As someone who has lived in Chicago for years, I thought I knew all the corners of this city, but recently, I decided to take a step back and play tourist for a day, or rather an evening. I hopped onto the Big Bus Chicago Sunset Tour, curious to see the city through a different lens—and what a ride it was!
The open-top, double-decker bus provides an ideal vantage point for taking in Chicago’s skyline and architectural gems. Starting from the River North neighborhood, I was excited to see the city’s iconic skyline and landmarks up close but with a fresh perspective. Something is thrilling about weaving through Chicago’s vibrant streets with the wind in your hair, low-hanging tree branches inches from your head, seeing the bustle below from up high, and hearing the fascinating history of Chicago shared by knowledgeable guides.
The highlight for me was the time of the tour. Watching the sun dip behind the Chicago skyline from the comfort of the bus is something I won’t forget. As the sky turned shades of pink and orange, the buildings seemed to glow, and the city took on a different charm.
For those interested in catching one of these stunning sunset rides, the Big Bus Chicago sunset tours for the season are available evenings through October 19. The tours generally start at 7:30 p.m. now in the earlier part of the season, but I recommend paying attention to the time when purchasing tickets online and then arriving at least 15 minutes early to secure a good seat on the top deck.
There’s truly no better way to see the city transform at dusk than from the top of a Big Bus, where every corner reveals a new side of Chicago.
So whether you're a first-time visitor or a local like me, I encourage you to grab your family, grab some tickets and take the time to experience this incredible city in a whole new light!
