Chicago Favorites Walking & Food Tour

0
  • 2.5-3 Hours11:30am & 5:30pm
  • Ages from 1+
  • Totally Walkable
  • Length: 1.75 Miles
  • VIP Upgrade $19.99Craft Beer Tasting
Ages Weekend Pricing
Adult (12+) $79.99
Youth (4-11) $69.99
Infant (0-3) $9.99

FREE 2 Hour Bike or Kayak Rental (included with this tour purchase)Terms Below:

  • To be used within +/- 3 days of your tour booking.  

  • Bike rentals take place at Bobby’s Bike Hike World Headquarters, 540 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL60611.  Bike shop is open year-round (excluding Thanksgiving & Christmas).

  • Kayak rentals take place at Ohio Street Beach, Bobby’s Kayak, 550 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.  Kayak shop open mid-May to mid-October, weather dependent.

  • Offer excludes Saturday Bike/Kayak rentals between Memorial Day (end of May) Weekend to Labor Day (early September).  Kayaking only available from June-September)

  • No discounts for not using this activity or issues due to weather restrictions.

  • Option NOT Available for Private or Custom Group Tours

Chicago Favorite Walking & Food Tour

Taste your way through Chicago’s most famous recipes on this relaxing and fun Chicago food tour.

In an exciting three hours, you’ll feast on Chicago culinary legends such as deep-dish pizza, Italian Beef, a Chicago-style hot dog, and a delectable dessert!

All food samples are included in the ticket price. Plus, you can add a VIP Craft Beer package to any ticket and sample three of our favorite local craft beers (9oz pours).  

Not only do you get to sample some of the best Chicago food staples, but we’ll take you to the top Chicago attractions as well, making this quite possibly the best Chicago experience you can handle in 3 hours. Our expert local guides will escort you to Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue (aka ‘the Magnificent Mile’), the Chicago Riverwalk, Cloud Gate (aka ‘the Bean’), the Chicago Theater, State Street (that great street), and more.  Our food and walking tour of Chicago is an active, VIP adventure through town; the perfect way to see and taste the city in a single afternoon!

ADDED BONUS for booking this tour….Not only will you get a wonderful 3 hour walk and food touring experience, but we’ll give you an additional free 2 hour bike or kayak rental as an additional value.  This way you can maximize your entire Chicago experience by visiting more neighborhoods via a free bike rental to explore the 20-mile Lakefront Bike Trail.  Or if biking isn’t your thing, you can do a 2 hour kayak rental on the calm, clear waters of Lake Michigan (inside the break wall off Ohio Street Beach, arguably the most photo-worthy beach in Chicago)

Leave the planning to us, our tours have been awarded the following:

Top 10 Food Tours in America – USA TODAY
Top 20 Food Tour in World – TripAdvisor
Top 15 Vacation Experiences in America – Entrepreneur Magazine

What’s Included

  • Tour prices include all food samples. Beer samples can be added for an additional fee.
  • Three craft beers with the VIP Craft Beer Package
  • Storied history of Chicago’s classic dishes and the establishments that created them
  • Informative walking tour of the Windy City’s most beloved landmarks
  • Either 2 hour bike rental or 2 hour kayak rental (to be used within three days of your tour, weather permitting.)*excludes Saturdays between Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. Kayaking only available from June-September

What to Bring

  • Please bring an ID
  • Please bring a bottle of water. A few restaurants will serve water, but not all of them. So it’s highly recommended to bring a bottle of water.
  • Wear comfortable clothing/shoes

Important Info

  • Additional Costs might be incurred for restricted diets or changes to menu items.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before scheduled tour time!
  • Tours run snow, rain, or shine!

Departure Locations

  • Day/Lunch Tour Departure: Plaza of the Americas (430 N. Michigan Ave. Look for the BIG WINGS)
  • Evening/Dinner Tour Departure: Gino's East Pizza (162 East Superior St.)

What to Expect

11:30am
5:30pm

Starting Location: Plaza of the Americas, 430 N. Michigan Ave. (We gather next to the BIG WINGS)

The tour begins with one of our famous Chicago deep dish pizza restaurants.

At the pizza restaurant, you’ll meet your entertaining and energetic guide who will give you an introduction to Chicago’s epic history before indulging in a bubbling, cheesy, stuffed Chicago pizza pie as well as a locally crafted beer (for those purchasing the VIP Craft Beer Package). You’ll learn how this giant pizza is made and you’ll taste why locals love it and why visitors travel from all over the world to get their hands on a slice.

Begin on the Magnificent Mile
The walking portion of the tour will continue underneath one of Chicago’s most iconic old buildings, the Wrigley Building, which has been the jewel of the Magnificent Mile of Chicago since its existence. We’ll stroll down Michigan Avenue, the most bustling shopping district in Chicago.

