chicago bus tours hop on hop off

Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

• A hop-on hop-off tour of downtown Chicago makes sightseeing easy 
• Hop off and get back on as many times as you wish
• Audio commentary provides important historical context 
• See highlights including the Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Grant Park
• Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus
• Professional digital commentary in multiple languages
• Live Bus Tracking & City Info (Download Free Big Bus App)
• Enclosed/Climate Controlled Lower Deck, Top Deck Open
• WiFi on board
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Admission to attractions
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• 1 Day tickets will be valid for same day use. Tickets claimed after 2 pm will be valid for the next calendar day.
• Redeem vouchers at any Big Bus hop-on hop-off points
• Most travelers can participate
• Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• robertmW1622NC 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles This tour is NOT worth the price This tour was completely uninfomative. The canned narrative was both childish and contrived. Between the few sections of the narration there was more music via records than one would expect from a DJ. The narrators were spouting dialog that was just cutesy. We have enjoyed this type of tour in many other cities where we learned about the city. On this one we were "treated" to multiple views of hotels which were featured in the brochure. By far this was the worst tour we have taken and in no way worth the price charged. Read more Written November 5, 2023
• glramsey 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to see Chicago! We hopped on and hopped off a few times. First driver had us take earbuds to listen. Second time, the driver didn’t talk and there was nothing to listen to using the buds. Third time was a charm. We were lucky enough to have Candace as our driver. She was funny, informative and one of the nicest people. During one of the stops, she offered to take our picture because she saw us struggling to take a selfie. Not once through the trip did she ask for a tip, whereas the other drivers did and contributed nothing to our trip. Candace….you are a rockstar! Thanks from the Philly girls for making our trip fun! Go Birds. Read more Written October 1, 2023
• Michelle Jarrel... T 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Smacked by tree limbs This was a great tour with different features and narration than the hop on hop off tour during the day. It is difficult to find the starting place, so arrive early and ask around. There's a sign that says Big Bus, but it doesn't indicate it's where the sunset bus starts. The worst experience was that MANY tree limbs smacked people on the upper deck as we drove by. There was really no way to avoid them without literally lying on the seat. If I had not had on glasses, I probably would have had serious eye damage. Not sure if it's the City's responsibility or the bus company's, but someone must trim those limbs! Read more Written August 9, 2023
• Joe M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour guide makes it worth it. A non stop Tour ride. Informative with some humor for our guide Matty. We were able to feel Chicago and learn about its history and current buildings and places. Lincoln Park is included on the tour. They new where the "Kodak Island" spots would be. Relaxing and enjoyable. If you want to see Chicago by bus, this it it. It is much better than Big Bus hop on after waiting and hop off. Read more Written July 6, 2023
• A9562VQstephaniem 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great time in Chicago! We have been on Big Bus in several cities and have loved them all. We rode again today while in Chicago. This was our first time taking our son who is 3. He had such a fun time and our driver Candice was fantastic! She was so fun to listen to and was awesome with our son. Riding a double decker bus (like Peppa Pig) was the highlight of his trip and Candice made it even better. She took a picture of us on top of the bus from the sidewalk and we were so appreciative! Read more Written April 24, 2023
• 916alemc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must get for first time in dubai Very nice Service! Everything planned out and nice for every Citytrip :) Employee raju in abu dhabi was very handsome Read more Written December 20, 2022
• Gmolz23 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Look for Candice Our Hop on Hop off experience was a great because of our driver Candice. She went over and above to personalize the tour and highlight Chicago. When we switch buses other drivers were disappointing with no dialogue and faulty audio. Hope everyone gets to be on Candice's bus, she was exceptional. Read more Written December 5, 2022
• TeresaC819 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful City Light Tour I would have rated 5 but we had hard time finding starting location. Actually had to walk from Navy Pier entrance down side street. Wonderful narration with humor and music. History, information and beautiful city lights. A big loop around Chicago including several highlights and neighborhoods. Read more Written October 23, 2022
• tonyasI9863WS 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Chicago experience The young man Clifton Davis was so friendly and patient when assisting my family and I on picking and planning the right tour that would suit my family .He”s knowledgeable and because of his personality my family will tour again and highly recommend taking the big bus tour Read more Written October 15, 2022
• AlwaysWellTraveled 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Love it. I love the hop on hop off double decker bus tour in any city! If you’re lucky, the driver will enjoy being a newsy tour guide. Chicago ought to re-record their ridiculous and stupid recording on this bus. It really insults the audience w lack of sophistication. Read more Written September 21, 2022
• 7Teresa30 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles I would do it all over again I enjoyed our tour guide. She was very nice and welcoming. She spoke to us throughout the tour and was involved in making sure we were safe and liking the tour. Read more Written September 11, 2022
• Sweetcgardner 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Night bus tour The tour was great! Lots of fun great views of the city. Guide was very knowledgeable. They even stop and let you off to take a great skyline view. Read more Written September 6, 2022
• Vacation212977 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect first day experience Fun and engaging! Our driver was fun and shared great facts and insights. Highly recommend as a first experience while visiting. This tour really helped us acclimate on day one of our vacation, and we constantly referred back to points we had driven by as we navigated the city on our own throughout our trip. Read more Written September 5, 2022
• Elfma 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Always great Did the tour with Alex, a passionate guide. So appreciated. Clearly knows and loves this amazing city and is eager to share. Read more Written August 20, 2022
• gretchenl250 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Chicago evening tour! Charlie was the best guide! Awesome energy and so entertaining! We would take this tour again and again. Read more Written August 7, 2022

