Chicago: Pizza Walking or Bus Tour

If you’re heading to Chicago and love pizza, this tour promises a tasty journey through the city’s iconic slices and architectural marvels. Whether you prefer stretching your legs on a walking tour or hopping between pizzerias on a bus, this experience offers a delicious combination of food, history, and local flavor.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the chance to sample diverse pizza styles—from artisan and deep-dish to Roman al metro—while learning about Chicago’s fascinating architecture and history from a knowledgeable guide. We love how this tour manages to blend culinary delights with cultural insights, making it more than just a pizza tasting.

One potential consideration: the tour runs rain or shine, so good footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are a must. Also, with a price of $69 per person, it offers great value for the variety and depth of experience—especially for pizza lovers eager to understand what makes Chicago a pizza capital.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy good food, local stories, and a bit of exercise—perfect for those wanting an authentic, fun, and educational way to explore Chicago’s neighborhoods without a hefty price tag.

Key Points

• Diverse Pizza Styles: Tastes include artisan, deep-dish, and Roman-style pizzas.
• Variety of Tour Options: Choose from a downtown walking tour, West Loop walk, or a bus tour.
• Insightful Guides: Knowledgeable guides share Chicago’s architecture and pizza history.
• Neighborhood Exploration: Experience vibrant Chicago neighborhoods and their culinary scenes.
• Value for Money: At $69, it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy food and culture.
• Inclusive Experience: Includes pizza samples, a souvenir badge, and discounts for future visits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Tour Options in Detail

Downtown Pizza Walking Tour (2.5 hours)

This tour offers a stroll through Chicago’s bustling downtown, starting at Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co. Here, you’ll get a quick primer on the city’s pizzamaking traditions while sampling three types of pizza, each representing a different style. The tour then continues with stops at Labriola for a classic deep-dish slice and Bar Cargo for Roman-style pizza, all while walking past Chicago’s impressive architecture.

Travelers have praised the “fascinating insights into architectural wonders and pizza history,” making this a perfect mix of culinary and cultural discovery. You’ll get to enjoy Instagram-worthy moments with your souvenir lanyard and badge, while your guide shares stories that connect Chicago’s skyline with its food scene.

West Loop Pizza Walking Tour (2.5 hours)

The West Loop is a foodie hotspot, and this tour captures its energetic vibe. Starting at Lou Malnati’s, famous for its deep-dish pie, you’ll then explore four different pizzerias offering styles like Neapolitan and Sicilian. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to stories from the acclaimed book Pizza City, USA and bring local culinary legends to life.

Reviewers love the “stories from local chefs and the variety of pizza,” which make each stop memorable. The neighborhood’s lively atmosphere makes this a fun and flavorful way to experience Chicago’s modern food scene while soaking in the city’s artistic architecture.

Pizza Bus Tour of Top Pizzerias (3.5 hours)

For those who prefer to stay seated, this tour is a comfortable way to cover more ground. Starting at Labriola on Michigan Avenue, the bus takes you to four iconic pizzerias, each renowned for a distinct style. This guided ride is packed with pizza trivia, making it informative as well as tasty.

Traveling between locations, you’ll appreciate the “good value for the variety of styles and the city’s history,” according to reviews. It’s especially suitable for those with limited time or mobility issues, and for travelers who want to maximize their pizza tasting experience without walking.

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What to Expect on the Tours

All three options include generous pizza samples—enough to satisfy your craving without overdoing it. The downtown walking tour blends architectural sightseeing with pizza stops, giving you a chance to stroll through Chicago’s vibrant streets. The West Loop tour immerses you in a trendy neighborhood, full of local flavor and culinary stories. The bus tour, on the other hand, offers a relaxed way to visit multiple pizzerias across the city, perfect for those who prefer a less active experience.

Your guide, affectionately called “Doughcent,” is central to the experience. Reviewers consistently highlight guides as “knowledgeable and engaging,” often sharing stories that provide context about Chicago’s pizza styles and architectural highlights. Expect to learn about the ten distinct pizza styles that make Chicago a pizza lover’s paradise.

The timing ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on your chosen option, making this a manageable addition to a day of sightseeing. The tour operates rain or shine, so dressing appropriately—especially comfortable shoes—is advisable.

Analyzing the Value

At $69 per person, this tour offers remarkable value. For that price, you receive multiple pizza tastings, a guided experience, and a souvenir badge that can provide future discounts. The inclusion of pizza samples from renowned pizzerias means you’re getting a taste of Chicago’s best without having to hunt down individual spots or pay full price at each place.

Considering that many standalone pizzerias charge around $20 for a single slice or a small pie, the multiple tastings plus guided insights make this a smart choice for foodies eager to sample more than just a slice. Plus, the accompanying stories and architectural insights enrich the experience beyond just eating.

The Experience’s Strengths

Reviews rave about “the knowledgeable guides” who make the experience both fun and educational. The stories about Chicago architecture, combined with pizza trivia, make it more enriching than a simple food tour. Many mention how the tour feels well-paced, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the pizza and socialize.

Things to Keep in Mind

While the tour is designed to be accessible, walking tours require comfortable footwear and a willingness to explore neighborhoods. The bus option minimizes walking but might lack the intimate atmosphere of the walking tours. Also, beverages and alcohol are not included, so plan to bring your own if desired, especially if you want to enjoy a local beer or soda with your slices.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for pizza enthusiasts eager to understand what makes Chicago’s pizza unique. It also appeals to those interested in architecture and local stories, as guides weave in fascinating details about the city’s skyline and history. Families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a fun, cultural activity will find this engaging.

It’s particularly well-suited for travelers with limited time, as the different tour options allow flexibility. And if you want a cost-effective way to explore Chicago’s neighborhoods, enjoy great food, and learn some local trivia, this tour ticks all the boxes.

The Sum Up

The Chicago: Pizza Walking or Bus Tour is a fantastic way to combine two of the city’s greatest attractions—its vibrant neighborhoods and its legendary pizza. For just $69, you gain access to a curated culinary journey that showcases the city’s diversity in pizza styles, from deep-dish favorites to Roman al metro. The guides, known for their enthusiasm and knowledge, add rich context to each stop, making the experience both fun and informative.

Whether you prefer to walk through bustling streets or relax on a guided bus ride, this tour offers genuine value. It provides more than just tasting; it’s an opportunity to learn about Chicago’s architecture, history, and food culture in a lively, engaging setting.

Perfect for curious travelers who want an authentic, flavorful, and well-rounded experience. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy good stories, great food, and a bit of exercise along the way. And with flexible booking options and a money-back guarantee if canceled 24 hours in advance, it’s easy to plan ahead confidently.

FAQ

What styles of pizza are included?
The tour features artisan, deep-dish, and Roman-style pizzas, giving you a broad taste of Chicago’s diverse pizza offerings.

How long does each tour last?
Options vary from 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on whether you choose walking or bus tours.

Are beverages included?
No, beverages and alcohol are not included. You should bring your own if you wish to drink along the way.

Is the tour suitable for all weather?
Yes, the tours operate rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the weather, especially for the walking options.

What’s the price?
The tours cost $69 per person, which includes pizza samples, a badge, and a guided experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if plans change.

Is this a guided walking or bus experience?
You can choose between guided walking tours and a guided bus tour, depending on your preference and mobility.

Exploring Chicago through its pizza and neighborhoods is a delightful way to spend a day. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this tour promises a satisfying blend of flavor, fun, and local storytelling.

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