Best of Chicago: Premium Small Group City Tour
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Chicago, USA
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Overview
Fit far more of Chicago’s most popular landmarks into your trip than you could exploring solo, thanks to this small-group minibus tour. Gaze into the mirrored surface of the Cloud Gate (the Bean), navigate the Magnificent Mile and the Chicago River, take in views of the Willis Tower, and much more.
- Ask as many questions as you like, thanks to the small group size
- Snap a photo of the historic Route 66 sign
- You won’t go hungry with included snacks
- Learn facts about Chicago history you won’t find in most guidebooks
What's Included
- Live commentary on Chicago's history, architecture, and landmarks
- Bottled Water and Snack Bar
- 2.5-hour premium small group city sightseeing tour with convenient pick-up at designated locations
- Sightseeing stops and pass-by views as described in the itinerary
- Photo opportunities at selected stops, including the Route 66 Begin Sign and Museum Campus
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities
- Meals, Food and Drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Pickup time may differ from voucher start time. Confirm with the tour operator after booking. Check “Meeting & Pick-up” for details. Arrive 5–10 mins early. Please allow a 5–10 minute window before and after your pick-up time, as the guide may arrive slightly early or late due to multiple stops. Chicago Downtown Hotels：Tour operator set up pick-up and drop-off points at downtown Chicago hotels between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM or 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Please refer to the itinerary for the specific addresses of each point. Other Pick up selection: 9:00am or 2:00pm at 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Return time may vary depending on the itinerary, traffic, and weather conditions.
Itinerary
1
The Magnificent Mile
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Chicago River (Pass By)
2
Catalog at Willis Tower
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Old Post Office (Pass By)
3
Chicago Board Of Trade Building
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (Pass By)
4
Millennium Park
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Clarence F. Buckingham Fountain
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Chicago Route 66 Start of the Trail Sign
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Art Institute of Chicago (Pass By)
7
Museum Campus
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- Infants must sit on laps
- Near public transportation
- Stroller accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Age and Safety: Guests under 18 must be with at least one adult. Pregnant women can join the tour only if they are 24 weeks pregnant or less by the end of the trip.
- Tickets and Charges: We do not accept City Passes or personal tickets for attractions. Admission and meal prices may change without notice. Tickets cannot be refunded if prices drop and no price matches on attractions are allowed.
- Booking Details: Provide accurate information, including your name, contact details (preferably a mobile number), and flight information. Errors can affect your travel and any losses due to incorrect information will be your responsibility.
- Leaving the Group: If you choose to leave the group, inform the tour guide in advance and sign a departure agreement. You will not receive a refund for any missed parts of the tour.
- You must provide your pick-up location to the operator at least 3 days before departure. If not received, the default pick-up will be: 9:00am at 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
- By selecting an option and completing your booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the tour's full product description, including all details about itinerary, included and excluded fees. Your payment indicates your acceptance of these terms.
- Check-In Documents: Bring a valid photo ID to board the bus. It's also a good idea to have a copy of your email confirmation.
- Health Requirements: Good health is required to enjoy the tour. Contact us for policies on passengers with disabilities. We do not guarantee accessible buses or seating without prior notification.
- Tour Adjustments: Guides or drivers may change the tour schedule due to weather, traffic, or other conditions to ensure a smooth trip.
- Terms and Conditions: We may update these terms occasionally. Check our product website before booking. We are not liable for any consequential or incidental damages related to these terms.
- For state law, Children under the age of 6 require a booster seat in order to participate in the tour group. Please understand that the violations and fines are borne by the guests themselves. There is no need for a booster seat for bus travel on the day of travel.
- Closed Attractions: If attractions are closed or altered due to holidays or other reasons, we will adjust the itinerary and/or replace it with an equivalent attraction to maintain the tour’s quality.
- Itinerary Changes: We may adjust the tour itinerary if needed, but the included attractions will not be reduced.
- Buckingham Fountain typically operates from May to October each year. If the fountain is temporarily closed or not operating, the stop will be omitted from the itinerary. Please refer to the actual arrangements made by your tour guide.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 46 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
If you’re looking for a fast tour to get as much in if you have a short visit. Michael was fantastic!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Awesome tour to kick off our visit to Chicago. Mandy was great and provided incredible history lessons on the city. We ended the tour being able to Identify major landmarks. She even took photos of us. Best tour ever
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Wonderful Way to Experience Chicago!
The Best of Chicago Tour was a fantastic experience! It was a wonderful way to explore the city, see its highlights, and learn more about its fascinating history and architecture. What really made the experience special was our tour guide, Mandy! She was friendly, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and made the entire tour both fun and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and came away with a greater appreciation for this beautiful city. I would highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Best tour ever! Mandy was great! She was very informative and knowledgeable about all she spoke of! Great!
