United States · North America

Discover Chicago with Rafeek

Chicago is the most populous city in the U.S.

Seeing Chicago without the story is only half the trip

The problem

Group tours run on someone else's clock, printed signs say too little, and searching for context on your phone pulls you out of the moment. Most travellers leave Chicago with photos but no sense of what they actually saw.

How Rafeek fixes it

Rafeek is a personal audio guide in your pocket. Press play at each landmark in Chicago, listen at your own pace, and keep your eyes on the place instead of a screen. Guides work offline, so no roaming or signal worries.

What you'll discover in Chicago

45 landmarks with their own audio guide — tap any one to read what you'll hear.

360 Chicago Observation Deck

An observatory located on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. It features TILT, a thrilling attraction that tilts visitors out over the edge of the building.

Adler Planetarium

America's first planetarium, located on the Museum Campus with stunning views of the Chicago skyline. It offers immersive sky shows in its domed theaters and features exhibits on astronomy and space exploration.

Art Institute of Chicago

One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, renowned for its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Its iconic entrance is guarded by two bronze lion statues, and its collection spans thousands of years of human creativity from across the globe.

Auditorium Theatre

A National Historic Landmark designed by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, celebrated for its perfect acoustics and opulent Gilded Age design. When completed in 1889, it was the largest and most lavish theater in the world.

Bahai House of Worship

Located just north of Chicago in Wilmette, this is the oldest surviving Baha'i temple in the world and the only one in North America. Its unique, nine-sided domed structure and intricate ornamentation attract visitors of all faiths.

Buckingham Fountain

One of the largest fountains in the world, situated in the center of Grant Park. Inspired by the Latona Fountain at Versailles, it is known for its grand water displays and spectacular evening light and music shows.

Chicago Botanic Garden

A sprawling 385-acre living museum featuring 27 distinct gardens and four natural areas. Located in the suburb of Glencoe, it is a world-renowned center for plant science and conservation, offering a beautiful escape from the city.

Chicago Cultural Center

A stunning landmark building that originally served as the city's first central public library. It is renowned for its opulent interiors, including intricate mosaics and two magnificent stained-glass domes, one of which is the largest Tiffany dome in the world.

Chicago History Museum

The city's primary museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting Chicago's rich and complex history. Its exhibits explore key events like the Great Chicago Fire and the city's role in American politics and culture.

Chicago Riverwalk

A scenic pedestrian path along the south bank of the Chicago River, offering a unique, below-street-level perspective of the city's architecture. The walkway is lined with restaurants, bars, and access points for architecture boat tours.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Consistently hailed as one of the greatest orchestras in the world, the CSO performs at the historic Symphony Center on Michigan Avenue. It is celebrated for its powerful sound, technical brilliance, and rich tradition of musical excellence.

Chicago Water Tower

A distinctive limestone tower on Michigan Avenue that is one of the few structures to have survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It now stands as a cherished symbol of Old Chicago and the city's enduring spirit.

Chinatown

A bustling neighborhood on the South Side that serves as a center for Chinese culture in the Midwest. Visitors can explore the iconic Chinatown Gate, enjoy authentic dim sum, and browse unique shops selling traditional goods.

Cloud Gate

A famous public sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor, affectionately known as 'The Bean' due to its shape. Located in Millennium Park, its highly polished stainless steel surface reflects and distorts the city's skyline, making it a popular photo opportunity.

Crown Fountain

An interactive public art piece in Millennium Park consisting of two 50-foot glass towers. The towers project video images of Chicago residents' faces, with water appearing to flow from their mouths into a shallow reflecting pool below.

DuSable Museum of African American History

One of the oldest and most respected institutions of its kind in the country, dedicated to the collection and preservation of African American history and culture. The museum is located in Washington Park and is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.

Field Museum of Natural History

A prestigious natural history museum that houses a vast collection of artifacts and specimens. It is famous for its extensive exhibits, including Sue, the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

Located in the suburb of Oak Park, this was the personal residence and workplace of the legendary architect for the first 20 years of his career. It is considered the birthplace of the Prairie School style of architecture and is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.

Frederick C. Robie House

A masterpiece of Prairie School architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on the University of Chicago campus, this National Historic Landmark is celebrated for its horizontal lines and open interior spaces.

Garfield Park Conservatory

One of the largest and most impressive botanical conservatories in the United States, often described as 'landscape art under glass'. It features thousands of plant species from around the world housed within eight distinct indoor gardens.

Grant Park

A large urban park often referred to as 'Chicago's front yard,' located in the Loop district. It encompasses many of the city's most famous landmarks, including Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, and the Museum Campus.

Holy Name Cathedral

The seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, this stunning Gothic Revival cathedral is a major religious and architectural landmark. Its soaring spires and intricate interior design make it a peaceful and awe-inspiring place to visit.

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

An iconic outdoor amphitheater in Millennium Park designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. It is known for its dramatic stainless steel ribbons and state-of-the-art sound system, hosting free concerts and events throughout the summer.

