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Chicago City Minibus Tour

687 Reviews 4.88 out of 5 stars Based on 687 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 97% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Chicago, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 35 (14.18) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Transport by 12-passenger, air-conditioned minibus
  • 6 unforgettable stops
  • Live tour guide
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

124 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

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.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The Rookery Building

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).
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower (pass by)

Pass by one of the world's most recognizable skyscrapers and take in its impressive, soaring design from street level.
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Clarence F. Buckingham Fountain

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)
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Soldier Field (pass 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.
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Adler Planetarium (pass by)

The first modern planetarium in the Western Hemisphere
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Museum Campus

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.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Field Museum (pass 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.
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Cloud Gate

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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Chicago River

Take in panoramic views of the Chicago River, its many bridges, the Wrigley Building and the Chicago Tribune Building - a perfect photo opportunity
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Wrigley Building (pass by)

An iconic landmark with a gleaming white terra-cotta facade and famous clock tower. This French Renaissance-style skyscraper overlooks the Chicago River.
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Tribune Tower (pass 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.
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Magnificent Mile (pass 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.
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Water Tower Place (pass by)

A rare survivor of the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture
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Fourth Presbyterian Church (pass by)

The church featured in “My Best Friend’s Wedding
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North Rush Street (pass by)

Chicago’s “Rodeo Drive” - home to the top luxury fashion brands and vibrant restaurants
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Gold Coast (pass by)

Drive through one of the country's wealthiest historic districts, past 19th-century brownstones and the site of the original Playboy Mansion.
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West Fullerton Ave Bridge (pass 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.
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Lincoln Park (pass 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.
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Navy Pier (pass by)

Home to the massive 200-foot Centennial Wheel, and many other attractions and restaurants.
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Show 19 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Q: Will I get seasick on Chicago City Minibus Tour?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-5538P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.88
687 reviews

Average 4.88 out of 5 stars based on 687 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
633
4 stars
35
3 stars
10
2 stars
7
1 star
2
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 35 (14.18) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Transport by 12-passenger, air-conditioned minibus
  • 6 unforgettable stops
  • Live tour guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

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