Downtown / The Loop
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THE 10 BEST Chicago Architectural Buildings
Architectural Buildings in Chicago
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What travelers are saying
- Anisha D3 contributionsThis attraction had newly opened in Spring 2022 and we were lucky to get a chance to see it in Summer. It is very nice at the base of the building- atmosphere wall, lobby etc. and the wait times were not long to reach the top by elevator.
The views are spectacular even on cloudy days and I wish we could have spent a bit more time on the viewing deck. Other than that it is a must see even for the locals.Written January 28, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - RuthWHDublin, Ireland111 contributionsGreat views of the city and gave you an idea how massive the lake is! I did the tilt too which was funWritten December 20, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sightseer2789135 contributionsI really enjoyed the art exhibits and the gift store "Buddy". But most of all this building in wonderful, gorgeous---I will come back again and again.Written December 19, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- cindy bNisswa, MN23 contributionsWorth a quick stop to see the beauty of this Cathedral. Popped in midafternoon and was wonderful to sit and reflect for a few moments.Written December 5, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- nicholebowersStamford, Connecticut67 contributionsOur family toured the Robie House while in the Chicago area and had a great experience. This is definitely an activity for adults or older children; my child is a very mature tween and she enjoyed seeing the house and asking questions, but is accustomed to these tours and behaved accordingly. Our guide was fantastic, and I believe he runs the site, so perhaps has greater knowledge and interest than other reviewers commenting on the guide. Having never seen a FLW home in person, I thought this was well done and I appreciate the restoration that ensures the house is true to its 1920’s original appearance. My child was disappointed there was little furniture to see (there is some), but the house has changed hands a few times.
Gift shop had a range of items at several price levels and all staff we spoke with were wonderful. Would highly recommend this experience,as it was convenient from downtown Chicago on the Meatra ($2 reduced fare ticket each way, per person) and our taxi was $20 for the family from the downtown - note we didn’t see many taxi options going back to Chicago so we rode the train. On street parking is plentiful BUT school was not in session. Gorgeous area with many other cool buildings on the University of Chicago campus. Also close to the Museum of Science and Industry.Written August 27, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - DutchNellieNelToronto, Canada4 contributionsI got a private tour (by accident) through the Rookery by Jennifer from the FrankLloydWright Foundation and man, was I one lucky chic. Not only the dazzling beauty of this building is impressive; the story about the construction and its constructors/architects etc is just as impressive. Thanks so much to Jennifer; She made this tour an experience to never forget.Written December 5, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Grover RPensacola, FL17,677 contributionsThe neo-gothic tower on the banks of the Chicago River on the bottom end of the Magnificent Mile is a great example of early 20th Century architecture. Again, Chicago has amazing examples of every architecture, especially on the river and this combined with the Wrigley building are the city's best examples of neo-gothic. Where the Tribute Tower really distinguishes itself with its slender verticality topped by the buttress tower. It is a modern gothic temple to media and for nearly 100 years it has been the of an American publishing giant. Of course today media has changed, certainly newspapers but the building is a testament to longevity of media in Chicago.Written November 26, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ken kOnsted, MI1,079 contributionsWe usually take Amtrak to Chicago from Jackson Mi. The station used to be a grungy zoo but over the past few years they have made some updates. We always travel business class, so there is a nice lounge to take advantage of with free snacks and soft drinks.
