Whether you’re an architecture nut or history buff, a tour that focuses on the local architecture is one of the more unusual ways to explore a city. Check out some of the new options for this year.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation has a variety of architecturally themed tours by foot, on public transportation and even by river.

One of the more notable new walking ours takes place 20 feet above the ground.

It’s based around the city’s L train, so you can see Chicago’s neighborhoods from an entirely different perspective, and learn about how the L has impacted the city’s development.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts is offering a Boston Architecture Bus Tour focusing on world-renowned architects.

Weather permitting, the tour also includes a 35-minute walk in Beacon Hill to see buildings by Charles Bulfinch, the man who established the Federal style of architecture.

Seattle Architecture Foundation recently added a 90-minute tour of the Cobb and Skinner Buildings to explain how these properties was fitted to achieve LEED certification from the US Green Building Council.

If you can’t find organized tours in your location try a DIY tour.

Look for downloadable audio tours, like the GPS-enabled World Architecture app for the iPhone and iPod Touch and the FanGuide app to Los Angeles architecture.

For more ways to connect with local culture, check out the Cultural Travel section.

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