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Chicago's Gold Coast Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Walk

4.5 (6)
Chicago, US
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Chicago's Gold Coast Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Walk

4.5 (6)
Chicago, US
Share
Discover the hidden history of Chicago's Gold Coast with this captivating self-guided audio walk. Led by Amy Bizzarri, author of 111 Places in Chicago That You Must Not Miss, this tour takes you on a journey through the exclusive neighborhood, revealing its intriguing secrets. From the original Playboy Mansion to the oldest piano bar in Chicago, you'll explore historical spots that are off the beaten path. The tour begins at the iconic Chicago History Museum and is accessible through the VoiceMap mobile app, which plays the audio automatically at the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS. With lifetime access to the tour and offline capabilities, you can embark on this adventure whenever you desire. Immerse yourself in the fascinating stories and hidden gems of Chicago's Gold Coast and experience the city's rich history like never before.

About this experience

  • Non Refundable There is no return, refund or cancellation possible with this product
  • 50 minutes
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Small Group Tour
  • & Audio GuidedSelf Guided Experience
  • Fascinating self-guided audio tour of hidden historical spots
  • Peep behind the gates of the original Playboy Mansion
  • Walk along a wooden block-paved alley
  • Sip a Faster Pussycat in Chicago's oldest piano bar
  • Delightful walk through time in an exclusive Chicago neighborhood
  • VoiceMap Application
  • Lifetime access to Hidden History in Chicago's Gold Coast tour
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Smartphone
  • Transportation
  • Food/Drink
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Chicago's Gold Coast Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Walk is a captivating tour that will take you on a journey back in time through the gilded streets of Chicago's Gold Coast. Led by Amy Bizzarri, author of the renowned book "111 Places in Chicago That You Must Not Miss," this audio tour will unveil hidden historical spots and fascinating stories that shaped this exclusive Chicago neighborhood.

What to Expect

On this self-guided audio tour, you can expect a total duration of 50 minutes filled with intriguing anecdotes and rich historical insights. Using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, the audio will play automatically at the right time and place, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience. Wander through the streets, peep behind the gates of the original Playboy Mansion, stroll along a wooden block-paved alley, and sip a Faster Pussycat in Chicago's oldest piano bar. Each step will transport you deeper into the captivating past of the Gold Coast.

Who is This For?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, curious travelers, and those looking to uncover the hidden gems of Chicago. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this experience offers a unique perspective on the city's rich history. Amy Bizzarri's captivating narration appeals to a wide range of audiences, from those seeking historical knowledge to those simply looking for an enjoyable stroll through an exclusive neighborhood.

Why Book This?

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Chicago's Gold Coast with this self-guided audio tour. Rather than relying on crowded guided tours, this experience allows you to explore at your own pace, giving you the freedom to pause, restart, or stop whenever you please. The VoiceMap app ensures you don't miss out on any fascinating details, seamlessly guiding you from one location to the next. This unique tour offers an intimate and personalized experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Chicago's Golden Age.

Good to Know

Before embarking on this adventure, make sure to download the VoiceMap mobile app and enter the provided code to access the tour. The starting point is the Chicago History Museum, and detailed instructions will be available after downloading. This self-guided tour offers the flexibility to explore on your own time and terms. You can fully immerse yourself in the historical richness of the neighborhood without the constraints of a set schedule.

Reviews

Those who have experienced Chicago's Gold Coast Hidden History tour rave about the intriguing stories and hidden gems they discovered along the way. Travelers were captivated by Amy Bizzarri's engaging narration, finding themselves transported back in time with every step. The ability to explore at their own pace and the seamless guidance provided by the VoiceMap app received high praise. Visitors unanimously agree that this tour offers a rewarding and immersive journey into the history of Chicago's prestigious Gold Coast.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Chicago History Museum

(Pass by)

While at the Chicago History Museum you'll want to check out the newly restored dioramas which depict Chicago's rise from a desolate frontier outpost to the bustling city of today. You'll also find the South Side Elevated Railroad. Its the first-ever elevated rapid transit line in Chicago and was used to shuttle fair goers to the World's Columbian Exposition. You'll also be able to view the deathbed of Abraham Lincoln.

International Museum of Surgical Science

(Pass by)

For anyone looking to have chills sent up their spine, the International Museum of Surgical Science delivers. The exhibits here deal with various aspects of Eastern and Western medicine. The museum itself is housed in a 1917 mansion designed as a Chicago-style interpretation of the Petit Trianon of Versailles.

Zebra Lounge

(Pass by)

An outstanding Chicago night out on the town always ends piano side, sipping Lemondrops and singing along with the piano man into the wee hours at the Zebra Lounge. Hidden in the lobby of a vintage apartment building in the glam Gold Coast, the Zebra Lounge has been swinging with live piano players seven nights a week since 1929.

Reviews

(6)

4.5 (6)

karinhI9655LK

Practical (you start and stop and your own convenience!) and economic way to visit the key things to see in the Gold Coast. Some of the sites could merit a visit in themselves which the virtual guide indicates, however you need to do this tour early enough in the day to be sure that these sights are open.

D_C

I discovered some new places to visit, like the Museum of Medical Science, and the Three Arts Building. I also coupled this tour with the Chicago History Museum, which is really cool. Overall, it is a very enjoyable walk, and you can do the tour at your own pace. Beautiful historical homes in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood.

Mark_F

Tour was informative. The use of visitor was klunky. Had to order the tour twice to use. Viator has committed refund one of the unneeded purchases. Walk and auto play needs some work. Price was right.

hollygold123

I wanted to take a walking tour, but in the time of COVID, that didn’t seem possible. Once I discovered this audiotour, I was hooked. I can’t wait to check out more. I’ve already recommended it to everyone I know.

John_H

I generally don't like group tours, so having this option is wonderful. It felt like having your own private tour guide. In this time of Covid-19, this gae us a nice way to get out of the house. The Zebra Lounge wasn't open, but just around the corner there was a street closed off to allow for outdoor dining/social distancing. The museum of surgery was open, and we spent time there as well as Restoration Hardware.

Daniel_O

I really enjoyed learning the history of the Gold Coast and finding hidden treasures on this tour. The information selected was excellent, from the city's public graveyard and the Couch Mausoleum, which survived the great Chicago fire, to the wood plank street experiment on Astor. Lots of good history of the monarchs that built Chicago during the 19th and 20th Century. I liked how the old and new were integrated with suggestions to stop in the 3 Arts Cafe in the Restoration Hardware store (more like a museum than a store) and a drink in the Zebra Lounge. The GPS tracking lost track of me a couple of times and I had to zoom in on the map and figure out which way to go to continue the tour. This happened twice but I was easily able to turn around and find where I was supposed to be and then the track picked up where it left off. I would allow more than 50 minutes for this tour (the suggested time in the directions). If you want to stop and take a look around a few places I would allow 1.5 hours for this tour. I recommend this tour and know you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-16 20:42
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