Viator Rating : 5 (3174 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.6/10 (Solid Experience)
Chicago
Chicago Crime Tour: Mobsters & Gangsters Bus Adventure
Overview
Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour: Step back in time and explore Chicago's notorious past. This bus tour takes guests on a journey through the city's most infamous crime scenes, bringing to life the stories of legendary gangsters like Al Capone and the Chicago Mob. See where these events really happened.
What to Expect: The tour includes stops at historic landmarks such as the Biograph Theater, where John Dillinger met his end, and the site of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. You will see famous Chicago neighborhoods such as the Magnificent Mile and Lincoln Park. Get off the bus for photo opportunities. See Michigan Avenue and Pearson Street, Water Tower Place, Museum of Contemporary Art, Magnificent Mile, John Hancock Center, Lincoln Park, Biograph Theatre, Route to St. Valentine's Day Massacre Site, State Street Bridge, Jewelers Building, Nitti's Vault, St. Valentine's Day Massacre Site, and Historic Water Tower.
What's Included: A climate-controlled bus ensures a comfortable ride as a live tour guide shares captivating stories and historic video footage. Plus, guests get a keepsake brochure with special offers. What's Excluded: Gratuity is not included. There is no restroom on board, and no food and drinks are allowed on the bus. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (8 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Mobility (7 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Pacing (7 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Instagram Factor (6 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Highlights
Explore Chicago's Underworld: Discover the real stories behind Chicago's most famous gangsters and crime scenes.
See Historic Landmarks: Visit infamous locations like the Biograph Theater and the St. Valentine's Day Massacre site.
Comfortable Transportation: Travel in style on a luxury, climate-controlled bus with stops along the way.
Live, Interactive Tour Guide: Enjoy captivating stories and historic video footage shared by an expert guide.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers say the tour guides are very knowledgeable and engaging.
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Many reviewers highlight the fascinating true crime stories shared on the tour.
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Guests appreciate the stops at historical landmarks and photo opportunities.
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The tour provides a unique and entertaining way to learn about Chicago's history.
Some customers mention the lack of restrooms on the bus as an inconvenience.
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A few reviewers found it difficult to hear the guide at times.
The Journey
Michigan Avenue and Pearson Street
Begin your gangster-era exploration at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Pearson Street, the starting point for a deep dive into Chicago's mob history. Here, outside 163 E. Pearson Street, you'll step back in time to uncover the stories of infamous figures like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Bugs Moran. This location marks the gateway to discovering the city's most notorious crime scenes and understanding the impact of organized crime on Chicago.
Water Tower Place
Meet across from Water Tower Place, a landmark shopping mall in Chicago's Near North Side. This bustling location serves as the launchpad for your exploration of Chicago's criminal history. From here, you'll board a comfortable coach and journey through the city's past, uncovering tales of notorious gangsters and infamous crimes that shaped Chicago's identity from the 19th century to today.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Located just steps from the tour's starting and ending points, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) offers a world-class cultural experience. Before or after your journey into Chicago's criminal past, immerse yourself in modern and contemporary art at this renowned institution. The MCA provides a striking contrast and an enriching complement to the historical explorations of the tour.
Magnificent Mile
Drive along the Magnificent Mile, Chicago's premier shopping destination. While not directly related to the tour's gangster theme, this iconic stretch of Michigan Avenue offers a glimpse into the city's vibrant present. Admire the architectural marvels and upscale shops as you journey between historic crime scenes, experiencing the juxtaposition of Chicago's glamorous facade and its darker past.
John Hancock Center
Marvel at the John Hancock Center (now 875 North Michigan Avenue), a towering skyscraper in the historic Streeterville neighborhood. This architectural icon offers stunning views of the city and Lake Michigan. As you pass by, consider how this modern landmark stands in contrast to the historic sites you'll be exploring, representing Chicago's evolution and enduring spirit.
Lincoln Park
Enjoy a scenic drive through the historic and beautiful Lincoln Park and its surrounding neighborhood. This lush urban oasis provides a peaceful contrast to the gritty tales of gangsters and crime. As you traverse the park, appreciate the blend of natural beauty and architectural charm that defines this vibrant Chicago neighborhood.
Unspecified Location
Drive by, en route to other places on the tour.
Biograph Theatre
Stake out the Biograph Theatre, the site of John Dillinger's dramatic demise. This historic movie palace is where the infamous gangster met his end in a hail of FBI bullets. Reflect on the intense atmosphere of this location and the echoes of a bygone era as you stand where one of America's most notorious criminals met his fate.
Route to St. Valentine's Day Massacre Site
Drive by en route to the St. Valentine's Day Massacre site, steeling yourself for one of Chicago's most notorious events.
State Street Bridge
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Chicago River, skyline, and a historic speakeasy from the State Street Bridge. As you cross this iconic bridge, take in the stunning panorama of the city and reflect on the hidden history of underground bars and illicit activities that once thrived along the riverbanks during the Prohibition era.
Jewelers Building
Pass by the Jewelers Building, a historic landmark building with a rich history. This architectural gem, once a hub for the jewelry trade, adds a touch of elegance to your tour. Admire its unique design and learn about its significance in Chicago's commercial past before continuing your journey into the city's criminal underworld.
Nitti's Vault
Venture inside to see Nitti's vault, a mob museum, and historic bootlegging tunnels, immersing yourself in the clandestine world of Chicago's gangsters. Explore the hidden spaces where illicit activities once took place, gaining a firsthand glimpse into the lives and operations of notorious figures like Frank Nitti and the bootleggers who fueled the Prohibition era.
St. Valentine's Day Massacre Site
Pass by the Holy Name Cathedral and visit the site of the 1929 St. Valentine's Day Massacre, one of Chicago's most infamous crime scenes. Witness the location where Al Capone's gang brutally murdered seven members of Bugs Moran's North Side gang, marking a turning point in the city's gangland wars. Reflect on the violence and power struggles that defined Chicago's Prohibition era as you stand at this chilling landmark.
Historic Water Tower
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 landmark serves as a symbol of Chicago's resilience and rebirth. Before or after the tour, explore this architectural gem and reflect on the city's ability to overcome adversity and rebuild from the ashes.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes exclusive access to a crime quiz, stops on and off the bus, and photo opportunities at infamous crime scenes. You'll be on a luxury, temperature-controlled coach bus, with storage for one foldable wheelchair or stroller. The tour excludes gratuity, which is recommended at $5 per person (or more) via cash or Venmo. There is no restroom on board, and food and drinks are not allowed.
Hot Tip
Some reviewers suggest sitting on the right side of the bus for the best views of certain landmarks. It's also a good idea to bring a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes for the stops where you'll be walking.
Review Summary
People finds this tour highly entertaining and educational, with frequent praise for knowledgeable, passionate, and funny guides dressed in gangster attire, comfortable climate-controlled buses, and vivid storytelling about Al Capone and mob history. Reviewers highlight great photo ops at crime scenes and value for families with older kids, though minor notes mention no onboard restroom or food/drinks.[1][2][4]
Frequently Asked Questions
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