Chicago Audio Tours & City Guides Chicago speaks.
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Discover Chicago: where towering skyscrapers meet soulful rhythms and groundbreaking history comes alive.

Two Self-Guided Audio Tours to rediscover Chicago

A first taste of the best stories the city has to offer. Many more tours are waiting for you.

Bronzeville: The Promised Land and the Black Metropolis – Chicago Audio-Tour
Tour 01
©
Image by artistmac on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Bronzeville: The Promised Land and the Black Metropolis

Step into the vibrant, resilient heart of Chicago's South Side. On this immersive journey through Bronzeville, you will uncover the epic story of the Great Migration—a time when millions of African Americans fled the Jim Crow South to build a self-sustaining 'Black Metropolis'. From the birthplace of gospel music to the headquarters of a newspaper that changed the nation, discover the triumphs of entrepreneurship, the brilliance of cultural innovation, and the unyielding spirit of a community that shaped modern America.

7 Stops
121 Min
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Chicago's Modern Masters: The Loop's Monumental Canvas – Chicago Audio-Tour
Tour 02
©
Pic by Ken Lund on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Chicago's Modern Masters: The Loop's Monumental Canvas

Discover how a city of rigid steel and glass skyscrapers transformed its streets into a world-class, democratic art gallery. On this immersive walking tour through Chicago's Loop, you will uncover the dramatic, controversial, and inspiring stories behind the city's most iconic monumental sculptures. From Picasso's misunderstood masterpiece to the interactive joy of the Crown Fountain, learn how these colossal works of art challenged the public, defied architectural norms, and ultimately became the beloved soul of the Windy City.

6 Stops
89 Min
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Your in-app experience

This is how the Red Thread app brings your tour to life.

Red Thread guides you through the city's stories that you won't find in any guidebook. Authentically and compellingly told by our experts and locals.

Home
01

Home

Get inspired and choose a story that fits your location and your mood.

Search for tours directly
02

Search for tours directly

Use the map to find tours in your city or at a specific address.

Redeem in the app
03

Redeem in the app

Redeem purchased tours or City Passes in the app using a voucher code or QR code.

Start well prepared
04

Start well prepared

Explore the route, stops, and many additional features for your experience.

Listen where it happened
05

Listen where it happened

Hear the stories where they happened.

Ask your guide
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Ask your guide

Get extra context, deeper details, or useful tips nearby.

Collect discoveries
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Collect discoveries

Build your travel passport and explore fascinating insights.

Discover Chicago – Stories Worth Hearing

Red Thread is an iOS and Android app with over 1,500 guided audio tours through cities worldwide - including in Chicago.

Chicago pulses with an undeniable energy, from the bustling streets of the Loop, framed by pioneering skyscrapers, to the historic avenues of Bronzeville, rich with cultural legacy. Did you know Chicago built the world's first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building in 1885, a testament to its enduring architectural innovation?

This blend of architectural grandeur and profound cultural narratives makes Chicago a truly unique destination. With Red Thread, you can traverse these monumental achievements and significant heritage sites, uncovering the layers of history and design that shape the city's soul, right in your pocket.

Chicago Highlights
  • Iconic architecture & breathtaking skyline views.
  • Dive deep into Chicago's rich jazz and blues heritage.
  • Uncover the secrets of diverse and historic neighborhoods.
  • Perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned locals alike.

Start for free – Premium from €12.99/month. Compare all plans →

Learn more about Red Thread

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago

General questions about the app, pricing and features are answered in our full FAQ on the main page.

What are the must-see architectural sights in Chicago?
The Loop boasts marvels like the Willis Tower, Marina City, and the Art Institute. Our "Chicagos moderne Meister" tour guides you through their design and history.
How long do Red Thread tours in Chicago typically last?
Our Chicago tours vary; for instance, the "Bronzeville: Das gelobte Land" tour is about 121 minutes (just over 2 hours), while "Chicagos moderne Meister" is around 89 minutes. Check individual tour details for exact timings.
Can I learn about Chicago's African American history with Red Thread?
Absolutely! Our "Bronzeville: Das gelobte Land und die schwarze Metropole" tour offers a deep dive into the rich history and cultural significance of Chicago's historic Bronzeville neighborhood.
Can I create my own tours in Chicago?
Yes, with the XL or Unlimited subscription you can use our AI-powered tour creator to build your own personalized tour in Chicago on a topic of your choice. All Infos here
Can I use the Chicago tours offline?
Yes, with an XL or Unlimited subscription you can download tours for offline use.
Can I do Chicago tours together with friends?
Yes – with Together Mode (from XL plan) the whole group listens in sync on their own devices. Up to 4 people on XL, up to 10 on Unlimited.
In which other cities does Red Thread offer tours?
Further tours are available in 100s more cities like Tokyo, Los Angeles, Berlin. All cities can be found here.
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Want more Red Thread?

The main page has all the features, pricing and background info. One tap – and you get the full picture.

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