Free cancellation
Activity Chicago, USA
Chicago City Minibus Tour
out of 5
671 reviews
About this activity
Uncover the Windy City on Chicago’s premier guided minibus tour! Discover 20+ top landmarks with curated photo stops at Cloud Gate ("The Bean"), Museum Campus, and the historic Palmer House.
Begin outside the Palmer House, birthplace of the brownie, and see Frank Lloyd Wright’s design at the Rookery. View icons like Willis Tower and Soldier Field while your guide shares local history.
Step off at Buckingham Fountain and Museum Campus for skyline panoramas over Lake Michigan and Navy Pier. Pass cultural sights like Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum.
Capture photos beneath "The Bean," see the Chicago River, and drive down Michigan Avenue past the historic Water Tower, Gold Coast brownstones, and Playboy Mansion.
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group
- Up to 12 people
- People per booking
- 1–13
- Guide
- English
- Operated by
- See it ALL Chicago Tours
Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–12 years) · Adults (13–64 years) · Seniors (65–99 years)
What is included
Included
- Included: Transport by 12-passenger, air-conditioned minibus
- Included: Live tour guide
- Included: 6 unforgettable stops
Not included
- Not included: Gratuities
Itinerary
-
Stop 1
5 min
Start your journey at the iconic Palmer House, one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in America. Step inside the ornate lobby to hear how this landmark shaped Chicago history and how it’s the birthplace of the brownie! A sweet beginning to a memorable tour.
-
Stop 2
10 min
Step inside one of the world’s first skyscrapers, the Rookery is a must-see for architecture lovers. Featuring a beautiful lobby designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
(Please note, the Rookery Building lobby is closed on Sundays, this will be exterior view only).
-
Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
Passing by
Pass by one of the world's most recognizable skyscrapers and take in its impressive, soaring design from street level.
-
Clarence F. Buckingham Fountain
5 min
Stop at one of the most iconic fountains in the world. Located in the heart of Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain’s water shows offer a stunning and refreshing photo op with the city’s skyline in the background.
(June-Late October only - otherwise this is a Passby)
-
Passing by
The oldest active arena in the NFL. Famous for its blending of the classical Greek-style columns on the outside with a modern, futuristic bowl on the inside.
-
Stop 6
Passing by
The first modern planetarium in the Western Hemisphere
-
Museum Campus
5 min
Hop off at Museum Campus for a postcard-perfect shot of Chicago’s skyline! This stop offers unbeatable panoramic views of the lake, skyline, and navy pier.
-
Stop 8
Passing by
Glide past the legendary Field Museum, home of “Sue,” the most complete T. rex skeleton ever discovered. Your guide will share fun facts about this world-famous hub of natural history, perfect for curious minds.
-
Stop 9
15 min
Step off the bus and into Chicago's premier urban park to capture unforgettable photos beneath Cloud Gate (known as "The Bean"), admire the interactive art of Crown Fountain, and marvel at the soaring steel structure of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
-
5 min
Take in panoramic views of the Chicago River, its many bridges, the Wrigley Building and the Chicago Tribune Building - a perfect photo opportunity
-
Passing by
An iconic landmark with a gleaming white terra-cotta facade and famous clock tower. This French Renaissance-style skyscraper overlooks the Chicago River.
-
Passing by
Marvel at this soaring neo-Gothic skyscraper, famous for its dramatic flying buttresses and original fragments from world landmarks (like the Parthenon and Great Wall of China) embedded into its exterior walls.
-
Magnificent Mile
Passing by
Drive down North Michigan Avenue, also known as the Magnificent Mile—Chicago’s premier shopping street. Learn about its luxury retailers, towering architecture, and the stories that make this boulevard truly magnificent.
-
Passing by
A rare survivor of the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture
-
Fourth Presbyterian Church
Passing by
The church featured in “My Best Friend’s Wedding
-
Stop 16
Passing by
Chicago’s “Rodeo Drive” - home to the top luxury fashion brands and vibrant restaurants
-
Gold Coast
Passing by
Drive through one of the country's wealthiest historic districts, past 19th-century brownstones and the site of the original Playboy Mansion.
-
West Fullerton Ave Bridge
Passing by
Pause at the Fullerton Street Bridge overlook for a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Chicago skyline and the John Hancock Tower from the North.
-
Lincoln Park
Passing by
See the lush parklands and enjoy scenic gardens. Pause at the Fullerton Street Bridge overlook for a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Chicago skyline from the North.
-
Passing by
Home to the massive 200-foot Centennial Wheel, and many other attractions and restaurants.
Meeting point and pickup
Everyone meets at the meeting point.
Meeting point
-
The driver will meet you at the Wabash street entrance of the Palmer House Hotel, between the UPS Store and Sugar Bliss.
End point
-
The driver will meet you at the Wabash street entrance of the Palmer House Hotel, between the UPS Store and Sugar Bliss.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| If you cancel | You get back |
|---|---|
| At least one day before | 100% |
| Less than a day before | 0% |
- The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
Good to know
-
Public transportation options are available nearby
-
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
-
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
-
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
-
Infants (0-3 years old) travel for free and do not require a ticket. They must travel on a parent/guardian's lap, and will not be allocated an individual seat.
-
Buckingham Fountain does not operate during the winter months (November to April). During these months, the fountain stop is replaced with a stop at Lincoln Park.
-
The Rookery Building lobby is closed on Sundays, this will be exterior view only.
-
During the Summer months (May-October), visits to Lincoln Park and the Fullerton Street Bridge Overlook are subject to daily traffic conditions and time constraints.
Traveller ratings
- 5
- 92%
- 4
- 5%
- 3
- 1%
- 2
- 1%
- 1
- 0%
Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Chicago City Minibus Tour
Pick a day to see the times and the price