4.0(4 reviews)
Chicago Full-Day City Tour
From$187
8 hours
Chicago, USA
About this activity
Explore Chicago's iconic landmarks on a comprehensive full-day city tour, including Cloud Gate, Grant Park, and more.
Highlights
- Cloud Gate (The Bean)
- Grant Park
- Navy Pier
- Magnificent Mile
- Willis Tower Skydeck
Full description
Discover the Windy City like never before on this immersive full-day tour. Begin your adventure with a visit to the iconic Cloud Gate, affectionately known as 'The Bean,' where you can capture stunning photos of Chicago's skyline. Stroll through the lush expanses of Grant Park, often referred to as 'Chicago's front yard,' and enjoy its beautiful gardens and public art installations. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Navy Pier, a hub of entertainment and dining along Lake Michigan. Wander down the Magnificent Mile, Chicago's premier shopping district, and marvel at the architectural wonders that line the street. Conclude your day with breathtaking panoramic views from the Willis Tower Skydeck, standing 1,353 feet above the city. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and modern attractions, ensuring a memorable Chicago experience for all.
Included / Excluded
- Air-conditioned transportation
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Pass by: Explore Chicago in one day, starting at Millennium Park to visit the iconic Cloud Gate. Continue with a 100-minute Chicago Architecture Aesthetics Tour, covering major landmarks such as the Wrigley Building, Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago, Grant Park, and Buckingham Fountain (exterior views, vehicle + light walking). In the afternoon, choose to visit the Art Institute of Chicago (optional) or enjoy panoramic views from 360 Chicago (optional). Travel Style: Vehicle tour + light walking; moderate physical activity required.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Pass by: Itinerary: Millennium Park & Cloud Gate (20 mins) → Chicago Architecture Aesthetics Tour (Mandatory, 100 minutes) → Art Institute of Chicago (Optional, 120 mins) → 360 Chicago (Optional 75 mins) Chicago Architecture Aesthetics Tour: First stop: Michigan Avenue and surrounding attractions: Chicago Tribune Building → Wings of Liberty Sculpture → St. Regis Tower → Wrigley Building → DuSable Bridge → Trump Tower Stop 2: McDonald's Headquarters & United Center Stop 3: Chicago Board of Trade Building → Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago → Art Institute of Chicago Stop 4: Grant Park & Buckingham Fountain Pass: Municipal Opera House, CME Group Building, Willis Tower Tips: The Chicago Architectural Aesthetics Tour attractions are all exterior, and the tour method is car tour + light hiking, which requires moderate physical strength for guests.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Note: Due to surrounding construction, the visit to Cloud Gate will be affected to a certain extent, please understand. Chicago is a city full of truly magnificent wonders of architecture! Millennium Park is one of the most highlighted places to visit in all of Chicago! Today will be your chance to explore the great wonders of this iconic city! At the center of Millennium Park, we have The Bean! Go ahead and take a picture under this unique sculpture, it is one of Chicago’s most recognizable features!
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Chicago Architecture Aesthetics Tour: First stop: Michigan Avenue and surrounding attractions: Chicago Tribune Building → Wings of Liberty Sculpture → St. Regis Tower → Wrigley Building → DuSable Bridge → Trump Tower Stop 2: McDonald's Headquarters & United Center Stop 3: Chicago Board of Trade Building → Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago → Art Institute of Chicago Stop 4: Grant Park & Buckingham Fountain Pass: Municipal Opera House, CME Group Building, Willis Tower Tips: The Chicago Architectural Aesthetics Tour attractions are all exterior, and the tour method is car tour + light hiking, which requires moderate physical strength for guests.
Duration: 1h 40mAdmission: YES
5
Pass by: Michigan Avenue and surrounding attractions: exterior visit of Chicago Tribune Building
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Pass by: exterior visit of St. Regis Tower
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
Pass by: Wrigley Building exterior visit
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
Pass by: exterior visit of the DuSable Bridge
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
Pass by: exterior visit of the Trump International Hotel and Tower
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10
Pass by: exterior visit of McDonald's Headquarters
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11
Pass by: exterior visit of Willis Tower Observation Deck
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
12
Pass by: exterior visit of the United Center
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
13
Pass by: exterior visit of Chicago Board of Trade Building
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
14
Pass by: exterior visit of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
15
The Art Institute is the 2nd-largest art museum in the United States! It houses pieces by renowned painters such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne, as well as an extensive collection of African-American art. The Art Institute of Chicago Admission fee(Optional): Child(under 14):$0.00; Adult:$25.00; Senior(65+):$19.00.
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NO
16
Pass by: exterior visit of Grant Park
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
17
Pass by: exterior visit of Buckingham Fountain
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
18
Pass by: passing by CME Group Building
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
19
This observsation deck sits atop the John Hancock Tower in Chicago, providing exquisite aerial views of the city's skyline that you can't get anywhere else. The new LIFT feature extends out above the city below for an exhilirating experience.