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour provided by BigBus Chicago

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Hop On Hop Off Chicago - Bus Tours

Getting around The Windy City is a breeze when you take a hop-on hop-off Chicago tour! You can get to call the shots during your sightseeing trip. Hop off our open-air, double-decker busses and check out the attractions that interest you. Then, hop back on and skip the ones that don’t. An excursion tour has never been so easy! These highly useful attraction passes provide admission to some of the most popular attractions at a deep discount. Picking one up is one of the smartest things to do in Chicago!

Chicago Sightseeing Bus Tours

Top Customer Reviews

Marisol sepulveda.

Great tour!! Great service and great guide

Karla Gonzalez

The ticket and the extras offered were better than I expected, service inside the Bus and extra support were great.

Diane Sullivan-Ishiki

Ok. Wish was alittle less expensive.

Experience Chicago in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

The most populous city in the United States, Chicago lies on the shore of Lake Michigan. Famously known as the Windy City, it is the major hub for finance, education, and telecommunication in the US. Chicago is famous for its local cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Make sure that you don’t miss out on the Chicago-style hot dogs, deep-dish pizza, and jazz music while you are there.

With the open-top Big Bus hop on hop off Chicago sightseeing tour, you can explore the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Or find out what the John Hancock Center, Shedd Aquarium, and Miracle Mile offer.

Make sure to plan your itinerary in advance or it may get overwhelming at the last minute. Also, you can buy a CTA pass to easily navigate around the city without the hassle of renting a car. In case, you want to drive around, you can rely on the ParkChicago app to find routes seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is the best time to book a chicago hop-on hop-off tour.

April to September is the best time to plan a visit to Chicago and cover its major attractions. You can count on comfortable weather during this time that will make your sightseeing easy. However, if you are on a budget and looking to save some dough, then you can visit after the holiday season during January.

Q: How many days are enough to explore Chicago?

We recommend spending 3 to 5 days in Chicago to uncover its main attractions and hidden gems.

Q: Are these tours guided?

That will depend on the tour provider. You’ll find that hop-on hop-off bus tours can be either live or audio-guided. Many will have a pre-recorded commentary that’ll share fascinating information about the history of Chicago, its culture, and many places of interest. You’ll find that the audio commentary will be provided in various languages. English, French, German and Spanish are the most commonly used, but others may be available. Check the specific product page for full details of all the languages offered.

Q: What is the validity of the ticket?

There are several ticket options available to you, depending on your length of stay. Each bus tour will have validity from 24, 36, 48 to 72 hours. And the great thing is you can plan ahead as the vouchers are valid anywhere between 6 months to 1 year and can be used at any point during that period. Check the product page or bus tour operator for complete details.

Q: Where can I find a list of all the stops and a map of the various Chicago hop-on hop-off tour routes?

You can visit the relevant product page and check the Useful Downloads section to find the latest information as routes, stops, and timings change frequently.

Other Hop On Hop Off Destinations

• New York City
• San Francisco
• Washington DC
• Los Angeles
• Johannesburg
• San Antonio
• Reykjavik Iceland
• St-Petersburg
• Benalmadena
• Thessaloniki
• Kristiansand
• BUENOS AIRES
• Hop On Hop Off Bus Offers and Deals

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Chicago Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

What’s the big benefit of a hop on, hop off bus service? It offers the chance to move around one of the greatest cities in the world quickly with an informed guide on the bus, then step off and actually interact with your favorite locales. Relax, walk around, then relax some more.

While walking, biking, and Segway tours are excellent for a deep dive into a specific neighborhood, the hop on, hop off bus service give the greatest overview of the delights of south side tavern pizza and Wrigley Field all in one trip. If the weather is bad – and that can happen in January and February in particular – you’ll travel in comfort and warmth with only a little rain or snow to deal with between the building and the transport. During the bus ride and walking tours, you’ll have a chance to get to know your fellow travelers and motor along with the entire family without the risk of potentially getting lost.

