5 Skip-the-Line Tickets in Chicago Worth an Afternoon

1.Skip-the-line: Art Institute of Chicago Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 417 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $71Our pick

Meet your English-speaking guide at the Art Institute of Chicago at 10:30 am for a small-group highlights tour of 12 people or fewer. With admission included and the museum’s major works as your focus, expect stories about artists such as Van Gogh, Seurat, Hopper, and O’Keeffe, plus help finding your way through the galleries.

“Joel's knowledge and enthusiasm for art and the city of Chicago was infectious! Highly recommend 👌🏽”

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2.Private Art Institute of Chicago Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 275 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Spend 2.5 hours at the Art Institute of Chicago with an English-speaking guide and admission included. The route can be adjusted to your interests, with time for major works, art movements and less familiar corners. Guides named in recent feedback include Heath, Spiro, Samantha and Mandy, but your guide is not guaranteed.

“Very informative guide. Passionate about Art and it came through. Offered flexibility but we went with his program and hit all the highlights. I will take this tour agin if I ever return to Chicago. Excellent job Arnold! Thanks.”

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3.Skip the Line Art Institute of Chicago Tour Semi-Private 8ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Spend 2.5 hours inside the Art Institute of Chicago with a guide and a semi-private group. You’ll cover major works, including Impressionist art, while hearing about artists, styles, and the museum’s collection. Guides have included Samantha, Heath, Joe, Mandy, and Spiro, though your guide may vary. Admission is included; expect plenty of walking.

“Joe was a great guide! He was very knowledgeable, I learned a lot and got to see some highlights of the museum!”

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4.Art Institute Skip-the-Line Tour with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 2h 30m · from $90

Meet your English-speaking guide by the left lion outside the Art Institute for early entry and a 150-minute tour. Expect a focused route through celebrated works by Hopper, Picasso, Cassatt, Dalí, and others, with time for questions. Groups are capped at eight; guides such as Heath, Mandy, and Joe have been praised for clear explanations and lively stories.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and did a wonderful job curating a set of important pieces in the time we had. Megan M. delivered great information and with enthusiasm and also allowed time for questions.”

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5.Skip the Line: Public Tour-Adult Admission Ticket (50 mins)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.)

Spend 45 to 50 minutes inside the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum with an English-speaking guide. You’ll see restored period rooms and mementos while hearing about Hemingway’s life, his family’s influence, and the times he lived in. Tours start promptly at the top of each hour, with the final tour at 4:00 pm.

“Learning how much Hemingways family, particularly his grandfather, influenced him as a writer. Also understanding the possible causes of his mental illness.”

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