Duration: 1h 15mAdmission: NO
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; cancellations due to weather are rare.
- Children under 2 years old can join for free if they do not occupy a seat.
- Gratuities for the guide are not included and are appreciated.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves significant walking.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning cityscapes and landmarks.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for the day's conditions.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Age and Safety: Customers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women may join if under 24 weeks by the trip's end.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes and clothes, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and drinks for hydration.
- Booking Details: Ensure all booking details (name, contact, flight info) are accurate. Errors will result in personal costs. A reachable phone number is required for safety and communication.
- Tickets and Charges: Pre-purchased tickets or city passes are not accepted. Buy through us or via the guide. Group reservations recommended.
- Itinerary Changes:Tour operator reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for smooth operations.
- Tour Adjustments:The tour guide may alter schedules based on weather, traffic, or other conditions.
- Parking: Parking is not available at the meeting point. Transportation to and from the departure location is not included.
- Closed Attractions: If a scenic spot is closed, an alternative will be provided.
- Booster Seats: 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.
- Health Requirements: Guests with disabilities must provide advance notice. Wheelchair-accessible buses are not guaranteed without prior approval.
- Terms and Conditions: Terms and conditions may change—check the product website for updates.The operator is not liable for damages unless required by law.
- Leaving the Group: If leaving the group early, inform the tour guide and sign a departure form. No refunds for unused portions.
- Gifts and Refunds: Gifts provided during the tour may change due to unforeseen factors like weather. Fees will not be refunded for changes.
- Booking Guidelines For parties exceeding four guests or those requiring separate rooms, please create separate bookings. To stay together on the same bus, provide all confirmation numbers once your bookings are complete.
Traveler reviews
4.04 reviews
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Chicago’s Top Tourists Trap: Cloud Gate
Might help to check weather as attraction is outside. Family & pet friendly. Busy but not crowded. Great for photo opportunities.
Camper34382163095Aug 28, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Whirlwind tour of Chicago Highlights
Momo was so kind to us. She got tickets for us and dropped us off where we could have easy access to attractions. We have some mobility issues and Momo helped minimize any excess walking. Great day of all the highlights.
Jane_NJul 29, 2024VIATOR
WORST Full-day Chicago City Tour
The only reason this wasn't rated as terrible was because our tour guide was so nice. The site lists admission to things that are included. Basically, all of the places that you can get into for FREE are listed as included. With a couple items listed just as Chicago, which led me to believe that this covered some of the ticketed places. Anything that costs money is not included. You aren't given the opportunity to pay for any tickets, so you have no idea how much was spent, you just have to take their word on it. Also, the tickets they sent us to use for the art museum were too blurry to use. The art museum was super nice and let us in for free. The travel company still made us pay for the tickets even though we didn't use them. I asked them for clearer copies of the barcodes so that I can at least give them to friends... nope. At the end of the day, you have to settle up with the driver in cash. I didn't have cash on me and was not able to pay with a card. Their recommendation was to go down to CVS and buy gift cards?!?!? This was SUPER suspect. Sounded like a scam. I will NOT use them again and would recommend that you not use them either.
CJP23Nov 7, 2022TRIPADVISOR
Chicago in One Day!
We were lucky enough to be the only participants on this tour so we essentially had a private tour of Chicago! Scott was knowledgable about the area and was always on time at our meet up points. It was a comprehensive look at Chicago and covered everything we wanted to see & experience. I would not hesitate to recommend this tour!
mjjh72Sep 29, 2022TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Age and Safety: Customers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women may join if under 24 weeks by the trip's end.
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes and clothes, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and drinks for hydration.
Booking Details: Ensure all booking details (name, contact, flight info) are accurate. Errors will result in personal costs. A reachable phone number is required for safety and communication.
Tickets and Charges: Pre-purchased tickets or city passes are not accepted. Buy through us or via the guide. Group reservations recommended.
Itinerary Changes:Tour operator reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for smooth operations.
Tour Adjustments:The tour guide may alter schedules based on weather, traffic, or other conditions.
Parking: Parking is not available at the meeting point. Transportation to and from the departure location is not included.
Closed Attractions: If a scenic spot is closed, an alternative will be provided. COVID-19 may affect attraction hours and capacity.
Booster Seats: 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.
Health Requirements: Guests with disabilities must provide advance notice. Wheelchair-accessible buses are not guaranteed without prior approval.
Terms and Conditions: Terms and conditions may change—check the product website for updates.The operator is not liable for damages unless required by law.
Leaving the Group: If leaving the group early, inform the tour guide and sign a departure form. No refunds for unused portions.
Gifts and Refunds: Gifts provided during the tour may change due to unforeseen factors like weather. Fees will not be refunded for changes.
Booking Guidelines For parties exceeding four guests or those requiring separate rooms, please create separate bookings. To stay together on the same bus, provide all confirmation numbers once your bookings are complete.