Theme Tours in Chicago

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Most recommended in Chicago Theme Tours
Gangsters and Ghosts of Chicago: Plunging into the Dark History of the Vice City
Gangsters and Ghosts of Chicago: Plunging int...

Spice up your visit to Chicago on this in-app audio tour through the creepiest places of the city of lights! Walk along the bubbling Chicago Loop to see the places of hangouts and crimes of cheeky bootleggers and stylish mobsters in the roaring 1920's. Hear the story of rise and fall of the most infamous gangsters of all times - Al Capone and John Dillinger. On your way, you will see such iconic sights of the city as Cloud Gate with its unusual perspective of Chicago's skyline reflected on its mirror surface. Take a selfie with the authentic Chicago Theater representing the era of swirling jazz parties and shiny speakeasies. Dark windows of ghost-haunted Congress Plaza Hotel, which inspired Stephen King's "1408" story, will surely give you goosebumps. Enjoy the skyline of Chicago Riverwalk and hear about the Eastland disaster concealed by its waters. Du Sable Bridge will give you an insight to such historical events as Great Chicago Fire and Fort Dearborn Battle, as well as to a cinematic gangster chase. Marvel at gothic architecture of the Holy Name Cathedral and find the traces of bullets in it. Then, take a short bus ride to Lincoln Park to learn the mysteries of the largest city's park. In this area, you will visit the site of spine-chilling St. Valentine Day Massacre. The tour ends at the Biograph Theater securing the story of the elusive John Dillinger. Choose to visit restaurants and attractions to enforce your Chicago gangsters and ghosts experience.

Lights, Camera, Action: Discovering Chicago Through Iconic Movie Scenes
Lights, Camera, Action: Discovering Chicago T...

Chicago is known for its history, culture, architecture, and it's also full of many famous film locations. This tour is hinged on an idea to showcase the city's downtown via movies — an excellent experience for a movie buff! You'll start exploring the Chicagoan cinematic scenery from the Union Station, a railroad station used as a backdrop for a whole bunch of motion pictures. Continue with the Willis Tower, a set for the "Divergent" movie that invites you to see an aerial view of the city from Skydeck, an observation deck on the 103rd floor. Then, take a few selfies with Chicago's most notable public sculpture, the fabulous Cloud Gate, affectionately called "The Bean." From there, come over to spacious Daley Plaza and contemplate a whimsical "Untitled" sculpture by Pablo Picasso, another iconic emblem of Chicago. After that, you will pass by the Chicago Theater that сonceals a stunning ornate architecture inside, outshining its punchy neon sign. Another eye-catcher on the route is the Seventeenth Church of Christ Scientist, a distinctive building in the area with a supernatural exterior. Next, you will cross the bridge over the Chicago River to explore more buildings of concrete and glass that often get spotted in movies. Downtown Docks is the place to chill at the end of the tour. Lay back at the wooden benches watching Marina City and the river cruises passing under the bridges. Join the tour and imagine yourself being on a film set!

Reviews about activities in Chicago

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javier
August 2022
5
Museum of Science and Industry Ticket and In-App Audio Tour
A must if you have kids The Lego exhibit was outstanding My kids also enjoyed the flight simulator on the second floor. The area around global warming was also very good . I highly recommend the movie

Best Chicago Theme Tours

Explore the multifaceted metropolis with the finest selection of Chicago Theme Tours, each carefully curated to offer an unforgettable experience.

Gangsters and Ghosts of Chicago: Plunging into the Dark History of the Vice City

What is it?
Delve into the eerie and thrilling history of Chicago's notorious past with this immersive audio tour.
Why you should go?
Immerse in the seedy underbelly of Chicago's 1920s during an era of notorious gangsters and specters on this gripping audio journey. Uncover the secrets of iconic landmarks as you venture through the Chicago Loop, visiting storied locations such as the Congress Plaza Hotel and the mysterious alleys where Al Capone and John Dillinger left their marks. Learn about historic tragedies at the Chicago Riverwalk and feel chills down your spine as you encounter the infamous site of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Lincoln Park. End your tour with the legend of Dillinger at the Biograph Theater. Each step brings a shiver and a story, perfect for those fascinated by the city's dark legends.

Lights, Camera, Action: Discovering Chicago Through Iconic Movie Scenes

What is it?
An urban exploration tour for cinephiles, highlighting Chicago's most recognizable film locations.
Why you should go?
Embark on a quintessential tour for film enthusiasts eager to walk through the familiar scenes of blockbuster movies. From the grandeur of Union Station captured in numerous films to the heights of Willis Tower's Skydeck, experience Chicago as viewed through the lens of Hollywood directors. Marvel at the reflective surface of the Cloud Gate sculpture, explore Daley Plaza, home to an abstract masterpiece by Picasso, and step inside the opulent Chicago Theater. Discover the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, boasting an otherworldly facade, and wander through the cinematic corridors of the city's downtown. Conclude your tour at Downtown Docks, soaking in the ambience of Marina City and envisioning the glamorous life of movie stars. This tour is not merely a walk through a city; it's a stroll onto the vast, thrilling set of Chicago's movie heritage.

TOP-2 most rated Theme Tours in Chicago

  • Gangsters and Ghosts of Chicago: Rated as the best, this tour unveils the Windy City’s darker past with tales of Al Capone and haunted locales.
  • Lights, Camera, Action: A cinephile's dream tour, showcasing famous movie locations and giving you a star-studded Chicago experience.

TOP-2 new Theme Tours in Chicago for experienced tourists

  • Gangsters and Ghosts of Chicago: This cutting-edge tour is perfect for history buffs looking to explore the city's notorious past and haunted spaces.
  • Lights, Camera, Action: Newest for cinephiles, this tour highlights Chicago's pivotal roles in cinema, offering a unique perspective of the city.

FAQ

The best Chicago Theme Tours delve into the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Among the top-rated are the 'Gangsters and Ghosts of Chicago,' which explores the city's criminal past, and the 'Lights, Camera, Action' tour, which revisits famous movie scenes shot in the heart of Chicago. These thematic journeys offer unique and immersive insights into what makes Chicago truly captivating.
Beyond theme tours, Chicago boasts an array of attractions. The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-visit for art lovers, while the Willis Tower Skydeck offers breathtaking views of the city. Families can enjoy the Shedd Aquarium and Millennium Park, and foodies should not miss the chance to taste iconic Chicago deep-dish pizza. Architecture cruises along the Chicago River present an unparalleled view of the city's architectural wonders.
Theme Tours in Chicago vary in duration, typically ranging from one to several hours, allowing participants to deeply engage with the city's themes and stories. Shorter tours may last about an hour and are perfect for a quick dive into a specific topic, while longer experiences can span over half a day, providing a comprehensive exploration of Chicago's multifaceted character.
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