Lincoln Park Zoo

One of the oldest zoos in North America, located within the expansive Lincoln Park. It is notable for being one of the few major zoos in the country that offers free admission to all visitors.

Lyric Opera of Chicago

One of the world's leading opera companies, performing in the magnificent Civic Opera House. The building itself is an Art Deco and Art Nouveau masterpiece, providing a grand setting for world-class opera productions.

Magnificent Mile

An upscale section of Michigan Avenue that is one of the world's most famous commercial thoroughfares. It is lined with luxury department stores, high-end boutiques, renowned restaurants, and historic architectural landmarks.

Marina City

A distinctive residential and commercial complex featuring two iconic towers often described as 'corn cobs'. Designed by Bertrand Goldberg, it was a pioneering concept for a mixed-use 'city within a city' when it opened in the 1960s.

Millennium Park

A vibrant public park located in the heart of downtown Chicago, known for its unique blend of modern art and landscape design. It is home to iconic attractions like Cloud Gate (The Bean), the interactive Crown Fountain, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

A premier institution dedicated to showcasing thought-provoking art from the 1940s to the present day. The museum's collection includes a wide range of media, and it hosts dynamic exhibitions of both emerging and established artists.

Museum of Science and Industry

One of the largest science museums in the world, housed in the former Palace of Fine Arts from the 1893 World's Fair. Its interactive exhibits include a captured German U-boat, a replica coal mine, and the Apollo 8 command module.

National Museum of Mexican Art

Located in the vibrant Pilsen neighborhood, this museum is home to one of the country's largest collections of Mexican art. With free admission, it offers a rich look into Mexican culture through its diverse and colorful exhibits.

Navy Pier

A 3,300-foot-long pier on the Lake Michigan shoreline that serves as a major entertainment destination. It features the iconic Centennial Wheel, parks, restaurants, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and offers various boat tours.

North Avenue Beach

One of Chicago's most popular lakefront destinations, known for its expansive sandy beach and unique beach house shaped like an ocean liner. It offers spectacular views of the city skyline and is a hub of activity during the summer months.

Pilsen Neighborhood

A vibrant neighborhood on the Lower West Side known for its rich Mexican-American heritage and artistic community. The area is famous for its colorful street murals, authentic cuisine, and the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Shedd Aquarium

An indoor public aquarium situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, home to over 32,000 aquatic animals. Its diverse exhibits represent ecosystems from around the world, from the Caribbean reef to the Amazon River.

Soldier Field

The historic home of the Chicago Bears NFL team, located on the Museum Campus. The stadium is known for its unique design, which combines the original neoclassical colonnades with a modern, futuristic seating bowl.

The 606

An innovative elevated park and trail system built on a former industrial rail line on the city's Northwest Side. The 2.7-mile path connects several neighborhoods and is a popular spot for walking, running, and biking.

The Chicago Theatre

A landmark theater on State Street, instantly recognizable by its iconic six-story 'CHICAGO' marquee. Opened in 1921, this opulent French Baroque-style venue hosts concerts, comedy shows, and other major events.

The Richard H. Driehaus Museum

A museum dedicated to the art, architecture, and design of the Gilded Age, housed in the meticulously restored Nickerson Mansion. The museum offers a stunning glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of late 19th-century America.

The Rookery Building

A historic architectural masterpiece in the Financial District, designed by Burnham and Root. Its stunning central light court was famously remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright, creating a luminous and elegant interior.

Tribune Tower

A neo-Gothic skyscraper on Michigan Avenue that was the former home of the Chicago Tribune newspaper. Its facade is famously embedded with rocks and fragments from historic sites around the world, including the Great Wall of China and the Parthenon.

Union Station

Chicago's main intercity rail terminal, renowned for its grand Beaux-Arts architecture. The station's highlight is the magnificent Great Hall, a vast atrium with a barrel-vaulted skylight and classical statues.

United Center

A large indoor arena that is home to the Chicago Bulls of the NBA and the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL. A famous bronze statue of basketball legend Michael Jordan, titled 'The Spirit', stands outside the arena.

Willis Tower

A 110-story skyscraper that once held the title of the world's tallest building. Visitors can ascend to the Skydeck on the 103rd floor for panoramic views of the city and can step out onto The Ledge, a series of glass boxes extending from the building.

Wrigley Field

The historic home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, located in the vibrant Wrigleyville neighborhood. Opened in 1914, it is famous for its ivy-covered outfield walls, iconic red marquee, and classic ballpark atmosphere.

How Rafeek works in Chicago

Download Rafeek

Get the app on iOS or Android and pick your destination.

Choose a guide

Browse the landmarks nearby and choose the ones you want.

Press play and walk

Listen as you go, at your own pace, online or offline.

About Chicago

Chicago is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the third-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 2.74 million at the 2020 census. The Chicago metropolitan area has approximately 9.62 million residents according to the 2020 census and is the third-largest metropolitan area in the country. Chicago is the county seat of Cook County, the second-most populous county in the U.S.