Viator Rating : 5 (477 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.3/10 (Solid Experience)
Chicago
Chicago Crime Tour: Gangsters & Mobsters by Bus
Overview
Chicago Night Crimes Tour by Bus: Step back in time and explore Chicago's dark past, where famous criminals once roamed. This 2 to 2.5-hour bus tour takes people to the heart of Chicago's most infamous crime scenes, showcasing the city's notorious gangster history.
This tour includes stops at places like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre site, where guests get off the bus to explore. The tour visits the Biograph Theater and Holy Name Cathedral, providing insights into Al Capone, The Untouchables, and the Chicago Mob. On the way, the bus passes the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), the John Hancock Center, and the Historic Water Tower, the Magnificent Mile, Parks of Chicago and Lake Shore Drive Beaches, Oz Park, Jewelers Building, State Street Bridge, Nitti's Vault, Hymie Weiss's Final Steps and ends near the Michigan Avenue & Pearson Street, Chicago Landmark.
Guests can expect a comfortable ride on a luxury, climate-controlled bus while watching historic video footage and listening to live, interactive commentary. They will also receive a souvenir pamphlet with photos and participate in a crime quiz. All inclusions are subject to availability. 
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
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
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Pacing (6 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Instagram Factor (7 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Highlights
Explore Famous Crime Scenes: Visit notorious locations like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre site.
Enjoy Live Commentary & Historic Video: Learn about Chicago's criminal past with interactive commentary and video footage.
Ride in Comfort: Travel in a luxury, climate-controlled bus.
Get a Souvenir: Take home a keepsake brochure with photos and special offers.
Sentiment Analysis
Guests enjoy the comfortable bus and the informative guides.
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Many reviewers highlight the tour as a great way to learn about Chicago's crime history.
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Customers appreciate the stops at various crime scene locations.
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The tour is praised for being both entertaining and educational.
Some guests mention that traffic can affect the tour's duration.
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A few reviews suggest that more time at certain stops would be beneficial.
The Journey
Michigan Avenue & Pearson Street
Begin your exploration of Chicago's gangster history at the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Pearson Street. This is the starting and ending point of the world-famous tour that unveils the city's most notorious mobster stories. Feel the anticipation as you prepare to delve into the shadowy world of Al Capone, John Dillinger, and their infamous contemporaries, right from this bustling city corner.
Chicago Landmark (Near Start/End)
A significant Chicago Landmark, located conveniently across the street from the tour's pick-up and drop-off point, sets the stage for your journey into the city's past. Its historical significance creates an atmosphere of intrigue, inviting you to imagine the stories that unfolded nearby during Chicago's gangster era.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
Just steps from the tour's starting point, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) offers a contrasting experience, showcasing world-class art. Before or after your exploration of Chicago's gangster history, immerse yourself in modern and contemporary masterpieces, adding a layer of cultural richness to your Chicago adventure.
John Hancock Center (875 North Michigan Avenue)
Admire the iconic John Hancock Center, a towering symbol of Chicago's architectural prowess, located in the historic Streeterville neighborhood. This landmark offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan. Marvel at its design and imagine the city unfolding beneath you, a blend of historical intrigue and modern grandeur.
Magnificent Mile
Experience the vibrant energy of the Magnificent Mile, Chicago's premier shopping and cultural district. As you pass along this iconic stretch of Michigan Avenue, soak in the architectural marvels, luxury boutiques, and bustling atmosphere that define this world-renowned destination. A true feast for the senses and a vital part of any Chicago adventure.
Parks of Chicago
Enjoy the scenic beauty of Chicago's parks as you journey to various historical crime scenes. These green spaces offer a tranquil contrast to the city's gritty past, providing moments of respite and reflection amidst the tales of gangsters and their escapades. The parks add a touch of natural beauty to your exploration.
Lake Shore Drive Beaches
Bask in the beauty of Lake Shore Drive and its stunning beaches. Feel the cool breeze and admire the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan as you cruise along this scenic route. The beaches offer a refreshing glimpse of Chicago's natural beauty, a welcome break from the intensity of the gangster tour.
Biograph Theater & Harry Caray's
Discover landmarks like the Biograph Theater, infamous for its connection to John Dillinger, and Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, a Chicago institution. These iconic buildings offer a glimpse into the city's cultural fabric, blending history, entertainment, and culinary delights. Experience the vibrant stories that these landmarks hold within their walls.
Oz Park
Pass by the enchanting Oz Park on your way to the St. Valentine's Day Massacre site. This whimsical park, inspired by 'The Wizard of Oz,' provides a momentary escape into a world of fantasy before delving deeper into Chicago's dark past. A delightful contrast that highlights the city's diverse character.
Jewelers Building
Marvel at the historic Jewelers Building, an architectural gem renowned for its intricate design and rich history. Once a hub for the city's jewelry trade, this landmark stands as a testament to Chicago's economic and cultural significance. Its elegance and grandeur invite you to step back in time and imagine its bustling past.
State Street Bridge
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Chicago River, the city skyline, and a historic speakeasy from the State Street Bridge. This vantage point offers a stunning perspective of Chicago's architectural marvels and the winding river that helped shape its destiny. Imagine the clandestine gatherings that once took place in the nearby speakeasy during the Prohibition era.
Nitti's Vault
Descend into Nitti's Vault, a captivating crime museum housed within a historic bootlegging tunnel. Delve into the underworld of Chicago's gangster era as you explore artifacts, exhibits, and the actual tunnel used for illicit activities. This immersive experience offers a chillingly authentic glimpse into the city's past.
Hymie Weiss's Final Steps
Walk the last steps of Northside gangster Hymie Weiss, retracing the path that led to his untimely demise. Feel the weight of history as you stand where this notorious figure met his end, a chilling reminder of the violence and intrigue that once gripped the city. Reflect on the precarious lives of those who navigated Chicago's dangerous underworld.
Historic Water Tower
Conclude your 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 stands as a symbol of resilience and rebirth, a testament to Chicago's enduring spirit. Visit this landmark and reflect on the city's remarkable journey from ashes to a thriving metropolis.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes access to infamous crime scene photo opportunities off the bus, a luxury temperature-controlled coach bus, a mini mob museum, an exclusive crime quiz, a live interactive tour guide in English, historic video footage, a professional tour guide and chauffeur, and a keepsake brochure with special offers. It also provides storage for one folding wheelchair or stroller. Gratuity is not included; a recommended $5/person gratuity (or more) can be paid via cash or Venmo.
Hot Tip
Many people said they learned a lot about the city's history. One review suggested that if you go during the winter dress warm and layer up!
Review Summary
People usually say the tour offers excellent value and engaging storytelling about Chicago's gangster history, with knowledgeable guides who share interesting anecdotes and trivia about Al Capone, John Dillinger, and other notorious criminals.[7] Travelers appreciate the comfortable luxury coach, multiple photo opportunities at famous crime scenes, and the combination of true crime history with local architecture exploration.[7] The main considerations for potential visitors are that the tour involves some walking between stops and climbing stairs, there are no restroom facilities on the bus, and weather-appropriate clothing is necessary.[5]
Frequently Asked Questions
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