Take in Chicago’s concrete giants while I share fascinating stories about quirky artworks, local tragedy, and the city’s journey to revitalisation. This walking tour around the city’s Loop and River Northstarts smack-dab in the middle of the city, in front of one of the most prestigious galleries in the world, the Art Institute of Chicago. The institute is well-known for its excellent collection of French impressionist paintings, but you’ll see plenty of artwork outside its confines, too. There are the bronze lions that frame the institute, and, of course, the famous Cloud Gate in Millennium Park which we locals affectionately call “the Bean”. This will probably be your first selfie pic of the day (and for good reason)!

As you continue your journey across the Dusable Bridge and along the Chicago Riverwalk, you’ll come face to face with the impressive skyscrapers that frame Michigan Avenue. Stroll down the Magnificent Mile and crane your neck upward, there’s a lot to see up top! Along the way, I’ll show you the 24-carat gold-capped Carbide and Carbon building and the Wrigley Building, the first office block to be built north of the Chicago River. At the Tribune Tower, you’ll get the chance to lay your hands on rocks and stones from over 120 locations in the world, including the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and the Parthenon. You’ll also see the city within a city known as Marina City Towers, the Chicago Theatre with its iconic neon sign, and Block 37 where the city’s first skyscrapers were built.