Bike Tours2022-06-22T15:56:28-07:00

Bike Tours in Chicago

Bobby’s Bike Hike is the longest-running city bike tour company in the country, offering award-winning tours for a variety of ages, interests, and skill levels. Our entertaining guides will take you to Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods and parks, as well as Chicago’s top attractions. Our bike tours consist of the classic Chicago bike tours as well as our electric bike tours which make it feasible for everyone to bike Chicago!


  • Bikes, Bites & Brews®- Chicago’s Signature Dishes Bike Tour

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    11:30am & 5:30pm Daily

    HIGHLIGHTS: Deep-dish Pizza, Chicago-Style Hot Dogs, Craft Beer in America's Craft Beer Capital, Brownies or Cupcakes, Day Tour Route: Gold Coast, Wrigley Field, Old Town, Lincoln Park. Night Tour Rou...

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    Kids under 12
    Kids under 4
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    Adult
    $84.99
    Custom Line
    11:30am & 5:30pm Daily
    SCHEDULE
    11:30am & 5:30pm Daily
    LENGTH
    13mi / 21km
    AGE
    21+
    DURATION
    4 hours
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    PRICE

    (Discount Online Rate includes Bike, Food & Drinks)

    Price: Fri-Sun Mon-Thurs
    Adults (Ages 21+) $84.99 $79.99
    Electric Bike Upgrade $29.99
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    PRICE
    Discount Online Rates at $84.99
    LEVEL
    Easy to Moderate
    Highlights
    Gold Coast
    Chicago Style Pizza
    Lincoln Park
    Savory Brownie
    Wrigleyville
    Chicago-style Hot Dog
    Locally Crafted Beer
    Amazing Lakefront
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  • Small Group on Ultimate Chicago Bike Tour

    Chicago’s Ultimate City Bike Tour

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    9:30am Daily (1:30pm Added Weekends)

    HIGHLIGHTS: Chicago Lakefront Trail, Millennium Park & Cloud Gate (a.k.a. The Bean), Grant Park & the Buckingham Fountain, Chicago Theatre, Navy Pier, the Chicago Riverwalk, The Field Museum, Shedd Aq...

    Bobby’s Bike Hike
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    Student / Military
    Kids under 12
    Kids under 4
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    Students / Seniors 65+
    Adult
    $49.99
    AGE
    1+
    DURATION
    3 hours
    LENGTH
    9 mi / 14km
    SCHEDULE
    9:30am Daily
    Custom Line
    9:30am Daily (1:30pm Added Weekends)
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    PRICE

    (Discount Online Rate includes bike)

    Price: Fri-Sun Mon-Thurs
    Adults $49.99 $45.99
    Youth (Ages: 4-11) $39.99 $35.99
    Infants (Ages: 0-3) $9.99 $8.99
    Electric Bike Upgrade $29.99
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    Stroll Through Chicago on a Top-Rated Tour

    PRICE
    Discount Online Rates at $49.99
    LEVEL
    Easy
    Highlights
    Museum Campus
    Northerly Island
    Buckingham Fountain
    Adler Planetarium
    Soldier Field
    Grant Park
    Chicago Lakefront
    Amazing Views
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  • front facade of houses on the lakefront neighborhood bike tour

    Lakefront Neighborhoods Bike Tour

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    1:30pm Weekdays, 10:30am Weekends

    HIGHLIGHTS: Family Friendly, Streeterville, Museum of Contemporary Art, Gold Coast, Playboy Mansion, Lincoln Park & Lincoln Park Zoo, Old Town, St. Michael's Church, North Avenue Beach, the Chicago La...

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    Kids under 12
    Kids under 4
    Students / Seniors 65+
    Student / Military
    Adult
    $49.99
    AGE
    1+
    SCHEDULE
    1:30pm Weekdays, 10:30am Weekends
    Custom Line
    1:30pm Weekdays, 10:30am Weekends
    DURATION
    3 hours
    LENGTH
    7 mi/11 km
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    PRICE

    (Discount Online Rate includes bike)

    Price: Fri-Sun Mon-Thurs
    Adults $49.99 $45.99
    Youth (Ages: 4-11) $29.99 $25.99
    Infants (Ages: 0-3) $7.99 $6.99
    Electric Bike Upgrade $29.99
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    PRICE
    Discount Online Rates at $49.99
    Highlights
    Gold Coast Mansions
    Old Town Historic District
    Lincoln Park Zoo
    North Avenue Beach
    St. Michael’s Church
    Oprah’s Old Chicago home
    Playboy Mansion
    Chicago Lakefront
    LEVEL
    Ridiculously Easy
    Map Graphic
    https://www.bobbysbikehike.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Lakefront-Neighborhoods.jpg
    Gift Certificates
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  • Chicago-style Pizza on Food Tour with Bobby's Bike Hike

    Westside Foodie Ride Bike Tour

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    12pm Fri-Sun

    HIGHLIGHTS: Best Burgers on the Planet, Craft Beer (VIP Upgrade), Polish Pierogi, Gourmet Tacos, Rich Drinking Chocolate, Fulton Market, Ukrainian Village, Wicker Park, Old Town, Lake Michigan

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    Kids under 12
    Kids under 4
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    Students / Seniors 65+
    Student / Military
    Adult
    $84.99
    SCHEDULE
    12:30pm Fri-Sun
    LENGTH
    12mi / 20km
    Custom Line
    12pm Fri-Sun
    AGE
    21+
    DURATION
    4 hours
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    PRICE

    (Discount Online Rate includes Bike and Food, VIP Drink optional)

