A group of travelers explore the waterfront at Ping Tom Park in the Chinatown neighborhood on a Chicago Greeter visit.

Chicago Greeter Visits

Explore the streets of Chicago like a local with Chicago Greeter. Choose from in-depth neighborhood visits to short informative walks of top downtown spots.

Friends enjoy Italian ice in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood.

Chicago Greeter

Immersive neighborhood visits

Discover Chicago's unique neighborhoods during a Chicago Greeter visit, led by a friendly local.

These free walks are led by welcoming volunteer Greeters who share interesting facts, insider tips, and an authentic perspective on life in Chicago. A recipient of TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence, Chicago Greeter is a great way to get to know Chicago's vibrant and diverse neighborhoods.

Here's what you need to know about Chicago Greeter visits:

  • Typically last two to four hours
  • Completely free of charge
  • Led by a friendly local Greeter
  • Can accommodate up to six guests
  • Offered in over a dozen languages
  • Can be customized based on your interests

We request that guests register for a Greeter visit at least two weeks in advance of their arrival in Chicago.

Two visitors outside the Art Institute of Chicago.

InstaGreeter

Short guided walks

If you're looking for a fast, flexible Greeter experience, check out our InstaGreeter walks. These hour-long guided walks are a fun and informal way to get to know Chicago without having to register in advance.

You can find InstaGreeter walks year-round in the downtown Loop neighborhood and seasonally at the Chicago Riverwalk and select neighborhoods.

Chicago InstaGreeter schedule

A group of visitors at The Bean in Chicago’s Millennium Park.

The Loop

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Year-round

Chicago Cultural Center

Explore the must-see spots and top attractions of Chicago’s stunning downtown neighborhood.

A view of the Chicago Riverwalk in summer.

Chicago Riverwalk

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
11:30 a.m.

Memorial Day through Labor Day

McCormick Bridgehouse Museum

Discover public art, outdoor cafes, and scenic views along the bustling banks of the Chicago River.

Friends in front of the Monument to the Great Northern Migration statue in Chicago’s Bronzeville.

International Greeter Day

Saturday, Sept. 9

Join us in celebrating International Greeter Day with pop-up walks in five unique neighborhoods, along with the Loop and Chicago Riverwalk.

Learn more

A bridge above the Chicago Riverwalk.

Chicago Greeter and InstaGreeter FAQ

InstaGreeter walks are shorter (approximately an hour) than a Greeter visit (two to four hours). InstaGreeter walks do not require pre-registration, while we request you sign up for a Greeter visit at least two weeks in advance. Also, Chicago Greeter visits are focused on your choice of neighborhood and interests while InstaGreeter walks take place in predetermined locations.

You can register for a Chicago Greeter visit up to two weeks before your arrival in Chicago. You do not need to sign up in advance for InstaGreeter tours.

Chicago Greeter visits and InstaGreeter walks are completely free. Greeters are volunteers and adhere to a strict no-tipping policy.

Most Chicago Greeter visits begin at the Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph) in the Loop, unless you coordinate an alternate meeting point with your Chicago Greeter.

InstaGreeter tours depart from set locations. The Loop tour begins at the Chicago Cultural Center and the Chicago Riverwalk tour departs from Columbus Plaza. Check the InstaGreeter schedule above for more details.

InstaGreeter walks of the Loop are offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all year long. InstaGreeter walks from other locations, including the Chicago Riverwalk, are on a seasonal schedule. Check the above schedule for details.

If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to wear a mask, but we ask that you have one available in case you are going into a building that requires masks. If you are unvaccinated, please wear a mask at all times. Your Greeter may ask all participants to be vaccinated or not to wear a mask.

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