Chicago bus tours
Welcome to Chicago, the Windy City and a vibrant metropolis bursting with energy, culture, and endless possibilities. Here’s why you should pack your bags and experience the excitement of Chicago:
- Iconic Skyline: Marvel at the breathtaking skyline of Chicago, dominated by iconic skyscrapers like the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), the John Hancock Center, and the sleek, modern buildings of the downtown Loop. Take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk or head to Millennium Park to snap a selfie in front of the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately known as “The Bean.”
- World-Class Museums: Immerse yourself in art, history, and culture at Chicago’s world-renowned museums. Explore masterpieces at the Art Institute of Chicago, home to works by Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh. Discover scientific wonders at the Museum of Science and Industry, delve into natural history at the Field Museum, or learn about American culture at the Chicago History Museum.
- Culinary Delights: Indulge your taste buds in Chicago’s thriving culinary scene, where you’ll find everything from deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs to gourmet fine dining and international cuisine. Sample local favorites at iconic eateries like Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Portillo’s, and Garrett Popcorn Shops, or explore trendy neighborhoods like West Loop and Logan Square for innovative dining experiences.
- Lakefront Beauty: Relax and recharge along the shores of Lake Michigan, where you can enjoy stunning views of the water and Chicago’s skyline. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the Lakefront Trail, lounge on the sandy beaches of Oak Street Beach or North Avenue Beach, or embark on a sightseeing cruise to admire the city from a different perspective.
- Vibrant Neighborhoods: Explore Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Discover the artistic vibes of Wicker Park, the historic architecture of Old Town, and the bustling energy of Lincoln Park. Shop, dine, and immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore neighborhoods like Pilsen, Andersonville, and Logan Square.
- Live Entertainment: Experience the vibrant arts and entertainment scene of Chicago, with world-class theaters, music venues, and comedy clubs offering something for everyone. Catch a Broadway show at the historic Cadillac Palace Theatre, enjoy live music at legendary venues like the Chicago Theatre or the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, or laugh the night away at The Second City, where many comedy greats got their start.
- Sports Mecca: Cheer on the home teams in one of America’s greatest sports cities. Whether you’re a baseball fan rooting for the Cubs at Wrigley Field or the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field, a basketball aficionado catching a Bulls game at the United Center, or a football enthusiast watching the Bears at Soldier Field, Chicago offers plenty of opportunities to get in on the action.
From its stunning architecture and world-class museums to its vibrant neighborhoods and legendary cuisine, Chicago has something for everyone to enjoy. So why wait? Come experience the excitement and energy of Chicago for yourself and create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Midwest.
In Chicago, Illinois, there are several bus tours offering fantastic ways to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the best Chicago bus tours:
- Chicago Architecture Tour: Discover the city’s world-renowned architecture on a bus tour that highlights landmarks like the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, and Marina City. Learn about Chicago’s architectural history, famous architects, and innovative skyscrapers.
- Hop-on-Hop-off Trolley Tour: Explore Chicago at your own pace with a hop-on-hop-off trolley tour that allows passengers to visit attractions like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Museum Campus, and the Magnificent Mile. Trolleys run on designated routes, providing convenient transportation between popular sights.
- Neighborhoods of Chicago Tour: Immerse yourself in Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods with a bus tour that visits cultural enclaves like Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown, and Pilsen. Explore each neighborhood’s history, architecture, and culinary specialties.
- Gangsters and Ghosts Tour: Delve into Chicago’s dark and mysterious past with a bus tour that explores sites associated with infamous gangsters like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Hear chilling tales of crime, corruption, and paranormal activity as you visit historic locations.
- Chicago Food Tour: Indulge in Chicago’s culinary delights with a bus tour that visits iconic eateries, local favorites, and hidden gems across the city. Sample deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and other classic dishes while learning about Chicago’s food culture.
- Art and Museums Tour: Discover Chicago’s vibrant art scene with a bus tour that visits world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Chicago Cultural Center. Explore diverse collections of art, sculpture, and cultural artifacts.
- Lakefront and Parks Tour: Enjoy scenic views of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s beautiful waterfront parks on a bus tour that travels along Lake Shore Drive. Visit attractions like Grant Park, Lincoln Park, and the Chicago Lakefront Trail, and learn about the city’s commitment to green spaces and recreation.
- Craft Beer Brewery Tour: Experience Chicago’s booming craft beer scene with a bus tour that visits local breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms. Enjoy tastings of small-batch beers, learn about the brewing process, and meet the brewers behind Chicago’s craft beer revolution.
These Chicago bus tours offer diverse experiences catering to different interests, whether it’s architecture, history, food, art, or outdoor recreation. They provide convenient and informative ways to explore the dynamic city of Chicago.
Chicago’s food truck scene offers a diverse array of culinary delights served up on the go. Here are some of the best food trucks in Chicago:
- The Fat Shallot: The Fat Shallot food truck specializes in gourmet sandwiches and hand-cut fries. Their menu features creative sandwich combinations made with high-quality ingredients, such as the classic grilled cheese with caramelized onions and the truffle BLT with bacon, arugula, and truffle aioli.
- The Roaming Hog: The Roaming Hog food truck serves up delicious barbecue dishes with a modern twist. From pulled pork sandwiches and smoked brisket tacos to BBQ mac and cheese and loaded fries, their menu offers a variety of smoked meats and savory sides that are sure to satisfy barbecue lovers.
- La Cocinita: La Cocinita food truck brings the flavors of Venezuela to the streets of Chicago with its authentic Latin American cuisine. Their menu features traditional Venezuelan dishes like arepas, empanadas, and patacones, as well as creative interpretations of Latin American favorites like tacos and bowls.
