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How to Book a Chicago Architecture Tour

How to · Travel

How to Book a Chicago Architecture Tour

Plan a late spring trip to Chicago for deep dish and river tours without paying for it all at once.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $93.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,400 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Chicago in late spring is a sweet spot. The bitter winter is gone, the summer crowds haven't arrived, and the architecture cruises down the river are finally running. You can spend your days staring at skyscrapers and your nights arguing about deep dish pizza.

A trip like this typically costs about $1400. Instead of draining your savings today, we can look at ways to spread that cost out. Using the Discover it® Cash Back card gives you a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, which lets you pay off the trip slowly over time.

Remember that this 0% interest window is a temporary break, not free money. If you still have a balance on your Discover card after those 15 months are up, the standard interest rate kicks in on whatever is left, which will quickly make your cheap trip a lot more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your spring window

    Aim for May. The weather is warm enough for outdoor walking, but the summer tourist rush hasn't choked the sidewalks yet. Flights are usually cheaper during this shoulder season too.

  2. 02

    Lock in your stay

    Look for a hotel in the Loop or River North. This keeps you close to the river walk where the architectural tours depart. You will save money by walking or taking the train instead of relying on rideshares.

  3. 03

    Spread out the cost

    The Discover it® Cash Back card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. If you charge your $1400 trip expenses to this card, you can pay it off at $93.33 a month. Just make sure you pay down the balance before the promotional period ends.

  4. 04

    Book the river cruise early

    The Chicago Architecture Center's river cruise is the gold standard. These tours sell out quickly on warm weekends, so buy your tickets online a few weeks before you fly. It is worth every penny to see the city from the water.

  5. 05

    Map your food spots

    Deep dish takes at least 45 minutes to bake, so do not show up starving. Put your order in as soon as you sit down at places like Lou Malnati's or Pequod's. Balance those heavy meals with walks through Millennium Park.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

When is the best time for a Chicago architecture tour?

May is ideal because the boats are running and the breeze off the lake is refreshing rather than freezing. You also beat the massive summer school crowds.

Is a 15-month intro window actually enough time?

Yes, it gives you over a year to chip away at the bill. If you break a $1400 trip into monthly payments of $93.33, you will be done before the deadline.

Do I need a rental car in Chicago?

No, parking is incredibly expensive and traffic is bad. The train system is cheap and easy, and the city is highly walkable, especially along the river.

What happens if I do not pay off the balance in 15 months?

Once the 15-month window closes, the standard interest rate applies to whatever balance remains. To avoid extra fees, set up auto-pay to clear the card on time.