4 Audio Tours in Chicago Worth an Afternoon

1.Medieval Torture Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Ghost Hunting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 962 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35Our pick

At Chicago’s Medieval Torture Museum, you’ll see hundreds of devices and wax scenes spanning punishment, restraint, interrogation and execution. The roughly 90-minute visit is self-guided, with an audio tour and a ghost-hunting app you can use as you go. Expect dim lighting, interactive displays and grim subject matter. Admission costs $35.83 per person.

“I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this museum. I went because by daughter wanted to see it. Very informative audio tour. You go at your own pace.”

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2.Chicago Self-Guided Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 9 reviews · 3 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $6Best value

This self-guided English audio tour links 15 Chicago attractions through a SoundCloud playlist and a Google My Maps itinerary. Start anywhere, choose your own route, and spread visits across as many as six days. Expect short stories about architecture, art, local history, and engineering, with museum admission and transportation paid separately.

“Very informative and interesting. The guide spoke articulately and loud enough for everyone to hear and he had interesting forklore and stories.”

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3.Chicago’s Gold Coast Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $7

Follow a self-guided, English-language VoiceMap walk from the Chicago History Museum to the Zebra Lounge. A local historian narrates stories of Gold Coast mansions, Chicago history and intriguing stops along the way. The audio and GPS map work offline, and your $7.99 purchase includes lifetime access. Plan extra time if you want to visit museums or pause for a drink.

“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.”

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4.Chicago’s Storied Neighborhood: An Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 4 reviews · 40 minutes to 1 hour (approx.)

Walk through Hyde Park with audio commentary narrated by Bill Ayers, a local professor and activist. The route links University of Chicago landmarks, Frederick C. Robie House, Washington Park, and the DuSable Museum area. You set the pace and can pause along the way. The app works offline, but bring your own phone and headphones.

“I loved having the app so that the talking started at the correct spot. Mr Ayers personal stories really enhanced the experience. I wish there was more talking during the longer stretches of walking:”

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