Entertainment & Movie Palaces in Uptown




We’ll take a walk through the vibrant Uptown community and see some of the most majestic movie palaces in the world. We’ll reflect on when the neighborhood was the heart of the film industry not only in Chicago but across the country. In the shadows of these formerly great theaters, I’ll outline the area's rise, decline, and current rebirth as Chicago's entertainment capital. We'll visit the outside of various theatres and local landmarks, ending the trip with a visit to the Green Mill, one of Chicago's oldest jazz clubs.
We'll visit the locations of the Uptown Theatre, Riviera Theatre, and Aragon Ballroom. We’ll see the famous entrance to an early silent film studio and more as we explore the neighborhood and learn about its history. We'll end the tour at the Green Mill, where you'll have the option of having a drink at a club that's been open since 1907.


Hi. I’m Leyla, a member of the Atlas Obscura community.
I've been a resident of Chicago since 2007, and have a passion for its history. I’ve been hosting tours around Chicago for more than 8 years, bringing people with me to explore the city's hidden corners and find new ways to get around.
For questions about this experience, please contact me directly through Airbnb.
We'll be walking for about 1.75 miles. There are no restrooms available on the tour. Be sure to dress for the weather. This tour is entirely outdoors! Kids are welcome, but the tour ends at a bar, and ID is required to enter if you choose to grab a drink after the walk.
There are 10 spots available on this experience.
Guests ages 18 and up can attend.
- Walking Shoes
- I.D.
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.