    Price: Fri-Sun Mon-Thurs
    Adults (Ages 21+) $84.99 $79.99
    VIP Alcohol Pairing Upgrade $19.99
    Electric Bike Upgrade $29.99
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    PRICE
    Discount Online Rates at $84.99
    LEVEL
    Easy/Moderate
    Highlights
    Fulton Market
    Kuma's Corner (a Chicago burger and banger institution)
    Ukrainian Village
    World Famous Pierogis
    Wicker Park
    Antique Taco, rated '50 best tacos in America'
    Bucktown & 606 Bike Trail
    Locally Crafted Beer (VIP Upgrade)
    Lincoln Park
    Artisan chocolate
    Chicago Lakefront Trail
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    https://www.bobbysbikehike.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/BikesBitesBrews-Foodie.jpg
    Gift Certificates
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  • kids riding bikes with Bobby's Bike Hike on Chicago family friendly tour

    Chicago Family Food & Bike Tour (with Top Attractions)

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    11:00am Daily

    HIGHLIGHTS: Chicago Food Staples, Deep-Dish Pizza, Chicago-Style Hot Dog, Dessert, Millennium Park, The Loop, Navy Pier

    Bobby’s Bike Hike
    Kids under 12
    Kids under 4
    Students / Seniors 65+
    Student / Military
    Adult
    $74.99
    AGE
    1+
    Custom Line
    11:00am Daily
    SCHEDULE
    11:00am Daily
    DURATION
    4 hours
    LENGTH
    9mi / 14km
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    PRICE

    (Discount Online Rate includes Bike, Food & Water)

    Price: Fri-Sun Mon-Thurs
    Adults(Ages: 12+) $74.99 $69.99
    Youth (Ages 4-11) $64.99 $59.99
    Infant(under 4 – if no extra food required) $10.99 $9.99
    Electric Bike Upgrade $29.99
    VIP Craft Beer Upgrade $19.99
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    Highlights
    Deep-dish Pizza
    Gold Coast
    Millennium Park
    Chicago Riverwalk
    Chicago-style Hot Dog
    Buckingham Fountain
    Gelato
    Craft Beer
    Lakefront Trail
    Oak Street Beach
    PRICE
    Discount Online Rates at $74.99
    LEVEL
    Easy
    Map Graphic
    https://www.bobbysbikehike.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/City-Lights-at-Night-walking-tour.jpg
    Gift Certificates
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  • haunted tour chicago

    Bobby’s Fright Hike: Halloween Edition Night Bike Tour

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    October 11 - 31

    HIGHLIGHTS: The Cursed Energy of the John Hancock Center, Lingering Spirits of the SS Eastland, Trapped Souls of the Iroquois Theater, the Ghastly Elegance of the Congress Plaza Hotel

    Bobby’s Bike Hike
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    Kids under 4
    Students / Seniors 65+
    Adult
    $49.99
    AGE
    12+
    DURATION
    3 hours
    SCHEDULE
    6pm, October 11 - 31, 2023
    LENGTH
    8mi/13km
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    PRICE

    (Discount Online Rates includes bike)

    Price: Fri-Sun Mon-Thurs
    Adults $49.99 $44.99
    Youth (Ages: 4-11) $29.99 $26.99
    Infants (Ages: 0-3) $9.99 $7.99
    Electric Bike Upgrade $29.99
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    PRICE
    Discount Online Rates at $44.99
    Highlights
    Eastland Disaster
    Rush Street Nightlife
    Chicago River
    Millennium Park
    Cloud Gate
    Buckingham Fountain
    Museum Campus
    Levee District
    Haunted Chicago Stories
    LEVEL
    Mostly Easy
    Custom Line
    October 11 - 31
    Map Graphic
    https://www.bobbysbikehike.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/City-Lights-at-Night-walking-tour.jpg
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Learn More About Bike Tours with Bobby’s Bike Hike

Why are bike tours so popular in Chicago? Chicago is consistently ranked the #1 City for bicycling in the country because of its flat terrain, ease of use, miles of bike lanes, and extensive bike trail systems. You can safely and easily ride anywhere in Chicago. Bike trails connect the neighborhoods to the parks, beaches, and Chicago’s top attractions. You can cruise the Lakefront Bike Trail, stopping to relax on the beach. Or you could head into the city on a guided tour of the neighborhoods or downtown area. For everything you need to know about biking in Chicago, check out our guide!

To top it off, residents of Chicago are incredibly bike-friendly. Midwestern charm is real folks, and you can witness it first hand as we cruise through this amazing biking city.

Bobby’s Bike Hike offers a wide variety of award-winning Chicago bike tours and consistently ranks as having the top tours in Chicago. Plus, we’re proud to be one of the country’s longest-running city bike tour companies.

We consider ourselves to be America’s Bike Tour Experts. So prepare yourselves to be entertained, informed, and we’ll throw in a whole lot of fun as well. Whether you want to explore Chicago’s neighborhoods or downtown by bike, sample Chicago’s culinary delights, discover parks off the trail, tap into local nightlife, visit famous gangster haunts or experience the joy of kid-friendly fun, we have a bike tour that speaks to you.

Discover More of Chicago on Bike: You can cover more ground on a bike tour than a Chicago walking tour, and you can get more up close and personal to Chicago attractions and neighborhoods than you can when sitting idle and being narrated to on a Chicago bus or boat tour.

Our tour guides are top-notch, having propelled us to a #1 Ranking on TripAdvisor for the past 10 years. We consistently offer tours that bring Chicago history, food, and culture to life. A bike tour of Chicago with Bobby’s Bike Hike will truly be a moving experience that you, your friends, and your family will enjoy for years to come.

Ever heard the phrase “It’s as easy as riding a bike.”? Well, it’s just that easy. On the majority of our bike tours at least. While most of our tours are set at a relaxed pace, Bobby’s Bike Hike offers Chicago guided bicycle tours that are rated from kindergarten easy to advanced, so you can pick the bike tour appropriate for you. We offer tours of Chicago for a wide variety of audiences, ages, and skill levels. So as long as you can ride a bike, you’re ok to bike Chicago with us!

