Skip navigation
Chicago-Greeter

Chicago Greeter

StarStarStarStar

The free Chicago Greeter visits are led by friendly locals who will guide you through authentic Chicago — its fascinating histories, diverse cultural traditions, iconic landmarks, and off-the-beaten-path gems.

Chicago Greeter offers a variety of ways to explore the city: register for a customized neighborhood visit with a friendly local, join a fast and flexible walk of downtown, or explore on your own with self-guided tours.

International Greeter Day

International Greeter Day

Saturday, Sept. 19
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Millennium Park, Chase Promenade North Tent

Celebrate International Greeter Day with free pop-up walks. Start in Millennium Park and head out with a Chicago Greeter to explore neighborhoods all around the city.

No preregistration is required, just show up! Tours depart between 10 and 11:30 a.m.

This year’s featured neighborhoods include:

  • Andersonville
  • Austin
  • Bronzeville
  • Chatham
  • Chicago Riverwalk
  • Chinatown
  • Hyde Park
  • Lincoln Park
  • The Loop
  • Millennium Park
  • North Lawndale
  • Pilsen
  • Uptown
  • Wrigleyville

 

Chicago Greeter visits

Chicago Greeter visits

These personalized visits offer a deep dive into the Chicago neighborhood of your choice, led by a friendly local. A recipient of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, these immersive visits are conducted in over a dozen languages.

Chicago Greeter visits are:

  • Completely free of charge
  • Typically last two to four hours
  • Led by a friendly local Greeter
  • Can accommodate up to six guests

Make a reservation

InstaGreeter downtown walks

InstaGreeter downtown walks

Looking for a quick and easy way to see downtown Chicago’s top sights? Let InstaGreeter take you on a free hour-long guided walk, without the need to register in advance.

  • InstaGreeter walks of the Loop begin at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph St.).
  • InstaGreeter walks of the Chicago Riverwalk depart at 11:30 a.m every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Memorial Day through Labor Day) at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Check out the InstaGreeter schedule for more details, including neighborhood pop-up.

Learn more

Volunteer as a Chicago Greeter

Volunteer as a Chicago Greeter

Love Chicago? Want to show visitors from all around the world your favorite spots in your favorite neighborhoods? Volunteer as a Chicago Greeter. No additional experience is necessary; all you need is a passion for Chicago and knowledge of all it has to offer. You can even customize your visits to your specific interests.

Have questions about becoming a Chicago Greeter? View our Volunteer FAQs.

Sign up

Self-guided Greeter tours

Explore Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods at your own pace with these self-guided Chicago Greeter tours. These walking tours have been curated by expert locals to showcase each neighborhood’s unique history, culture, and hidden gems.

bean-night

Explore Chicago hotels, flights, deals, and more

Plan your trip

Expedia
Expedia
Expedia
Expedia

CTA Newsletter

Chicago Newsletter

Stay in the know

Sign up

chvg26-enews-cropped

Chicago Visitors Guide

Start planning today

Get the guide