Top Chicago Pop Culture

There are lots of ways to take in Chicago’s architectural sights, but most tours don’t mix things up by teaching you about the city’s dark criminal past. On this combination architecture and true crime walking tour, explore with a local guide and listen to intriguing stories as you explore downtown landmarks such as Chase Tower, Palmer House, and much more.

Swap the standard Chicago itinerary for the chance to experience a whole different side to the city. Walk in the footsteps of Al Capone and John Dillinger while hearing tales of Chicago's haunted past. This walking tour takes you to prohibition-era speakeasies, sites of real life mob shootouts, and provides special access to places tied to historical events that have shaped Chicago.

Explore a new side of Chicago and the city's gangster past on this mafia tour in a coach vehicle. Drive around the Windy City to see where Al Capone, The Untouchables, Hymie Weiss, John Dillinger, and more famous figures hung out. There are ample chances to get out of the bus and pose for pictures in front of a historic courthouse, among other infamous sites.

See Chicago from a different perspective on this evening cruise that explores the city’s darker side. As twilight settles over the skyline, glide along the Chicago River while hearing chilling tales of disasters, infamous criminals, and eerie legends tied to the city’s past. This relaxed river cruise blends atmospheric storytelling with some of the best nighttime views of Chicago’s renowned skyline and landmarks. Grab a drink from the onboard bar, settle in, and let the city’s shadowy history unfold as you cruise through the heart of downtown. By the end of the journey, you’ll have experienced Chicago’s skyline in a whole new way—while uncovering the chilling events, legends, and mysteries that shaped the city. Please arrive 30 minutes in advance!

Book in advance to take this popular tour that details the mob history of Chicago during the Prohibition Era (1920s-1930s). Learn about the exploits of gangsters like Capone, Dillinger, Moran, and others as you travel by minibus to sites like the Biograph Theater, Holy Name Cathedral, and St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Your guide adopts gangster attire and characteristics that add dramatic flair to the historical commentary.

Get a front row perspective on the exquisite buildings that line the Chicago River during a 45-minute architecture cruise. Hear live commentary about the history and architectural heritage of Chicago on this family-friendly tour, which highlights landmarks such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower. Sit on the open-air top deck or the sheltered bottom deck for the ultimate view of Chicago.

Discover the architectural gems of the Windy City from an ideal vantage point—and learn insider facts and stories about the city's top attractions—on this Chicago River cruise. Travel in comfort aboard a boat equipped with both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Covering more than 130 years of architectural history, this tour is the perfect opportunity to see a huge area of the city without the hassle of taxis and public transit.

Uncover the notorious history of Chicago's gangster era on this immersive bus tour that takes you through the city's most infamous landmarks. Visit the Palmer House, where Al Capone once mingled, and pass the Congress Hotel, rumored to be haunted by ghostly figures. Drive through Grant Park to learn about H.H. Holmes and the chilling Iroquois Theatre Fire. At each stop, delve into gripping tales of rivalries, secret doors, and tragic events that shaped Chicago's past. This tour is perfect for history buffs and those intrigued by the darker side of the city. - Explore key sites linked to Al Capone and Chicago's gangland history - Discover chilling tales of hauntings, Death Alley, and the tragic Iroquois Theatre Fire - Enjoy stops at iconic locations like the Holy Name Cathedral and Grant Park - Engage in a unique paranormal photo opportunity by the Chicago River

See a different side to Chicago on a haunted history tour of the city that takes you to spots you'd otherwise miss, including secret parlors and underground tunnels, plus movie theaters and speakeasies with chilling pasts. With a guide, explore the creepy past of one of Chicago’s most famous bootleggers, and stay entertained with chilling tales throughout.

Take in views of the Chicago skyline and its landmarks during this Lake Michigan sightseeing boat cruise. Enjoy a laidback ride, soaking up panoramic views from this unique perspective. Listen to audio commentary to give you fresh insight into the landmarks you see, like Navy Pier and the Willis Tower, and feel free to bring your own lunch or grab a drink at the onboard bar (own expense).

If you want culture, history, food, cinema and film and a heavy dose of all things Chicago this is your tour! Get ready to EAT. We are true fans of Chicago, The Bear and good food which is why we start our tour at the world famous Pequod's pizza where a hot pie will be ready waiting for us to pickup and try. Enjoy this in the pedicab as we begin our leisurely ride through the city getting an open air view of some of Chicago's cutest neighborhoods. Next up we go to Margies Candies for a Banana Split before embarking on a ride all the way from the west side to River North, crossing the Chicago River and getting some photos at the iconic LaSalle Flowers. End your epic Chicago adventure at Mr. Beef or Kasama! Your tour vehicle will be a decorated 6 seat pedicab driven by one of our knowledgeable tour guides. Comfortable for up to 4-5 adults, 6 if kids/teenagers are in the mix. Look at the photos of the cab and feel free to reach out with any questions.

Discover iconic Chicago movie locations with a private tour, including transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off. Visit the Home Alone house exterior, Wrigley Field exterior (Ferris Bueller's Day Off), the Chicago Board of Trade exterior (The Dark Knight), Union Station's staircase (The Untouchables), and Millennium Park's Cloud Gate (Source Code). Enjoy a seamless and comfortable experience exploring these famous sites.

Lovers of history, true crime, and haunted mysteries rejoice—skip the generic sightseeing tours and learn about Chicago’s dark underbelly with this mob history tour. Follow your guide through historic streets and alleys from Grant Park to the “Alley of Death”—also known as West Couch Place—as you learn about the city’s gritty mobsters, doomed ghosts, crime, and vice.

Discover Pilsen, one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its colorful street art, rich Mexican heritage, historic architecture, and thriving local culture. This locally led Pilsen walking tour offers an authentic, insider experience beyond typical Chicago sightseeing. - Pilsen-based experts with 40+ years of combined experience - Explore iconic sites like 16th Street murals, Thalia Hall, and local cultural landmarks - Official Pilsen tour partner of the Chicago History Museum - Bilingual tours available in English and Spanish - Multiple routes and flexible options, including walking, running, or biking tours -BOOKING: Please note the tour guide will contact you to schedule an exact time for your tour after you have completed the booking. There is no option to pick a start time.

Step into the shadows of Chicago’s past on this adults-only haunted pub crawl, where ghost stories, historic landmarks, and legendary nightlife collide. Beginning near the iconic Palmolive Building, this guided experience takes you through the city’s Gold Coast and beyond, uncovering the eerie aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire and the restless spirits it may have left behind. Along the way, you’ll visit a curated mix of historic sites and local bars, blending chilling storytelling with time to grab a drink and soak in the atmosphere. Adults 21+ only, must have valid I.D.

More than 100 years later, stories of Prohibition-era Chicago still capture the public’s imagination. But the portrayal of that era in popular culture isn't always accurate. On this tour, you’ll hear how the culture in turn-of-the-century Chicago helped bring about the 18th Amendment through stories of notorious vice districts along the Chicago River and the South Loop. We'll talk about the rise of Al Capone during the infamous “Beer Wars,” culminating in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Along the way, we’ll talk about how the city played a role in the popular and artistic growth of jazz, and how Chicago during the Roaring Twenties has been depicted on screen, in blockbusters such as "The Untouchables" and "Chicago." Please be advised that this tour contains stories of murder and sex work. Although children are welcome on this tour, parents should use their discretion in determining whether it is suitable for those under 15.

Step aboard a boat for a comprehensive cruise that details the history of Chicago's architecture. Enjoy views of the Chicago skyline accompanied by architecture-focused commentary that points out each of the landmark buildings. As you cruise through Lake Michigan, snap photos of you and your party against the stretch of Chicago's 26-mile shoreline.

Uncover the chilling history of Chicago's gangsters and ghosts on this thrilling late-night Halloween walking tour. Delve into the dark secrets of the South Loop, once a vice district, as your historian guide shares captivating tales of Al Capone and the city’s infamous past. Explore haunted locations like the Palmer House and the Chicago Theatre, and hear eerie stories of spirits that linger in Death Alley and along the Chicago Riverwalk. This tour culminates at the Congress Hotel, renowned for its ghostly sightings, making it the perfect way to experience Chicago's haunted history at midnight. - Late-night Halloween walking tour through Chicago's South Loop, ending at midnight. - Hear true stories about notorious gangsters like Al Capone - Visit haunted spots including the Chicago Theatre and Palmer House - End your tour at the Congress Hotel, one of Illinois' most haunted locations

Lots of tours help you explore Chicago’s historic streets, but most avoid the grittier details that have helped shape the city over the decades. But this small-group walking tour doesn’t shy away from the gruesome details. Listen to tales of gangsters, restless spirits, and local disasters as you navigate some of Chicago’s most popular landmarks.

Admire some of the Windy City's most iconic views—and enjoy a time-saving, relaxing way to sightsee—aboard this pet-friendly Chicago River architecture boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including dozens of notable buildings, like the Wrigley Building and the John Hancock Building. In just one tour, you cover multiple branches of the Chicago River and learn insider facts and stories you'd otherwise miss.

Discover a dark, spooky side of Chicago that most tours miss on this adults-only ghost walking tour. Keep an eye out for sinister specters and ghastly ghouls as you explore abandoned buildings and shadowy alleyways near some of Chicago’s most popular landmarks, including the Chicago Theatre, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Learn about the history and legends surrounding the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and notorious criminal H.H.Holmes on a half-day tour inspired by the popular book ‘The Devil in the White City.’ Explore important locations such as the Prairie Avenue Historic District, Jackson Park, Midway Plaisance Park, and the ‘Murder Castle’ of H.H. Holmes as you learn more about the World's Columbian Exposition and Victorian Chicago.

Experience the ultimate Private Shameless TV Location Tour with the convenience of hotel pick and drop-off, allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride while exploring Chicago's iconic filming locations. Tour Highlights: - Visit the exterior of Gallagher House (Private Residence) - Visit the exterior of Sheila's House (Private Residence) - Visit the exterior of Kelvin & Veronica's House (Private Residence) - Explore Millennium Park and take a photo in front of the famous "Bean" Sculpture, a popular Chicago Landmark. - Explore the Chicago Cultural Center renowned for its stunning architecture, including the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome. This tour offers a unique blend of Shameless fandom and Chicago exploration, while prioritizing respect for private residences and local communities.