definitely recommend Chicago Greeter.
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pepperbog
Atlanta, GA9 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Jared led us on a unique and informative tour of downtown Chicago, including some little-known architectural features inside buildings. It was nice to have our own personal guide and not be part of a large group. I highly recommend using this service and plan to check it out in other cities.
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy W
Fort Walton Beach, FL8 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
I booked our Greeter tour 3 months before our arrival. Our Greeter, Bill, exchanged many emails prior to our meeting. I told him we visited 4 years ago and had a great architectural walking tour of the city through Chicago Greeter program. Bill provided a 6 hour tour by El, subway, buses, and walking to Humboldt Park, Old Town, Lincoln Park, and Gold Coast. He had a notebook filled with photos, cards, and so much history. He planned our itinerary around me wanting to see neighborhoods where my grandparents and mother lived when they immigrated from Germany almost 100 years ago. Saw their homes and parks and churches and school. An amazing day! Walked 9 miles. Love Chicago Greeter Program. Highly Recommend!
Written September 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian
Los Angeles, CA6 contributions
Dec 2021
My guide was Sharyne Moy Tu, and she was friendly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and truly welcoming! I had seen her photos on Instagram ( @sharynem2 ), and noticed that she had a great eye for the architecture and city planning of Chicago. All of this was immediately apparent when I actually went on my tour with her, as she pointed out the best spots to take pictures, and was quick to offer to use my phone to get me in the shots. My favorite highlights were the Chicago Cultural Center, Pedway, Millenium Park, and a dinner in Chinatown.
Also, I should say that I had the full Chicago experience because it was snowing and raining the entire time, and Sharyne herself said that she personally loved that kind of weather! I found this to be a huge mark of how reliable she was in giving the tour, and I am happy that I ventured into the cold instead. She was mindful to bring our tour group indoors as much as possible when my California blood couldn't stay warm enough. Sharyne is a genuine and caring person, and I'm happy that I got to do my tour with her. I highly recommend requesting her for your visit!
Also, I should say that I had the full Chicago experience because it was snowing and raining the entire time, and Sharyne herself said that she personally loved that kind of weather! I found this to be a huge mark of how reliable she was in giving the tour, and I am happy that I ventured into the cold instead. She was mindful to bring our tour group indoors as much as possible when my California blood couldn't stay warm enough. Sharyne is a genuine and caring person, and I'm happy that I got to do my tour with her. I highly recommend requesting her for your visit!
Written January 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the typical tipping amount/policy others have done in the past?
Written August 3, 2022
No tip. I don't think they are allowed to accept tips. Too bad.
Written August 6, 2022
bonjour, nous serons à chicago 3 jours fin septembre, nous souhaiterions avoir un chicago greeter parlant français, quelles sont les démarches à effectuer ? merci pour votre réponse
Written July 16, 2019
Please register for a greeter on our website Chicago Greeter . com. We will do our best to secure you a French speaking Greeter
Written July 18, 2019
Bonjour et merci pour le commentaire. Avec mon épouse, nous devons visiter Chicago du 18 au 22 mai 2019, comment joindre votre guide pour lui demander si elle est libre.
Merci
Paul
Written February 12, 2019
Please visit our Chicago Greeter website to submit a visit request
Written March 15, 2019
I am a tourist from India on a short visit to Chicago. Would like to this free tour ? how to do online booking for tomorrow? other details?
Written June 18, 2018
According to the website, you must put in a request 10 days before you arrive to Chicago. Hope this helps!
Written June 19, 2018
Hi I'm tiziana, I'm going to come on 30 july, from venice (italy), with my husband and 2 teen (13 and 15): can I book a guided tour for the next morning with an italian speaking greeter? I?m looking at the city and explorer pass, maybe we can discuss.
thanks
tiziana
Written May 27, 2018
Nicolas E
Carilo, Argentina
Buenas tardes, me podrían decir horarios y precios del tour. Gracias
Written May 27, 2018
Hola El tour es gratuito. Pero debes apuntarte con bastante tiempo y conseguirlo en castellano no es facil. Yo creo tuve suerte por que viaje fuera temporada. MUY recomendable es un tour muy personal y cercano.
Written June 24, 2018
Bonjour
Je serai à Chicago demain comment contacter ces personnes pour organiser une visite
Written May 6, 2018
bonjour,
je rentre de voyage aujourd'hui et suis désolée de n'avoir pas répondu à temps.
Il faut aller sur le site chicago greater (en anglais) et demander un guide en français si possible.
Ils répondent très rapidement.
Bonne journée. Cordialement
Written May 14, 2018
Hello. I am visiting Chicago with my family. We are 4. 2 adults and 2 girls (aged 4 and 8). Wo would like to meet a Chicago greeter, but I don´t know if it possible with my girls.
Written April 23, 2018
Hello Cecig19832016,
The tour is although suited for kids.
Just put in the information regarding the age of your kids when you book the tour.
The get the best experience out of a greeter tour, it is helpful to figure out in advance what kind of tour you want.
They offer tours to the urban neighborhoods, architectural tours, ….
In addition, you can select your preferment language of your tour guide.
Note: I did already book two greeter tours and can absolutely recommend it.
Written April 30, 2018
Hola, EDUARDO. ¿Qué te gustaría saber sobre esta atracción?
estaremos en Chicago el próximo viernes 13 de octubre, nos gustaría saber de los servicios de Chicago Greeter , teniendo en cuenta los excelentes comentarios de otros turistas . muchas gracias.
Written October 5, 2017
I am sorry we missed you! Next time submit a request for a Greeter at at our website Chicagogreeter the next time you plan a trip to Chicago!
Written October 20, 2017
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