Tours take in all the best-loved locations along the North Side, Chicago River, the beach, and museum campus. The bus takes the guesswork out of which sites to prioritize during your valuable vacation time while still giving you time to check out the coolest exhibits and architecture along the way. You’ll keep to a schedule that guarantees you’ll see everything you intended to see.

So go ahead- take those selfies of you and your gang from the open-top bus. Pose with friends by the metallic Bean or far up in the sky from the Skydeck. Your friendly hop on hop off bus guides will take you from point to point and expertly acquaint you with what you’re seeing all along the way. Your tour guide will provide an expert explanation of everything you’ve seen.

• Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours : Offering four different tickets at a range of prices, their big loop will take you from the Magnificent Mile to Shedd Aquarium.
• City Sightseeing : With 12 stops and five languages spoken, City Sightseeing takes you to all the major stops downtown and through Wrigley Field.

Book Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tickets & Tours

Big Bus: 24/48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Chicago

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Plan your Chicago itinerary without worrying about arranging travel with this unlimited 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour.
• With 11 popular stops across 1 route, choose from 2 passes available: Discover and Essential.
• Explore the stellar 360º panoramic views of the Windy City from the top deck of a double-decker bus with informative pre-recorded commentary.
• Famous stops along the way include Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile, and Navy Pier.
• 24/48-hour unlimited HOHO pass
• Audio guide in English and Spanish
• First Bus: 10am from Chicago Riverwalk
• Last Bus: 5pm from Chicago Riverwalk
• Frequency: 30mins
• Popular Stops: Millennium Park and The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Hard Rock Cafe

Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

• Tip: Don't miss 'The Bean' at Millennium Park, Chicago, the stunning stainless steel sculpture reflecting the city's skyline.
• Some of the buses are wheelchair accessible, but the upper decks on the buses aren't.
• Note that children of 2 years of age and under may travel free of charge.
• All children must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 16.

Go City Chicago Explorer Pass: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions

• Discover the windy city in the best way possible: with this convenient, wallet-friendly, and easy-to-use Explorer Pass.
• Heading to just 3 top attractions such as HOHO Big Bus Chicago, 360 CHICAGO, and Shedd Aquarium, will save you 25% with a 1-day pass instead of paying for individual attraction tickets.
• Choose from must-visit attractions like SkyDeck Chicago and Field Museum, try touristy activities like the 1-day hop on hop off classic tour, or enjoy a laid-back day of bowling and lunch at the 10Pin Chicago: the options are endless.
• Make use of the free, one-time entry into your choice of attractions — 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 depending on the ticket option selected.
• Redeem your ticket at the first attraction visited. After that, your ticket is valid for 60 days- spread out the attractions across this timeframe and explore Chicago like a pro.
• Avail additional shopping, dining, and entertainment discounts along with an online guide and PDF with key maps and useful tips.
• Choice of 2/3/4/5/6/7 of Chicago's top attractions
• Access to attractions: Shedd Aquarium, 360 CHICAGO, SkyDeck Chicago & more
• Access to outdoor activities: HOHO Big Bus Chicago, Architectural River and Lake Tour, Lakefront Speedboat Tour & more
• Discounts at restaurants: $20 drinks and food credit at The Cauldron Chicago & more
• Get complete details here
• Airport transfers
• Public transport
• Certain attractions require prior bookings. For the complete list, please click here
• You can visit each attraction once daily for your chosen pass.
• First, download the Go City App. Use your order confirmation number to add your pass to your phone. Once you visit your first attraction, your pass will be activated!
• Feeling old school? You can also print your pass at home using the link in your confirmation email. You can also show this version of your pass on your phone.
• Get access to pre-recorded commentary, suggested itineraries, a handy map, and more, available at your fingertips!
• Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your 1st attraction and is valid for 60 days before it runs out. The days needn't be consecutive.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Chicago Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Chicago is a dynamic city located in the state of Illinois, USA. It is famous for its stunning skyline, diverse neighborhoods, deep-dish pizza, and blues music. The city offers world-class museums, beautiful parks, and iconic attractions like Millennium Park and Navy Pier.

With Chicago's Hop On Hop Off Buses , you can get to explore all the top spots in the city, and all you need is one ticket! Read on to learn more about Chicago hop-on hop-off bus tours.

Why Choose Chicago Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours?

