Chicago: Best of Attractions Walking Tour +Bike/Kayak Rental

Discover the iconic landmarks and vibrant spirit of Chicago on the "Best of Attractions Walking Tour + Bike/Kayak Rental." This 2-hour guided journey immerses you in the city’s rich history and culture. Explore renowned sites like Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate and the historic Chicago Theater, while an expert provides captivating insights. The tour’s complement of a 2-hour bike or kayak rental takes your adventure to the next level, allowing you to fully experience the Windy City’s dynamic charm. With a 5-star rating, this tour promises unforgettable memories – but there’s more in store.

This experience made our article of We Rank The 6 Best Canoe & Kayak Experiences In Chicago.

Key Points

• This 2-hour walking tour of Chicago highlights iconic landmarks like Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and the Chicago Riverwalk, with an expert local guide.
• The tour includes a complimentary 2-hour bike or kayak rental within +/- 3 days, providing an opportunity to explore the city further.
• The tour is priced at $44.99 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and payment options to pay later.
• Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, the enjoyment of the tour, and consider it a great value for the money.
• The tour meeting point is at the S. Wabash Street entrance of the Palmer House Hilton, and participants are encouraged to bring a camera and water bottle.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Chicago: Best of Attractions Walking Tour + Bike/Kayak Rental," is priced from $44.99 per person and lasts for 2 hours.

It’s conducted in English and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Customers can reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour highlights iconic Chicago landmarks like Millennium Park, the "Chicago Bean," and the Riverwalk. Participants also enjoy a local expert guide and a complimentary 2-hour bike or kayak rental within 3 days of the tour.

Rentals are available at designated locations, though with some seasonal and day-of-week restrictions.

Tour Highlights and Activities

Participants visiting iconic sites like Millennium Park, Cloud Gate (the ‘Chicago Bean’), Chicago Theater, Michigan Avenue (the ‘Magnificent Mile’), and Chicago Riverwalk.

During the tour, a local expert guide shares insights into Chicago’s history and current events, providing an engaging and informative experience.

The tour highlights include:

1. Exploration of Millennium Park, home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as the ‘Chicago Bean’.

2. A stroll along the lively Michigan Avenue, dubbed the ‘Magnificent Mile’, renowned for its high-end shopping and architecture.

3. A visit to the iconic Chicago Theater, a historic landmark in the heart of the city.

4. A leisurely walk along the picturesque Chicago Riverwalk, offering stunning views of the cityscape.

Bike/Kayak Rental Details

A complimentary 2-hour bike or kayak rental is included within +/- 3 days of the tour booking.

Bike rentals are available year-round, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas, at Bobby’s Bike Hike World Headquarters.

Kayak rentals are available from mid-May to mid-October at Ohio Street Beach, Bobby’s Kayak, weather permitting.

However, kayaking isn’t available on Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Rental locations are conveniently located near the tour meeting point at the S. Wabash Street entrance of Palmer House Hilton.

Meeting Point and What to Bring

Attendees are to arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour start time at the S. Wabash Street entrance of Palmer House Hilton. This allows for a smooth check-in process before embarking on the tour.

Participants should bring the following:

1. Camera to capture the iconic sights of Chicago.

2. Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the walking and biking/kayaking portions.

3. Appropriate attire and footwear for the weather, as the tour runs rain, shine, or snow.

4. An adventurous spirit to fully embrace the best of Chicago’s attractions.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

The tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 4 customer reviews.

Travelers highlight the tour’s knowledgeable guides, who share valuable insights into Chicago’s history and attractions. Reviewers emphasize their enjoyment of the experience and consider it a great value for the money.

The 2-hour duration and inclusion of a complimentary bike or kayak rental are also noted as appealing aspects of the tour.

Getting to the Tour Meeting Point

Travelers can find the tour’s meeting point at the S. Wabash Street entrance of Palmer House Hilton.

Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.

To get there:

1. Take the CTA ‘L’ train and get off at the Monroe stop on the Blue Line.

2. Exit the station and walk 2 blocks south on S. Wabash Street.

3. The Palmer House Hilton will be on your right, and the meeting point is at the S. Wabash Street entrance.

4. Look for the tour guide holding a sign or wearing a branded t-shirt.

What to Expect on the Walking Tour

What can participants expect on the walking tour portion of the experience?

The tour guides visitors through Chicago’s iconic sites, sharing insights into the city’s history and current events. Highlights include Millennium Park, the famous ‘Chicago Bean’ sculpture, the historic Chicago Theater, and the vibrant Magnificent Mile and Chicago Riverwalk.

With an expert local guide leading the way, walkers will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Windy City’s rich cultural heritage and modern urban landscape.

The walking tour offers an engaging and informative introduction to the best of Chicago’s top attractions.

Combining the Tour With Bike or Kayak Rental

Along With the immersive walking tour, this experience offers participants the opportunity to explore Chicago’s scenic outdoors by either bike or kayak.

The tour’s included rental allows flexibility, as you can enjoy the activity either before, during, or after the walking portion.

Key details include:

1. Bike rentals are available year-round, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas, from the Bobby’s Bike Hike World Headquarters.

2. Kayak rentals are offered from mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting, at the Ohio Street Beach location.

3. No rentals are available on Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

4. Kayaking is only possible from June through September.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Food Included During the Tour?

No, food is not included during the tour. The tour provides a walking tour of Chicago’s top attractions along with a complimentary 2-hour bike or kayak rental, but does not include any meals or refreshments.

Can I Bring My Own Bike or Kayak?

No, guests can’t bring their own bikes or kayaks. The tour provides complimentary 2-hour bike or kayak rentals from designated locations, which must be used within +/- 3 days of the tour booking.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children. While the bike and kayak rentals are likely better suited for older kids and adults, the walking tour portion of the experience can be enjoyed by all ages. Families are welcome to participate.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator doesn’t mention any senior or student discounts. However, travelers should check if they qualify for any promotional offers or deals when booking the tour. Discounts may be available but aren’t explicitly stated in the tour overview.

How Long Is the Bike or Kayak Rental Period?

The bike or kayak rental period is 2 hours, which can be used within +/- 3 days of the tour booking. This provides flexibility to enjoy the rental activity separate from the tour itself.

The Sum Up

The "Best of Attractions Walking Tour + Bike/Kayak Rental" offers an enriching experience in Chicago. With a guided tour of iconic landmarks, including Millennium Park and the Chicago Theater, and a complimentary bike or kayak rental, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of the city. Highly rated by customers, it’s a great value and an unforgettable way to experience the vibrant essence of the Windy City.

You can check availability for your dates here: