Small-Group Tour of Chicago Neighborhoods: North and South Side
Badge of Excellence
Chicago, USA
- 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Explore Chicago like a local—and visit the city’s distinctive, characterful neighborhoods, in addition to its major landmarks—on this Half-day tour. Set off from downtown with just a small group for company, and leave the driving to your guide—you’ll explore dozens of Windy City neighborhoods, from Hyde Park and Bronze Ville to Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast. Learn all about Chicago culture and history as you go.
- This small-group tour is capped at five people for a personal experience
- Venture off the tourist trail and see locals-frequented areas of the city
- round-trip transit is included
- Explore Hyde Park, the Loop, Lincoln Park, and more neighborhoods
What's Included
- Headphones to hear guide.
- Phone charging port.
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.9:00 am
Itinerary
Hyde Park (Pass By)
Lincoln Park (Pass By)
Gold Coast (Pass By)
Wrigley Field (Pass By)
Bronzeville (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- FOR GROUPS OF 12 OR MORE TRAVELERS, 7 DAYS NOTICE IS REQUIRED.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.5
based on 50 reviews
Heather_S, Nov 2025
An authentic tour experience from a guide who loves Chicago. You will learn a lot and be entertained.
Dana_H, Oct 2025
Raw. Authentic. A character. Non-touristy. Famous stars homes and non-tourist neighborhoods, but I had to ask to cut the tour short. Erratic driving. Hazard lights on for half the tour. Scared me. Got car sick with all the quick and sharp and erratic turns. Had my eyes closed at least 10% of time as scarey drivers. Hit a curb at least once and cut across lanes in very scary ways more times than I could keep track.
He was hard of hearing and had to really speak up question and it was just a 4 seater sedan car. Could6nt hear his hazard lights were on for 50% of the tour until we told him. Needs a hearing aid as 70 years young.
In addition, other reviews warned of Steve, owner and only guide, not being aware of Viatar bookings. We got nothing but a Viatar confirmation once paid. No further communication unlike other tours booked. I got worried and started 8 hours before the tour to leave texts, voice messages and an email. I finally got a call back 1 hour before the tour from a very grumpy Steve on how was he supposed to respond while he was sleeping.
The message Steve should of heard is why not change your business model to send a quick IM (instant message or text) in the Viatar app to those who booked to establish a persinal connection? This is a 4 hour tour in the car with one strange guy - so one might need the comfort, safety and security of knowing he will really be there and that the tour is really on.
Allison_O, Sep 2025
Steve will take you on a comprehensive tour of the area around downtown Chicago and surrounding neighborhoods-we covered about 100 blocks over 5+ hours. I did not find any other tours of the area and would never have found all these sights on my own - it may seem a bit expensive but is truly worth it as you will see so much with a local character providing history and perspective. Steve is a real character and very amusing- and definitely knows his city. We did have some hiccups- he was not aware we had reservations for the tour but as soon as I called him he came to pick us up. So I recommended that you call him to confirm at the number listed on the reservation! (And I agree with prior comments about the driving -a little erratic at time's but on observing other drivers it may just be Chicago drivers ). I definitely recommend this tour if you want a good overview of Chicago!
Erik_L, Aug 2025
Extremely fascinating locals tour that gives you a look and insight into Chicago that you would never get on most tourist trap bus/boat tours. We were able to drive by and experience several neighborhoods that you could never find on your own.
Janet_K, May 2025
You will learn a lot about the history of Chicago and it's neighborhoods. Steve is a great guide who knows how to give a comprehensive introduction to the diversity of this great city.
Robin_S, Apr 2025
This tour was exceptional and I highly recommend people to tour with Steve Johnson. The knowledge, the service and the friendliness were top notch. Thank you Steve for taking good care of us.
Jillian_C, Apr 2024
Steve took us through neighborhoods from downtown through the extensive South side and up into the North side, always with great running commentary on the history, people, and places in each neighborhood. Thus was exactly what we hoped for. It was even better than expected -because Steve lives and works in Chicago he was able to share personal experiences that made the tour even better. We had a wonderful time!
Michael_H, Feb 2024
Overall, the small group tour of the north and south of Chicago with Steven was quite enjoyable. Despite a few hiccups, it provided a good overview of the city. Steven's knowledge was evident, and he shared interesting tidbits about the areas we visited. However, there were some issues, such as Steven being an hour late to pick us up due to confusion about our booking. Additionally, his driving was a bit erratic, which was concerning at times. I wish we could have made more stops along the way to explore different locations, but the tour still lasted over four hours, giving us a comprehensive glimpse of the city. It's a great option for those looking to get a taste of Chicago and plan future visits at a more leisurely pace.
Tina_L, Oct 2023
Steve is Awesome. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about Chicago! Steve has a great sense of humor and makes the tour fun. He took us to popular places as well as places we would have never been able to visit if we hadn’t gone on this tour! There are so many neighborhoods in Chicago and Steve knows them all. I highly recommend taking this tour. He will also pick you up from the airport and take you back for less than an Uber.
