JUST CALL ME BRUCE Walking Tour

Join the Just Call Me Bruce walking tour, a free walk that lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes. The outing proceeds on foot and there is no charge to join. It is rated 4.78 by 113 travelers.

Overview

This is a pay-what-you-wish walking tour of the Loop, and the model is simple: booking costs nothing, and at the end you tip the guide whatever you think the walk was worth. It runs about 2 hours and 15 minutes in English, starting under the marquee of the Chicago Theatre at State and Lake. From there the route heads south past Macy's, which locals still call Marshall Field's, and pauses at the store's 1933 escalators, an early example of the modern aluminum-faced, rubber-treaded design.

The middle of the walk covers Daley Plaza and its Picasso sculpture, then the Palmer House, the first Chicago hotel with electricity, phone service and working elevators. The lobby ceiling is painted with murals, and the guide tells stories about the Empire Room, which once hosted performers such as Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. The route continues along Adams Street, where Route 66 history and the Berghoff Restaurant, a Chicago institution since the 1890s, come into play, before a stop outside the Art Institute to see the two lion sculptures from 1894.

The walk ends at Cloud Gate, better known as The Bean, in Millennium Park. Along the way the guide shares food and drink tips, rooftop bar suggestions and Observatory information, plus stories about the Great Chicago Fire and where surviving structures can still be seen. Reviewers consistently describe the guide as knowledgeable and engaging.

Itinerary

1. Meet at the Chicago TheatreMeet under the theatre marquee at the corner of State and Lake, 175 N. State St. The guide wears a ball cap and shoulder bag. No pickup or transport is included.
2. Macy's, formerly Marshall Field'sWalk one block south to the store Chicagoans still call Marshall Field's, and hear about its 1933 escalators, said to be the first modern aluminum-faced, black-rubber treaded ones.
3. Daley Plaza and the PicassoStop at Daley Plaza, named for Mayor Richard Daley in 1976. See the Picasso sculpture and learn about the Daley Center skyscraper, City Hall and the 568 ft. Chicago Temple Building.
4. Palmer House lobbyVisit the lobby of the Palmer House, the oldest continuously run hotel in the United States and the first Chicago hotel with electricity, phone service and working elevators. Hear about the Empire Room and its muraled ceiling.
5. Adams Street and Route 66Travel along Adams Street for Route 66 history, passing the Berghoff Restaurant, which dates back to the 1890s.
6. Art Institute lionsStop outside the Art Institute of Chicago, the 2nd largest art museum in the U.S., to photograph the two lion sculptures from 1894, On The Prowl and Attitude of Defiance.
7. Millennium Park and The BeanEnd at Cloud Gate, the 110 ton sculpture known as The Bean, in the 24 acre Millennium Park. The tour finishes here; no return transport is provided.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this walk. It is a free-to-book, tip-based tour, so plan to pay the guide at the end.

• Pace and footing. The tour lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes on foot through the Loop, with five stops along the route. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the distance covered.
• Weather backup. The tour runs rain or shine. The listing says the guide knows hidden spots to escape bad weather, including the underground Pedway system, so a little rain does not cancel the walk.
• Tipping the guide. Booking is free and guests pay the guide what they think the walk was worth at the end. Decide in advance what you feel the experience deserves.
• Food and drink tips. The guide shares suggestions for pizza, hot dogs, restaurants and rooftop bars, plus Observatory information. Reviewers mention leaving with good ideas for what to do in town, so it helps to note down recommendations.
• Photos. There are photo stops outside the Art Institute lions and at Daley Plaza, and the walk ends at The Bean. Bring a camera or keep your phone charged for the sculptures.
• Questions welcome. Reviewers repeatedly describe the guide as knowledgeable, and one reviewer said he took his time to explain and answer all questions. Feel free to ask about sports, theatre, music venues or where to eat.

Common issues. There is no pickup or hotel transport; everyone meets under the Chicago Theatre marquee at State and Lake. The tour is entirely on foot, so be prepared for a walk of just over two hours. Weather is not a reason to skip it, since the guide uses covered spots such as the Pedway in bad conditions. Because payment is tip-based, the cost to you is whatever you decide to give at the end.

Common Questions