Discover the vibrant heart of Chicago with the Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour. This open-top bus adventure provides access to the city’s iconic landmarks, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace. With 24 or 48-hour passes available, visitors can indulge in engaging digital commentary, real-time bus tracking, and the convenience of hopping on and off as they please. Whether you’re captivated by the architectural marvels of Willis Tower or the serene beauty of Millennium Park, this tour offers a flexibility that caters to every traveler’s needs. But the true allure lies in the opportunity to uncover the city’s hidden gems, where the spirit of Chicago awaits those willing to embark on this extraordinary journey.
Key Points
- The Chicago Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour offers 24-hour or 48-hour access to explore the city’s landmarks like Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park.
- The open-top, double-decker buses feature digital commentary in English and Spanish, providing a unique sightseeing experience.
- Travelers can create personalized itineraries and access real-time bus tracking through a downloadable app.
- Advance booking is recommended, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and bundled options for additional tours like the Chicago River Architecture Cruise.
- The tour caters to diverse abilities, with designated spaces for wheelchair users and free travel for children under 3.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Chicago Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus offers visitors a flexible and convenient way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks.
Priced from CZK 1,118 per person, the tour provides 24-hour or 48-hour hop-on hop-off access, with optional add-ons like the Chicago River Architecture Boat Cruise and a panoramic sunset tour with a live guide.
Guests can reserve their tickets in advance and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
The open-top, double-decker buses feature digital commentary in English and Spanish, as well as souvenir earbuds for the audio guide.
Children under 3 travel free, though smoking and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chicago.
Experience and Itinerary
Guests can explore Chicago at their own pace on the Big Bus tour, hopping on and off at convenient stops to discover the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and attractions.
The tour covers key landmarks like the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Chicago Riverwalk, Museum Campus, and 360 CHICAGO.
Passengers can use the real-time bus tracking app to plan their journey. The open-top, double-decker buses provide engaging digital commentary in English and Spanish, and souvenir earbuds are provided for the audio guide.
Children under 3 travel for free, but smoking and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.
Tour Features
Open-top, double-decker buses whisk passengers through Chicago, featuring engaging digital commentary in English and Spanish.
Souvenir earbuds are provided for easy access to the audio guide.
Children under 3 travel for free when accompanied by an adult, though they can’t occupy paying passenger seats.
Smoking and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed on the tour.
This sightseeing experience offers a unique vantage point to explore the city’s key landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods at a flexible pace, with real-time bus tracking available through a downloadable app.
Customer Experience and Reviews
Overall, customers have rated the Chicago sightseeing tour a solid 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 935 reviews.
Travelers highlight the friendly and informative tour guides, the flexibility to create their own itinerary, and the unique vantage point the open-top bus provides.
However, some note confusion with the audio commentary and live narration, though positive experiences with specific guides have also been noted.
The tour offers a rundown of the city’s key landmarks, including the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park, allowing visitors to hop on and off at their leisure to explore vibrant neighborhoods and attractions.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
Booking the Chicago sightseeing tour may vary based on the option selected. The meeting point may change depending on the package purchased. The tour is valid for 1-2 days, so guests should check availability for starting times. Participants can explore the Magnificent Mile and the State St. Theater District during their free time.
Meeting Point | Tour Duration | Start Times |
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Varies | 1-2 Days | Varies |
Varies | 1-2 Days | Varies |
Varies | 1-2 Days | Varies |
Varies | 1-2 Days | Varies |
Varies | 1-2 Days | Varies |
Booking and Cancellation
Customers can reserve the Chicago sightseeing tour now and pay later. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. This provides flexibility for travelers to plan their schedules.
The tour offers options for 24-hour or 48-hour hop-on hop-off tickets, allowing guests to explore the city at their own pace. Advance booking is recommended, as availability may be limited, especially during peak seasons.
To book the tour, customers can visit the operator’s website or contact their customer service team. Once booked, customers will receive digital tickets and instructions for accessing the tour.
Discounts and Promotions
Though the Chicago sightseeing tour doesn’t offer any immediate discounts on the ticket price, travelers can find ways to save.
Purchasing a 48-hour hop-on hop-off ticket provides better value than the 24-hour option. Plus, booking the tour with the optional Chicago River Architecture Boat Cruise or panoramic sunset tour can result in a discounted bundled price.
Travelers should also check for any promotional offers or discounts available through third-party booking platforms or travel packages.
While the tour doesn’t provide direct discounts, being a savvy shopper can help visitors maximize their sightseeing experience within their budget.
Accessibility and Safety
The Chicago sightseeing tour caters to visitors of diverse abilities, ensuring an inclusive experience.
The open-top, double-decker buses feature designated spaces for wheelchair users, and the audio commentary is available in English and Spanish.
Children under 3 can travel for free, allowing families to explore the city together.
Plus, the tour adheres to strict safety protocols, prohibiting smoking and unaccompanied minors.
These measures contribute to a secure and enjoyable sightseeing experience for all participants.
- Designated wheelchair-accessible spaces
- Audio commentary in English and Spanish
- Free travel for children under 3
- Strict safety protocols in place
Frequently Asked Questions
What Time Does the First Bus Depart Each Day?
The first bus departs daily at varying times, typically between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, depending on the tour option booked. Passengers should check the schedule or contact the tour operator for the exact departure time for their selected tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour operator prohibits consuming outside items to maintain the cleanliness and comfort of the buses for all passengers.
Do I Need to Reserve My Spot in Advance?
You can reserve your spot in advance for this tour. The information states that you can "Reserve now & pay later" and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so booking ahead is recommended.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has age restrictions – children under 3 travel free with an adult, but they cannot occupy paying passenger seats. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed on the tour.
Can I Get a Refund if the Weather Is Bad?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. So if the weather is bad on the day of the tour, you can get a full refund. However, there are no refunds for same-day cancellations due to weather.
Recap
The Chicago Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour offers a convenient and flexible way to explore the city’s top attractions. With open-top buses, multilingual commentary, and real-time tracking, visitors can create their own itinerary and discover iconic landmarks at their own pace. Suitable for families, the tour provides a great introduction to the vibrant city of Chicago.
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