Chicago Tour - South Side
Chicago, USA
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Get an insider’s introduction to one of Chicago’s most distinctive neighborhoods during this half-day private tour of the South Side. Learn about Hyde Park’s blue-collar history and rich African American heritage. See where the atomic bomb was developed on the University of Chicago’s campus. You’ll also pass through Mexican communities in Pilsen, as well as Little Italy and Greektown.
- A half-day private tour of Chicago’s South Side
- Learn about the neighborhood’s cultural and historical relevance
- See where former president Barack Obama lived as senator
- Keep your battery charged: tours include access to an iPhone port
What's Included
- Phone charging port.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- The Chicago Theatre175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.10:00 am
Itinerary
Hyde Park (Pass By)
Pilsen (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- 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
4.4
based on 38 reviews
TriciaK_L, Jan 2026
This was amazing tour I learned so much about black history and the great migration from Mr Steve plus he is extremely funny when he does not event realize it. It’s was informative, insightful and heart warming
Lila_W, Dec 2025
Great experience. Mr. Johnson provided an individualized tour which hit the highlights of the Southside of Chicago. I grew up outside of Chicago so I was familiar, but I wanted my partner who has never been to Chicago, to have a view of the Southside and Mr. Johnson delivered.
Denise_W, Aug 2025
This was one of the best tours I have ever experienced. Steve was very knowledgeable and engaging. I learned so much on this tour. I highly recommend you make this tour part of your trip.
Theodora_N, Aug 2025
The only good thing about the tour was that you get to see many neighborhoods in Chicago that you wouldn't normally see if you're staying downtown. Tour guide is EXTREMELY annoying. He would be narrating and shout out certain words abruptly. He was not accommodating...he wouldn't allow me to switch seats with my friend (there was no reason why it would affect him in ANY way). He calls you a tough crowd of you don't laugh at his nonsensical jokes. He had us googling house prices at least 8 times...my friend suspected he worked with local realtors. He left the windows open with the AC on so we were still hot. I was expecting to see more interesting/historic southside landmarks than what we were shown. Worst of all he was racist, if you weren't a person of color he didn't want to hear from you. It was most definitely not worth the $125 price.
Izolia_J, Jul 2025
Steven Johnson is a captivating storyteller with an impressive grasp of history. He made the tour exceptionally enjoyable, balancing information with engagement without ever feeling rushed. His genuine passion for the subject truly shone through, which enhanced the overall experience. This was one of the best tours I have ever had the pleasure of attending.
Anjail_A, Jul 2025
There are a lot of stops. If like me have bad knees you will not like this tour. The driver didn't park in every safe place he could and he ran two lights.
Pat_P, Jan 2025
Steve was a wonderful and engaging tour guide - bringing to life an underappreciated part of Chicago rich with history, culture, and influence.
Linda_M, Oct 2024
Steve Johnson was a wonderful tour guide. We saw so many special areas of the South side, including my old elementary school. We had a great time and would take this tour again or another with him.
megan_m, Aug 2024
Steve is a character! You gotta be ready for his energy! Great experience. So much better than a standard big bus tour. He is very knowledgeable of Chicago and makes the tour interactive and funny. Highly recommend!!
Peter_M, Jun 2024
Steve Johnson provided me with a North South Chicago tour tailored for me as a visitor to the USA rather than the Southside tour. This was a 5 hour drive through neighbourhoods on both sides of the city covering African American, Irish, Italian, polish, Ukrainian, Hispanic districts. Steve’s expertise and knowledge made for a fascinating day giving me a unique perspective on the city and its citizens. Excellent guide, excellent tour, thanks again Steve
June_G, Jun 2024
The Tour was amazing!!! It hit all the important spots!!! Our tour guide Steve made it fun exciting and interactive. He was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. He was also an amazing photographer helping us make the most of the photo opportunities. I would highly recommend this tour to others.
Rahima_B, Dec 2023
One of the best tours I've ever been on!!! Personalized to my preferences and Steve was such a gem. Very knowledgeable about the history, took pictures for me, and even took me to Juice Wlrds memorial site. Steve was very funny and gave me good advice as well. Amazing tour!