Jerry_L, Sep 2023
Steve was great. Told us a lot of history about the neighborhoods. Picked us up on time and explained everything and how it all got started . Would use him again if we could
Robert_B, Jul 2023
Friendly and very informative about Chicago neighborhoods, culture and history. Steve Johnson welcomes questions and pictures.
Larry_D, May 2023
We lhave lived in the midwest all our life but never took the opportunity to explore Chicago. This tour took us into neighborhoods that we would have never seen otherwise.
Patricia_O, Mar 2023
Steve Johnson knows the neighborhoods of Chicago! My husband and I enjoyed a very personal tour, from the Southside to Lincoln Park including neighborhoods representing long time and emerging nationalities that make Chicago their home. Steve came to Chicago on one of the two bus routes out of the South 6 decades ago, and has a unique perspective. As a contractor he has worked in every area and knows the values, the challenges of redevelopment and the special features offered all over the city.
MJ_K, Oct 2022
I was born and raised in Chicago, but it was really fascinating to see how the city has changed since I left. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to get a feel for the real Chicago and not just the tourist areas downtown.
Sherri_P, Sep 2022
Steve was a great tour guide. We were able to see all of Chicago and get a feel of the culture. We would definitely recommend this tour to our friends.
Susy_C, Aug 2022
Was an amazing day seeing the local neighbour hoods with Steve. He was knowledgeable about all the suburbs by income and median house prices, was so interesting. Great day, long, but do not miss this tour. Lunch and dinner is good too. Thanks again Steve.
Denise_J, Aug 2022
Steve made the tour interesting and rememberable. Great way to enjoy Chicago and visit such a beautiful city. Highly recommend.
Richard_R, Jul 2022
My Amtrak from Milwaukee to Chicago was canceled only hours before the tour was to begin I had no way to get to the tour. I would be interested in a future tour and wish I would receive some credit for a tour I could not attend through no fault of my own
Richard regner
Brenda_E, Jun 2022
Seeing all the different neighborhoods. In a small intimate way. Tour guide was very knowledgeable. Both my husband and I was very pleased
Christina_A, Jun 2022
Steve gave us a fantastic fun-filled day exploring the neighborhoods of Chicago. We enjoyed good food, good conversation, and great information. It was just my husband and me, and we enjoyed learning so much about Chicago and some great discussions on Race and the beautiful things that Chicago has to offer. I would highly recommend it if you don't have much time to spend in the city. Well worth the whole day we spent.
Marianne_H, May 2022
I enjoyed my tour with Steve immensely.. He gave us a fun and informative tour of a number of interesting Chicago neighborhoods. Our restaurant stops were equally interesting, as well as tasty. Unlike a number of tours that normally involve a large number of other people, Steve’s tour was intimate,, unique and highly memorable.
Janet_G, May 2022
A wonderful, informative, friendly tour of the Chicago neighborhoods. Our guide could not have been more delightfully in touch with the facts and feel for each neighborhood in the city. We saw it all! Food too!
Portia_B, May 2022
A great tour of many Chicago neighborhoods. I enjoyed every moment. Very informative. Steve did a wonderful job of giving the highlights of each area.
Steve_A, Apr 2022
Wonderful tour of many different (by racial, ethnicity, immigrant, income) residential neighborhoods. If you want to to see full city of Chicago beyond downtown, this is tour to take. I wish there were more like this in all cities.
Noreen_P, Jan 2022
Steve was amazing!
Extremely knowledgeable, interesting, and fun!
I highly, highly recommend Steve with this tour!
Margaret_B, Nov 2021
Our tour guide, Steve, was knowledgeable and friendly. He showed us many neighborhoods and provided background and the evolution of these neighborhoods. He made us feel comfortable and was accommodating. We were like in a classroom, listening to a wonderful teacher and had learned a lot. I strongly recommend the tour for who would like to have a deeper understanding of Chicago.
Jim_C, Oct 2021
It was very informative all our guide was wonderful he went out of his way to make sure we had a great time and a good trip couldn’t ask for a better person saw every part of Chicago you could’ve wanted to see had a wonderful time
Hattie_J, Sep 2021
Our tour guide, Steve, was AMAZING!! Very knowledgeable and friendly! Steve was very accommodating and made us feel so comfortable, it was like visiting a friend I’ve always known! If you’re ever in Chicago and want to take a tour of the City, I definitely recommend Steve as your tour guide.
Uwe_S, Oct 2022
Die Tour war ein schöner Überblick über das Leben und Wohnen in Chicago abseits der Touristenpfade. Die Verpflegung war ortstypisch und reichlich. Unbedingt zu empfehlen, wenn man die Stadt in all ihren Facetten kennen lernen will. Am besten zu Anfang des Aufenthaltes, um danach gezielt einige Orte näher zu erkunden. Danke an unseren Guide.
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From $125.00
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Small-Group Tour of Chicago Neighborhoods: North and South Side
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