Categories: Chicago Architecture

The Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Company

Author: Jody Robbins

The Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Company
One of the best ways to get a feel for Chicago, Chicago Trolley gives visitors a chance to see huge chunks of the city from their trolleys and double-decker buses. A wide range of tours are operated, and special events, both personal and corporate, are enhanced by the freedom of movement provided by these constantly circulating vehicles. The quality of the operation is attested to by two Chicago Visitor's Choice Awards (“Best Tours/Transportation” and “Best Service).” Founded in 1993, The Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Company has been a favorite tour operator of visitors and locals alike. The brightly painted red-and-yellow vehicles ply their way throughout Chicago 's busy streets with loads of folks from all walks of life. With more than 45 vehicles in operation, we're talking the largest trolley fleet in the entire Midwest here, people.

Hop on, Hop Off
This is the number-one tour for both individuals and families, and has been acclaimed as one of Chicago 's best tours. The trolleys and the double-decker buses are awesome mobile viewing platforms, and professional guides keep the information coming. The entire tour is approximately two hours, if you want to see it all the way through. The 13-mile tour operates daily, and there is normally a vehicle at each stop every 25-35 minutes, with the last loops beginning at 5 p.m. Stops include Chicago landmarks like the Sears Tower , Millennium Park , the Hilton Towers and Hotel, and Navy Pier. >>more

People and Places
For groups of 25 or more, this tour offers the chance to really take a look at iconic Chicago , which includes a guided tour to key points in the city, from Chinatown to Graceland Cemetery . See a statue of Michael Jordan, Oprah's Harpo Studios, and see life in thriving ethnic neighborhoods like Greektown and Little Italy. Visit Lincoln (“No”) Park without having to worry about parking, and the location of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. The list goes on and on, and each tour is a little different than the last—lunch included. >>more

Haunted Chicago
In a city like Chicago , where there's been plenty of goings on—if you know what we mean—there's bound to be a rich bounty of lost spirits haunting the streets. Catch them out on the Haunted Chicago tour, a five-hour promenade through Chicago folklore and urban legends. Visit the bridge haunted by Clarence Darrow; hear about historic Graceland Cemetery ; and visit the famous Red Lion Pub, haunted by a veritable cast of assumedly hard-drinking former patrons. >>more

• You can schedule your tours in advance, and there are group rates/custom itineraries available.
• Special requests are accommodated and handicapped accessible vehicles are available with enough notice.
• Map of Chicago Trolley routes

Visited Landmarks aboard Chicago Trolley
If it's in Chicago, The Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Company will take you there. Stop at the Sears Tower, taking time to head to the observation deck at the top; then to Millennium Park (where you can see “Cloud Gate,” the huge, bean-like piece of stainless steel art and its reflection of the city); and on to the theatre district where you'll find shopping on State Street, the Chicago Cultural Center, and the Chicago Picasso—a massive statue of a highly stylized monkey by the master himself. The list goes on and on: Field Museum of Natural History, Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, the Hancock Center and Water Tower, and art galleries in River North. Group tours are customizable, so see whatever part of the city appeals to you and yours. >>more

Check out places of interest near The Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Company:

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
700 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Down home southern cooking themed after the movie “Forrest Gump” is available, offering, you guessed it, shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp. Other options include baby back ribs and other seafood. Kids meals are also available.

Capi's Italian Kitchen
700 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

For wide-ranging, authentic Italian food served at Navy Pier in Chicago, Capi's Italian Kitchen gives families the chance to fine-dine without reservations. Wood-stone cooked pizzas (create your own!) and fresh panini sandwiches are offered here, along with salads, pasta, and seafood.

Elephant & Castle
111 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw

Gino's East
162 E Superior, Chicago, IL 60611

This is the original location of Gino's East, the now-famous Chicago-style pizza restaurant chain.

Keefer's
20 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, IL 60611

This French-inspired steak house offers steaks, chops and seafood, plus a bisto menu of lighter fare like seafood pot pie and a steak sandwich with pommes frites

P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60610

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

P.J. Clarke's
302 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

This American spot, which is conveniently located near Navy Pier, is a spin-off of the popular Gold Coast original.

Spirit of Chicago
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Take in breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline aboard this luxury liner. Afternoon or evening, experience the city from the waters of Lake Michigan in a social setting.

Tavern at the Park
130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

Trying to give off that neighborhood tavern feel, while serving up fine dining dishes right across from Millennium Park.

The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.

