
Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 279 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour worth booking?
Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in Chicago, United States, from $38 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 279 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (279)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $38 per person
We are the original, top-rated Gangsters and Ghosts tour! Hear the tales of the ghosts, and gangsters, that haunt the city. Explore the Chicago South Loop district with your historian guide, uncovering the many mysteries hidden behind every turn. Walk through Chicago's notorious South Loop, known as a vice district during the 1920s and 30s. Stroll through this now upmarket area of the city which was once home to underground speakeasies, secret tunnels, and bootleggers. Hear the true stories of Chicago's bloody past and the gangsters who caused havoc in the city. See the places notorious figures such as Al Capone used to party, make deals, and carry out "business". Discover the legends of the ghosts that are said to lure along the Chicago Riverwalk and the aptly named Death Alley. Stop at haunted locations including Palmer House, and the Chicago Theatre, before finishing outside the Congress Hotel, one of the most haunted places in Illinois.
What you get
About this experience
We are the original, top-rated Gangsters and Ghosts tour! Hear the tales of the ghosts, and gangsters, that haunt the city. Explore the Chicago South Loop district with your historian guide, uncovering the many mysteries hidden behind every turn. Walk through Chicago's notorious South Loop, known as a vice district during the 1920s and 30s. Stroll through this now upmarket area of the city which was once home to underground speakeasies, secret tunnels, and bootleggers. Hear the true stories of Chicago's bloody past and the gangsters who caused havoc in the city. See the places notorious figures such as Al Capone used to party, make deals, and carry out "business". Discover the legends of the ghosts that are said to lure along the Chicago Riverwalk and the aptly named Death Alley. Stop at haunted locations including Palmer House, and the Chicago Theatre, before finishing outside the Congress Hotel, one of the most haunted places in Illinois.
What's included
Included
- Visits inside the Palmer House
- Guided walking tour
- Historian guide
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Chicago Riverwalk
As we cruise along the historic Chicago Riverwalk, look down at the dark waters that hold some of the city's deepest secrets. During the roaring 1920s, this waterfront was the lifeblood of Al Capone’s bootlegging empire
20 minutes here
The Chicago Theatre
Snap a photo under one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States—the glowing, six-story-high "CHICAGO" marquee
20 minutes here
Palmer House Hilton Historic Lobby
step inside the breathtaking, gold-leafed lobby of the Palmer House, a masterpiece of Gilded Age opulence. While it looks like a royal palace today, this historic hotel holds a dark and legendary past
20 minutes here
Cloud Gate
Stand beneath the gleaming, liquid-mercury surface of Cloud Gate—Chicago’s iconic center piecing sculpture
20 minutes here
The Art Institute of Chicago
Guarded by its two famous bronze lions, The Art Institute of Chicago is world-renowned for its masterpieces—but it also holds a few spectral secrets.
20 minutes here
Prepare yourself as we approach the imposing facade of the Congress Plaza Hotel, widely known as one of the most haunted buildings in Illinois. During the height of Prohibition, notorious mob boss Al Capone practically made this hotel his headquarters
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Chicago
Please meet your guide outside "Hoyt's Tavern" 15 minutes before the start time.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Chicago Gangsters & Ghost Tour
Late Night Halloween Special
Book if you dare...: Join an exclusive late-night Halloween tour to explore the area's eerie history after dark, concluding right at midnight.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Empire Tours - Chicago
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 263 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
263 verified traveler reviews for Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A historical tour with flavors of gangsters and ghouls
Max did a great job She is very knowledgeable and has a great personality Although it was an informative and interesting tour , the “scare” factor was lacking a bit It was more of a historical tour with some gangster and ghosts weaved into it
via Tripadvisor
Adam was our tour guide ...
Adam was our tour guide we had great fun. Adam waa upbeat, kept tour light info wasnt overloaded. Took an hour & 40 mins. Was lil disappointed that not too many ghostly facts !
via Viator
Awesome experience all around!
The tour was incredible! We stopped in great locations and all of the stories were so interesting. Carolyn was knowledgeable, personable, and funny. We went on the tour for a bachelorette and I would highly recommend!!
via Tripadvisor
Al Capone
Walking tour. Takes you to different places in Chicago. Interesting the tour guide was very knowledge.
via Viator
Gangsters and Ghosts
Great tour .Very informative. Great length. Baylor our guide was excellent- friendly and had heaps of knowledge.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $38 to $336
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 98
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Empire Tours - Chicago, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 72.0.
See everything Empire Tours - Chicago runsWhy this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chicago.
How much does Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $38 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chicago usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chicago is not rushed.
Is Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 279 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chicago, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour?
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Around 98 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chicago can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chicago and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chicago within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Chicago?
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Chicago's signature experience is still the architecture boat cruise, and the difference between the docent-led originals and the party-boat imitators is the single biggest quality gap in the city. Beyond the river: gangster history walks, Art Institute access, deep-dish and hot-dog crawls, and skydeck timed entry. Outty Ranking leans on guide credentials and how consistently the promised route runs. On Outty we rank every Chicago experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Original Chicago Architecture Interiors Tour: Dazzling Interiors, Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour, Chicago Murder Mystery Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
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May to October. Winter cruises stop running when the river ices. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Chicago?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour?
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Included: Visits inside the Palmer House; Guided walking tour; and Historian guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour?
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Please meet your guide outside "Hoyt's Tavern" 15 minutes before the start time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour?
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Across 279 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Chicago Gangsters & Ghost Tour, Late Night Halloween Special. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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