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Hop-On Hop-Off Convenience
The beauty of Big Bus Tours is the hop-on, hop-off model. You can continuously loop around on the open-top double-decker buses, getting on and off at your leisure to explore Chicago attractions. With a 1-day or 2-day pass, you have the freedom to dictate your own adventure based on what interests you most.
Big Bus currently offers two interconnecting routes in Chicago:
The Red Route focuses on downtown and the Magnificent Mile, with stops including Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and the John Hancock Center.
The Blue Route travels to more far-flung neighborhoods like Little Italy, Chinatown, Pilsen, and Hyde Park. It also goes down Museum Campus to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium.
Between the two routes, Big Bus makes over 30 stops at Chicago's top sites and districts. The open-top double deckers allow for panoramic views between stops. You'll get to see the city from unique vantage points while listening to lively commentary from the onboard guides.
With your pass, you can move seamlessly between the two lines and hop on and off all day. See everything from expansive lake views to Chicago's famous architecture at your own pace. It's the most flexible and user-friendly way to take in the diversity of attractions and neighborhoods that make Chicago special.
In-Depth Tours
In addition to hop-on, hop-off privileges, Big Bus includes extra walking tours and river cruises with every pass. These add-on tours help you go deeper into Chicago's culture and history at the attractions you're most excited about.
The following tours are available free for pass holders:
1. Chicago's Famous Architecture River Cruise: This 75-minute boat tour along the Chicago River has live commentary highlighting the city's groundbreaking architecture.
2. Magnificent Mile Walking Tour: Explore the upscale shops and landmarks along Chicago's premier shopping district on Michigan Avenue.
3. Millennium Park Walking Tour: Learn all about "Chicago's Front Yard" and see public art icons like Cloud Gate and the Crown Fountain.
4. Art Institute of Chicago Tour: Get a comprehensive 1.5 hour guided visit at one of the world's great encyclopedic art museums.
These in-depth excursions give context that enriches your understanding of Chicago. The expert local guides offer insights you'd never discover on your own into the architecture, history, culture, and art that make the city special. Between the core hop-on, hop-off routes and immersive walking and boat tours, Big Bus provides a truly interactive Chicago experience.
Comprehensive City Coverage
While many Chicago tours only cover downtown or the lakefront, Big Bus stands out for its diverse routes spanning multiple neighborhoods. This expansive coverage lets you take in the full scope of Chicago beyond just the major landmarks.
Key areas visited on the two Big Bus routes include:
1. The Loop: Historic heart of downtown featuring architectural marvels.
2. Magnificent Mile: Glitzy shopping and dining district along Michigan Avenue.
3. Millennium Park: Chicago's town square with renowned public artworks.
4. Navy Pier: Family-friendly waterfront playground with amusements and restaurants.
5. Museum Campus: Three world-class museums located lakeside.
6. Hyde Park: Home of the University of Chicago and the Obama Presidential Center (coming soon).
7. Chinatown: Bustling Asian enclave with markets, eateries and shops.
8. Pilsen: Center of Chicago's Mexican culture with colorful murals.
9. Little Italy: Charming neighborhood with Italian bakeries and cafes.
You'll ride through the varied locales that make up Chicago, from touristy hubs to authentic ethnic enclaves. Big Bus provides a broad overview of what the city has to offer beyond just the big postcard attractions. No other tour allows you to easily experience so much of what makes Chicago special.
Informative Guides
Throughout your Big Bus tour, expert guides provide fascinating commentary to put what you see in perspective. On the open-top buses, they point out architectural icons, historical sites, and city highlights during the ride. The dedicated walking and river cruise tours also have specialized guides to enrich your experience at specific attractions with fun trivia and little-known facts.
Some Chicago highlights you'll learn about through the Big Bus guide narration include:
1. Willis Tower: Iconic skyscraper with the Skydeck suspended 1,353 feet up.
2. Lake Michigan: Vast inland freshwater sea lining Chicago's coast.
3. The Bean: Gleaming Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park.
4. Deep Dish Pizza: Chicago's famous thick, saucy stuffed pizza.
5. House Music: Dance music genre born in Chicago's clubs.
6. Route 66: Fabled highway from Chicago to Los Angeles, celebrated in song.
7. Prohibition and Gangsters: Chicago's mob history during the roaring '20s.
Having an onboard guide brings the sights to life with context and stories you wouldn't get on your own. Their colorful commentary makes the city come alive as you travel between Chicago's top sites.
Skip the Hassle
For visitors short on time, Big Bus Tours are the stress-free way to experience Chicago's highlights without the hassle of planning everything yourself. You avoid traffic getting from place to place while learning about the city and landmarks along the way. And your pass covers not only bus transportation but also extras like river cruises and walking tours - everything you need for an amazing Chicago adventure.
With Big Bus, there's no need to study maps, purchase individual tickets, hail cabs or ride the L trains. You can simply hop between the key attractions and neighborhoods that interest you most on your schedule. It's a convenient, affordable, and entertaining way for families or travelers of all ages to appreciate this world-class city.
So next time you visit the Windy City, leave the logistical headaches behind and see Chicago's premier sites from the open-top deck of a Big Bus. You'll get an efficient overview of Chicago's must-sees while soaking up scenic views and fascinating commentary. Big Bus Chicago is sightseeing made simple!
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Are you tired of travel plans that don’t live up to your dreams?
Are you tired of travel plans that don’t live up to your dreams?
Elevate your next journey with expert vacation planning that turns every trip into an unforgettable adventure! Stop wasting time and money—trust our professionals to book your travel and create the perfect, personalized itinerary just for you.