Top 5 Chicago Sightseeing Tours: See the Windy City

Chicago, that is known as the Windy City, provides, in some respects, this great mix of stunning architecture, cultural institutions, and, of course, scrumptious food. So, you’re planning a visit, you see, and you would like to soak everything up, what is actually the fantastic way? A sightseeing tour! You know, to see the sites. We will be going over what I found to be the best Chicago sightseeing tours, each with something just a bit different for what you are looking for, for example, a bit of history, views that are amazing, and some local secrets that will definitely surprise you.

1. Chicago Architecture River Tour: A Unique Float

First up, that actually has my heart, it is the Chicago Architecture River Tour. Unlike other tours on a bus, you will actually be gliding along the Chicago River, looking straight up at the amazing buildings that define the city. The tour guides really tell a great story and seem quite excited about Chicago’s story; they show, just a little bit, all the styles, from the fancy Art Deco designs to today’s tall, modern skyscrapers. That also means you get these really nice photo opportunities without, you know, dealing with streets packed with people.

If you enjoy architecture or you just want, very much, an original way to check out Chicago, it might be a home run of a choice, in my opinion. A friend of mine took this trip last summer, and, actually, they couldn’t quit talking about it. They pointed out how just peaceful it felt being on the river, while you could learn a lot about each building.

2. Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: See What You Want When You Want

If being able to make choices along the way is what you need, the Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour could be, clearly, a winner. The experience that I found from other travelers is that this tour does a pretty good job going to a good number of hot spots around Chicago. You could hop off at places, that are Grant Park, the Magnificent Mile, or Navy Pier, stay a while, and then hop back on anytime you feel, sort of, done. That part works well for people looking to go at their speed.

Plus, you do get different tickets offering something special such as, well, walking tours or entry to some destinations, so make sure that you watch closely what’s on sale. I have heard some say the buses could be delayed in busy times, yet typically it’s a solid pick if you plan on seeing everything on the list and really would like the power of personal choice during your sightseeing that is sure to happen.

3. Chicago Crime Tours: Stories You Want to Tell

So, now for anything a little different. Chicago Crime Tours really digs into the more shady areas from Chicago’s story. If that sounds just a bit like what you want, then hear me out. These tours generally will take you into areas which used to be owned by the infamous Al Capone. You can learn about how crime has impacted Chicago.

I found that it isn’t just all true crime things; that tour shows just a bit of how those events, such as The Roaring 20’s, changed the path Chicago took. Typically, tours are given via bus. Keep in mind, however, it might be a bit frightening if your children come on tour. Crime tours tend to come off well, for what I heard, since they really grab the history buff inside all of us. After all, one thing I believe a lot of us can share is a real curiosity about it.

4. Chicago’s First Lady Cruises: The Whole Picture of Sightseeing

You see, Chicago’s First Lady Cruises offer an elegant, a bit, substitute to look at the skyline, like with the Chicago Architecture River Tour I covered. However, these sailings add dinner options plus drinks, making it a party on the water, very much, especially when the sun goes down! They offer numerous tours, ranging from just a simple sightseeing to fireworks cruises. With these cruises, you tend to capture every moment while absorbing knowledge; so do keep this point firmly in mind.

For people wanting that mixture from taking in Chicago with additional delight such as dinner under lights; they rate these very high, like your special nights together! Reviewers are always glad in sharing glowing terms about those night views or those meals taken during sailing.

5. Bike Chicago: Tours on Two Wheels

Last but not least, if you wish that things get physical as opposed to only observing things around town, then perhaps cycling trips led via Bike Chicago fits well. They can provide some different trips. So, it’s your choice if that will involve just coasting along lakeshore paths or checking into local areas around Chicago.

These trips can allow for one, closely, to just have a feeling about those sites one might overlook on bigger tour vehicles, also getting exercise during that process. From what I see from most past riders: it would appear worthwhile for those of all shapes/experience that would wish things being hands-on when really seeking what happens within Chicago.