Exploring Chicago: A Guide to the Best City Tours
Chicago, the Windy City, is one of the most exciting and beautiful cities in the United States. With its amazing skyline, rich history, delicious food, and vibrant culture, there’s always something to discover. Whether you're visiting for the first time or have lived here for years, a city tour is one of the best ways to experience what Chicago has to offer.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of city tours in Chicago, what you can expect from each one, and how to choose the right tour for your adventure.
Why Take a City Tour?
City tours are a fun, easy, and informative way to explore a place. Instead of trying to figure out where to go and what to see on your own, a tour gives you a guided experience. You'll get to hear interesting stories, learn about local history, and often see hidden spots that you might miss on your own.
In Chicago, tours can take you through famous neighborhoods, past historic landmarks, and even onto the water. There are many options for every interest and budget.
1. Architecture Tours
Chicago is famous for its architecture. The city is home to some of the tallest and most unique buildings in the world. If you love design, history, or just want to see some beautiful sights, an architecture tour is a must.
Types of Architecture Tours:
Boat Tours: These are the most popular. You’ll cruise along the Chicago River while a guide explains the history behind the buildings. Companies like Chicago’s First Lady Cruises and Wendella offer great experiences.
Walking Tours: These focus on specific neighborhoods like the Loop, River North, or Hyde Park. You’ll get up close and personal with the buildings.
Bus Tours: These are great if you want to see a lot in a short amount of time.
Highlights:
Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)
John Hancock Center
Wrigley Building
Tribune Tower
2. Food Tours
If you love to eat, Chicago won’t disappoint. The city is known for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and diverse international cuisine.
What to Expect:
Food tours take you to several restaurants or food spots in a neighborhood. You’ll get small tastings at each stop while learning about the history of the dish and the area.
Best Areas for Food Tours:
West Loop: Home to “Restaurant Row”
Pilsen: Known for amazing Mexican food
Chinatown: A great place to explore different flavors
Famous Eats:
Lou Malnati’s (deep-dish pizza)
Portillo’s (Chicago-style hot dog)
Al’s Beef (Italian beef)
3. Bus and Trolley Tours
If you prefer to relax and take in the sights, a hop-on-hop-off bus or trolley tour is a great choice. These tours cover major landmarks, and you can get on or off at any stop.
What You’ll See:
Millennium Park (home of the famous "Bean")
Navy Pier
The Art Institute of Chicago
Magnificent Mile shopping district
These tours are great for families or anyone who wants a flexible way to explore.
4. Walking Tours
Walking tours are perfect for travelers who enjoy a slower pace and want to dive deeper into Chicago’s neighborhoods. You can choose from many themed tours.
Popular Walking Tour Themes:
Historic Chicago: Learn about the Great Chicago Fire and how the city was rebuilt.
Gangsters and Ghosts: Discover the dark side of Chicago’s past with stories of Al Capone and haunted buildings.
Street Art Tours: Explore murals and local art in areas like Logan Square and Wicker Park.
Walking tours often have smaller groups, so you can ask questions and have a more personal experience.
5. Bike Tours
Chicago is a very bike-friendly city, with many bike lanes and trails. Bike tours are a fun way to cover a lot of ground while staying active.
Where You'll Ride:
Along the Lakefront Trail (beautiful views of Lake Michigan)
Through Lincoln Park and the zoo
Around neighborhoods like Wicker Park or the Gold Coast
Bike tours usually include a rental and helmet, and they’re guided by locals who know the best paths and stories.
6. Segway Tours
If you want something a little different, try a Segway tour. These two-wheeled electric scooters are easy to learn and super fun to ride.
What’s Included:
A short training session
Guided tour of areas like Grant Park, Museum Campus, and Lakefront
Segway tours are great for people who want to cover a lot of ground without too much walking or biking.
7. Water Tours
Besides architecture cruises, there are other fun ways to enjoy the water in Chicago.
Options Include:
Lake Michigan Boat Tours: Great views of the skyline, especially at sunset
Speedboat Rides: For thrill-seekers who want a faster ride
Kayak Tours: Paddle down the river with a guide while learning about the city
These tours are best during the warmer months, typically from May through September.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tour
With so many choices, it can be hard to pick the perfect tour. Here are some tips:
Think about your interests: Do you like food, history, art, or adventure?
Check the weather: Some tours, like walking or bike tours, are best when it’s not raining or too cold.
Read reviews: Websites like TripAdvisor and Yelp can help you find highly-rated tours.
Plan ahead: Some tours sell out, especially during busy seasons.
Final Thoughts
City tours are one of the best ways to explore Chicago. Whether you’re gliding on a Segway, floating on a riverboat, or munching your way through a food tour, there’s something for everyone. Chicago is a city full of stories, sights, and surprises—and a great tour can help you experience it all in a fun and memorable way.
So the next time you’re in the Windy City, grab your camera, your walking shoes, or your appetite—and get ready to tour! For more services and tips Visit our website: https://www.eliterideschicago.com/
