Since the late 1850s, Chicago has been infamous for its gangsters, mobsters and all-around seedy characters. Chicago Crime Tours takes guests past the beautiful series of sprawling parks and world-famous museums, leading them toward a peek at the sordid underbelly of the life of corruption. Learn about notorious gangsters as well as the mobs they were connected to, unsolved murders and even some ghost stories!
Walk in the paths of infamous mobsters such as John Dillinger, Hymie Weiss, Frank “The Enforcer” Nitti and more. The bus tours offered by Chicago Crime Tours allow guests to hear stories of famous crime bosses and ruthless bank robbers, while driving by some the locations of certain murders.
Family friendly tours typically last a couple of hours, and most do not require a great deal of walking.
Types of Chicago Crime Tours
Chicago Crime provides bus tours that speak to the history of organized crime, revealing law-breaking landmarks and crime scenes. The luxury, climate-controlled bus allows for stops where guests can get on and off to experience places where some of the world’s most famous criminals walked. Tour guides tell stories of well-known crime syndicates such as The Untouchables, The Chicago Mob, Al Capone’s group of gangsters and more.
Since experiencing so much crime can make a person hungry, guests may plan to join in on a family-friendly Crime & Pizza Walk that includes slices of Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza. Or to add just a bit more mystery to the tour, guests may try take in a crime tour night, under the cover of the city lights when dodgy happenings often occur.
What You’ll See on a Chicago Crime Tour
Some Chicago landmarks will reveal crime stories, such as Holy Name Cathedral and the Biograph Theatre, as well as the courthouse where some of the most infamous criminals went on trial.
Crime tours through Chicago wouldn’t be complete without an option to witness areas where crimes occurred in Chicago neighborhoods such as:
Chicago Crime Tours Services
Chicago Crime Tours provides off-and-on bus tours specifically meant to educate those interested in the way that mobsters, gangsters and other criminals functioned within the Windy City. In addition, the company offers walking tours that include stops at restaurants to enjoy some of Chicago’s most famous deep-dish pizza slices (possibly from Pizzeria Uno and Giordano’s).
Chicago Crime Tours Timing
With several tours throughout each day during the warmer months, Chicago Crime Tours has something for almost anyone—visitor or local. Tours function all year long, but warmer months and weekends bring more options for tour times throughout the day.
Walking tours featuring crime & pizza are scheduled only during warmer months due to weather considerations. These typically run from May to September.
Most tours last between 1 ½ and 2 ½ hours on average, although they may run long depending on traffic situations.
Chicago Crime Tours Considerations
Answers to questions you may have about Chicago Crime Tours:
- Tours typically begin and end outside of 163 E Pearson Street, on the southeast side of Pearson and Michigan Avenue. In front of the Lookingglass Theatre Company
- Tours are family-friendly and recommended for children ages 6 and up.
- Guests should arrive for tours at least ten minutes prior to tour time in order to check in. The bus will depart on time.
- While this is a bus tour, many stops occur where guests will get off of the bus and walk up to a full city block. Tours run rain or shine, so guests should dress appropriately for the weather.
- Daytime Chicago Crime tours last between 1 ½ and 2 hours, with the night time tour lasting up to 2 ½ hours.
- Discounted parking may be available nearby through Spot Hero—guests should check the website.
- Refunds for purchased tickets are not given, but rescheduling a tour may be an option for a small fee.
- Certain tours may be able to accommodate wheelchairs or strollers but guests should call before purchasing tickets as certain stops and buses may require a few steps. No restrooms are available on the bus and guests should make use of facilities before arriving for the tour.
- Alcohol consumption is not permitted during tours.
- Tours are only given in English.
- Photographs are permitted but video/audio recordings are not.
Book a Chicago Crime Tour
Tickets for Chicago Crime Tours must be purchased in advance online. Tours often sell out. Booking is easy online. Online bookings show weekly availability including tour times as well as revealing tours that are already sold out. Pay for your tour in advance with a credit card and receive an email with all of the information you need about where and when tours meet as well as what to expect.