• Visit Top Landmarks: See all of Chicago’s top attractions from the open-top buses.
• Easy and Convenient: Explore the best of Chicago with just one ticket without any worry about your commute.
• Save Money: Hop-on hop-off bus tours will help you save money as you won’t have to spend money on local transportation.
• Comfortable Buses: You can enjoy an air-conditioned double-decker bus with an open-roofed top deck.
• Pre-Recorded Commentary: There are audio guides in English and Spanish to give you information on all the attractions you will visit.

Please check your tickets for more information on the special features and inclusions.

Chicago Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Timetable

• January to February: 10 AM to 4 PM
• March to December: 10 AM to 5 PM
• Closures: Chicago's Marathon Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes
• Loop Duration: 1 hour

Chicago Hop On Hop Off Visitor Tips and Guidelines

• Know the Inclusions:  Chicago hop-on hop-off bus tour operators have multiple ticket options. Some are valid for 24 hours and some for 48 hours.
• Plan Your Route:  Know the route that your hop-on hop-off bus will take so you can decide which stops you would like to get off at beforehand, and which major attractions are near the stops. 
• Schedule Your Stops:  If you want to tour any of the attractions near the bus stops, make sure you know how long you'll spend there, and when the next hop-on hop-off bus will stop. 
• Attraction Tickets: Many attractions require entry tickets, be sure to buy these in advance online to avoid standing and waiting in long queues.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

A. Yes, Chicago has a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

A. You can buy Chicago hop-on hop-off tickets online.

A. Yes, you can avail Chicago hop-on hop-off tickets online.

A. Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour ticket prices start from $44.99.

A. Hop-on hop-off buses in Chicago allow you to get on and leave the bus at any of the designated stops to see the major city landmarks whenever you want.

A. Chicago hop-on hop-off buses run between 10 AM to 5 PM.

A. Yes, Chicago's hop-on hop-off bus tours are accessible to wheelchair users.

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Which Chicago Bus Tours Are Best?

City, gangster, and beer tours.

Sometimes when we're leading one of our many tours in Chicago, we'll receive questions about whether or not any of the bus tours in this city are worth the time and money.

With that in mind, we've created this helpful guide to give you an idea of how much each bus tour costs, what you can expect to see, how long it lasts, and other important details.

This post reviews and compares the many different Chicago bus tours, double-decker hop-on-hop-off, gangster, and more, some of which are included for free with tourist passes.

• Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours
• Sightseeing Non-Stop Tours
• Night Tours
• Gangster Tours
• Beer + Distillery Tours
• Combos + Deals

Tips From Locals and Travelers

Disclosure:  We think you should consider our free tours, but we have also provided other options. While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

HOP-ON-HOP-OFF DOUBLE-DECKER BUS TOUR

A popular option for bus tours is the hop-on-hop-off tour variety.

All the double-decker buses in this section run continuously along mapped routes, and riders have the option to board at several predetermined locations throughout the city.

Travelers can get off the bus at any of these stops and discover the landmarks for themselves. After exploring various areas of Chicago, hop back onto the bus and continue your journey!

There are pre-recorded commentaries that tell you about what you're seeing.

Each ticket will be valid for a certain amount of time (typically 24-48 hours) and you can come and go as you please.

Ticket prices range from $19-$49 for adults and $14-$35 for children, depending on which kind of tour is chosen from which company.

Read our full comparison post on hop-on-hop-off bus tours , where we detail the pros and cons, route maps, and options for discounts.

NON-STOP SIGHTSEEING TOURS 

Although hop-on-hop-off bus tours can be very informative, they are designed for exploring the city to allow you to pick your stops and explore at your own pace.

Non-stop sightseeing tours are about guiding you through a specific area, with a live guide's commentary covering the significance of iconic landmarks and the history of an area.

Note that "non-stop" is a bit of a misnomer, as they do stop from time to time, but they make the choice about which sites they will be taking people to.

While some trips are focused on how Chicago became such a bustling city of industry, other tours center their attention on the architectural history of the Windy City.

Most of these services are very highly rated and tickets will cost between $30-$50 for adults and $15-$37 for children.

1. See It All Mini Tour

See It All offers a two-hour experience that allows you to experience a large part of the city, with three great photo stops! 

Expert guides will provide information about the interesting parts of the windy city while you take in the various sights and sounds.

This company offers hotel pick-ups at most locations downtown . Simply select your hotel (or the hotel nearest you) at the time of booking.

This tour company has a 5 out of 5 stars  rating on TripAdvisor ( read the reviews ).

Several comments suggest that the See It All tour is a great introduction to the city for visitors who may not be familiar with their surroundings. 

The tour passes by and through many of Chicago's major attractions and neighborhoods with guides discovering the rich history of the city.