- 5411 Empanadas: 5411 Empanadas food truck offers a wide selection of delicious empanadas inspired by Argentine street food. With both savory and sweet fillings, including beef, chicken, spinach, and Nutella, their empanadas are handmade using fresh ingredients and baked to perfection.
- Yum Dum Truck: Yum Dum Truck specializes in Asian-inspired street food with a modern twist. Their menu features a variety of dumplings, bao buns, and rice bowls filled with flavorful ingredients like Korean BBQ beef, Thai basil chicken, and tofu with sweet chili sauce.
- Da Lobsta: Da Lobsta food truck brings a taste of the East Coast to Chicago with its delicious lobster rolls and seafood dishes. Their menu features a variety of lobster roll options, including classic Maine-style and Connecticut-style rolls, as well as other seafood specialties like shrimp rolls and lobster bisque.
These are just a few of the many fantastic food trucks roaming the streets of Chicago. Whether you’re craving classic comfort food, international flavors, or gourmet sandwiches, Chicago’s food truck scene has something for everyone to enjoy.
Chicago is home to a vibrant arts scene with numerous galleries, museums, and cultural institutions showcasing a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums. Here are some of the top art hot spots to visit in Chicago:
- The Art Institute of Chicago: As one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, The Art Institute of Chicago boasts an extensive collection of artworks spanning thousands of years and representing cultures from around the world. Visitors can explore iconic masterpieces by artists such as Grant Wood, Edward Hopper, and Georges Seurat, as well as contemporary works and rotating exhibitions.
- Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA): Dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago features a dynamic array of exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. The museum’s collection includes works by influential contemporary artists like Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, and Jeff Koons, as well as emerging talents from around the world.
- The Chicago Cultural Center: Housed in a historic landmark building in downtown Chicago, the Chicago Cultural Center is a vibrant hub for arts and culture. Visitors can explore free art exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, and other cultural events in this beautiful Beaux-Arts building, which features stunning architectural details and a magnificent Tiffany glass dome.
- The Richard H. Driehaus Museum: Located in a meticulously restored Gilded Age mansion, the Richard H. Driehaus Museum offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Chicago’s wealthy elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum’s collection includes decorative arts, furniture, and architectural elements from the Victorian era, as well as rotating exhibitions and educational programs.
- The National Museum of Mexican Art: Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Mexico, the National Museum of Mexican Art is dedicated to showcasing Mexican and Mexican-American art and culture. The museum’s collection includes traditional and contemporary artworks, as well as folk art, textiles, and artifacts that reflect the diversity and complexity of Mexican identity.
- The Smart Museum of Art: Located on the campus of the University of Chicago, the Smart Museum of Art is an academic art museum that features a diverse collection of artworks spanning five millennia and representing cultures from around the world. The museum’s collection includes European and American paintings, sculptures, prints, and decorative arts, as well as Asian, African, and Middle Eastern art.
These are just a few of the many art hot spots to explore in Chicago. Whether you’re interested in ancient artifacts, modern masterpieces, or contemporary art installations, Chicago offers a wealth of cultural experiences to discover and enjoy.
Chicago boasts a thriving craft beer scene with a multitude of breweries offering a diverse range of brews. Here are some of the top breweries to visit in Chicago:
- Goose Island Brewery: Founded in 1988, Goose Island Brewery is one of Chicago’s most iconic breweries. Known for its innovative and award-winning beers, Goose Island offers a wide variety of styles, including IPAs, stouts, sours, and barrel-aged beers. Visitors can enjoy brewery tours, tastings, and special events at their facilities in the Fulton Market District.
- Revolution Brewing: Revolution Brewing is one of the largest independent breweries in Illinois, known for its commitment to quality and innovation. Their brewpub in Logan Square features a rotating selection of beers on tap, including their flagship Anti-Hero IPA and Deep Wood series of barrel-aged beers. Visitors can also enjoy pub fare and live music in their spacious taproom.
- Half Acre Beer Company: Half Acre Beer Company is a beloved Chicago brewery known for its diverse lineup of craft beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and crisp lagers. Their flagship brewery and taproom in North Center offers a relaxed atmosphere, outdoor seating, and a rotating selection of beers on tap, as well as brewery tours and special events.
- Lagunitas Brewing Company: Lagunitas Brewing Company, originally founded in California, opened a large-scale brewery and taproom in Chicago in 2014. Known for its bold and flavorful beers, Lagunitas offers a wide variety of styles, including IPAs, pale ales, and seasonal specialties. Visitors can enjoy brewery tours, live music, and events in their spacious taproom in the Douglas Park neighborhood.
- Forbidden Root Brewery: Forbidden Root Brewery specializes in botanic beers made with natural ingredients like herbs, spices, and botanicals. Their brewpub in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood offers a unique and creative beer menu, as well as elevated pub fare and a cozy atmosphere. Visitors can sample a variety of innovative beers on tap, including their flagship Forbidden Root beer made with sarsaparilla and wintergreen.
- Hopewell Brewing Company: Hopewell Brewing Company is a neighborhood brewery located in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. Known for its approachable and well-crafted beers, Hopewell offers a variety of styles, including pale ales, lagers, and seasonal releases. Visitors can enjoy tastings, pints, and growler fills in their welcoming taproom, as well as rotating food pop-ups and events.
These are just a few of the many fantastic breweries to explore in Chicago. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun and unique experience, Chicago’s breweries offer something for everyone to enjoy.