Chicago Walking Tour of West Town
Chicago, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Immerse in the vibrant cultural melting pot
- Explore historic neighborhoods and bustling avenues
- Visit the longest continually operating settlement house
- Experience Chicago's complex relationship with alcohol
- Discover city's architectural gems and rich history
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Duration: 3.5 hours
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Small Group Tour
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Bilingual Guide: English & Spanish
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All fees and taxes included
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Historic mansion neighborhood walk
Experience the vibrant and historic neighborhoods of Chicago's West Town with this captivating walking tour. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of tree-lined streets filled with galleries, local shops, and award-winning restaurants. Discover the longest continually operating settlement house in the country, explore local art and shops, and stroll through a historic mansion-filled neighborhood. Begin your journey at the picturesque Eckhart Park, learning about the city's park district and its significance. Visit the Northwestern Settlement House, providing essential services to thousands of people annually. Experience Chicago's complex relationship with alcohol at the legendary Chipp Inn. Indulge your senses at Epic Spices, a wholesaler of the finest ingredients. Set foot in Alcalas's, a renowned western-wear store with a rich history. Marvel at the stunning Siberian-inspired cathedral in Ukrainian Village. Explore Chicago's iconic Workers Cottages and stroll along the famous "Beer Barron Row." Conclude your adventure in Wicker Park, near the bustling Damen station. Discover the essence of West Town and its captivating cultural epicenter on this exciting walking tour.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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3 hours 30 minutes
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English, Spanish; Castilian
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Self-guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore Chicago's vibrant West Town on a 3.5-hour walking tour showcasing culture, architecture, and local history.
Included
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All fees and taxes
Excluded
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Coffee and/or tea
Meeting Point
Tours begin in front of the Eckhart Park field house located at 1330 W Chicago Blvd. We meet at the stairs next to the hot dog stand.
1330 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 , United States
End Point
We finish the tour at the heart of Wicker Park near the CTA Blue Line Damen station.
2018 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 , United States
What to expect
Eckhart (Bernard) Park
Eckhart Park was built in 1907 to provide breathing space to the overcrowded neighborhood. Start your tour with a stroll through it and hear about the city's park district and its local significance.
30 minutes
Admission Included
Northwestern Settlement
Today, the Northwestern Settlement House takes the title as the longest continually operating settlement house in the country. The institution continues to provide family, emergency, and educational services to more than 40,000 people each year.
30 minutes
Chipp Inn
Visit one of Chicago's many neighborhood corner bars; The Chipp Inn, which encompasses many aspects of Chicago’s complex relationship with alcohol. Founded in 1897 (some rumor that it goes back to 1874), this side-street dive bar is one of Chicago’s oldest and longest running bars.
Epic Spices
Epic Spices is a wholesaler of spices to Chicago’s restaurants. The husband and wife team work directly with farms and brokers to source the highest quality ingredients from around the world.
15 minutes
Alcala's Western Wear
Immerse yourself in boot-filled aisles made from various exotic skins, see hand crafted wooden fixtures, and experience a wide selection of stetsons at one of the nation's largest western-wear store. Alcalas's was founded by Luis Alcala who left Arkansas some time in the 1940s and moved to Chicago. From local markets to a city-wide staple, come experience this cultural epicenter.
15 minutes
Admission Included
935 N Honore St
A pocket park in an empty lot that we will use to answer questions and take a break.
30 minutes
Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
Witness a piece of Siberia on the edge of Chicago's Ukrainian Village. The small but mighty cathedral towers over the area with its golden onion dome dating back to the 1880's, eventually leading to the city's very own saint. Sit on its steps as we walk you through its rich history.
15 minutes
2123 W Thomas St
Chicago’s Workers Cottages are a part of the city’s vernacular, an architectural style based on local needs and availability of materials, predominantly built as affordable housing for working and middle-class homeowners from the 1870’s to 1910’s.
