Big Bus Chicago: 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour & 360 CHICAGO Deck
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore Chicago at your own pace with a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour, providing unlimited access to the city's iconic neighborhoods and landmarks. Relax on open-top buses while enjoying engaging audio commentary that reveals the rich history and culture of the Windy City. This tour includes admission to the stunning 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
- Unlimited hop-on hop-off access for 48 hours across top Chicago attractions
- Audio commentary in multiple languages covers local history and culture
- Admission to the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck for breathtaking views
- Perfect for first-time visitors, families, and those seeking flexible exploration
Time selected at booking is for 360 CHICAGO admission. Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour available anytime during operating hours.
Available options
Big Bus Chicago: 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour & 360 CHICAGO Deck
What's included
Choice of 4 exclusive digital walking tours of Chicago
48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck General Admission
Professional digital commentary in multiple languages
What's not included
TILT Admission at 360 CHICAGO
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
ES
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Time selected at booking is for 360 CHICAGO admission. Hop-on Hop-off Tour is valid anytime during 10AM-4PM operation.
Guests may redeem tickets via Big Bus app or in person with Big Bus staff at Stop #1 - Riverwalk
Download the Big Bus app for live bus tracking and full list of route stops
TILT upgrade may be purchased onsite at 360 CHICAGO. Please see 360 CHICAGO website for operation hours of deck and TILT.
Important notes
Guests may redeem ticket either in the Big Bus app or with Big Bus staff in person at Stop #1 - Chicago Riverwalk, 98 E. Wacker Drive (across the bridge from Trump Tower)
Time selected at booking is for 360 CHICAGO admission. Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour is available anytime during operating hours.
Manage everything directly in the app. It’s the fastest way to access your ticket, track buses in real time, and plan your day:
1. Download the Big Bus Tours app
Before your tour, download our free app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Add your booking
Open the app, tap ‘Add Booking’, and enter your booking reference number.
3. Activate on the day
On the day of your tour, tap ‘Activate’ in the app to start your ticket. Your ticket will then be valid to show the driver and board the bus. Activation can only happen on your booked travel date.
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
