Chicago: Prohibition Speakeasies Bus Tour or Walking Tour

The Prohibition era in Chicago was a time of illicit activity and underground revelry. Intrepid travelers can now explore this captivating period through a unique bus or walking tour, delving into the city’s infamous speakeasies. Led by knowledgeable guides, these immersive experiences transport participants back to the Roaring Twenties, revealing the hidden histories and daring exploits of notorious gangsters and high society drinkers. Guests will discover the fascinating ways these clandestine establishments operated, while also getting a taste of the rebellious spirit that defined the era. Whether by bus or on foot, the tour promises to uncover the remarkable stories that lurk beneath Chicago’s streets.

Key Points

• The ‘Original Chicago Prohibition Tour: Neighborhood Bus Tour’ ventures into Chicago neighborhoods to uncover the original Prohibition-era speakeasies.
• The ‘Hidden in Plain Sight: Downtown Walking Tour’ explores speakeasies located in plain sight downtown.
• Both tours provide an immersive experience, guiding guests through 3-4 authentic Chicago speakeasies.
• Guests learn about notorious gangsters and high society drinkers who frequented these hidden drinking dens during the Prohibition era.
• The tours offer drink recommendations to get a taste of the rebellious spirit of the Roaring Twenties.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Chicago Prohibition Speakeasies Bus Tour or Walking Tour whisks participants away on a 3-4 hour journey, led by a knowledgeable live guide who shares the fascinating history of Prohibition in Chicago.

Guests can choose between the ‘Hidden in Plain Sight: Downtown Walking Tour’ or the ‘Original Chicago Prohibition Tour: Neighborhood Bus Tour.’ Both options offer the opportunity to explore three to four renowned speakeasies, learning about the notorious gangsters and high society who drank there during the Prohibition era.

Attendees will also receive drink recommendations to purchase at each speakeasy, allowing them to fully enjoy the speakeasy experience.

The tours operate rain, snow, or shine, making them a unique and engaging activity for visitors to Chicago.

Tour Options

Visitors can choose between two distinct tour options: the ‘Hidden in Plain Sight: Downtown Walking Tour’ or the ‘Original Chicago Prohibition Tour: Neighborhood Bus Tour’.

The walking tour explores speakeasies located in plain sight downtown, while the bus tour ventures into Chicago neighborhoods to uncover the original Prohibition-era haunts.

Both tours provide an immersive experience, guiding guests through 3-4 speakeasies and sharing the fascinating history of how these clandestine establishments operated during Prohibition.

Whether on foot or by bus, tour-goers will learn about notorious gangsters, high society drinkers, and the clever ways that Chicagoans circumvented the law to enjoy their favorite libations.

Tour Highlights

Guests on the Prohibition Speakeasies Tour can expect to explore 3 or 4 authentic Chicago speakeasies, discovering the fascinating history of how these clandestine establishments operated during the Prohibition era.

The tour guides will share captivating stories about notorious gangsters and high society figures who frequented these hidden drinking dens, sidestepping federal law to indulge in illicit libations.

Visitors will see where these speakeasies were cleverly concealed, from basement entrances disguised as storefronts to secret doors accessed through phone booths.

Throughout the tour, guests will receive drink recommendations for the speakeasies, allowing them to get a taste of the rebellious spirit of the Roaring Twenties for themselves.

Inclusions

A professional guide leads each tour, whether it’s the walking tour or the neighborhood bus tour option. The bus tours also include a professional driver.

Regardless of the tour chosen, participants gain entry to 3 or 4 authentic Chicago speakeasies as part of the experience. These hidden gems allow guests to step back in time and get a glimpse of the city’s illicit drinking culture during Prohibition. At each speakeasy, the guide provides drink recommendations, enabling guests to order alcoholic beverages from the menus.

The tours are all-inclusive, with no need to worry about purchasing separate admission tickets or navigating the speakeasies on your own. All the planning and logistics are handled for an immersive Prohibition-era experience.

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Important Information

The tours aren’t suitable for individuals under the legal drinking age of 21 years. Tour group sizes are limited to no more than 20 participants.

