As I’ve traveled to different cities over the years, I have learned to appreciate the hop on hop off bus experience. It’s a great way to see the city if you are short on time. This guide will walk through how to see some of the major sites in Chicago in a day by taking the Big Bus Tour.
These buses are open-air double decker buses. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who are short on time but want to get a broad overview of the city without the hassle of navigating public transit.
Pros include convenience, guided commentary, flexible routes, and easy access to major attractions. You can hop off at any stop to explore, then hop back on when you’re ready as buses arrive at each stop every 30-45 minutes. The driver gives you ear buds that you can plug in when you are seated. You get audio guidance while the bus moves from stop to stop which is great to learn the history of the city. The price ranges from $50-$60 for a 1 day ticket which you can purchase here.
Cons. There are some cons to consider. It can be slower than other forms of transit due to traffic, and some stops may be crowded or less frequent during peak season or poor weather. The open air top is great when the weather is nice, but when it’s not, the bottom level can get crowded and the view isn’t as nice.
Now let’s get to it! Visiting Chicago but short on time? You can experience the very best of the city in just one day by hopping on and off the Big Bus Red Route. From iconic skyscrapers to world-class food and historic neighborhoods, this guide will help you maximize your adventure — complete with sightseeing, walking tours, and delicious restaurant stops.
Let’s dive into the perfect one-day Chicago itinerary!
Morning: Start at Stop #1 — Chicago Riverwalk 98 E. Wacker Drive
Begin your day early. This stop is located at 98 E Wacker Drive. The first bus will pick you up here at 10AM but start earlier as you can see several landmarks in this area. They include the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower which you can walk by. You will also walk over the Michigan avenue bridge here which is an iconic spot for photos. The Chicago Architecture Center is also close by but doesn’t open until 10. They have a nice gift shop on the first floor if you just want to stop in quickly and before catching the next bus.
Stop #2 – Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower 319 W. Jackson Blvd (opposite Willis Tower/Skydeck entrance)
Ride the Big Bus up to Stop #2 and head to Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower and the tallest building in Chicago). Time permitting (you need at least an hour), get a ticket to ride to the top and step onto The Ledge, the glass-floored balconies 1,353 feet in the air.
Stop #3 – Millennium Park and the Art Institute S. Michigan Ave & E Adams St. (In Front of Potbelly)
Walk around the front of the Art Institute and take some pictures of the lion statues. This is also where the famous route 66 begins and there is a sign at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Adams for another memorable picture. Then walk over and snap a few photos with the iconic Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) and stroll through the lush Lurie Garden. If it’s a rainy day then get a ticket to the Art Institute or opt to walk through the Chicago Cultural Center which is free.
👉 Walking detour: Walk to Maggie Daley Park for quick skyline views or cross over the BP Pedestrian Bridge for amazing shots of the cityscape.
This would be a good time for lunch. There are a few casual outdoor restaurants next to the Bean or if you want something nicer, go to the Gage – An elevated gastropub right across the street from the Art Institute. Great for burgers, mussels, and craft beer.
Next stop: Hop back on the Big Bus and drive through stops 4 and 5 and listen to the audio guide. These stops are at the south end of Grant Park and the Adler Planetarium. It is a nice scenic drive.
Stop #6 — Museum Campus 425 E. McFetridge Drive (next to Field Museum car park)
At Museum Campus, you can admire the stunning lakeside views and see three legendary institutions: the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. Pick one to do a “quick hit” (Field Museum’s main hall and T. rex “Sue” are a must), or just enjoy the walk along the lake.
Snap photos of the skyline from Solidarity Drive—some of the best views in Chicago. Then get back on the bus and ride past stop 7.
Stop #8 — Navy Pier 600 E. Grand Ave (Big Bus tent @ north end of park)
Walk the pier, grab a drink at Offshore Rooftop, the largest rooftop bar in the U.S., with sweeping skyline views If you have a little energy left, book a quick ride on the Centennial Wheel! Check the Big Bus app for the most up to date bus schedule. The last bus at this top usually leaves just after 6pm.
Stop #9 — Magnificent Mile / Water Tower Place 163 E. Pearson St
Next, hop off at stop #9 to explore the Magnificent Mile. Stroll north to Water Tower Place, the historic Chicago Water Tower, Holy Name Cathedral and all of the luxurious shops along Michigan Avenue. It’s probably dinner time! There are lots of great restaurants along Michigan Avenue including The Evie and The Purple Pig (famous for Mediterranean and their pork dishes). You can also stop in at the Starbucks Reserve on Michigan Avenue for a peek or a coffee.
There are 2 remaining stops but at this point the bus route has stopped and it’s probably getting close to bedtime. You will be on North Michigan Avenue very close to where you started in the morning.
If you are dying for some night life, the River North neighborhood is a 10 minute walk away and there are plenty of bars and nightclubs there. Otherwise, I hope you had a great time seeing some of Chicago’s great sites! Sweet dreams..
Some final thoughts and tips
- Use the Big Bus app to track the bus in real time so you aren’t spending a ton of time at a stop waiting for a bus.
- Wear comfy shoes – you’ll walk a lot during stops.
- Know and accept that you won’t be able to see everything in 1 day.
- Relax, have fun and enjoy the city of Chicago!