We offer tandem bikes, child bikes, electric and comfort bikes, and additional equipment for those riders who might need additional assistance.

If you’re looking for just a Chicago bike rental we can also help with that! You can rent bikes hourly, half the day, or for a full month.

We offer Chicago bike tours that cater to a variety of ages, interests, and skill levels:

The Lakefront Neighborhoods Tour, which is our most popular and longest-running tour, takes you out of the tourist beat and into the upscale neighborhoods, quiet parks, and Lakefront Trail where you can experience life like a Chicagoan.

Our Bikes, Bites & Brews: Signature Bicycle Tour is designed for those craving the very foods that Chicago is famous for; including samples of Chicago-style pizza, Chicago hot dogs, cupcakes and locally-crafted beer all while exploring the Northside’s most popular neighborhoods including Wrigleyville, which is the home of Wrigley Field.

The Bikes, Bites & Brews: Westside Foodie Ride is geared towards foodies, like us, who want to explore the culinary creations and unique ethnic eateries and neighborhoods that make up the diversity that is Chicago. Delight your pallet as we bike through the unique and quirky neighborhoods of Fulton Market, West Town, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Lincoln Park, and back along the Lakefront.

Our Ultimate City Bike Tour hits all of Chicago’s top attractions, all within an easy  3 hour ride. This tour is great for everyone, even younger riders, offering stunning views of the magnificent Chicago skyline as well as Grant Park, Museum Campus, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and Buckingham Fountain.

We offer specialty holiday tours, like Bobby’s Fright Hike: Halloween Tour Edition in the fall, and Holiday Strolls and Holiday Food Tours during Christmas time.

Stroll Through Chicago on a Top-Rated Tour
Food Tours - Explore by bike or on foot. Schedule a Tour of Chicago for Vacation

Our sole purpose is to educate, entertain and help in anyway we can! Please feel free to call 312-245-9300 with questions, ideas, or comments. You may

Bobby's Bike Hike Lake Shore Drive & Ohio Street 540 N. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, Illinois 60611 312-245-9300

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Lakefront Neighborhood Bike Tour Bikes, Bites & Brews: Signature Edition Bikes, Bites & Brews: Westside Foodie Ride Electric Bikes @ Night Tour Old Chicago Gangster Electric Bike Tour Chicago’s ‘Greatest Hits’ Bike Tour Bobby’s Tike Hike: Kid’s Edition Bike Tour
 Kid-Friendly Bike Tours Chicago      Kid-Friendly Bike Tours Chicago  Kid-Friendly Bike Tours Chicago
LEVEL Ridiculously Easy Somewhat Easy/
Moderate
Somewhat Easy/
Moderate
E-E-Easy Moderate/
Intermediate
Easy like Sunday morning Super Duper Easy
DURATION  3 hours  4 hours  4 hours  2.5 hours 4 hours 2.5 hours 2 hours
LENGTH 7mi/11km 13mi/21km 12mi/20km 8mi/13km 16mi/26km 6mi/10km 4mi/7km
PRICE Adults
$42.75
Stu/Mil/Sen
$37.75
Kids under 12
$25.75
Kids under 4
$13.75
Adults
$69.75
Stu/Mil/Sen
$64.75
Adults
$69.75
Stu/Mil/Sen
$64.75
Adults
$52.75
Stu/Mil/Sen
$47.75
Adults
$52.75
Stu/Mil/Sen
$47.75
Adults
$42.75
Stu/Mil/Sen
$37.75
Kids under 12
$25.75
Kids under 4
$13.75
Adults
$40.75
Stu/Mil/Sen
$35.75
Kids under 12
$10.75
Kids under 4
FREE
STARTING POINT 540 N. Lake Shore Drive 540 N. Lake Shore Drive 540 N. Lake Shore Drive 540 N. Lake Shore Drive 540 N. Lake Shore Drive 540 N. Lake Shore Drive 540 N. Lake Shore Drive
CLOSEST “L” TRAIN Red Line: Grand Stop Red Line: Grand Stop Red Line: Grand Stop Red Line: Grand Stop Red Line: Grand Stop Red Line: Grand Stop Red Line: Grand Stop
ENDING POINT 540 N. Lake Shore Drive 540 N. Lake Shore Drive 540 N. Lake Shore Drive 540 N. Lake Shore Drive 540 N. Lake Shore Drive 540 N. Lake Shore Drive 540 N. Lake Shore Drive
CAPACITY 18 people 15 people 15 people 18 people 15 people 18 people 15 people
KID FRIENDLY  Yes No No No No Yes Yes
PRIVATE GROUP TOUR Yes  Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
FOOD OFFERED  No  Yes  Yes  No  Yes, snack  No  No
AGE REQUIREMENT No Yes, 16 and Older  Yes, 16 and Older Yes, 16 and Older Yes, 16 and Older  No  No

Bike-Tours Frequently Asked Questions

Who should take a Chicago Bike tour?2017-03-08T09:51:48-07:00

Explorers, Bike Lovers, Friends, Family, and everyday people too! Our bicycle tours are designed for anyone that loves exploring great neighborhoods while hearing interesting stories about the history and culture that make Chicago a world class city. We have so many bike tours to choose from including ones appropriate to explore unique neighborhoods, the foods that made Chicago famous, Chicago nightlife, Chicago’s gangster history, and kid-friendly side to Chicago.

Do you provide beverages on your food tours?2017-03-08T09:42:30-07:00

Yes, we provide water on all of our food tours.  And most of our tours involve some sort of beverage, whether it be craft beer or hot tea.