15 minutes
1407 N Hoyne Ave
Walk down this tree-lined street filled with the massive mansions of the past, long known as 'Beer Barron Row' due to its brewing past. This area of Wicker Park was the preferred destination for the so-called brewers of the 1800's. In-fact beer was so significant in Chicago that its first civil disturbance revolved around the beverage: the 1855 Lager Beer Riot.
60 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller -
Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What our experts say
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Visit nearby Wicker Park for lunch. -
Check out the local art galleries.
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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Bring a camera for stunning architecture.
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Explore local shops after the tour.
More About this Experience
Introduction
The West Town Walking Tour is an exciting journey through one of Chicago's earliest and most vibrant areas. This cultural melting pot is comprised of multiple historic neighborhoods and bustling avenues, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience. It is a chance to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of tree-lined streets filled with galleries, local shops, award-winning restaurants, and stunning architecture. As you explore this enclave of the city, you will discover the rich history and diverse cultural influences that have shaped West Town throughout the years.What to expect?
During this 210-minute tour, you can expect to embark on a fascinating adventure through the heart of West Town. The itinerary includes various exciting activities and stops that highlight the area's best features. You will start at Eckhart Park, where you'll learn about the city's park district and its significance to the local community. Then, you'll visit the Northwestern Settlement House, the country's longest continually operating settlement house, which continues to provide essential services to thousands of people each year. The tour also takes you to The Chipp Inn, one of Chicago's oldest and longest running bars, and Epic Spices, a wholesaler of spices to the city's renowned restaurants. You'll also have the opportunity to explore Alcalas's, one of the largest western-wear stores in the nation, and witness the grandeur of a Siberian-inspired cathedral. The tour concludes with a relaxing walk down a tree-lined street known as 'Beer Baron Row,' where you'll learn about the area's brewing past.Who is this for?
The West Town Walking Tour is perfect for anyone with a curiosity for Chicago's vibrant history, culture, and architecture. Whether you're a local seeking to discover hidden gems in your own city or a first-time visitor eager to explore beyond the tourist attractions, this tour offers something for everyone. History enthusiasts will appreciate the in-depth exploration of the area's rich past, while foodies will relish the chance to visit famous establishments and sample local flavors. Art lovers will be captivated by the galleries, and architecture enthusiasts will be enthralled by the stunning buildings that line the streets. This tour is designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for people of all ages and backgrounds.Why book this?
What sets the West Town Walking Tour apart is its ability to offer a truly immersive and comprehensive experience of Chicago's West Town neighborhood. Led by knowledgeable and passionate guides, this tour provides an insider's perspective, revealing fascinating stories and hidden gems that often go unnoticed. The carefully crafted itinerary ensures that you get to see the best of West Town's art, culture, history, and architecture. From historic settlement houses to iconic bars and majestic cathedrals, this tour showcases the area's unique character and diverse influences. By booking this tour, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Chicago's past while creating lasting memories of this vibrant and captivating neighborhood.Good to know
It's important to note that the West Town Walking Tour lasts approximately 210 minutes, so it's advisable to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. The tour begins at Eckhart Park, located at 1330 W Chicago Blvd, where you'll meet your guide in front of the Eckhart Park field house. Be sure to arrive on time to make the most of this immersive experience. The tour concludes at Wicker Park near the CTA Blue Line Damen station. As you embark on this adventure, be prepared to be inspired by the rich history, outstanding architecture, and vibrant culture that West Town has to offer.Reviews
Reviews from previous participants highlight the West Town Walking Tour as an exceptional and enriching experience. Visitors express their appreciation for the knowledgeable and engaging guides who bring the neighborhood's history to life, making the tour not only educational but entertaining. The variety of stops and activities along the way received high praise, with participants particularly enjoying the visits to local bars, spice wholesalers, and the stunning Siberian-inspired cathedral. The tour's blend of history, culture, and architecture left participants feeling connected to the neighborhood and inspired to further explore Chicago's hidden gems. Overall, reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction with the West Town Walking Tour and commend it as a must-do experience for anyone visiting or living in Chicago.
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