Guests should bring cash or credit cards if they wish to purchase food or drinks at the speakeasies visited during the tour. These Prohibition-themed experiences operate regardless of the weather conditions.

These guidelines ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

The Prohibition Speakeasies Tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the history of illicit drinking establishments during Chicago’s notorious gangster era. Guests will be able to visit several authentic speakeasies, learning about the fascinating and often dangerous world of bootlegging and underground alcohol distribution that flourished during the nationwide ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages.

Getting to the Tour

For the Prohibition Speakeasies Tour, attendees can easily access the starting location via public transportation or by driving and finding nearby parking. The tour meeting point is conveniently situated in downtown Chicago, allowing participants to arrive with ample time before the experience begins.

Getting to the Tour is a breeze with the following options:

Transportation	Details
Public Transit	The meeting point is steps away from the Clark/Lake ‘L’ station, providing access to the CTA train system
Driving	Several affordable parking garages are located within a short walk of the tour start
Rideshare	Popular rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer convenient drop-off at the tour’s central location

With its accessible downtown setting, the Prohibition Speakeasies Tour makes it simple for guests to arrive and enjoy the city’s captivating Prohibition-era history.

What to Expect

Once guests arrive at the designated meeting point, they’ll embark on an immersive exploration of Chicago’s infamous Prohibition-era speakeasies.

Depending on the tour option selected, participants can expect either a guided walking tour through the city’s downtown district or a neighborhood bus tour that showcases the hidden haunts where notorious gangsters and high society once indulged.

Along the way, the knowledgeable tour guide will share fascinating historical insights, pointing out the discrete entrances and subtle architectural details that concealed these secret drinking establishments.

Guests will have the opportunity to step inside three to four authentic speakeasies, where they can enjoy recommended cocktails and learn about the innovative techniques used to evade the law during the Roaring Twenties.

Booking and Pricing

Customers can book the Prohibition Speakeasies Tour through the tour operator’s website, with pricing starting at $65 per person for the walking tour and $75 per person for the neighborhood bus tour. The tours accommodate a maximum of 20 people, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Payment can be made via cash or credit card on the day of the tour.

Package	Duration	Inclusions	Price
Downtown Walking Tour	3 hours	Entry to 3 Speakeasies	$65/person
Neighborhood Bus Tour	4 hours	Entry to 4 Speakeasies	$75/person

Regardless of the option chosen, guests can expect to learn about the fascinating history of Prohibition in Chicago and enjoy drink recommendations at each Speakeasy. Advance booking is recommended, as these tours often sell out quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Take Pictures Inside the Speakeasies?

Photography inside speakeasies during Prohibition was generally prohibited, as the establishments operated illegally and sought to maintain secrecy. However, some modern speakeasy tours may allow limited photography, depending on the policies of each venue.

Is the Tour Suitable for Non-English Speakers?

The tour is not suitable for non-English speakers as it’s conducted in English only. The tour guide provides live commentary, and visitors won’t be able to fully appreciate the historical details without understanding the language.

Do We Need to Book the Tour in Advance?

It’s recommended to book this tour in advance, as spots are limited and popular. Advanced booking ensures availability, especially during peak seasons or holidays. Tour operators advise reserving tickets online or by phone prior to the desired tour date.

Can We Customize the Tour to Our Preferences?

Yes, tour participants can generally customize their Prohibition-era speakeasies experience. Tour operators often allow flexibility in selecting stops, focus areas, or drink preferences to tailor the experience to individual interests and needs.

How Much Walking Is Involved in the Walking Tour Option?

The walking tour option involves a moderate amount of walking, as participants explore 3 to 4 historical speakeasies in downtown Chicago. Guests should expect to walk around 1-2 miles during the 3-4 hour tour.

Recap

The Chicago: Prohibition Speakeasies Bus Tour or Walking Tour offers an immersive journey into the city’s notorious past.

Guests can discover the captivating history of these clandestine establishments, learn about notorious gangsters, and get a taste of the rebellious spirit of the Roaring Twenties.

With knowledgeable guides and authentic speakeasies, this tour provides a unique glimpse into Chicago’s prohibition-era legacy.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby