Chicago is a lively city celebrated for its rich food scene and America’s most beloved and iconic dish, pizza. A pizza tour in Chicago offers an unforgettable culinary adventure.
But in Chicago, pizza isn’t just a meal. It’s a cultural phenomenon and a source of enormous pride.
For those seeking to explore the city’s rich pizza heritage and savor its diverse flavors, embarking on a pizza tour is the perfect adventure.
These tours take you on a mouthwatering journey through the city’s neighborhoods, each with unique pizza traditions, styles, and stories.
This article shares everything you should know before buying your Chicago pizza tour tickets.
Table of contents
- What to expect on a pizza tour
- Chicago Pizza Tour
- Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food & Walking Tour
- Bikes, Bites, Pizza, and Brews: Chicago’s bike & food tour
- Downtown Chicago Walking Pizza Tour
- Chicago West Loop Pizza Crawl
- Friday Pizza Walk of Downtown Chicago
- Tips for making most of the tour
- Chicago pizza tour FAQs
What to expect on a pizza tour
Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, but there’s more to discover.
Pizza tours often introduce participants to various styles, including the iconic deep-dish, stuffed, pan, and tavern-style pizzas. You’ll have the opportunity to taste and compare these distinct variations.
Pizza tours in Chicago include stops at renowned pizzerias, some of which have been serving their signature pies for decades.
Some tours offer behind-the-scenes access to pizzeria kitchens, allowing you to witness and interact with the chefs.
Whether savoring a thick, cheesy deep-dish or a crispy, thin-crust masterpiece, you’ll taste a wide range of flavors.
Some tours also pair pizza with local craft beers or wines, enhancing the culinary experience.
By the end of the tour, you’ll likely leave with a full belly, a satisfied palate, and a newfound appreciation for the artistry and history behind Chicago’s beloved pizza.
Chicago Pizza Tour
Explore the best pizza in Chicago’s neighborhoods with a bus-guided tour.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll learn about the science of ingredient selection and baking while enjoying slices from historic pizzerias.
Focusing on off-the-beaten-path spots, this small-group tour takes you through four different neighborhoods and offers a taste of various pizza styles, including deep dish, tavern-style, and coal-fired.
Along the way, you’ll understand why pizza is an important part of Chicago’s culture and history.
A mini-coach to each stop provides transportation so you can relax and savor the experience.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 11 am and lasts around 4 hours.
Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$77
Child Ticket (6 to 12 years): US$46
Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food & Walking Tour
Experience a delicious walking pizza tour of downtown Chicago that takes you to iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and the Palmer House Hotel.
You’ll get to sample the city’s famous foods, including deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, chocolates, and pastries, with all food tastings included in the tour.
During the tour, you’ll also see important outdoor sites like the Chicago River, and your expert guide will share fascinating insights into Chicago’s history.
The tour is available on different routes suitable for warmer and cooler temperatures, and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 11.30 am and lasts around 3 hours.
Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$82
Child Ticket (4 to 11 years): US$72
Infant Ticket (0 to 3 years): US$11
Bikes, Bites, Pizza, and Brews: Chicago’s bike & food tour
On a half-day bike tour, experience the best of Chicago’s food and drinks, including deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, cupcakes, and craft beer.
Covering about 13 miles (21 km) at a moderate pace, a knowledgeable guide will lead you through Chicago’s top neighborhoods during the day tour, including Wrigleyville, Old Town, Lincoln Park, and Gold Coast.
On the night tour, you’ll explore Gold Coast, Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, and Chicago’s Lakefront Trail.
Along the way, you’ll stop at a renowned downtown bakery, pizza shop, hot dog stand, and two breweries to sample local flavors.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 11.30 am and lasts around 4 hours.
Ticket Price: US$92
Downtown Chicago Walking Pizza Tour
Join a walking tour in Chicago to discover the city’s best pizza and engage yourself in its taste and culture.
You’ll be part of a group of 16, giving you ample opportunity to ask your guide questions and gain in-depth knowledge.
Sample various pizza styles, including deep dish, grandma-style, Neapolitan, Roman, and pan style, and determine your favorite.
Your guide will share commentary and insights into each style and the differences in ingredients and baking techniques.
With personalized attention in a small group, you can discuss the evolution of pizza, comparing Italian and American styles.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 1.30 pm and lasts around 3 hours.
Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$57
Child Ticket (6 to 12 years): US$41
Chicago West Loop Pizza Crawl
Experience the rich pizza culture of Chicago with this comprehensive tour featuring ten unique pizza styles.
Your food-loving guide will take you on a half-day journey, introducing you to the diverse culinary history of Chicago’s neighborhoods while offering insightful commentary on the city’s famous pizza scene.
You’ll have the chance to sample four different types of pizza throughout the tour, expanding your palate and discovering new flavors.
As a bonus, you’ll also receive a lanyard and a badge that can be redeemed for a tasting at Goose Island Brewery.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 11 am and lasts around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$92
Friday Pizza Walk of Downtown Chicago
Experience the best of Chicago’s pizza scene with this tasting tour that lets you try three unique styles of pizza in one day.
Meet your guide in the evening at the first restaurant and come with a hearty appetite.
You’ll get to sample everything from the famous deep-dish pizza to Neapolitan and artisan slices.
Meet the talented pizza makers along the way and learn about the Windy City’s rich culinary history.
This private tour is tailored to your preferences and guarantees a satisfying dinner with enough slices to fill you up.
Discover the secrets behind Chicago’s pizza scene as you indulge in three different types of pizza all-in-one tours.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 5 pm and lasts around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$60
Tips for making most of the tour
Consider these tips to make the most of your pizza tour in Chicago and ensure a memorable experience.
Be sure to arrive with a healthy appetite. You’ll be tasting multiple slices of pizza at different stops, so pace yourself and avoid filling early on.
Chicago’s pizza tours often involve walking between pizzerias and exploring various neighborhoods. Comfortable walking shoes are a must to ensure you enjoy the tour without discomfort.
Chicago offers a wide range of pizza styles, and you may encounter variations you have yet to try. Approach each tasting with an open mind and embrace the diversity of flavors and textures.
Pizza can be filling, so remember to stay hydrated throughout the tour, especially if you enjoy pizza with beer or wine pairings.
If your tour includes dessert options, save a little room for a sweet treat to end your pizza adventure on a sweet note.
Chicago pizza tour FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about pizza tours in Chicago.
A Chicago pizza tour is a guided culinary experience that takes participants on a journey to explore Chicago’s diverse pizza styles and traditions. It involves visits to multiple pizzerias, tastings of various pizza styles, and insights into the city’s history and culture of pizza.
The duration of a Chicago pizza tour can vary, but most tours last approximately 2 to 3 hours. Some longer tours, especially those covering a wider range of pizzerias or neighborhoods, may last up to 4 hours or more.
Chicago pizza tours include a variety of pizza styles, such as deep-dish, stuffed, pan, and tavern-style (thin crust).
Dress comfortably, and consider wearing layers to accommodate changing weather conditions, as many tours involve outdoor walking. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as you may explore different neighborhoods.
It’s a good idea to wait to eat a large meal immediately before the tour, as you’ll be tasting multiple pizza slices. However, having a light snack or meal a few hours before the tour to curb your appetite is a common practice.