The best Chicago bus tours

This 3.5-hour excursion gives sightseers an overview of some 30 miles of Chicago architecture, from the Loop’s neoclassical buildings to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Illinois Institute of Technology campus. Bring a camera—you’re sure to spy some picture-perfect views. $45

You will literally be rollin’ down the road in this bus shaped like a wooden barrel. This whimsical tour stops at four local craft breweries for tours and tastings, lubricating riders with 50 ounces of beer in total. Cheers to that! $78.40

Now a historic neighborhood of Chicago, Pullman originated as the first planned industrial community in the country. Exploring the architecturally stunning 'hood makes for a fascinating afternoon—especially on this three-hour bus tour that covers the history, industry and culture of the enclave. $35

While deep dish is certainly Chicago’s most famous style of pizza, you can actually find as many as 10 different varieties at restaurants around the city. Food writer Steve Dolinsky created this tour to expose travelers to a wide range of pies, from thin and crispy New York-style slices to square tavern-style ‘za. Come hungry, because there will be plenty of tastings! $69

What better time to discover Chicago’s grisly past than under the dark of night? See the site of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, the spot where John Dillinger met his end and the scene of the infamous “handshake murder” on this macabre bus tour. You’ll even get to grab a drink at historic watering holes like Burwood Tap and Harry Caray’s. $45

Though Chicago’s World Fair has long passed, you can still get a sense of what the gargantuan exhibit might have been like by visiting the grounds. This bus tour aims to transport visitors back to 1893 and 1933 through archival photos, oral history and, of course, a tour of the site. $35

Frank Lloyd Wright spent the first 20 years of his career in Chicago, so it’s the perfect place to gain some insight into the mind of the world-renowned architect. Check out his work on an early Chicago skyscraper, count the many Wright residences in Oak Park and peep the gorgeously restored Unity Temple on this bus tour led by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. $125 for Frank Lloyd Wright Trust members, $150 for non-members

It’s no Hollywood, but Chicago still has plenty of movie magic. Think about it: The Windy City has served as the backdrop for My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Dark Knight, Transformers: Dark of the Moon and more than 75 other movies. Peep iconic filming locations all over town on this two-hour bus tour. As you approach each spot, the guide will play a movie clip to jog your memory. $30

What do President Barack Obama, Ida B. Wells, the Marx brothers and Nat King Cole have in common? They all have roots on Chicago’s South Side. Explore all the nabe has to offer—from the 1893 World’s Fair to Chess Records—on this three-hour bus tour. $35

Even if you don’t know much about the North Side, you at least know its most famous sports landmark: Wrigley Field. Spot the home of the Cubs, bucolic Lincoln Park, the pricey Gold Coast neighborhood, scenic Lake Shore Drive and other North Side landmarks on this afternoon bus tour. $35

If you only have one day to explore Chicago, a hop-on hop-off bus tour might be your best bet. You can squeeze in tons of sightseeing by following the 14-stop route to some of the city’s top attractions such as Millenium Park and the Adler Planetarium. This way, you won’t even have to mess around with public transportation. $29