Tour Highlights

• The Magnificent Mile | Tribune Tower, 360 Observation Deck, John Hancock Building , Wrigley Building
• Navy Pier | Lake Michigan
• Millenium Park | The Bean, Pritzker Pavillion, Crown Fountain, and more. Read about 9 Things to Do in Millenium Park here.
• Chicago River | Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Marina City
• Buckingham Fountain | Grant Park , Art Institute of Chicago
• Museum Campus | Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Soldier Field, Adler Planetarium, and much more
• Lincoln Park | Lincoln Park Zoo, gardens, fountains, sculptures, and more. You can take our Lincoln Park Blues and Gangster Tour while you're there.
• Gold Coast | restaurants, upscale neighborhoods, the Original Playboy Mansion
• Skydeck Chicago | The Willis (Sears) Tower
• The Rookery Building | Frank Lloyd Wright-designed
• The Art Institute of Chicago

Standard Prices 

• Adults: $46.95
• Children: $36.95 (ages 4-12)
• Infants Free (0-3)
• Purchase tickets here .

Note that the tour makes a stop for photos at the Museum Campus because it has one of the best views of the Chicago Skyline.

You're also able to add on an upgrade for an open-top boat ride down the Chicago River.

2. Chicago Architecture Foundation Tours

Chicago is world-renowned for its architecture, and you can see the best of it on this bus tour!

Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) has been the cultural ambassador of Chicago architecture since 1966 and is the world’s largest public architecture organization.

With a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, the Chicago Architecture Foundation is one of the highest-rated attractions in the city.

They have partnered with Big Bus Tour to bring you 4 tours that cover various points of interest, some of which they'll stop at.

Churches by Bus

• Visits Church on the South and Near West Sides of Chicago
• Cost: $50 public | $43 CAC Members
• Duration: 5 hours
• Find more information
• Purchase tickets here
• Not currently available.

Devil in the White City

• Visits locations from the book Devil in the White City one which covered a dark side of Chicago history
• Dates: 1st & 3rd Saturday from May - August
• Duration: 3.25 hours

Murals By Bus: Bronzeville

• Visits the historic Bronzeville neighborhood, covering a range of important topics while taking in its notable public murals
• Duration: 3.5 hours

Gothic Chicago by Bus

• Covers how the Gothic style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries was captured by Chicago architects

TIP: If you are interested in Chicago architecture, check out our pay-what-you-wish architecture tours .

NIGHT BUS TOURS OF CHICAGO 

As with most cities, Chi-town really changes when the sun goes down. All of the buildings begin to light up and the city really starts to shine.

Thankfully, some of the bus tour companies in the area provide services during the night. 

Night tours in Chicago are very highly rated. Most of these options are offered for free with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

Big Bus Night Tours

Discover how the Windy City changes when the sun goes down with this memorable panoramic night bus tour!

Reviews of the night tour from Big Bus Tours are mostly positive. They have a 4.5-star rating out of 5 stars on Trip Advisor.

Many of the positive comments mention that the tour guides are very informative and make the experience even more fun.

Some guests were happy with the comfort of their air-conditioned buses, while others were simply pleased that this was a live guided tour rather than a pre-recorded informative trip. 

There are a few negative comments, but they all take issue with different problems that do not appear to have anything in common.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chicago 🏙 Travel | Hotels | Food | Tips (@chicago.explore)

Sunset Live Tour

• Visits Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, the Museum Campus, Loop, and more.
• Cost: Adult from $45 | Children from $31.50
• Dates: May-October
• Starts: 7:30 at Navy Pier
• Duration: 90 minutes

Sunset Live Tour + 360 Chicago & Cocktail

• Stops at the John Hancock 360 Observation Deck for a cocktail
• Cost: starts at $90
• Duration: 90 minutes for the tour plus extra time for the visit to the observation deck

Note that Big Bus has a free mobile app that can be downloaded to see where the bus is along the route. It can be downloaded here .

DARK BUT INTERESTING TOURS

Chicago has a noted history of criminal organizations and unusual crimes. Unfortunately, the tales we’ve heard from Hollywood don’t often tell the whole story.

In order to learn more about what really happened in the windy city, it’s important to learn the history from an expert.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Crime Tours (@crimetours)

Several bus tour companies in the area provide trips around some of the more historically relevant sites in the city, detailing some of the more infamous events that took place.

These bus tours are typically rated very well, and guests enjoy learning a lot about Chi-town’s disturbing past. Ticket prices range from $30-$46 per adult.

1. Chicago Mob and Crime Bus Tour

Curious about the world-famous mobsters, crime lords, and gangsters from the 19th century on?