Ladye_A, Nov 2023
I texted 15 minutes before the tour, no response, I called 5 minutes before the tour was to start and Steve was unaware he had a tour today. Where was I right now and why didn't i call for a hotel pick-up, I said that was not offered on the Viator site. Would've loved that option. He is a very loud and fast talker, I will never forget how he kept yelling "Lincoln Park Baby". Each neighborhood we would have to answer the question of what type of housing we were looking at. I think it was condo, home and affordable housing. I don't care, I was looking at the beauty of the buildings. We would also have to Google each neighborhood house to find out what it sold for. I don't care, I'm not moving to Chicago. He also did not stop talking long enough for either one of us to ask a question. His driving is very fast and jerky. We don't have to go from 0-60 on each block with speed bumps. He would just stop wherever to point something out. The horn blowing was non stop. I was really scared when he slowed down on the interstate to show us something, we were well below 45 miles an hour. He pulled in front of an ambulance with lights/sirens and slowed down while turning to tell us something. My husband did say something this time. He kept wanting to make up for the morning mix up and give us another hour of touring at no cost, I couldn't take it. I was nauseated and had a horrible headache, I just wanted this to end. we only stopped to take pictures where he wanted. would've loved to stop and get out at Wrigley Field. Don't remember seeing the University of Chicago or hearing about the Atomic Bomb, I would have like that.
Judy_T, Oct 2023
Steve has a great knowledge of Chicago. He personalized the tour by taking us to places we asked about.
Becky_L, Oct 2023
STEVE! What a Chicago treasure. He is full of knowledge and shared his city with us. The time went quickly and worth every penny. We saw so many corners of Chicago and had a great story teller to keep us wanting more.
Patricia_R, Sep 2023
I went to the pick up place 10 minutes prior , the tour operator never showed even though I had received an email saying: Confirmed. I tried to reach him, no answer . I had to hire an uber . Somebody called me an hour later to offer me another tour , not the original I paid for . I rejected . I’m still waiting for my refund !!
Donna_L, Jul 2023
I took a couple of tours of the north side and the south side of Chicago with Steve Johnson and they were both terrific! Steve is a fabulous tour guide who provides lots of facts and interesting information. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to go beyond the typical tourist attractions and see and learn about all aspects of Chicago. I loved the city, loved Steve as our guide and loved the tour!
Johnny_D, May 2023
Seeing both the south and north sides of Chicago and learning the history about both. Definitely worth my 4 hours!!
lizfriedman1, May 2023
Have lived in the city a long time but have never really explored the south side. This was a great way to pack a lot of neighborhoods into a short time period.
Angelina_C, May 2023
Steve, the tour guide, was very knowledgeable, courteous, and kind. The tour of Southside and other neighborhoods is very important for making cultural connections.
Nicole_B, May 2023
The tour was excellent, and thorough! We really got to experience Chicago! The tour guide was very knowledgeable, and had a great personality.
Bob_L, May 2023
Outstanding overview of the neighborhoods. Lots of historic context and frequent direction of our attention to specific examples of the points being made. Steve Johnson was concise, articulate, and easily understood. A day we'll remember and tell stories to friends for a long time to come.
Tina_L, Jan 2023
We had a wonderful time on the tour. We learned so much about Chicago! Steve was very knowledgeable and fun!! He made sure to ansewer our questions and even took us by a location that wasn't a planned destination per tour request. We definitely recommend this tour. - Happy customers
Roblyn_H, Nov 2022
What an exciting tour of not only the South Side, but other parts of Chicago. My tour guide and driver, Steve, was very knowledgeable on the Chicagoan facts. He made my tour personable and enjoyable. I will highly recommend this tour to my friends.
Marguerite_M, Sep 2022
This was one of the best tours I have ever been on. The South Side is so much more than I ever imagined. Steve is so knowledgeable about all areas of the South Side. The South Side is a checkerboard of very different neighborhoods. Wait until you see the size of Chinatown! The 4 hours is filled with history including the industrial history of the South Side. You will also see University of Chicago area, the Obamas' house and where some other famous Chicagoans lived. You haven't seen all of Chicago until you've seen the South Side. Go! And Steve has a very comfortable vehicle for the ride.
Lynette_L, Sep 2022
This was a great tour of the southern suburbs of Chicago. Steve picked me up in a beautiful car and with only one other person, we had his undivided attention. He gave us the ins and outs of every suburb and the industrial areas including the ford factory. We stopped at the Planetarium for a great view of the city skyline, the Obama's House and a rest break. Most impressed by the University of Chicago. We were dropped off at our accommodation. All in all, smart, reliable, and insightful.
Denise_W, Jul 2022
Interesting tour, off the beaten “tourist” path, see the diverse & unique neighborhoods of Chicago you would not otherwise see. If interested in tourist-y sites this is probably not for you, and probably not interesting to children. The tour guide was great!!!!
Likely to Sell Out
From $125.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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