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

Enjoy the captivating sights of Chicago with the Best of Attractions Walking Tour. This comprehensive experience unveils the city’s iconic landmarks, from the breathtaking Millennium Park to the Magnificent Mile’s architectural marvels. Explore at your own pace with a complimentary 2-hour bike or kayak rental, offering a unique perspective of the city’s vibrant atmosphere and scenic waterways. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local seeking a fresh adventure, this tour promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you eager to uncover more of Chicago’s hidden gems.

Key Points

• The walking tour explores Millennium Park, focusing on the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, and showcases Chicago’s renowned architecture along the Magnificent Mile.
• Included in the tour is a complimentary 2-hour bike rental, allowing visitors to explore the city’s streets and attractions at their own pace.
• Visitors have the option to rent a kayak for 2 hours to paddle along the scenic Chicago Riverwalk and Lake Michigan, offering a unique perspective of the city’s skyline.
• The tour is conducted in English, lasts 2 hours, and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for participants of all mobility levels.
• The tour package includes a local, professional guide, entry to all featured sites and landmarks, and a free 2-hour bike or kayak rental within 3 days of the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Explore Millennium Park

Visitors can explore the iconic Millennium Park, home to the renowned Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately known as ‘the Chicago Bean‘.

This stainless steel marvel stands 33 feet high and 66 feet long, reflecting the city’s skyline in its curved surfaces. Guests can walk beneath the Bean and capture stunning selfies.

The park also features the Lurie Garden, a tranquil oasis with over 24,000 plants, as well as the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue with a striking contemporary design.

Throughout the year, Millennium Park hosts a variety of events, from music festivals to art exhibitions, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers.

Discover Iconic Architecture

The walking tour showcases Chicago’s iconic architecture, from the historic Chicago Theatre to the modern skyscrapers that define the city’s skyline. Visitors will marvel at the breathtaking design of the Michigan Avenue Bridge, a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. Along the Magnificent Mile, they’ll admire the art deco splendor of the Chicago Board of Trade Building and the neo-gothic grandeur of the Tribune Tower.

Architecture	Style	Highlights
Chicago Theatre	Renaissance Revival	Historic marquee and ornate interior
Michigan Avenue Bridge	Beaux-Arts	Stunning bridge and cityscape views
Chicago Board of Trade Building	Art Deco	Striking tower and decorative facades
Tribune Tower	Gothic Revival	Unique neo-gothic design and spires

Guided Tour Highlights

The guided tour takes visitors on a captivating exploration of Millennium Park, showcasing the iconic Cloud Gate, also known as ‘the Chicago Bean’. Guests will marvel at the park’s stunning architecture and landscaping as the guide shares insights into Chicago’s rich history and cultural significance.

The tour then ventures to the Magnificent Mile, where participants can admire the renowned architecture that lines the bustling streets. Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guide provides engaging commentary, bringing the city’s past and present to life.

With the option to rent a bike or kayak, visitors can further enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere, creating an unforgettable experience.

Complimentary Bike Rental

With the 2-hour bike rental included in the tour package, visitors can explore Chicago’s vibrant streets and attractions at their own pace. Bikes are available for pickup at Bobby’s Bike Hike, located just a short distance from the tour’s starting point at Millennium Park. The bike rental allows guests to cover more ground and see sights that may be missed on the walking tour, such as the scenic Riverwalk or historic Old Town neighborhood. Riders can cruise down the bustling Magnificent Mile, stop for photo ops at iconic landmarks, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Bike Rental Details
Location	540 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Hours	Year-round
Rental Duration	2 hours
Cost	Included with tour

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Kayak Rental Option

Visitors also have the option to rent kayaks and explore the Chicago Riverwalk and Lake Michigan from the water.

The kayak rentals are available at Ohio Street Beach, located just a short distance from the tour’s starting point in Millennium Park.

This 2-hour rental option allows guests to paddle along the scenic waterways and take in the city’s iconic skyline from a unique vantage point.

Kayaking is a popular way to experience Chicago’s bustling waterfront and offers a refreshing alternative to the walking tour.

With the rental conveniently included in the tour package, guests can easily incorporate this aquatic adventure into their sightseeing experience.

Tour Duration and Language

The tour lasts 2 hours and is conducted in English, providing an immersive experience for visitors to explore Chicago’s top attractions at a leisurely pace. This guided walking tour offers the perfect balance between comprehensive coverage and a manageable duration, allowing participants to soak in the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks without feeling rushed.

Tour Details	Information
Duration	2 hours
Language	English
Accessibility	Wheelchair accessible
Inclusions	Local, professional guide; entry to all sites/attractions; free 2-hour bike or kayak rental

With its English-language format and wheelchair-friendly accessibility, this tour caters to a wide range of visitors, ensuring an engaging and inclusive experience for all.

Accessibility and Inclusions

This walking tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing participants of all mobility levels to partake in the exploration of Chicago’s top attractions.

Plus, the tour includes a local, professional guide, as well as entry to all the featured sites and landmarks, providing a comprehensive and insightful experience for visitors.

The tour’s inclusions make it a hassle-free and enjoyable adventure:

• Free 2-hour bike or kayak rental within 3 days of the tour
• Knowledgeable guide with commentary on Chicago’s history and culture
• Access to iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile
• Flexibility to explore at your own pace, rain or shine

Whether you prefer to explore on foot, by bike, or by kayak, this tour offers a well-rounded and inclusive way to discover the best of Chicago’s attractions.

Important Booking Information

In an article titled ‘Chicago: Best of Attractions Walking Tour +Bike/Kayak Rental’, the current points is ‘Important Booking Information’. Participants should arrive 15 minutes early for check-in to ensure a smooth start to the tour.

The tour runs rain, shine, or snow, so dressing appropriately is advised. A 15-20% gratuity for the guide is suggested to show appreciation for their expertise and commentary.

Bike rentals are available at Bobby’s Bike Hike, 540 N. Lake Shore Dr, while kayak rentals can be found at Ohio Street Beach, 550 E. Grand Ave. Bike rentals are offered year-round, while kayak rentals are available from May through September.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour is generally suitable for families with young children. The 2-hour walking pace and Millennium Park highlights may engage children. However, the optional bike/kayak rental may not be appropriate for very young kids.

Can I Cancel My Tour Booking and Receive a Refund?

You can cancel your tour booking and receive a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are non-refundable.

What Happens if the Weather Is Extremely Cold or Raining?

The tour runs regardless of weather conditions. Guests should dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour will proceed rain, shine, or snow. A weather-appropriate wardrobe is recommended to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator offers discounts for seniors aged 65+ and students with valid ID. Seniors receive a 10% discount, while students get 5% off the regular tour price. These discounts can be applied at the time of booking.

Can I Bring My Own Bike or Kayak Instead of Renting?

You can bring your own bike or kayak instead of renting. However, the tour doesn’t provide transportation for personal equipment, so you’ll need to arrange that separately. The rental option is included in the tour price.

Recap

The Chicago: Best of Attractions Walking Tour + Bike/Kayak Rental provides a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks.

With a guided tour, complimentary bike or kayak rental, and an accessible experience, visitors can enjoy Chicago’s architectural marvels, scenic waterways, and vibrant atmosphere.

Whether exploring on foot or at one’s own pace, this tour offers an inclusive and enjoyable adventure for a wide range of guests.

You can check availability for your dates here: