Where the Locals Look: the 7 Best Hidden-Interior Architecture Tours Worldwide

1.Chicago’s Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 635 reviews · from $35Our pick

Walk from Union Station through Chicago’s Loop to the Marshall Field Building, with stops at the Rookery, Palmer House, Marquette Building, and more. Guides such as Ethan, Grant, Ty, and Matthew bring the architecture to life. Expect about two hours on foot, with indoor breaks and a Sunday change.

“Well put together tour, not too long, knowledgeable guide:) interesting places. Definitely would recommend!”

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2.Chicago: Secret Interiors Architecture Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 498 reviews · 2 hours · from $35

Walk from Union Station through Chicago’s Loop with guides such as Grant, Talia, Annie, Angel, and Matthew. Expect grand lobbies, mosaics, domes, historic hotels, and stories about architecture, engineering, business, and city life. Most of the tour is outdoors, so dress for the weather.

“Angel was a great guide with a wealth of knowledge about design and architecture. I loved hearing about the city’s history and viewing the gorgeous interiors.”

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3.Tokyo: Shibuya Highlights Walking Tour & Secret View Spot

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 287 reviews · from $25

Join an English-speaking local guide for a 90-minute walk through Shibuya. You’ll cross Shibuya Crossing, see Miyashita Park, visit Nonbei Yokocho, explore Center-gai and Mark City, and seek out a high city view. Guides such as Hannah and Mao add photos, stories, and local tips.

“This was the best tour I have experienced in many countries thanks to Hannah. She was so knowledgable, friendly, and helpful! Her insight and recommendations were much appreciated, as was her exclusive finds. She was truly a breath of fresh air and a great guide to lead throughout Tokyo. So accommodating and attentive. Thanks Hannah!”

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4.Delhi Hidden Gems: Mehrauli, Lodhi Art & Sunder Nursery

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 108 reviews · from $76

Join a small group of up to 12 with an English-speaking guide such as Aakash, Neha, or KV. Visit Mehrauli’s old monuments, stop for coffee and a snack in Champa Gali, see Lodhi’s murals, and finish among the gardens of Sunder Nursery.

“A fabulous afternoon/evening exploring parts of Delhi I would otherwise not have known existed. Delicious food, amazing street art and fascinating archeological sites. Nothing was too much trouble, very relaxed and he made time to stop at India Gate for a photo op along the way. Highly recommend this tour.”

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5.Miami Beach Art Deco & Hidden Gems Bike Tour with Local Historian

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $79

Join local historian and preservationist Damian for a 2.5-hour small-group bike tour of Miami Beach. Expect Art Deco stories, true crime, film locations, coastal views, hotel interiors, and a guide map.

“I enjoy biking and it's main reason I took this tour. The combination of learning about Miami and taking a nice bike ride along the shore is an amazing experience. Our tour guide Damien did a great job with providing the tour.”

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6.Barcelona: Exploring Gaudí’s Hidden Gem, Bellesguard Tower

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 37 reviews · 1 hour · from $23Best value

Visit Antoni Gaudí’s Bellesguard Tower with a live guide in English, Spanish, or Catalan. In one hour, you’ll trace the site’s royal past, inspect Gothic and Modernist details, walk through Gaudí’s gardens, and finish with broad views across Barcelona.

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7.Detroit: Architectural Beauty and Hidden Gems Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 33 reviews · 2 hours · from $120

See Detroit’s Fox Theater, Fisher Building, Guardian Building, Motown Museum, Belle Isle, and more in a two-hour tour for up to 10 people. Your guide connects architecture with Motown, jazz, techno, rock, punk, and hip-hop. Guides speak English and German, with Dildora among the named guides.

“The tour was incredible and full of details. Being local to the area, I hadn’t known all the history of the area. Learned so much!”

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