Bike Tour of Chicago's Lakefront Neighborhoods
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This is the tour that made Bobby famous! Bobby’s Bike Hike is America’s longest-running city bicycle tour company, and has been repeatedly recognized for excellence by National Geographic, USA Today, The Associated Press, Conde Nast Traveler, and more! Bobby’s now offers over a dozen specialized tours, but The Lakefront Neighborhoods ride is what started it all. Join one of Bobby’s expert guides on this 3-hour romp through Chicago’s beautiful North Side neighborhoods. See the ever-rising skyscrapers of Streeterville, the luxe residential property of the Gold Coast, the cozy artists’ village of Old Town, and the rolling greenery of Lincoln Park. You’ll finish off with a cruise down the Lakefront Trail, one of the most popular waterfront bike paths in the nation. This leisure-paced journey is sure to make memories that’ll last a lifetime! Tour departs from 540 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.
Available options
Daytime Tour
What's included
Local tour guide
Bicycle
Helmet
Detailed itinerary
1
Opened in 1967, The Museum of Contemporary Art, or MCA, is home to one of the largest collections of post-WWII visual art in the world.
2
Located in the heart of Old Town, stunning St. Michael’s Church is one of less than a dozen buildings to have survived the Great Chicago Fire of 187
3
Stop 3
Pass by
The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s premier commercial district, home to upscale shops, cool restaurants and hotels, and Michigan Avenue.
4
Stop 4
The Lincoln Park Zoo is free for all to enjoy and is home to hundreds of beautiful animals from all over the world including lions, tigers, penguins, reptiles, gorillas, and camels.
5
Stop 5
One of the five Great Lakes and a beautiful Chicago staple.
6
North Avenue Beach is one of the Windy City’s most popular public beaches. It features white sand, kayak and jet-ski rentals, bars, restaurants, and the clear, freshwater of the great Lake Michigan.
7
Stop 7
The sprawling Lakefront Trail is an 18-mile, paved bike and walking path that straddles the shore of Lake Michigan, and connects the Windy City’s north and south side neighborhoods.
8
Enjoy the oppulent mansions along Chicago's lakefront
9
Enjoy Chicago's beautiful neighborhood just north of downtown. Old Town survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871
10
Gorgeous neighborhood on the north coast of Chicago
11
Stop 11
Enjoy the most gorgeous section the 20 mile Lakefront Bike Trail
What's not included
Food and drinks
$10 per person suggested guide gratuity. (via Cash, Venmo and PayPal)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
71 reviews
5★
63
4★
7
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
170 reviews
5★
163
4★
5
3★
0
2★
1
1★
1
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour is appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. Professional guides blend quality information, group interaction, and most of all, fun, to create an unforgettable Chicago experience. Bikes are provided. Child bikes, seats and tagalongs are available.
Storage for larger bags/items available for free
Please note: children must be strong, capable riders and be able to bike for 9 miles
TripAdvisor rated Bobby’s Bike Hike its highest-level Traveler’s Choice Award each year since 2002.
Operates rain or shine, please dress appropriately. If extreme weather forces cancellation there will be options to change tours or refund.
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Meeting point
Through the driveway (tunnel) to our entrance
Important notes
Please arrive 15 minutes before scheduled tour time
$10 per person suggested guide gratuity. (via Cash, Venmo and PayPal)
Wear comfortable clothing/shoes
Please use the Restroom before your arrival.
Tours run rain or shine
About Chicago
Chicago is a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and world-class cuisine. Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, it offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe.
Top Attractions
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a famous public park in downtown Chicago, known for its modern art and architecture. It's home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as 'The Bean'.
Park
1-2 hours
Free
Art Institute of Chicago
One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Art Institute of Chicago houses an impressive collection of artworks from around the world.
Museum
2-3 hours
$25 (adults), Free for children under 14
Skydeck Chicago
Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan. Visitors can step out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending out from the building.
Observation Deck
1-2 hours
$28 (adults), $20 (children 3-11)
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.
Entertainment
2-4 hours
Free to enter, individual attractions have varying costs
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.
Sports
2-4 hours (game duration varies)
Ticket prices vary depending on the game and seating
Must-Try Local Dishes
Deep-Dish Pizza
A thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. It's a Chicago classic and a must-try for pizza lovers.
Dinner
Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some restaurants.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
A steamed or grilled all-beef hot dog topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all served on a poppy seed bun.
Snack
Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some hot dog stands.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Thinly sliced beef cooked in its own juices and served on an Italian roll. It's typically dipped in the juices and topped with sweet or hot peppers.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains gluten and beef. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some Italian beef restaurants.
Chicago-Style Popcorn
A sweet and savory snack made with caramel and cheese-flavored popcorn, often sold in colorful boxes at street corners and ballgames.
Snack
Contains dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some popcorn stands.
Popular Activities
Kayaking on the Chicago River
Biking along Lake Michigan
Rock climbing at First Ascent
Picnicking in Millennium Park
Yoga in the park
Spa treatments at The Peninsula Chicago
Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago
Attending a performance at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Chicago for outdoor activities, festivals, and sightseeing. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's parks and attractions.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Polish, Chinese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Chicago is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Some areas of the city have higher crime rates, and visitors should research their destinations before traveling.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
- • Avoid walking alone in isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night
Getting there
By air
- O'Hare International Airport • 27 km (17 miles) from city center
- Midway International Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center
By train
Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center
By bus
Greyhound Station, Megabus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The 'L' is a convenient and affordable way to get around Chicago. It consists of eight color-coded lines.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
The Loop
Lincoln Park
Wicker Park
Magnificent Mile
Pilsen
Day trips
Navy Pier
2 km (1.2 miles) • Half day to full day
Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.
Wrigley Field
10 km (6.2 miles) • Half day to full day
Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.
Museum Campus
3 km (1.9 miles) • Half day to full day
The Museum Campus is a 57-acre park located on the southern tip of Grant Park in Chicago. It's home to several world-class museums, including the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium.
Festivals
Lollapalooza • Early August (4-day festival)
Chicago Jazz Festival • Late August to early September (weekend festival)
Chicago Food Festival • Early September (weekend festival)
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and long wait times
- Use the Ventra card for easy and convenient payments on public transportation
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods and culinary scene to get a true sense of Chicago's character and culture
- Take an architecture river cruise to see the city's stunning skyline and learn about its architectural history
- Visit the city's many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy nature and outdoor activities, even in the heart of the city
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