Can you accommodate food allergies or vegetarians on your Bike and Food Tours?2017-03-08T09:52:03-07:00

We CAN provide food substitutions for vegetarians on ALL tours. Gluten-free substitutions are available on certain tours.  While we try our very best to accommodate food allergies, we cannot guarantee certain avoidance from various food allergies.  We would encourage you to ask questions along the way and see if our guide might recommend a substitution.

May I bring my dog on the tour?2017-03-08T09:52:26-07:00

Sorry, we do not allow pets on any of our tours.  Actually, you can bring a goldfish in a plastic bag.  Actually, no don’t bring the goldfish either.

Will there be breaks for restrooms?2017-03-08T09:52:34-07:00

Yes, most of the restaurants we visit will have restrooms to use.  We do recommend using the restroom prior to arrival to your tour, however, to expedite the start of the tour.

I took this tour a year ago, has anything changed?2017-03-08T09:52:45-07:00

We change the tour slightly every six to eight months. Many parts of the tour remain the same, but we do our best to improve upon and enhance the tour. Don’t be embarrassed to come back for more and repeat the experience – many people do!  We had one guest tell us he has taken the same tour 8 different times.  When we mentioned he should look at one of the many other tours we offered, he stated no need.  His reason is every time he takes the same tour he gets a different tour guide and each tour guide provides their own unique spin and presentation style.  So if you come back to the same tour, be prepared for a new and engaging experience each and every time.

Do your tours have anything to offer a native Chicagoan?2017-03-08T09:53:00-07:00

Absolutely! Many of our attendees live right here in Chicago or the outlying suburbs. Locals often attend to learn things about the neighborhoods and the city in which they live that they did not know beforehand. We mainly stay off the beaten path, and thus avoid being consumed by crowds. Locals (and those that want to feel like locals) can often get the MOST out of the tours since the tours are designed to show you how the locals live, work, eat, and play in each neighborhood we cover.

Do your bikes have front pouches for storage?2017-03-08T09:53:19-07:00

We offer pouches on the front of our bikes that allow you to store wallets, cameras, cell phones, and other smaller items, and you are welcome to keep any larger items back at our shop while you are out on a tour or rental.

Do you have a bike I can use?2017-03-08T09:53:27-07:00

No bike, no problem! We have hot deluxe comfort bikes for you to ride, and helmets to keep you safe. Each bike is labeled with a name that describes its personality but you can also tell them apart by their distinctive markings and behavior. They each have front pouches and back racks for storage of smaller items. Although we recommend riding our bikes, you can bring your own but we don’t offer any discounts for doing so.  Moreover, due to so many types of bike makes and models, if you bring your own bike and have a mechanical issue it will be unlikely we will have the proper tools to fix the issue.  But we will have the tools to fix any issues that might arise from use of our bikes.  All of our bikes are deluxe comfort bikes with fat tires, cushy seats, and fenders to keep you clean.

 

What should I wear? What should I bring?2017-03-08T09:53:35-07:00

You should wear clothes, of course, but beyond that you’re free to show your expressive nature in what you decide to wear.  We recommend you bring small items such as an ID, credit card and cash (to tip the guide), cell phone, and camera.

We suggest tennis shoes and comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that are appropriate for the weather conditions on the day of your tour.  We strongly suggest you wear layers, particularly in spring and fall, as you can always take a layer off if you get too hot or add a layer if you get too cool.  Many of our tours ride close to Lake Michigan, which is one of the largest lakes in the world and can alter the temperature quickly based on the direction of the wind.  We offer pouches on the front of our bikes that allow you to store wallets, cameras, cell phones, and other smaller items, and you are welcome to keep any larger items back at our shop while you are out on a tour or rental.

How many people do you take on a tour?2017-03-08T09:53:44-07:00

Bike Tours:18-20 people per tour is the perfect number for most of our bike tours that do not include food.  For our Kid-Friendly tours as well as our Bike & Food Tours, we max out at 15 guests per tour guide.

Is the tour appropriate for kids? Seniors?2022-09-07T16:48:30-07:00

Our Chicago bike tours have been developed for a wide variety of ages, interests, and skill levels. But not all tours are appropriate for younger riders.

Seniors: Regarding seniors, we rarely hear that seniors have a hard time on our tours as long as they feel comfortable on a bike.  Seniors might want to beware of taking a bike tour in extreme temperatures.

Kids: Regarding kids on our bike tours, not every tour is appropriate for younger riders. For instance, we recommend our Bike & Food tour participants to be of 17 years old and over due to the fact that we do go into bars in certain neighborhoods and the tour may not be appropriate for them. That said, we do realize that every child is different so we do leave it in the hands of the parents to ultimately decide what is ok for their child and what is not. It might be that you just sit outside during the stops that include the bar.

We do encourage younger riders that are under 12 years old to take the Family-Friendly Food and Bike Tour, or the Chicago Lakefront Neighborhoods Bike Tour. While many kids can handle our Lakefront Neighborhoods Tour, we have noticed that it’s not appropriate for riders 8 and under who are average riders for their age.

Whether to bring your child is ultimately up to your discretion, but please note that ALL CHILDREN need a paid ticket. Our “under 4” pricing is deeply discounted and usually pays for the special equipment needed for your kids. A good rule of thumb to know whether a tour is kid-friendly to see if we offer kid prices on the tour. If no kid prices, it’s probably not the best suited. For food tours, we assume that if your child is below age 3 then they will not be participating in the food tasting portion of the tour or that they might be sharing food with a parent. Therefore, for children below age 3, no ticket is required and there will not be a food portion dedicated to this child. If you’d like food for your child under 3, then please do purchase a ticket in advance. Either way, please indicate when you sign up whether you are bringing a child on the tour so that our tour guide can be prepared.

