10 Best Viator Tours In Chicago, Illinois - Updated 2024

Suresh
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read

Chicago, the windy city is famous all around the world for its many towering skyscrapers and long architectural history. Additionally, its unique history and local culture make Chicago one of the most interesting places to visit. Chicago has a lot to offer its visitors. Towering buildings, gleaming waterbodies, historic landmarks, gardens, shops, artwork and so much more. All the way from the Willis Tower, to the local eateries, Chicago has something different to offer in every nook and cranny. So are you planning a trip to Chicago soon? Check out a list of the top 10 best Viator tours to explore Chicago, Illinois.

Why Trust Trip101?


Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team

Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles

Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)

Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform

Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts

Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more

Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content

Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.

Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.

1. Chicago river architecture tour

The Chicago River Tour is a great experience for those wishing to learn about the history of the architecture of this city. The tour takes you on a ride through the city along the three branches of the Chicago River. This guided tour will tell you all you need to know about the 130-year-old history of Chicago’s architecture. It is indeed a unique tour and very informative too!

Visited this place?

2. Chicago lakefront and museum campus Segway tour

The beautiful Michigan lakefront and the neighboring museum campus is famously known as the “front yard” of Chicago. You can ride around on a Segway along these beautiful paths and enjoy famous sites like the Buckingham Fountain or the Grant Park. The guided tour ensures that you miss no detail of the art and architecture of these historic sites. The tour also provides a short training program for first-time users.

Visited this place?

3. Gangsters and ghosts tours in Chicago

From those looking for a bit of thrill, this trip to Chicago’s past may hold an answer. The tour takes you back to the 1920s when Chicago was the hub for bootleggers, speakeasies, and gangsters. You can even learn more about the famous sites rumored to be haunted such as Elmer House, Congress Hotel, and Death Alley. The guide can regale you with stories as you watch them come alive with each step! Do not miss this spine-tingling tour.

Visited this place?

4. Chicago crime and mob tour

Are you a history lover who likes to know all that you can about the places you visit? Well, you will love the Crime and Mob tour. This one of a kind tour allows you to learn about the history of the mafia that once ruled the city of Chicago. Learn about Al Capone, The Untouchables, Hymie Weiss, and John Dillinger and the areas they operated through. Visit the sites as the guide takes you through morbid stories of Chicago’s criminal past.

Visited this place?

5. LEGOLAND Discovery Center

LEGOLAND is a great place for a family day. It has different attractions including rides, and games. It also has great offers for school field trips, scout trips and even birthday parties. This is a perfect way to keep the kids entertained on a weekend! The center also has a vast collection of rare Lego sets that you can purchase at discounted prices. A must visit if you have kids interested in Lego.

Visited this place?

6. Chicago pizza tour

Who doesn’t love pizzas? In fact, Chicago’s pizzas are famous around the world. Now visitors to this city or even food enthusiasts can take a guided tour along the footpaths of Chicago enjoying the local cuisine, and obviously, the pizzas. It allows one to explore the different neighborhoods, try out the local favorites and even learn about the history of how the different pizzas were made.

Visited this place?

Book Tours : Chicago Pizza Tour

7. Skydeck Chicago admission

Set on the 103rd floor of the Willis, the famous Chicago Skydeck allows you an unparalleled view of the city skyline. It even has a glass balcony that overlooks the Navy Pier and Wrigley Field. Whether you are traveling with a beloved person and wish to take her on a date, or are with the family, this makes way for a stunning experience. Be sure to carry a camera along so you can shoot pictures standing at the very top of the world! The building also houses many exhibits that showcase the city. Take part in various activities like a scavenger hunt and trivia quizzes. A fun way to get to know Chicago.

Visited this place?

8. Chicago city Hop-on Hop-off tour

chicago city hop-on hop-off tour
Source: www.viator.com

This is the most customizable tour thus far! You can create your own itinerary and explore the city at your own pace. This tour offers a double-decker bus with a tour guide narrating the history of the sites around you. You can choose to hop onto the bus or hop off it whenever you please. Just remember to hold on to your pass and hop right back onto the next bus and head to the next destination. This is a great way to tour all the popular attractions in the city without breaking the bank. The tour covers all the famous landmarks of the city including Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier and Millennium Park.

Visited this place?

9. Chicago helicopter tour

The Chicago Helicopter Tour allows you to truly experience the heights and vistas of the windy city from the comforts of a helicopter. It offers a 360° fully immersive experience of the entire Chicago skyline. What makes it truly special is that your pilot will narrate the tour along the way. You can catch a bird’s eye view of Willis Tower (the old Sears Tower), Wrigley Field, Lincoln Park, and many more. The helicopter terminal even holds a flight simulator for those who are interested.

Visited this place?

10. Famous tastes of Chicago food tour

A treat for every foodie, this tour allows you to explore the culinary experiences in the different neighborhoods of Chicago. It involves a walk through the little paths and alleys of the city as you try out food from six different eateries. These tours take you right to the popular eateries and restaurants where the locals dine. The tour is led by friendly and professional guides who are knowledgable about the culinary scene of Chicago. They also take into consideration guests with food allergies. So whether you are a foodie or otherwise, you will love this experience!

Visited this place?

Enjoy the best Viator tours in Chicago

Viator aims to provide you with a chance to explore this city any way you like. Pick and choose your favourite tours and customize your own holiday in Chicago.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Register Here
0 Comments
Explore Chicago
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.
hotels with rooftop pool in chicago

13 Best Hotels With Rooftop Pool in Chicago, Illinois, USA - Updated 2024