Unique Chicago Tours

You've walked the Magnificent Mile, you've dined at Navy Pier, and you've explored all of Chicago's fabulous museums, you could probably be an official Chicago guide. But before you start feeling too comfortable in a city with unlimited possibilities, you'll probably want to check out some of the more unusual tours offered around town. We've started this list out with one of the Chicago skyline's most recognizable buildings, the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), but did you know that there's a special Ledge Tour you can take to get an even more perfect view? Here are five of Chicago's most unique tours for locals and tourists.

The Ledge at Willis Tower
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower Skydeck features a tour for the brave and fearless. Test your love for heights and step out onto The Ledge of the tallest building in America--a glass box suspended 1,353 feet high in the air. The tower features four glass boxes, which are worth waiting in line for, as everything within a 50 mile radius will be in clear sight once you take that step. The Ledge is included in the Skydeck general admission: $14:95 for ages 12+; $10:50 for ages 3-11. Hours are 9 a.m.-10-p.m. daily April-September and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily October-March. For more information, 877-SKY-DECK. Willis Tower is located at 233 South Wacker Drive in Downtown Chicago.

Chicago Chocolate Tour
A tour after our own hearts, a Chicago Chocolate Tour allows visitors to indulge in the city's finest desserts and treats. This guided walking tour takes you to the area's best chocolate shops and cafes. Two hour tours are available all year round, and offer a taste of Chicago's most popular bakeries, while also stopping by a few hidden gems. Without a doubt, this is the sweetest tour on the block. Public tours are $40 per person and run daily. Schedules and times vary day to day, so call ahead to find out where and when to meet. Private tours also available. For more information: 312-929-2939.

Untouchables Tours
History buffs with an interest in Chicago's gangster past can't pass up the Untouchable Tour. This two-hour live action tour gives you the inside scoop of the city's most notorious characters, including Capone, Moran and Dillinger. The tour is a thrill for your senses, featuring the sights and sounds of Chicago during the days of Prohibition. Untouchable Tours take you through a seedier side of the city, showcasing former brothels, gambling dens and gangland shootouts. Tours are $28 per person, and take place several times throughout the day. Meet up at 600 North Clark Street. For more information: 773-881-1195.

Second City Neighborhood Tour
Fans of sketch comedy shows like Upright Citizen Brigade and Saturday Night Live will get a kick out of the 1.5 hour Second City Neighborhood Tour. Walk up and down the streets of Old Town, and learn about the improv comedy group's history, and how Chicago has nurtured these artistic souls for 50 years. Animated tour guides tell stories about the shenanigans of Second City cast members past and present. Alumni include, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Tina Fey and Bob Odenkirk. Tours begin at 4 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday. Tickets are $15. For more information: 312-337-3992.

Tour the Neighborhoods of Chicago
Very few cities demonstrate as much diversity as Chicago. From Chinatown to Little Italy, the hipster haven known as Wicker Park & Ukrainian Village to the Pullman Historic District, locals and visitors can get a feel for all the unique flavors of Chicago. Chicago is comprised of more than 35 neighborhoods, each offering distinct architecture, historical artifacts, and friendly people eager to share their stories. Entering a new neighborhood is like experiencing a whole new city. Tours are $30 for adults and $25 for students and seniors. Rotating on Saturdays, the 4.5 hour long neighborhood tours hold unbelievable discoveries. For more information: 312-742-1190.