Please also note that if you are bringing kids on our bike tours, you will need to indicate what additional equipment they will need during your reservation of the tour. We offer child bikes, tag-alongs, trailers, and child seats. If your child becomes unruly we would just ask that you step away from the group for a bit to calm your child down before returning to the group.

How much Biking is involved?2017-03-08T09:44:17-07:00

Enough biking that you’ll see a ton but not more than you can handle! The pace is usually good for everyone.  We’ve rated each tour level so that you can pick the right tour for you. We do stop at various points of interest and attractions so that you can have a brief rest while our tour guides explain the history of Chicago in a way that brings the stories to life.  While you want to make sure the distance we cover is suitable for you, remember that we will never be biking continuously for that amount of time.  We will have 6-8 stops mixed in along the route for resting periods and to learn about Chicago.

What should I expect on a bicycle tour with Bobby’s Bike Hike?2017-03-08T09:54:04-07:00

Expect the very best.  Our staff takes great pride in being the best in their field.  So we don’t skimp on any of the details.  All of our tours are different and they all go in various directions from downtown.  Our staff has spent a lot of time and energy making sure that we bring the very best of Chicago to you on our tours.  So each route is carefully detailed and every story is crafted to perfection to make sure you come away with the best Chicago experience possible.

How long and strenuous are the bike tours?2017-03-16T16:41:47-07:00

“Strenuous” is not in Bobby’s vocabulary.  All of Bobby’s bike tours are set at a relaxed to moderate pace for riders of all skill levels.  In order of “difficulty,” they are as follows:  “Bobby’s Tike Hike: Kid’s Edition” and Bobby’s “Museums & Parks at Sunset Tour” are each a quick two hours covering less than 5 miles, with a brief rest-stop along the way.

Both Bobby’s “Lakefront Neighborhoods Chicago Tour” and “City Lights at Night Chicago Tour” are set at a relaxed pace, covering about 6-8 miles in 3 hours, including a small break at a quiet, outdoor café/beer garden just in case you need a snack (snacks are ala carte and not included in the regular tour price; private groups can include breakfast/lunch/dinner with one of our partners in their package upon request).

Likewise, foodies on Bobby’s “Bikes, Bites & Brews Chicago Food Tours” cover about 12 miles in 4 hours, and there are lots of delicious breaks along the way.   We call it “Somewhat Moderate to Easy.”

Bobby’s “Southside Chicago Gangster Tour” covers 12 miles in 3 and a half hours with a break as well. It’s a bit more moderately paced but not advanced.

Why should I take a Chicago Bike Tour?2017-03-16T19:47:24-07:00

Our bike tours are led by experienced Bobby’s Bike Hike tour guides. During our tours you will learn about the history and culture of the various neighborhoods and attractions we visit, as well as get to see Chicago the way Chicagoans experience their City. Bobby’s Bike Hike is one of the oldest City Bike Tour companies in the country, offering quality tours since 2002.  We are proud to have put bike tours on the map in Chicago!  Bobby’s Bike Hike Tours is a mid-sized local tour business that concentrates on details, organization, and accuracy. We will not show you anything unless we know about, believe in it, and love it! We use old school methods, modern technology, and a lot of personality with everything that we do. We focus on good honest food and fun, striving to make sure each person that takes our tours has a memorable Chicago experience.

 

Do you offer water on your tours?2017-03-16T19:48:36-07:00

We provide water free of charge on all of our Bike & Food Tours.  On all other bike tours where food is not offered, we do not provide water but offer it for purchase inside our bike shop where the tour begins.

 

Buying Tickets

What is your cancellations policy?2020-10-16T13:06:51-07:00

No need to worry.  If there is an unforeseen change in your schedule you can cancel your tour with a 72-hour notice. There is a 10% processing fee for any cancellations.  Sorry, we don’t allow for cancellations within 72 hours but we can offer future gift certificates depending on the situation.

Bike tours are offered from March through November because these are the months you can usually rely on good Chicago weather for biking.  Our Chicago walking tours are offered year-round and during winter months, making use of Chicago’s unique underground pedway system. Tours do run rain or shine and you should always dress appropriately for the day’s weather conditions. Note that Chicagoland is huge, so when they predict “scattered showers” it probably won’t affect the tour. We provide free ponchos on our bike tours when the weather requires and on walking tours. It’s usually easy to duck inside (or stay inside) for a moment until a shower passes. In the rare event that a tour is canceled due to extreme weather, we will allow you to reschedule your tour (subject to availability) or offer a full refund.

There is a minimum number of people needed for our tours to go out. Although solo customers can always sign up and join our tours, we do require at least two participants for any of our bike tours to go out.  And we require a minimum of three participants in order for any of our Chicago food tours to go out. If we do not meet or exceed that number within 2 hours of the tour time you might be contacted and could be asked to either reschedule, be offered a Gift Certificate for a future tour, or cancel altogether (with a full refund).

Are tours offered in bad weather?2018-01-22T07:24:42-07:00

It’s always a beautiful day at Bobby’s Bike Hike and we strongly suggest you dress for the weather, preferably in layers.  We run most of our tours in any type of weather.  Our Bike Tour season is scheduled during months when the weather is predicted to be good, so our schedule reflects that.  We ride in rain but will usually cancel a tour if lightning is present at the start of the tour.  We keep a close watch on the sky and we may decide to start a tour a little late or might cancel all together.  In the rare occurrence that we cancel a tour due to weather we’ll offer you a substitute tour at a different time or day, or offer a full refund for your missed tour.  We do provide ponchos if there happens to be a brief shower while out on the bike tour.  Our walking tours run year round as they are less dependent on stable weather for their operation.  During the nicer months, we use the beautiful outdoor promenades for our walking tours.  And during inclement weather we can duck down and use Chicago’s unique underground pedway system to get from point to point. Just remember to always dress for the weather.  Because our walking tours do not leave from our headquarter location, we do not provide rain ponchos should a pop up shower occurs

What types of private groups do you accommodate?2017-03-08T09:37:37-07:00

We accommodate all sorts of groups.  We have performed an incredible experience many times over for Girl Scout troops, Boy scouts, bachelor and bachelorette parties, school groups, family reunions, college alumni rides, sorority and fraternity mixers, seniors, bike clubs, corporate retreats, teambuilding outings and countless others.  Because of the diversity of our tour selection, we can cater our tours to any type of group.  Email us or give us a call.

What are the requirements for a private guided tour?2017-03-08T09:50:49-07:00

There is a standard cost to book a private tour. We can accommodate from 1-300 people. If you book well in advance there is a good chance that we can accommodate your needs. We have both biking and walking tours and you can add food to any of our tours.  To inquire about a private tour, please fill out the form you’ll find on any of our main tour pages (Bike, Walking, or Food) or you can find the form on each individual tour page.  Our Director of Group Fun will contact you within 24 hours to inform you if the date and time requested is available, and answer any of your questions.  If you need immediate answers you can call our main number 312.245.9300 and select option 2.

Are gift certificates available?2017-03-08T09:50:57-07:00

Yes, gift certificates are available for all Bobby’s Bike Hike guided tours and rentals.  And they make a perfect gift for holidays, birthdays or any other occasion! To purchase a gift certificate, please click on the “SHOP/SERVICE” link on our Menu.  We can ship them to you or to a friend/family member.

Are guide gratuities included in the price?2017-03-08T09:36:51-07:00

Bobby’s Bike Hike does not include gratuities in the cost of our tours. A standard gratuity for a tour guide in Chicago is 18% to 20% of the tour price. If you had a great time gratuities are accepted by our tour guides. We do not provide ATM’s at any of our locations, so please plan ahead and bring cash with you to tip your guide for a job well done.

Do you offer discounts for students, seniors, military, travel agents or kids?2021-05-14T09:45:11-07:00

We do not, however, our online rates are 10% off our in-shop rates.  And, of course, we do appreciate our military, seniors, and students and everything they are about.  So take advantage of our online discount and reserve as either an adult (Age12+), youth (Ages 4-11), and infant (Ages 0-3). Please note if you’re booking a food tour then the infant rate would not include an extra portion of food.

If a tour is sold out can I get on a waiting list?2017-03-08T09:51:17-07:00

We do not officially provide a waiting list. If a date is sold out, there is always a chance that we will add an additional tour. Please email us or call us (312) 933.2980 and let us know what date you are interested in.

When do I buy tickets? Is advance purchase required?2017-03-08T09:51:27-07:00

We strongly encourage you purchase tour tickets in advance. We have been giving tours since 2002 and often sell out quickly (especially on the weekends). Saturdays are the busiest day of the week! You don’t want to get caught at the last minute so check out our tour schedule and availability. Booking ahead guarantees your space on our tour, plus saves you 10%.

How do I buy tickets?2017-03-08T09:51:37-07:00

Our Chicago Guided Tour tickets are sold by calling 312.245.9300 or by reserving online through our website. We work with a third party software that handles our online ticket sales so we can spend more time doing what we do best, creating the best bike, walking, & food tours available. Tickets can be purchased online or over the phone with a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. Checks and Travelers Checks are not accepted.

 

About Bobby’s Bike Hike

Who is Bobby?2017-03-16T16:13:45-07:00

Bobby’s Bike Hike was founded in 2002 by Jeremy L, a then 27 year old ambitious (and slightly naive) newcomer to the Chicago tourism scene. He named the business Bobby’s Bike Hike as a tribute to his late father Bob, a bus tour operator in Arkansas who instilled Jeremy’s passion for travel and the tourism industry. Jeremy’s interest in healthy living and a clean environment inspired him to create an interactive bike tour that would let people truly experience the city he loved. Today, Jeremy continues to deliver on his father’s advice to never focus on being the biggest, only on being the BEST!

Do you have a bathroom to use at your shop?2017-03-16T15:16:07-07:00

Yes, we do have bathrooms available. But because our bathroom can be in high demand, we strongly encourage that you use the restroom prior to your arrival to our bike shop. Many of our walking tours start at various locations around the City so we cannot guarantee a restroom at the very start of the tour, but we will have bathroom breaks along the route.

Are tours offered in other languages besides English?2017-03-16T15:15:20-07:00

All of our regularly scheduled tours are given in English, but thankfully our humor is universal. We do offer private group tours in a variety of languages (French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and more). Just call ahead and we’ll make it happen.

Where are you located? How do I get there and where do I park?2017-03-16T16:24:40-07:00

First choice would be to walk to us. Chicago is flat and easy on the feet. Second choice for downtown tours would be taking a cab. Our shop and the Chicago Cultural Center are each a $5 cab ride from most downtown hotels. Third choice would be the local transit system’s trains and buses. If driving, here is the information below:

Bike Tours:
540 N. Lake Shore Drive. The entrance is on the south side of Ohio Street just west of Lake Shore Drive, just past the dry cleaner’s location. Please enter through the covered Driveway and once you’re through, turn right and follow the signs.
Parking: Please park at 441 E. Erie St., which offers the lowest rate in the neighborhood. Before leaving Bobby’s, ask us for a discount slip that reduces the rate to $14 for 6 hours. On Saturday and Sunday, you can park for up to 6 hours for only $12 and up to 12 hours for $16.

Walking Tours:
All of our walking tours begin at various locations around the City.  We encourage you to use Google Maps or Apple’s Siri to find directions and parking/public transportation suggestions.

How do I get a cool T-shirt or sweet hat?2017-03-16T15:13:33-07:00

Bobby’s sought long and hard to find the perfect designers and suppliers for our fashionable and oh-so-comfy t-shirts, tech-shirts, and stylin hats. You can purchase them online via our “Shop/Service” page or in our shop. We’ll even knock 10% off if you buy it on the day of your tour or rental.

How do I become one of Chicago’s top rated tour guides? I want to work for you!2017-03-16T15:08:51-07:00

We’re glad you want to join one of the friendliest organizations in the world. We are always looking for tour leaders with a positive attitude, strong leadership qualities, and a passion for Chicago history; previous guiding experience is a plus as well. We are also looking for Front of House leaders who are looking to get more from their summer work experience. We strive to offer our employees more than just a ‘job’, but a positive leadership program that will make you a successful person in life. Email employment@ bobbysbikehike.com and include your resume, cover letter, and a picture so that we can see your smiling face.

Why is Bobby’s Bike Hike consistently ranked the top tour company in Chicago?2017-03-16T15:05:45-07:00

At Bobby’s Bike Hike Chicago, we take great pride in being the best. We have been the top rated tour company in Chicago since such rating services such as TripAdvisor have been around. Why? Our tour guides make all the difference in the world. We take our time during the hiring process, making sure to bring on only the best guides. And then we put them through an industry leading training program to make sure they are the best guides they can be. This process ensures that our guests have the best possible experience they can possibly have. And we take great pride in that process. Our Culture is another thing that stands apart from most. You can feel our culture right when you enter our shop or join one of our tours. We all believe in four tenets of Travel, Community, Health & Service. How that breaks down is we think of ourselves as Ambassadors of your Chicago Travel, we look to build a better local Community, we promote both our health and the health of our planet, and we believe in offering the best customer service possible.

Can I leave things in storage at your shop during the tour/rental?2017-03-16T16:15:41-07:00

All of our bikes have pouches on the front which can hold sweaters, purses, phones, water, etc. If you have larger things, we can store them at the shop while you are out on your tour or rental.  Families, feel free to leave your strollers with us.  Unfortunately, our walking tours do not leave from our shop and so we have no storage capacity.  Be sure to leave the extra packages, etc., at home or in the hotel before a walking tour.

 

General Chicago Questions

Where is Tourist Information?2017-03-16T15:26:43-07:00

You’re going to learn a lot on our tours, but you can also receive City of Chicago information by going to the Chicago Visitor’s Center, located at the Cultural Center on Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street, where some of our walking tours begin.

Is Chicago easy to bike and walk in?2017-03-16T15:27:18-07:00

YES! Chicago has consistently ranked as one of the top Cities in the country for biking and walking. It’s flat, attractions and neighborhoods are very close in proximity, and Chicago has extensive network of bike lanes, paths, and sidewalks to enjoy. Chicago boasts a 20 mile Lakefront Bike Trail, as well, that hugs Lake Michigan and connects all the major attractions to parks, beaches and Chicago’s top neighborhoods.

Where does Oprah and President Obama live in Chicago?2018-08-17T08:14:29-07:00

Barrack Obama – Kenwood, Chicago

Barrack Obama has a house on the Southside of Chicago in Kenwood (just north of Hyde Park). Unfortunately, our Chicago tours don’t take participants past Barrack Obama’s home, but we provide bike renters a wonderful map to find his house and the Lakefront Trail takes you right to his beautiful neighborhood.

If you’re looking for a tour that will get you close – try our Southside Chicago Gangster Tour

Oprah – Streeterville, Chicago

Oprah has moved out of Chicago but her presence in Chicago is still felt to this day. Her old Streeterville penthouse is on our Lakefront Neighborhoods Tour route.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Chicago?2017-03-16T15:25:27-07:00

Chicago is called the City of Neighborhoods as it boasts a wide variety of distinct and diverse cultures represented from around the globe. While we could easily write a book a mile long on how many wonderful neighborhoods there are, we wanted to just list a few of our favorites here.
The Loop – Chicago’s business district and home to the highest concentration of Chicago attractions including the Chicago Riverwalk, Willis Tower, Millennium Park, State Street, Daley Plaza, and the Chicago Theatre.
Gold Coast / Streeterville – Chicago’s premier neighborhoods bordering the Lakefront, home to the most expensive properties in the entire City. This is where you’ll find the original Playboy Mansion, Oprah’s old Chicago condo, and countless other Chicago celebrities. It’s also where you’ll find the iconic Rush Street entertainment district.
Old Town / Lincoln Park – The quiet streets of Old town will have you believing you are a world away from the City, even though you’re right in the heart. The entire neighborhood is on the national historic register and streets are designed so that there is very little automobile through traffic. Many of our tours go through Old Town because it’s so nice to ride through. Lincoln Park is another upscale neighborhood with amazing boutique shopping along Armitage and adjacent park and zoo with same name.
Wrigleyville / Lakeview – Home to the Chicago Cubs. You can litteraly ride your bike to Wrigley Field as the Lakefront Trail connects downtown to the stadium, which sits just a couple blocks from the path. Wrigleyville is home to a number of bars and can be quite energized on game day. The surrounding neighborhood is Lakeview, home to a wide variety of eclectic enclaves including Boystown.
Andersonville is on the far north side and is Chicago’s original Swedish neighborhood. You can still see many of the original Swedish restaurants and shops today.
Wicker Park / Bucktown – Hipster central with great local shopping as well as trendy world-class boutiques. The epicenter of this cool neighborhood is North Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue. Worth a trip for sure.
Fulton Market / Greektown – Food, Food & more food define this area west of downtown that has quickly turned from Chicago’s old warehouse district into one of the hottest places to live and eat. Now home to Google and McDonalds Corporate Headquarters, this area is seeing some of the fastest growth among Chicago neighborhoods.
Pilsen – Chicago’s Mexican neighborhood where you can get some wonderful food, authentic flavor, and see beautiful art and architecture.
Chinatown – Chicago’s original Chinese community where you can witness all of the regions of China on full display with amazing food, colorful local shops, and an amazing street scene. Cermak and Wentworth is the epicenter of Chinatown.
Ukrainian Village – One of Chicago’s fastest growing real estate markets that mixes young Chicago families with old school Ukrainian and Eastern European traditions.
Bridgeport is home to Chicago’s hard working Irish and Italian families that have been the lifeline of Chicago politics and have helped build Chicago since the beginning. If you want to learn about old school Chicago, Bridgeport is your neighborhood. It’s also home to the Chicago White Sox.
Bronzeville is a beautiful African American neighborhood just south of downtown that has an amazing art and culture scene.
Hyde Park / Kenwood is Chicago’s established neighborhoods on the far Southside of the City and home to the University of Chicago and many old historic mansions, including Barrack Obama’s home.