 

Garrett Popcorn Shop
4 East Madison Ave., Chicago, IL 60602

Since 1949, Chicagoans have been enjoying Garrett Popcorn, Carmel Corn, and Cheese Corn. The popcorn is hot-air popped using no oils or fats.

Teuscher
900 N. Michigan Ave., #5, Chicago, IL 60611

Teuscher Chocolate of Switzerland is at the top of the heap when it comes to fine chocolates in Chicago; and has been a top chocolate in the world for more than 70 years.

The Shops at North Bridge
520 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Anchored by Nordstrom, Westfield North Bridge shopping center—conveniently located along the Magnificent Mile—offers a variety of specialty shops. From A/X Armani Exchange and Kenneth Cole to The LEGO® Store and Sephora

Odyssey Cruises
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

A luxurious cruising vessel, the Odyssey has recently undergone a spectacular renovation. The two- or three- hour trips offer lunch, weekend brunch, dinner, moonlight jazz cruises, live entertainment, and magnificent skyline views.

P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60610

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

P.J. Clarke's
302 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

This American spot, which is conveniently located near Navy Pier, is a spin-off of the popular Gold Coast original.

Potter's
17 E Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

Located inside the Palmer House Hilton, Potter's offers unique retro cocktails and delicious small plates in a classically elegant setting.

 

The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.

 

The Redhead Piano Bar
16 W. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60610

Top-notch piano players make The Redhead Piano Bar a sought-after venue when it comes to sophisticated live music in Chicago. Gather around the piano, or head toward the back of the room for more intimate conversation.

Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
600 E. Grand Ave., Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, located on Navy Pier, is  an interactive experience in every sense of the word. Squeezing, stomping and spinning until you are doubled over laughing and delightfully dizzy is the name of the game here--as is finding your way out!

 

 

Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60602

The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) offers a 88 different tours in total. You can explore the city by bus, boat, bike on foot or even via a segway.

Chicago Fire Major League Soccer
7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview, IL 60455

Chicago has burned its way into Major League Soccer (MLS) with the Chicago Fire, now playing through their 10th season. See the Fire blaze past opponents to score goals and win games. With the addition of Cuauhtemoc Blanco in 2007, the Chicago Fire are now a soccer force with which to be reckoned.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago's well-known Shakespeare Theatre located on the fabulous Navy Pier offers classic and contemporary takes on the famous Bard's works.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.

Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60609

Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".

 

John Hancock Center Observatory
875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60661

See Chicago from the top of the Hancock Building in the heart of downtown. The John Hancock Center Observatory offers Chicago views at their finest.

 

Mystic Blue Cruises
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Mystic Blue Cruises operates in Chicago on Lake Michigan, offering two-hour lunch, 90-minute mid-day skyline, three-hour dinner and two-hour moonlight cruises. Year-round, weather permitting. Tickets $30-$150. Private charters for 20 or more passengers.

Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. , Chicago, IL 60605

Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!

Odyssey Cruises
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

A luxurious cruising vessel, the Odyssey has recently undergone a spectacular renovation. The two- or three- hour trips offer lunch, weekend brunch, dinner, moonlight jazz cruises, live entertainment, and magnificent skyline views.

Odyssey Cruises
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

Break free of the land and see the storied skyline of Chicago from out on Lake Michigan with a boat tour on the Odyssey. A Chicago tradition, this pleasant diversion works for business and pleasure, with the entire family or as a romantic exploit; a top Chicago boat tour.

 

 

Seadog Speedboat Rides
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Take a thrilling cruise along the Chicago lakefront in a high-powered vessel from Seadog Speedboat Rides. Take either a 30-minute lakefront cruise or a 75-minute river architectural cruise on the 130-passenger speedboat. Lakefront cruise: every half hour.

Soldier Field
1410 South Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

Historic home of the Chicago Bears, Soldier Field is sacred space to Chicago's legions of Bears fans.    

 

Spirit of Chicago
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Take in breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline aboard this luxury liner. Afternoon or evening, experience the city from the waters of Lake Michigan in a social setting.

The Second City
1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60614

The best in comedy and the launching ground of generations of comedic talent, The Second City guarantees a fun night out.

Tommy Gun's Garage
2114 S. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60616

The whole family will enjoy this 1920s inspired interactive dinner theater complete with gangsters and flappers. Hidden away in this furtive speakeasy is a musical-comedy troupe that performs the hippest tunes, dances and jokes of the time when Al Capone ruled the streets of Chicagoland.

Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60609

Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".