The station is located on Canal street, take the escalator up and out. Taxi’s are across the street and to the left. Uber and Lyft are across the street to the right.Written November 28, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Grover RPensacola, FL17,677 contributionsWhen you come to Chicago you come to see great buildings. One that is just turning 100 years old holds one of the best pieces for property within the city. Wrigley Building was built and completed in 1924 to house the Wrigley chewing gum company. It was the first skyscraper north of the river and it was build in an ornamental style bordering on neo gothic. It was modelled on the Giralda in Sevilla with its tower. The building is really 2 different buildings at different heights. Also it has a very unique angle that allows it to really be noticed on Michigan Avenue. The building with its location and architecture is made for pictures.Written November 26, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Chicago MagChicago, IL105 contributionsImagine! Living 57 years in Chicago and only getting to the top of the John Hancock this year. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, sunny in Chicago that gave the buildings an added beauty with their shadows along the lakefront. Had relatives in from Ireland that had never traveled on a plane, not to mention never been in a skyscraper. Beyond spectacular! Enjoyed a cocktail at the "Cloudbar" and solidified another notch in an epic adventure. Check out CityPASS for savings of some of the best Chicago attractions.Written December 27, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Grover RPensacola, FL17,677 contributionsChicago is littered with incredible architectural skyscrapers and this is certainly one them. Chicago's location in the heart of the Midwest plains coupled with strategic transportation location for water and rail has made it the historic site for American agricultural commodities. However, the importance of the CBOT is only part of the building. It has several architectural features including its location in the middle of the block so La Salle Street dead end into the building. The way the building is framed by the Federal Reserve and The Rookery on each side of LaSalle that it is made for pictures. Additionally, this is one of the premier Art Deco buildings in Chicago built in 1930, with an Art Deco statue atop the pyramid top of Ceres, the goddess of grain/agriculture. Again it is one of those buildings tied to Chicago that you have to see it when you are here.Written November 23, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Grover RPensacola, FL17,677 contributionsThe University of Chicago was created and gifted by John D Rockefeller, one of the wealthiest people to ever live. For decades it has been a worldwide research leader in so many fields. As an economics major, so much of my studies in the 1980s were derived from Milton Friedman and the Economics School here.
Most people are totally unaware that the roots of the university are from the American Baptist Education Society as Rockefeller was a devoted Baptist. This Gothic Revival Church commands a prominent position on the SE corner of the campus. At 200 feet it is by covenant to be the tallest structure on campus. Additionally is a self supported structure with no steel, like the medieval cathedrals of Europe.
Unfortunately, we walked the campus before 10 so the Chapel was not opened. Still it was an impressive site on its exterior.Written August 2, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Grover RPensacola, FL17,677 contributionsThis building dominates the Chicago River just east of the river branch junction. You will get great views of it from a river tour. It was the largest building in the world when completed in 1930 as the consolidation market for Chicago's wholesalers. Along with the Chicago Board of Trade building, they are the best examples of Art Deco architecture in Chicago. Along the river, the building displays bust of the great US retailers, most of whom were from Chicago. Another great building in this city.Written November 24, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jgbtravelsLouisville, KY2,965 contributionsIconic Chicago architecture at its best. Who doesn’t love these structures? You can get good views from a boat tour(we took Wendella) or from the south side of the river off of Michigan Avenue. These are photos you keep forever.Written May 26, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- William K3 contributionsThe Marquette Building reflects exceptional Terra cotta architecture with a wonderful exhibit in the lobby detailing Chicago's high rise history. Take the time to study the photos and writeups to better appreciate Chicago's unique place in architectural design. The lobby's Tiffany mosaic is awe inspiring.Written September 6, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago
- These places are best for architectural buildings in Chicago:
- 360 Chicago Observation Deck
- Chicago Cultural Center
- Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
- Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House
- The Rookery Building
- These are the best places for kid-friendly architectural buildings in Chicago:
- Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
- Holy Name Cathedral
- Wrigley Building
- Tribune Tower
- 360 Chicago Observation Deck
- These are the best places for couples seeking architectural buildings in Chicago:
- Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
- Holy Name Cathedral
- Chicago Cultural Center
- Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House
- Tribune Tower
- These are the best places for groups seeking architectural buildings in Chicago:
- Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
- Holy Name Cathedral
- Chicago Cultural Center
- Tribune Tower
- 360 Chicago Observation Deck
- These are the best places for budget-friendly architectural buildings in Chicago:
- Holy Name Cathedral
- Chicago Cultural Center
- The Rookery Building
- Wrigley Building
- Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House
- These are the most romantic places for architectural buildings in Chicago:See more romantic architectural buildings in Chicago on Tripadvisor
- These are the best hidden gems for architectural buildings in Chicago:
- Chicago Cultural Center
- The Rookery Building
- Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House
- Rockefeller Memorial Chapel
- Emil Bach House by Frank Lloyd Wright