Stroll Along the Chicago River — Italian Beef Sandwich Stop
We will then make our way to the Chicago Riverwalk where we’ll travel down the Chicago River and make a stop in the heart of Chicago’s Riverwalk to marvel at the downtown skyline and architecture. For more on Chicago architecture, these are 10 Chicago Buildings You Must See. At this stop, you’ll enjoy an Italian beef sandwich at a family-run Italian business that has been serving up the best take on this sandwich in the entire city for years.

From there you’ll walk right up to the Chicago Theatre and its famous ‘CHICAGO’ marquee. Your guide will provide running commentary throughout the tour to keep you informed and in-the-know.

Iconic Sites and History – Chicago-style Hot Dog Stop
Next, we’ll head to a local hot dog spot. Here, you’ll feast on Chicago-style dogs, the totally unique Windy City interpretation of the hot dog. You’ll learn all about the genesis of this one-of-a-kind sandwich and why Chicagoans are totally against pairing it with ketchup.

Visit Cloud Gate (aka ‘the Bean’)
On our lunch tour, The food tour then explores the heart of Millennium Park, home of Chicago’s most famous and beloved works of public art, including Cloud Gate (dubbed ‘the Bean’). This giant, stainless-steel masterpiece shares the park with the LED faces of The Crown Fountain and the Frank Gehry-designed Pritzker Pavilion.

Take in the Palmer House Hotel — Chicago Brownie Stop
On our lunch tour, we’ll finish the food sampling with a Chicago brownie, invented right here in Chicago. We’ll relax in the elegantly decorated lobby of the Palmer House Hotel. The Palmer House is the longest continually-operating hotel in North America, but is better known for its famous dessert invention: the brownie! Enjoy..The walking food tour will conclude with some suggestions for the rest of your visit and other great places to eat in the downtown Chicago area. As the sun dips behind the skyline and the city lights begin to sparkle, our Evening Food Tours take a slightly different path—and that includes the dessert! Instead of our daytime brownie delight, we treat our evening guests to a refreshing scoop of artisan gelato, perfectly paired with the scenic route. It’s the cherry on top of your nighttime adventure with us—cool, creamy, and 100% unforgettable.

Extra…Extra…Learn all about it
The walking and food tour concludes with expert suggestions for the remainder of your visit, guiding you to more delightful dining experiences in the vibrant downtown Chicago area. Immerse yourself in the flavors and stories that make Chicago an unparalleled destination for culinary and cultural exploration. And don’t forget, your ticket gets you a free 2-hour bike or kayak rental so you can explore not just Chicago’s downtown area, but many of the connected lakefront neighborhoods by bike. Or, if biking isn’t your thing you can choose to kayak on Lake Michigan inside the calm, clean waters of the breakwall at Ohio Street Beach, arguably the most photo-worthy beach in all of Chicago.

Join us for a mouthwatering and memorable journey through the heart of downtown Chicago, where the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and legendary food come together for the ultimate urban adventure.

We begin our tour at Gino’s East Pizza (162 E. Superior), home of Chicago’s iconic deep-dish. We’ll fuel up with a slice of cheesy, tomato-packed perfection in a historic location that’s fed hungry locals and tourists for decades.

Just a short stroll away is the Chicago Water Tower, one of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This limestone Gothic Revival structure stands as a proud symbol of the city’s resilience and rebirth.

Next, we make our way to Holy Name Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago and a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture with intricate woodwork and breathtaking stained glass.

From sacred to opulent, our path leads us to the Driehaus Museum, where the grandeur of the Gilded Age comes alive. Housed in a meticulously restored 19th-century mansion, the museum celebrates the decorative arts and the lavish lifestyle of a bygone era.

As the tour heats up, we cool down with a stop at Portillo’s, a Chicago staple serving up classic comfort food. Whether it’s a loaded Chicago dog or a chocolate cake shake, there’s something for everyone.

Just around the corner, we’ll sample another Windy City favorite at Al’s Italian Beef, where thin-sliced, juicy beef on a dipped roll delivers pure sandwich satisfaction.

From there, we head to the monumental Merchandise Mart, once the largest building in the world by floor space. This Art Deco colossus is not only a hub of design and innovation but also a symbol of Chicago’s commercial prowess. Take in its imposing façade and learn how it helped shape the city’s economic history.

Our route continues across the historic LaSalle Street Bridge, offering panoramic views of the Chicago River framed by skyscrapers old and new. Be sure to snap a few photos here!

We descend onto the Chicago Riverwalk at Wabash, a scenic pedestrian oasis that showcases the dynamic interplay of nature and urban design. Here, you’ll soak in the rhythm of the river and the bustle of city life.

We end our tour on a sweet and savory note at Bongiorno’s, a cozy Italian deli and pizzeria known for its friendly vibes and made-from-scratch fare. We’ll grab a dessert and toast to a day well spent exploring the best of Chicago.

