The 4 Best Shopping & Market Tours in Chicago
Chicago’s dynamic neighborhoods and diverse retail scene make it a prime destination for shopaholics and market lovers alike. From savoring sweet treats on a walking food tour to exploring trendy neighborhoods and hunting for designer bargains, the city offers a variety of experiences tailored to different interests. Whether you crave a tasty bite, a fun adventure, or a luxurious shopping spree, Chicago’s tours provide authentic ways to dive into its local flavor.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top shopping and market tours that deliver memorable and engaging experiences. We focus on tours that are accessible, well-reviewed, and packed with local insights. Read on to find the perfect fit for your shopping appetite or curiosity about Chicago’s vibrant retail culture.
Quick Overview
Our list covers four standout tours: a donut-centric walking food tour in the West Loop Fulton Market Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour, an immersive urban escape room adventure around Fulton Market Outdoor Escape Room in Chicago – Fulton Market, a private luxury outlet shopping trip to Fashion Outlets of Chicago Private Shopping Tour from Chicago to Fashion Outlets of Chicago, and a donut-themed tour exploring the trendy West Loop neighborhood Chicago: Fulton Market Donut Adventure with Tastings. Each offers a unique way to experience Chicago’s shopping and food scene.
1. Fulton Market Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour
This donut-focused walking tour is a sweet way to explore Chicago’s West Loop, a neighborhood known for its innovative eateries and lively atmosphere. Starting at the Chicago French Market, you’ll visit four top bakeries, sampling donuts that showcase different culinary styles and cultural traditions. Along the way, you’ll stroll through Restaurant Row and learn about Chicago’s vibrant food scene from your guide.
What sets this tour apart is its emphasis on diversity in donut flavors—from classic glazed to inventive creations at spots like Voodoo Doughnut and Doughnut Vault. The tour lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, with plenty of time to savor each treat and take in the sights of the West Loop. The guide shares insights into Chicago’s culinary evolution and the neighborhood’s reputation as a foodie hub, making it as educational as it is indulgent.
This tour is perfect for sweet tooth enthusiasts and anyone curious about Chicago’s bakery scene. The price of $65 offers good value considering the four different donuts you’ll taste, plus the insider knowledge you gain. The only potential downside is that it’s a relatively short experience, so serious donut fans might want to extend their exploration afterward.
Bottom Line: A delicious and informative way to experience the city’s donut culture and explore a trendy Chicago neighborhood.
2. Outdoor Escape Room in Chicago – Fulton Market
For those who prefer a hands-on adventure over traditional shopping, this outdoor escape room around Fulton Market offers a unique urban experience. Priced at $75 per group (up to six people), this activity combines a scavenger hunt, puzzle-solving, and storytelling into a 2-hour journey through one of Chicago’s most stylish neighborhoods.
You’ll follow clues hidden in murals, landmarks, and statues, using your phone to enter solutions and unlock the next step. The game takes you past notable spots in Fulton Market, making it an engaging way to discover art, architecture, and street art as you work through challenges. It’s suitable for friends, families, or small groups looking for an interactive outing that blends city exploration with problem-solving.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of urban adventure and cultural discovery. It’s ideal for travelers who want a break from shopping but still want to experience the neighborhood’s vibe. The fact that you get to reschedule with no fees adds flexibility.
Bottom Line: A fun, active way to explore Fulton Market with a mix of puzzle-solving and neighborhood exploration—great for active groups or families.
3. Private Shopping Tour from Chicago to Fashion Outlets of Chicago
If shopping is your main goal, this private tour offers a seamless way to visit Fashion Outlets of Chicago, located just five minutes from O’Hare Airport. Starting from your hotel, a comfortable driver whisks you away to more than 130 designer brands, including Gucci, Prada, Versace, and Burberry. For around $260 per person, you’ll enjoy approximately five hours of luxury shopping.
This tour stands out because it’s customizable and includes roundtrip transportation, removing the hassle of navigating public transit or parking. You’ll have about four hours at the outlet mall, giving you plenty of time to browse and hunt for deals on apparel, accessories, cosmetics, and home goods. The mall also features a contemporary art collection to enjoy during breaks.
Reviews are currently unavailable, but the value lies in the convenience and access to high-end brands at discounted prices. It’s best suited for serious shoppers, those pressed for time, or travelers wanting a luxury experience without the hassle of planning logistics.
Bottom Line: An efficient, comfortable way to access Chicago’s top outlet shopping, ideal for fashion enthusiasts or those seeking premium brands at reduced prices.
4. Chicago: Fulton Market Donut Adventure with Tastings
This donut adventure takes you through Chicago’s trendy Fulton Market neighborhood, exploring its food scene through the lens of donuts. At around $68 per person, the tour lasts two hours and includes tastings of some of Chicago’s best donuts, along with insights about the city’s food culture.
What makes this tour distinct is its focus on Chicago’s newest neighborhood and its reputation as a food hotspot. As you walk, your guide shares stories about the area’s transformation and the culinary innovations happening here. Besides sampling donuts, you’ll get personalized food and activity recommendations to enjoy later.
Guests appreciate the combination of delicious treats and neighborhood insights. The tour is well-suited for food lovers who want to understand Chicago’s culinary evolution while indulging in sweet samples. Since it’s slightly more expensive than the donut tour in the first position, some might prefer the latter if their primary goal is tasting donuts; but if you’re interested in the neighborhood vibe as well, this is a strong choice.
Bottom Line: A tasty way to explore Chicago’s hot West Loop scene, perfect for foodies wanting a deeper look at a cutting-edge neighborhood.
How to Choose Your Ideal Tour
Picking the right shopping or market experience depends on your interests and schedule. If you love sweet treats and neighborhood exploration, the Fulton Market Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour offers a fun, casual experience. For a more active, puzzle-solving outing, the Outdoor Escape Room provides a playful way to discover Fulton Market’s art and landmarks.
When luxury shopping is your goal, the Private Shopping Tour from Chicago to Fashion Outlets of Chicago is perfect for a hassle-free, high-end experience. Lastly, if you want a neighborhood-focused tour with excellent donut tastings and local insights, the Chicago: Fulton Market Donut Adventure with Tastings is an excellent pick.
Consider your budget, interests, and whether you prefer food, adventure, or shopping. Booking early is recommended, especially for tours with limited availability or specific times.
Final Thoughts
Chicago offers a wide spectrum of shopping and market tours that cater to different tastes—from indulgent food adventures and interactive urban challenges to luxury outlet shopping. For those looking for a sweet introduction to Chicago’s bakery scene, the donut tours are a hit, with options to learn about neighborhoods or simply indulge. For a more active experience, the outdoor escape room adds a fun puzzle element into exploring one of the city’s trendiest districts.
If your priority is luxury shopping, the private outlet tour provides convenience and access to top brands at a discount. Whichever you choose, booking early and considering your interests will guarantee a memorable Chicago experience.