The Blue-Collar side of Chicago many call it! This tour will show The Ford Factory, home of the steel mills, the blue-collar neighborhoods and many places on the South Side, home to the 44th President of The United States, Barack Obama. We tour Bronzeville! A historical African American neighborhood and early business district as well as Hyde Park, home of the World renowned University of Chicago (the spot where the atomic bomb was born and yes we show the spot!) We explore South Lake Drive and life along the lake. Chicago has a border with Indiana, we show how that special dynamic works. We visit Beverly Hills, Chinatown, and the large and highly populated Puerto Rican Neighborhood “Little Village”. We also pass through Pilsen, a proud Mexican community. Cook County jail, we pass by it too! We go thru Little Italy Greektown. It’s blue-collar! We visit a lime quarry in the Bridgeport neighborhood. After this tour you will know tons about The Southside of Chicago.
Tour Options
Chicago Tour South Side
Itinerary
Pass by
The Blue-Collar side of Chicago many call it! This tour will show The Ford Factory, home of the steel mills and the blue-collar neighborhoods and many places on the South Side, home to the 44th President of The United States, Barack Obama. We tour: Bronzeville. A historical African American neighborhood and early business district as well as Hyde Park, home of the World renowned University of Chicago (the spot where the atomic bomb was born and yes we show the spot!) We explore South Lake Drive and life along the lake. Chicago has a border with Indiana, we show how that special dynamic works. We visit Beverly Hills, Chinatown, and the large and highly populated Puerto Rican Neighborhood “Little Village”.
Pass by
We also pass through Pilsen, a proud Mexican community. If you give us any kind of trouble we will drop you off at Cook County jail as we pass by it too! Before ending we head back east, we go thru Little Italy Greektown. It’s blue-collar! We even visit a lime quarry in the Bridgeport neighborhood. Have your camera ready and know that after this tour you will know tons about The Southside of Chicago, not just downtown.
Highlights
Phone charging port.
What's included
Included
Phone charging port.
Traveller Ratings
4.5
47 reviews
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Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
FOR GROUPS OF 12 OR MORE TRAVELERS, 7 DAYS NOTICE IS REQUIRED.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chicago Tour South Side take?
Chicago Tour South Side lasts about 4 hours. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does Chicago Tour South Side cost?
Prices start at $125 per person for this Chicago experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Chicago Tour South Side for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
What languages is Chicago Tour South Side offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 11 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Chicago Tour South Side worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.5 out of 5 across 47 verified reviews; it is run by Chicago Personal Neighborhood Tours. Most-mentioned highlights: Phone charging port..
Reviews(47)
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Departure492493
September 7, 2026
Truly Fantastic Tour and Tour Guide
We booked a tour through South Side, thinking we would just drive around. Our tour guide Steve J. drove us around the South Side and gave so much detail information about the sites, the people and the entire South Side. He was fantastic in making sure that we could stop at all of the sites for pictures; taking pictures for us at the numerous sites. We did not expect such a great guide and all of the information he shared with us. We are looking forward to returning for another tour of other areas in Chicago. We would definitely recommend this tour to small or large groups.
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Deborah_S
August 6, 2026
Learn about Chicago's side!
A unique tour experience! The host and van driver, Steve, has been doing these tours for years and knows the South Side like the back of his hand. He knows it because he has lived on the South Side most of his life. His stories are full of information...and are entertaining. My wife and I visit Chicago often, but haven't spent much time on the South Side, therefore it was an outstanding learning experience. Our perception and understanding of the South Side has idone a 180-degrees turn since taking this tour. We highly recommend it!
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Terri J
July 17, 2026
Absolutely Amazing!
The tour was everything we had hoped for and more. Learned so much about the rich history of south Chicago. Our tour guide was excellent!
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Rashida_W
July 15, 2026
As a solo traveler, I had...
As a solo traveler, I had such a great time on this tour! Steve was knowledgeable, engaging, and I loved seeing the homes and landmarks of so many influential figures while learning stories I had never heard before. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Chicago, it’s an experience you won’t forget!
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FENESA_r
July 9, 2026
Southside Hertiage Tour
I took the Heritage South Side Tour, and Steve was my tour guide.
I'll be honest, I wasn't quite sure what to make of Steve during the first five minutes. 😂 He was polite, but he's definitely an anomaly. He's quirky, funny, welcoming, and eager to show you around... it just takes a minute to digest his personality.
Then came minute six.
That's when I realized Steve genuinely loves the South Side, loves Chicago, and is passionate about preserving its history and legacy. His message is clear: he's here to tell the story of how the South Side became the South Side, who shaped it, and to challenge what you think you know by sharing the history that often gets overlooked by the media or passed over in everyday conversation.
Would I recommend this tour? 100% yes.
Would I recommend anyone other than Steve? Absolutely not.
So if you take the tour and Steve seems a little... different at first, just hang in there. By minute six, you'll get him. And once you do, you'll appreciate him.
South Side! (...in my best Steve voice.) 😂🏙️
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Angela_C
July 8, 2026
Very Satisfied
Steve is quite knowledgeable and made the tour both informative and entertaining. I learned a lot about Chicago and much more than expected. Well worth it, I would highly recommend!
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Locita_D
June 17, 2026
If you’re visiting...
If you’re visiting Chicago, the Heritage Tour is a must! Steve was our tour guide, and he made this the best tour I have ever been on. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and brought so much history to life. We learned about the rich heritage and culture of Chicago while visiting important landmarks and neighborhoods. Steve’s passion and storytelling made the experience both educational and enjoyable. I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to experience a side of Chicago that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions. An unforgettable experience!
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P1837NIjosel
June 13, 2026
Best tour ever
Outstanding experience! Tour guide was assume, very knowledgeable and personable. I've been on plenty tour in my life but this one was special and the best.
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Alfred_G
April 13, 2026
Time well spent!
Mr. Steve and this Tour were wonderful! He was informative, passionate and entertaining. The tour is told from a unique point of view that all of us (Black, White and all Other backgrounds) should appreciate. As a person who has done a fair number of tours in different cities (domestically and internationally), let me say .... I'm familiar with the sleek buses and slick bullet point itineraries. If you pack a little patience and understanding, you will gain so much from your time invested. And as a bonus, Mr. Steve drove me and my wife on a Sunday to the airport. It was essentially an extension of the tour the day before..... and so greatly appreciated.
Alfred and Wendy (New Orleans, LA)
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TriciaK_L
January 1, 2026
Please go to the heritage tour it was so good
This was amazing tour I learned so much about black history and the great migration from Mr Steve plus he is extremely funny when he does not event realize it. It’s was informative, insightful and heart warming