Extra…Extra…Learn all about it
The walking and food tour concludes with expert suggestions for the remainder of your visit, guiding you to more delightful dining experiences in the vibrant downtown Chicago area. Immerse yourself in the flavors and stories that make Chicago an unparalleled destination for culinary and cultural exploration. And don’t forget, your ticket gets you a free 2 hour bike or kayak rental so you can explore not just Chicago’s downtown area, but many of the connected lakefront neighborhoods by bike. Or, if biking isn’t your thing you can choose to kayak on Lake Michigan inside the calm, clean waters of the breakwall at Ohio Street Beach, arguably the most photo-worthy beach in all of Chicago.

Guests who are over 21 can add-on the VIP Craft Beer Package for only $19.99, which includes three 9oz pours of our favorite local Chicago brews. For other popular Chicago food tours that include classic Chicago bites, craft beer, and bikes— check out the Bikes, Bites and Brews Signature Dish Tour or the Bikes, Bites and Brews Westside Foodie Tour.

Reviews

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Chicago Favorites Walking & Food Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and covers 1.4 miles.

What foods will I try on this tour?

You’ll sample Chicago’s most famous dishes, including deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, a Chicago-style hot dog, and a dessert.

Is this tour family-friendly?

Yes! This tour is great for all ages, including children.

Do you offer vegetarian or dietary-friendly options?

Yes, vegetarian options are available. Please let us know about dietary restrictions when booking.

Where does the tour start and end?

The Tour begins at Plaza of the Americas, 430 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
(Notes: Located northside of Wrigley Building – ground level, next to the BIG ANGEL WINGS).  The AM Tour will end at Palmer House Hotel in the Loop, 17 E. Monroe.  The PM Tour will end close to the original starting location.

Is the VIP Craft Beer Package worth it?

Yes! The package includes three craft beer samples for an additional $19.99, enhancing your experience.

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, advance booking is required as spots fill up quickly.

What happens if it rains?

The tour runs rain or shine, so dress appropriately.

Extra Information

The best way to see Chicago is from the streets. Whether you are visiting the Windy City for the first time or you have lived here your entire life, there are places on our city tour you would probably never find on your own.

This tour will give you a unique look at the city from a foodie’s perspective. Have you always dreamed of eating your way through Chi-town? Then our Chicago food tours are for you. We bring you to the hottest places in town — ones you might have to wait weeks to get a reservation for on your own. Once you arrive with our local tour guide, you’re treated like a VIP.

Chefs often give our guests off-menu samples and specials that restaurant diners don’t get to order. Plus, when you embark on our Chicago Classics Food Tour, you know you’ll be burning calories as you stroll through town — so feel free to load up your plate!

  • Expert guides who keep you engaged and amused while on the tour
  • Outstanding stories about and insights into Chicago culture
  • A chance to stimulate all five senses as you walk around town
  • Accessible to people of any fitness level
  • Perfect for all ages
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before scheduled tour time!
  • Tours run snow, rain, or shine!

Partners

Day Vendors
Night Vendors

Chicago Favorites Food and Walking Tour Day includes the northside neighborhood route through the Gold Coast mansions, Old Town Historic District, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wrigleyville (and Wrigley Field), and the Lakefront.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria (11am & 11:30am public tour) has been a Chicagoland favorite since 1971, and was voted Best Pizza by Chicago Magazine’s Readers Choice in 2021.

Pizzeria Due (11am & 11:30am public tour) Right across the street from Pizzeria Uno, Pizzeria Due is the second location for the restaurant that invented Deep Dish Pizza.

Located in the heart of the Loop, and steps from Millenium Park, Jimmy’s Gyros on Adams serves the best Chicago Style Hot Dog in Downtown Chicago.

Specializing in Italian Beef and thin-crust pizzas, Bongiorno’s is a family-run business and takes pride in providing you with the best home-cooked Italian food and service in Chicago. They have won many awards from the Hungry Hound, Chicago Magazine, and TripAdvisor speak well for their work.

We’ll visit Exchequer, located in the heart of Chicago’s Loop, specializing in Chicago-centric foods. Here you’ll get a portion of an Italian beef sandwich to sample.

Palmer House, home of the original Chicago brownie invented by Bertha Palmer. Part of the Palmer House Hotel, their brownie is a must try and we’re lucky enough to sample one on the tour.

Gino’s East Pizzeria (5:30pm public tour) has been a Chicagoland favorite since 1966, owes its quality to slowing down the entire pizza making process.

During our evening tours, we love to visit two of Chicago’s most popular spots.

Portillo’s (5:30 pm public tour) has many great Chicago classics, but we like to visit for their Chicago Style Hot Dog.

Al’s Italian Beef (5:30 pm public tour) is the originator of the famous Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich, and we are so excited that we get to share a half sandwich with you on tour!

Specializing in Italian Beef, thin-crust pizzas and gelato, Bongiorno’s is a family-run business and takes pride in providing you with the best home-cooked Italian food and service in Chicago. They have won many awards from the Hungry Hound, Chicago Magazine, and TripAdvisor speak well for their work.

Purchase a Gift Certificate

Purchase the perfect gift: a gift card with a value of your choosing!

Walking & Food Tour
FromUSD$74.99
Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

39061