What are Chicago’s top attractions?2017-03-16T15:24:46-07:00

Most of Chicago’s top attractions can be found along the Lakefront and in the downtown section of the City. A good rule of thumb to know is that the Chicago River runs east west right through the heart of downtown. So if you’re anywhere around the Chicago River, then you’re right in the heart of Chicago with easy access to most Chicago attractions. Those attractions include Millennium Park, Navy Pier, John Hancock Center, Historic Water Tower, Chicago Theatre district, Wrigley Building, Chicago Riverwalk, Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, Chicago’s Lakefront, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Daley Plaza, State Street, Oak Street Beach, Michigan Avenue. A little further north from downtown is Lincoln Park, the zoo, and North Avenue Beach, and Wrigley Field. A little further south of downtown is Museum Campus, Soldier Field, the Willis Tower, Union Station, and McCormick Place.

What professional sports teams are in Chicago?2017-03-16T15:23:57-07:00

American Football – Chicago Bears play at Soldier Field
American Baseball – Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley Field (north side) / Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field (south side)
Basketball – Chicago Bulls play at the United Center
Soccer – Chicago Fire play at Toyota Park Stadium
Hockey – Chicago Blackhawks play at the United Center

How do I use the Transit system?2017-03-16T15:23:20-07:00

The local train system is called the ‘L’ because most of it is elevated above street level. It is operated by the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority), which also operates the buses and maintains a universal fare system for easy transfers. The “Directions” feature on Google Maps has full support for public transit options in Chicago and is an ideal way to plan your route.
Paying: If you take the ‘L’, you must prepay by going to a station and going to the self-guided kiosk. A one way ticket costs roughly $2.25, and you can make two transfers for $0.25 each within two hours of paying a one-way fare. The bus costs the same as the ‘L’ and allows you to just hop on and pay cash, but cash riders have no access to transfers. The bus drivers won’t have change but they’re usually very helpful if you tell him that you need help getting to your location.
Metra is the fast rail line that takes you between the City and the rest of Chicagoland. The costs vary depending on how far you are going. It’s less expensive to buy your ticket at the station, but you can just hop on and someone will come around and charge you the fee. The Metra reminds us of a cattle truck but it is a fun way to get to and from anywhere outside the city. We recommend sitting on the second story for the best views.

Is Chicago safe?2017-03-16T15:22:42-07:00

Yes, absolutely. While we do have our issues with crime, the highest rates of crime are limited to just a few distinct neighborhoods far from the downtown visitor district. So while you might read about crime in Chicago, it’s not something you will or should ever come in contact with if you are staying in downtown or one of the connecting neighborhoods.

Where is a good place to ride if I rent a bike in Chicago?2017-03-16T15:22:03-07:00

The 20 mile Lakefront Bike Trail is one of the best bike trails in the world. It’s 100% car-free and allows you to experience life as a local, while riding up to Chicago’s top attractions. The trail connects downtown to the adjacent neighborhoods, parks, and beaches giving you ample opportunity to explore. You can also bike into Chicago’s unique and diverse neighborhoods, including the 606 Bloomingdale Trail through Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Humboldt Park.

What is the weather like in Chicago in ____ month?2017-03-08T09:54:31-07:00

January, February
Weather: Coldest Months in Chicago. Temps can range from 10-40 degrees Fahrenheit

What to Wear: Dress in layers because stores and restaurants will likely keep things warm. Bring a warm coat, scarf, hat, gloves, and some good weather resistant shoes.

March, April
Weather: March is not as frigid as February, but you’ll still need a warm coat. March temps can range from 30-50 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to Wear: Layers.  Bring a weather resistant, warm coat and maybe gloves. It probably won’t snow, but it has been known to snow in April.

May, June
Weather: Spring usually means warmer temps and more sun, between 50-80 degree.
What to Wear:  Layers.  May and June can shift wildly in temps, depending on which way the wind is blowing.  In May, a light spring jacket is probably the heaviest thing you’ll need.

July, August
Weather: Summers in Chicago are the BEST!  Hot, but usually not too hot. On really hot days, the lake usually does a good job of keeping us mild.  Temps range from 70-95.
What to Wear: Wear light clothing: natural fibers are best, especially cotton and linen.  But you might need a sweater at night.

September, October
Weather: Fall in Chicago is quite nice as well.   September gets a lot of sun, just not as hot as the summer.  Temps range from 65 to 85 degrees.  October gets a little cooler, especially at night.  Temps in October range from 55 to 80 degrees.

What to Wear: Layers!  Notice a trend?  Days and nights can vary drastically, warming up during the days and getting cooled off at night.  In September you can still wear summer clothes but bring along a jacket.  October cools off around here, so you’ll usually need a jacket.

November, December
Weather: Expect highs in the 40-50 range in November and 30-40 range in December.
What to Wear: Bring a heavier jacket and consider a hat, scarf, and gloves.

 

 

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