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Activity Chicago, USA

Chicago City Minibus Tour

4.9 (671 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Chicago City Minibus Tour

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.

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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

  1. 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.

  2. 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).

  3. 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.

  4. 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)

  5. Soldier Field

    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.

  6. Stop 6

    Passing by

    The first modern planetarium in the Western Hemisphere

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. Chicago River

    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

  11. Wrigley Building

    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.

  12. Tribune Tower

    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.

  13. 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.

  14. Water Tower Place

    Passing by

    A rare survivor of the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture

  15. Fourth Presbyterian Church

    Passing by

    The church featured in “My Best Friend’s Wedding

  16. Stop 16

    Passing by

    Chicago’s “Rodeo Drive” - home to the top luxury fashion brands and vibrant restaurants

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. Navy Pier

    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

Free 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

4.9 out of 5 · 671 reviews
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Chicago City Minibus Tour

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