Mandy was excellent, patient and very knowledgeable about the city . The ride was very comfortable and she makes sure you have a good time.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Thoughtfully tailored short three hour tour to get an idea of important places and plan further detailed tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Excellent tour to see the most iconic places in Chicago and learn some historical facts for people with limited time. Was fantastic!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Mandy was on time, on target with respect to knowing all about Chicago, and made the day a streamlined journey into this great city.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Excellent tour. Highly recommend for an overview of Chicago City Highlights. Mandy provides personal service with a smile. She gives very clear directions on pick up points when she drops us off at each location.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
We have a tour through the entire city, and Mandy was explaining about every building, parks, museums and others. She was very resourceful and knowledgeable about history and culture.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Mandy is a very good tour guide. She is knowledgeable about the city from the history of different locations to architecture details and much more. She communicates very well prior to pickup. Would definitely recommend this tour with Mandy as a tour guide.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Mandy did a great job of showing and explaining the sights of her city to us. She contacted us the evening before the tour to confirm our participation and pickup which we appreciated having that personal confirmation.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
This tour is labeled as ICONIC for a good reason as it was truly ICONIC. it was perfect for our small group of 6 people.! I loved the fact that they do direct hotel pickups! Michael was an extraordinary tour guide. Being a small group, he made many stops for us to get out, explore and experience sights we might not have had the option to do on a larger tour. He even let us go in to shop for Garretts popcorn and a Chicago Hot Dog! This is not to mention driving us up close to landmarks to cut down on some of the walking. I personally have mobility issues and use a walker. Michsel made sure I was safe and well taken care of. If I am ever in Chicago again or if I know of others going there and looking for a fabulous tour, I will be recommending this tour on Viator and most definitely requesting Michael as the tour guide. If I could give it 10 stars, I would in a heartbeat.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
It was an excellent tour. Our driver and tour guide Michael was great; very kind and courteous He was knowledgeable and well spoken. His vehicle was clean and rode well
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
My tour guide Michael is great - informative, patient and very helpful - an amazing tour to show you all you need to know about Chicago within few hours. Highly recommend to anyone for the first time visit to Chicago!!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Thank you Chicago! We had a wonderful tour led by Mandy. Such a beautiful city - well planned development. I will visit again.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
We had a great time on this tour. It was really nice to be a part of a small group, as we were able to connect with the other passengers throughout the tour. Michael was a great guide, sharing a lot of the history surrounding the city. He was knowledgeable, funny and personable. It was also great to find a tour where we could actually visit the “bean”, and the Adler Planetarium, the perfect place for skyline photos, as well as the beautiful and unique fountains in Chicago. This is a great tour for people who don’t want to walk a lot, and also enjoy the intimacy of a small group.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Although I am a Chicagoan, I wanted to be a tourist in my own city. It was a great decision because I learned some things about Chicago I didn't know. Michael, our tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us a fantastic tour. It was a good experience!!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Michael, our guide was very personable and knowledgeable. Loved the fact that we were picked up and dropped off at our hotel.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
I really enjoyed the tour. Mandy was a great tour guide. She was very knowledgeable about the city and knew the perfect stops to take great pics. Her descriptions of each stop/attraction made me want to visit Chicago again.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
This tour was an excellent way to experience the city. Mandy (?) was a super guide and she went out of her way to make sure I had a memorable day. She answered all my questions, of which I have a lot. She knows her city and is very proud and happy to share it.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
It’s a very small group, we were five, but I suppose it could be up to 6. Michael was very informative .
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Perfect tour that shows off the beautiful city of Chicago. Our tour guide Michael was great. Very informative and fun experience. Loved it and highly recommend it for anyone who can’t do a walking tour it’s very comfortable.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
The tour is in a nice van. Mandy stopped at all of the sites and allowed plenty of time for walking up to the places and taking pictures.
It was the perfect blend of riding and walking. This also allowed for seeing Chicago's entire areas of interest from the Wigley Building, River views, the financial area, the Buckingham Fountain, the Field Museum area with lake side view of the city skyline to name just a few great stops!
Mandy was friendly and had a lot of interesting information to share. Thank you Mandy!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Very good coverage, Excellent guide who was kind, courageous, knowledgeable and explaining places in details.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Michael was a wonderful tour guide. Knowledgeable, helpful, kind and flexible! We had a great morning touring Chicago.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service
we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
If you want the very best tour in Chicago to cover all the major sites with the most knowledgeable, lively, & fun guide, this is it. Mandy was exceptional. This was one of our most amazing tours ever!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service
we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
We got a tour guide from china. But she didn’t speak good English so it was hard to communicate. And she was shying away from her job at times like she wanted to stay in car while letting us roam around to explore ourselves. I felt this was not professional and is not expected from an expert tour guide. So think twice before booking this. Although she was happy to take our pictures and dropped us to our next destination which is why she deserves 3 stars.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're sorry to hear that your experience did not fully meet your expectations.
According to our service records, your tour was accompanied by both a driver and a professional guide throughout the itinerary. We would also like to clarify that the guide assigned to your tour is one of our experienced guides with strong English communication skills and has received positive feedback from many international guests.
We understand that communication styles and personal expectations can vary, and we're sorry if you felt the experience was not what you expected. We truly appreciate your comments, as they help us continue improving our service.
We're pleased to know that you appreciated the guide's help with taking photos and your transfer to the next destination.
Thank you again for your feedback, and we wish you many enjoyable travels ahead.
Amazing experience from start to finish! all the attractions were absolutely worth visiting. The tour guide was professional and well organized. I especially appreciated how clear the communication and arrangements were throughout the tour. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a stress-free and enjoyable trip!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service
we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Took this on my first trip to Chicago and it was a solid way to get oriented. The architecture along the river's wild in person, way more impressive than photos. Guide knew the city well and pointed out stuff I would've walked right past. The Bean was the obvious crowd pleaser but I actually liked the Route 66 sign stop too. Good pace, didn't feel rushed.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Member Pricing
From
$45.60
per personWas $48.00(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Best of Chicago: Premium Small Group City Tour
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