See Chicago at your own pace from an open-top double-decker. This hop-on hop-off pass covers major stops—Riverwalk, Willis Tower, Millennium Park, Navy Pier—and includes app tracking and multilingual commentary to help you plan each stop.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You climb the stairs to the open-top deck as the bus eases away from the Riverwalk. Wind from Lake Michigan lifts stray leaves and the skyline leans in—glass, limestone and steel—while the driver threads a route past Willis Tower and the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier. The city moves around you: joggers on the river, architecture students sketching façades, and the river itself nudging boats along.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–72 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; mostly sitting with short urban walks between stops
Wildlife
History
Chicago’s post-1871 fire rebuilding and the reversal of the Chicago River in 1900 shaped the loop’s architecture and industrial footprint, creating the skyline you see today.
Conservation
Ongoing river cleanup and shoreline restoration projects aim to improve water quality and habitat; use public trash bins and avoid feeding wildlife to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour, 24/48/72hr Pass today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Activate your ticket in the app
Download the Big Bus app before arrival and activate your pass to skip lines and use live bus tracking.
Start early to beat crowds
Begin at the Riverwalk stop around 10:00 a.m. to enjoy quieter sites and get seats on the top deck.
Layer for lake breeze
Lake Michigan can make the top deck chilly even on warm days—carry a windbreaker or light jacket.
Use stops to break up walking
Hop off at a museum or park to stretch, refuel, and avoid fatigue from long stretches of pavement.
Comfortable walking shoes
You’ll be hopping off for sightseeing on pavement, museum floors and parks.
Light windbreaker
Spring winds off the lake make the top deck feel colder than the thermometer shows.
spring
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Open-top exposure increases sun and glare—protect your skin and eyes.
summer
Small daypack with water bottle
Keeps essentials close and frees hands for photos and maps.