Take a ride in style with the climate-controlled Black Limousine Bus and see the underworld of Chicago in an hour and a half guided tour.

• The Untouchables
• H.H. Holmes
• St. Valentine’s Day Massacre
• Biograph Theatre
• Holy Name Cathedral
• John Dillinger

The bus operates 7 days a week at the below times.  The website advises guests to arrive 10 minutes early to check-in. Tours last 90 minutes.

• Standard price: $46
• Tour length: 1.5 hours long
• Departing from: 163 E. Pearson Street
• Tours take place 7 days a week

2. Weird Chicago Tours

This tour company a number of different tours covering some of the darker parts of Chicago's past.

If you want to take a peak into the seedier side of Chicago's history, you will be sure to find one of these tours interesting.

Tours On Offer

• Devil and the White City Bus Tour | Chicago's First HH Holmes Tour
• Haunted History Bus Tour | Chicago's Best Ghost Tour
• Al Capone Daydrinkers Pub Crawl | Adults Only Pub Tour
• True Crime and Mystery Bus Tour | The City's Most Macrabre Tour
• Roaring 20s Speakeasy Bus Tour | The Probhibition Tour of What Made Chicago Wild
• Blood, Guns & Valentines Gangster Bus Tour | An Authenic "Public Enemies" Tour
• Bus Tours | $30 per adult | $25 per child (under 12)
• Pub Crawls | $35 per person
• Departing from: 600 North Clark Street
• Tours take place on Saturdays

3. Untouchable Tours

Step into the 1920s with this 2 hour themed, guided tour! Known as the original Gangster Tour of Chicago, you’ll listen to the guides talk in slang as you learn about the true 1930’s Windy City.

There is no walking, so you’ll see all of the infamous spots from the comfort of the climate-controlled bus.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Untouchable Tours (@untouchabletours)

• Get the inside scoop on the windiest politicians, the red light district, and the notorious crime scene of the Prohibition Era
• St. Valentine's Day Massacre
• The Biograph Theatre
• By a 30-year-old company
• Bus Tours | $45 per person + $2.18 service fee
• Departing from 600 block of North Clark
• The tour schedule varies from month to month

BEER AND DISTILLERY TOURS

Discover the history behind Chicago’s finest alcoholic beverage by taking a bus tour.

These companies will actually drive you to a variety of different breweries and distilleries in the Chi-town area. Each location you visit will typically offer a variety of free drinks and taste-testing opportunities.

These trips will last for between 3 and 5 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore each of the stops on the tour of your choice. Expect to pay $65-$75 per ticket.

The Barrel Run

Last but certainly not least, this tour provides samples of local brews and liquors with their Chicago Breweries tour and their  Distilleries tour.

Did we mention you ride around in a large barrel-shaped bus? 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Barrel Run (@thebarrelrun)

Brewery Tour

• Visits Chicago-area breweries with beer samples and an in-depth tour
• Cost: Adult $99.60
• Tours take place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
• Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Picks up from 600 N Clark Street
• Find information and book tickets here  

Distillery Tour

• Visits three local craft distilleries with samples at each and a tour of one of the facilities
• Find information and book tickets here  

They do offer a private Gangster Prohibition Tour , and you can contact them  to find out more information.

9 CHICAGO BUS TOUR DEALS

Many Chicago tour bus companies provide a variety of discounts on tickets. This section will describe a few of the best ways to get a good deal on Chicago bus tours.

We will also cover some common deals that might not be available at the moment but could be offered at some point in the future.

1. Tourist Passes

Companies like Big Bus offer their tours through Chicago tourist passes.

Chicago All-Inclusive Passes, Chicago Explorer Passes, and Prepackaged passes allow you to pay one flat price for multiple activities and attractions throughout the city.

You can use a tourist pass to save up to 50% off a variety of fun things to see and do in the Windy City, including the following:

• 360 Chicago
• Skydeck Chicago
• Shedd Aquarium
• Shoreline Architecture Cruise
• Museum of Science and Industry
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Read about each service and what they have to offer in our post about Chicago tourist passes .

2. Combo Packages

These combinations can provide decent savings for travelers who are looking to experience multiple activities in Chicago.

Tour companies sometimes combine their services with other popular activities and attractions in Chicago to give tourists and travelers a chance to save some money on tickets.

Learn more about combo packages for Chicago bus tours .

3. Deal Sites

Chicago bus tour companies often provide their services through websites such as Groupon and Living Social . Each of these websites provides deals on local activities.

At times, they will also provide promotional credits you can apply in addition to whatever deal they are already offering in order to save even more money!

4. Children's Tickets

Some Chicago bus tour companies will offer discounts of up to $20 off for children's tickets. Most of them also provide free tickets for children under the age of 3.

5. Senior Discount

There are not currently any senior discounts offered by any of the companies listed above, but that could change with time.

We recommend contacting them to ask whether or not their policy has changed before purchasing your ticket.

6. Student Discount

This is another common type of deal which is not currently offered by any of the companies listed above. Make sure to ask ahead of time to see if they have changed this recently.

7. Military Discount

Sadly, this type of deal is also not available with any of the tour companies listed above, but they may change their minds if you call to ask about it!

8. Group Rates

Some Chicago bus tour companies do offer group rates for large groups of people, but you have to call ahead and order your tickets directly to get this deal.

Currently, Big Bus is the only hop-on-hop-off bus tour offering group rates.

9. AAA Deal

There aren't currently any AAA deals available for the services listed above, but we recommend checking your own account to see if they have any deals you can take advantage of before purchasing a ticket.

Although we do our absolute best to provide all the details you'll need to enjoy a Chicago bus tour, there's always a chance that we might miss something.

That's one of many reasons that we have a Chicago Travel Tips group on Facebook, where travelers can ask questions about any tour or activity of interest.

Here are a few of the more helpful comments we found:

When it comes to the hop on hop off tours, most people agree that they're a very useful way to become familiar with the city and figure out where everything is located.

That said, there are some things you might want to consider before purchasing tickets, as this next comment reveals.

As one of our group members notes, when you're using a tourist pass to get tickets for a hop on hop off bus tour, chances are it will only be a 1 day ticket.

Even if you get a 2 day pass, it's very likely the bus tour ticket will only be valid for 1 day.

Other Chicago bus tours are more hit and miss when it comes to the reviews. While some people really enjoyed the Mob and Crime tour, others felt it wasn't anything special.

Thankfully, this isn't an extremely common sentiment, and it does seem that a majority of people who took this tour had a lot of fun.

For even more helpful advice and suggestions, make sure to check our Chicago Travel Tips Facebook Group and consider leaving a comment if you can't find the information you want.

And much, much more

About the author.

Stephen Pickhardt

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16 Most Scenic Double-Decker Bus Rides in the World (#10 Is a Hidden Gem)

Posted: October 11, 2023 | Last updated: October 11, 2023

When you think of a double-decker bus, your mind may automatically jump to London's famed two-floor, red buses — and rightly so. But there are many other incredible double-decker bus tours, where guests can sit in an open-air top floor worldwide. 

You may not be aware of the fun things you can get up to and the amazing sights you can see on these tours all over the world. So step up your travel game and climb aboard these 16 famous double-decker bus tours from around the world.

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Barcelona Bus Turístic – Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona's Bus Turístic is one of several popular double-decker bus tours in the city that lets riders hop on and hop off at dozens of incredible sites.

Audio guides are available in more than a dozen languages (headphones are provided on the bus), and riders can take in everything from La Sagrada Familia to Camp Nou football stadium.

Booking with Bus Turístic on one of your first days in Barcelona can help save money on travel by narrowing down which spots you can devote more time to.

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City Sightseeing Cape Town – Cape Town, South Africa

City Sightseeing’s Cape Town bus tours give passengers access to three different routes, with the hop-on, hop-off buses passing through several major tourist destinations.

Audio tours are available in 15 languages, and the bus loops stop at breathtaking attractions like Table Mountain’s cableway station and the Camps Bay Strip, where riders can check out the stunning beach.

Big Bus Chicago – Chicago, USA

Big Bus is not the only hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus option in the Windy City, but it’s one of the more popular choices.

The tour stops at major attractions throughout the city, like the Chicago Riverwalk, Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), Millennium Park (home of The Bean), and Navy Pier.

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Big Bus Dubai – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Big Bus also has an option to explore Dubai on one of their double-decker buses.

Choose from a 24-hour, 48-hour, or five-day hop-on, hop-off ticket and visit the city's stunning landmarks, including Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), Heritage Village, and Palm Jumeirah.

DoDublin – Dublin, Ireland

DoDublin’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour is one of the most popular in Ireland’s capital city. Riders can book 24- or 48-hour passes and check out several of the city’s famed landmarks.

A tour guide will give riders the low-down as they visit top tourist destinations like Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and more.

Edinburgh Tour – Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Tour takes passengers on a big, green bus to many of Scotland’s capital city’s most stunning landmarks — from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The tours begin at Waterloo Place and feature a live guide. Passengers are free to hop on and off at any time while their ticket is active or ride for the duration of the tour (about an hour).

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Big Bus Hong Kong – Hong Kong, China

Big Bus also offers hop-on, hop-off tours of Hong Kong that hit all the major sites — from Victoria Peak and Lan Kwai Fong to Victoria Harbour.

Riders can listen to pre-recorded commentary (available in 10 languages) and choose a 24-hour, 48-hour, or night tour ticket, which includes a stunning nighttime view of the Kowloon Peninsula.

Big Bus Las Vegas – Las Vegas, USA

Big Bus’s Las Vegas tours take riders to all the major sites — from the Strip and the Bellagio fountains to the Downtown District — in their open-air, two-floor buses.

These hop-on, hop-off tours also feature live guides, so riders can be entertained and educated about the area. Riders can buy 24-hour, 48-hour, or night tour tickets.

The Classic Tour – London, England

Naturally, there are many incredible bus tours in London, home of the famed red double-decker buses. The Classic Tour, which packs riders onto a vintage 1960s double-decker Routemaster, is a fan favorite.

The tours feature hilarious live guides and take riders through the city’s top tourist destinations — from Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

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New York Iconic – New York, USA

There are many hop-on, hop-off bus tour options in New York City, but a relatively lesser known, yet still highly rated, option is the big, orange New York Iconic bus tour.

The company offers different tour options — like a Downtown tour, an Uptown tour, or an All City Express tour (that hits hotspots like Grand Central Station and the Plaza Hotel). Many tours also come with a live guide.

France Tourisme – Paris, France

A two-hour tour where riders can listen to commentary in one of five languages, France Tourisme’s Paris double-decker takes passengers to some of the City of Light’s most stunning landmarks.

Riders will be able to enjoy the beauty of the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the Louvre Museum — and learn about the city’s rich history while doing so.

I Love Rome – Rome, Italy

I Love Rome’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour takes passengers on a hot pink bus to some of the ancient city’s most popular and stunning landmarks.

The open-air bus stops at the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, Vatican City, and more. And with buses running every 15 to 20 minutes, passengers can spend as long as they like at each stop.

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Big Bus San Francisco – San Francisco, USA

Big Bus San Francisco offers several options for tour enthusiasts visiting the Bay Area.

They offer the classic 1- and 2-day hop-on, hop-off tours (which hit the city’s hot spots), options to add a visit to Alcatraz into the ticket price, or a wine tour that takes riders to several Napa Valley wineries.

FunVee – Singapore

Those looking for a fun weekend excursion in Singapore should consider the FunVee bus tour, which offers incredible views of Singapore’s skyline.

The double-decker bus tour runs on Saturdays and Sundays and takes riders past stunning sites like Sri Mariamman Temple, Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay.

Big Bus Sydney – Sydney, Australia

Big Bus also offers several packages for riders in Sydney. Each tour covers the city’s most well-known landmarks — like Darling Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach.

Some packages include extra excursions, like a pass for the company’s hop-on, hop-off harbor cruise, or admission to attractions like the Sydney Tower Eye.

City Sightseeing Toronto – Toronto, Canada

City Sightseeing offers a great Toronto double-decker bus tour where riders can hop off at more than a dozen prime locations throughout the city.

The bus stops at sites like the Royal Ontario Museum, the famed CN Tower, Queen’s Park, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and more. Consider booking your bus tour with a travel credit card to earn travel rewards while you explore.

Bottom line

A city bus tour is a smart way to get your bearings when visiting somewhere new since you’re paying for transportation to many top tourist destinations in one shot.

The great thing about many of these tours — aside from the very flexible hop-on, hop-off options — is that they’re one of the best smart travel hacks that can save you money. 

Visit one of the tours on this list next time you're visiting one of these terrific locations worldwide. 

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Tangier Bus Tours Reviews

Customer reviews.

Good to get around the city and get a good overview - also nice to get out of town along the coast to the hercules grotto - so therefore for 48 hrs good to get around - the 1 star for excellent is missing because of a little more information about the town would have been nice. :-)

Thank you for your valuable feedback. Happy to hear your thoughts. It is always interesting to see what our travelers think of our service.

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For groups of 12 or more, you may send us an inquiry at [email protected]. Although we do not guarantee bulk deals for all our tours, there are some tours for which we can offer discounted pricing. Ordinary hop-on-hop-off bus tickets are entitled to group savings. Attractions, pass items and combo tickets aren't.

Due the nature of this type of tour and varying demand, group travellers should be aware that there is no guarantee that the group will be able to travel altogether as the available seats vary from stop to stop and depends on demand each day. The group may need to split up and/or wait for the next bus(s).

As, we cannot guarantee that the group shall be able to travel together as one group, therefore we will reduce the group size down to 4-5 smaller groups per ticket (depending upon group size).