About this experience
Escape into Chicago's underworld on a crime and mob tour with stops on-and-off the luxury, climate-controlled bus. Explore historic crime scenes with great photo opportunities. Hear true crime stories about Chicago Gangster Al Capone, The Untouchables, The Chicago Mob, Prohibition, John Dillinger, Frank “The Enforcer” Nitti, Cap George Streeter, Leopold & Loeb, H.H. Holmes and more.
Visit historic landmark buildings like: The Biograph Theater, Holy Name Cathedral, Cook County Criminal Court House, Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, etc.
Tour famous Chicago neighborhoods: Streeterville, River North, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Loop and Magnificent Mile. Locals and tourists agree that this educational and entertaining thing to do in Chicago is a unique cultural experience.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr 30 min–2 hr
What is included
- Prohibition Era personality profile
- Exclusive crime trivia quiz
- Mini mob and gangster museum
- Inclusions are subject to availability.
- Photo ops at famous crime scenes
- Live interactive tour guide in English
- Souvenir brochure with special offers
- Historic video footage
Not included
- Gratuity: Recommended $5/person gratuity (or more) via cash or Venmo.
- There are no translations, audio-guides or headphones.
Itinerary and highlights
This world famous tour starts and ends OUTSIDE 163 E. Pearson Street (SE side of Michigan Avenue and Pearson Street). Learn about the history of leading gangster and mobster figures like Al Capone, John Dillinger, Frank Nitti, Dean O'Banion, and Bugs Moran. You'll see famous gangster shootout sites like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, the handshake murder, and 'The Enforcers'' safe and tunnels. You will be led by a local, informative guide and guests are able to get off the bus and explore these historic crime scenes.
Meet your guide across from the Water Tower Place shopping mall in Chicago’s Near North Side at your selected time. Hop aboard a luxury climate-controlled coach and begin your 1.5-2 hour tour of the history of Chicago crime, from 19th century to today.
Drive by the Museum of Contemporary Art, a world class institution that offers a rich experience during a visit to Chicago. Just steps from the start and end of the tour, a great opportunity to explore modern art.
See the Magnificent Mile.
View the world famous John Hancock Center in the historic Streeterville neighborhood.
Drive through historic and beautiful Lincoln Park and it's surrounding neighborhood on the tour route.
Drive by on tour bus.
Stake out crime scenes including the Biograph Theatre.
Drive by en route to the St. Valentines Day Massacre.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Chicago River, skyline and historic speakeasy from the State Street Bridge.
The Jewelers Building and historic landmark building.
Go inside to see Nitti's vault, a mob museum, and historic bootlegging tunnels.
Pass by the Holy Name Cathedral, and see the site of the 1929 St Valentine's Day Massacre, one of Chicago's most notorious murder scenes. This Prohibition-era conflict between two powerful Chicago gangs -- the South Side gang led by Al Capone and the North Side gang led by Bugs Moran -- ended in the brutal murder of seven Mob members. In addition to your comfortable, narrated drive through the city, you’ll also hop off the coach to visit some areas by foot for a more immersive experience. Your guide will offer in-depth narration as you follow the path that Chicago gangsters John Dillinger and Hymie Weiss walked right before their deaths. Hop back on the coach and return to the Near North Side to conclude your Chicago crime and gangsters tour.
Conclude the tour across the street from the Historic Water Tower, one of the few surviving structures from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This iconic building is often open to the public before or after the tour.
Meeting and pickup information
- Bus pickup OUTSIDE 163 E. Pearson, at the SE side of Michigan Ave and Pearson St. Report 15 minutes early for check-in. Bus departs on time. Look for the tour guide at the bus.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Chicago Crime Tours and Experiences LLC
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Bus departs on time. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in. If you don't see the bus 10 minutes before the start time, call the number indicated in your ticket for help.
- Guests may not join the tour after the bus departs. General seating is on a first-come first-served basis. Joint seating is not guaranteed.
- No restroom breaks. Please go before checking in at the bus.
- No eating or drinking on the bus.
- There is no onsite office.
- Bus has five (5) steps and some stops off of the bus include stairs. Bus is NOT equipped with an electronic lift. There is limited storage available for a folding wheelchair or stroller.
- Audio and video recording and services are not permitted without the express written consent of Chicago Crime Tours and Experiences.
- Kindly refrain from talking or translating on the bus during the tour.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Available tour options
- Luxury Mini Coach Bus: World Famous Chicago Crime Tour Bus!
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