Chicago: Prohibition Speakeasies Bus Tour or Walking Tour

Prohibition-era Chicago was a fascinating time, with speakeasies and gangsters adding a touch of intrigue to the city’s vibrant nightlife. Travelers can now explore this captivating history through a choice of tours – a bus tour taking them to four iconic venues, or a walking tour focused on downtown hotspots. Both options promise an immersive experience, with knowledgeable guides and engaging insights. Whether visitors opt for the bus or the walking tour, they’re sure to uncover the secrets of Chicago’s past.

This experience made our article of The 16 Best Walking Tours In Chicago.

Key Points

• The Chicago Prohibition Speakeasies Tour offers two options: a Downtown Walking Tour (3-4 hours) or an Original Chicago Prohibition Neighborhood Bus Tour.
• Both tour options explore 3-4 iconic speakeasies from the Prohibition era, providing insights into gangster history and speakeasy culture.
• The tours operate rain or shine, ensuring a consistent experience regardless of weather conditions.
• The Walking Tour covers less than 1 mile, focusing on downtown gangster hangouts, while the Bus Tour visits 4 neighborhood speakeasies.
• Advance booking is recommended due to potential sell-outs, and a free cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours prior.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Options

The Chicago Prohibition Speakeasies Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s hidden speakeasies from the Prohibition era.

The tour comes in two options: a 3-4 hour Downtown Walking Tour or an Original Chicago Prohibition Neighborhood Bus Tour. Both tours cap group sizes at 20 people and are likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended.

Guests can choose to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. The tours operate rain or shine and highlight 3-4 iconic speakeasies, including drink recommendations and Prohibition history lessons.

Booking Information

When booking the Chicago Speakeasies Tour, guests are likely to sell out quickly, so it’s best to check availability and reserve a spot as soon as possible.

The tour offers a reserve now, pay later option, allowing travelers to secure their spot without an upfront payment. Guests can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The meeting point may vary depending on the chosen option, so it’s important to review the details carefully when booking.

Tour Highlights

Explore 3 or 4 iconic Chicago speakeasies on the tour, learning about Prohibition history and notorious gangsters along the way. Enjoy drink recommendations at each hidden haunt, transporting you back to the Roaring Twenties. The tours operate rain, snow, or shine, ensuring guests can fully enjoy the city’s illicit past.

| Features | Walking Tour | Bus Tour |

| — | — | — |

| Duration | Less than 1 mile | Visits 4 neighborhood speakeasies |

| Highlights | Gangster hangouts and elite establishments | Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, River North |

| Inclusions | Professional guide, entry to speakeasies | Professional guide, entry to speakeasies, transportation |

| Payment | Cash or credit cards recommended | Cash or credit cards recommended |

Tour Details

Participants can expect the walking tour to cover less than a mile, focusing on gangster hangouts and elite establishments in downtown Chicago.

The bus tour visits 4 neighborhood speakeasies in Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and River North.

Both tours include a professional guide, entry to the speakeasies, and transportation for the bus tour.

Attendees can purchase food and drinks during the tours, and cash or credit cards are recommended.

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Customer Feedback

How do customers rate the Chicago Speakeasies Tour? Based on 76 reviews, the tour receives an impressive 4.9/5 overall rating.

Reviewers particularly praise:

• The knowledgeable, engaging guides rated 5/5

• The reliable transportation scoring 4.8/5

• The excellent value for money at 4.8/5

• The memorable, interactive tour experiences

Customers highlight the guides’ expertise on Prohibition history and gangsters, as well as the unique opportunity to explore iconic speakeasies.

The adult-oriented tour with its lively themes and language also resonates with participants.

Exploring Chicago’s Prohibition Speakeasies

Chicago’s Prohibition-era speakeasies hold a captivating history, and the Chicago Speakeasies Tour offers visitors a chance to step back in time and uncover these secret watering holes.

Explorers can choose between a walking tour or a bus tour, both highlighting 3-4 iconic speakeasies. Guides provide insights into the Prohibition era and its notorious gangsters as guests enjoy drink recommendations at each location.

Whether traversing downtown or neighboring districts, the tours immerse participants in the glamour and intrigue of Chicago’s underground drinking establishments during this fascinating historical period.

The Experience of the Tour

The Chicago Speakeasies Tour transports visitors into the hidden world of Prohibition-era drinking establishments.

Guests can expect:

Exploration of 3-4 iconic Chicago speakeasies, each with unique ambiance and drink recommendations.

• Exploration of 3-4 iconic Chicago speakeasies, each with unique ambiance and drink recommendations

• Immersive lessons on Prohibition history and notorious gangsters who frequented these clandestine watering holes

• A personalized experience with small tour groups of no more than 20 people

• All-weather experiences, as tours operate rain, snow, or shine

Whether on the walking or bus tour, the Chicago Speakeasies Tour provides an engaging and educational journey through the city’s illicit past.

FAQ

Are the Tours Suitable for Children or Families?

The tours are not suitable for children or families. They feature adult themes and language, and are intended for an adult-only audience. The tours are not recommended for those under 18 years of age.

How Much Alcohol Is Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price doesn’t include any alcohol. Participants can purchase drinks at the speakeasies they visit, but the tour cost only covers entry fees and transportation (for the bus tour). Food and beverages are extra and must be paid for separately.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Speakeasies?

Guests are generally allowed to take photographs inside the speakeasies, but they’ll want to check with their tour guide first. Some speakeasies may have restrictions on photography to preserve their exclusive atmosphere.

Is the Tour Accessible for Individuals With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be fully accessible for individuals with mobility issues. The walking tour covers less than a mile, but the bus tour requires getting on and off the vehicle. Guests should check with the tour operator about accessibility accommodations.

Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour Experience?

Customers can request a private or customized tour experience, but it’s not mentioned in the overview. They’d need to contact the tour operator directly to inquire about availability and pricing for these options.

Sum Up

Guests on the Chicago Prohibition Speakeasies Tour can enjoy the city’s captivating past. Both the bus and walking tours offer engaging experiences, with knowledgeable guides and a chance to visit hidden speakeasies. Whether exploring vibrant neighborhoods or downtown hotspots, visitors will enjoy a unique adventure through Chicago’s fascinating Prohibition era history.

You can check availability for your dates here: