InstaGreeter FAQ

 

Explore Chicago with a friendly, knowledgeable local as your guide!  This FREE service of the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture lets you take a free hour-long guided walk of Downtown or popular neighborhoods and attractions. Here is a list of frequently asked questions about what an InstaGreeter walk entails.

How much do InstaGreeter walks cost?

InstaGreeter visits are completely free.  InstaGreeters are volunteers and adhere to a strict no-tipping policy.  They are happy to provide this service to visitors at absolutely no cost.

How does InstaGreeter differ from a regular Chicago Greeter visit?

InstaGreeter walks are shorter (approximately an hour as opposed to 2-4 hours) than a full-fledged Greeter visit, and do not require registration.  Greeters are stationed at their respective locations during InstaGreeter operating hours, and ready and willing to give you an informal, guided walk around the Loop, Millennium Park or the surrounding area around a seasonal neighborhood outpost.

How do I go on an InstaGreeter walk?

To take a Loop InstaGreeter visit, simply walk up to the Chicago Greeter desk in the Chicago Cultural Center Visitor Information Center (77 E. Randolph St.) between 10 am and 3 pm on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, year-round (except major holidays).  Tell the InstaGreeter on duty that you would like to sign up for an InstaGreeter walk – it’s that simple!  If you don’t see anyone at the desk, the Greeter is probably out with another group.  There should be a sign saying approximately when they’ll be back.

To join a Millennium Park tour, stop inside the Millennium Park Welcome Center (201 E. Randolph St.) at 11:30 am or 1 pm (between Memorial Day and Labor Day) when the service is in operation, and look for the Greeter stationed by the desk. 

For InstaGreeter Neighborhood Outposts, simply show up at the outpost and look for the Greeter kiosk, usually located inside the lobby or within the main entrance, and tell the Greeter on duty that you’d like an InstaGreeter walk.  If you don’t see anyone there within normal hours of operation, the Greeter is likely out with another group.  Just wait until they return.  The last walk of the day leaves an hour before the InstaGreeter outpost closes.

Why should I take an InstaGreeter walk?

InstaGreeter walks are FREE, and registration is not required.  InstaGreeter is perfect as a last-minute alternative for visitors.  These informal, one-hour guided walks are both fun and informative, and ideal for someone who is pressed for time or looking for a more flexible option to a full-fledged Chicago Greeter visit.