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Original Chicago
Downtown Tour

2 hours

2 miles

the best donut

shops in town!

Rating on TripAdvisor

Original Chicago Downtown Tour

Your tour begins at Doughnut Vault, a small, unassuming gem tucked away in a historic building in the River North neighborhood. Known for its old-fashioned style and decadent flavors, Doughnut Vault has earned a devoted following since its opening. As you enjoy their signature glazed donuts, we’ll explore the history of this vibrant area, once a warehouse district and now a bustling hub of art galleries, trendy eateries, and historic architecture. Next, we’ll head to a sleek and contemporary shop that serves up some of the city’s most innovative donuts, perfectly balancing classic techniques with modern flair. As you savor each bite, we’ll delve into the area’s transformation and how Chicago’s rich industrial past laid the foundation for its thriving culinary scene today. From there, we’ll visit another beloved donut destination known for its iconic offerings and decades of service to Chicagoans. Here, you’ll enjoy a classic donut that has stood the test of time, paired with a cup of coffee that encapsulates Chicago’s love for bold, rich flavors. As you enjoy these timeless treats, we’ll discuss the city’s deep roots in the manufacturing and food industries, highlighting how these traditions shaped Chicago’s identity. Our final stop brings us to one of Chicago’s favorite donut spots, offering a mix of delicious, unique donuts and classic treats. While you indulge, we’ll reflect on the Windy City’s eclectic food culture, exploring how Chicago’s diverse immigrant communities have influenced the city’s food scene, blending global flavors with local traditions. This tour offers a delicious blend of classic and contemporary, showcasing the rich history and evolution of Chicago through its iconic donut shops. It’s a perfect way to taste the Windy City’s past, present, and future—all in one sweet journey.

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Other Nearby Tours:

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long is the tour?
    Our tours are typically around 1.5 to 2 hours long. Please let your guide know if you have something immediately after the tour and they will make sure to complete the tour in that time.
  • How much walking is there?
    For most of our cities, it's around 1 to 1.5 miles. In a few of our cities, we may walk up to 2 miles. We recommend that you bring comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothing (i.e. jackets, hats, umbrellas, water bottle, etc.). If you have any concerns regarding the length or your own mobility, please contact us and we can answer any questions.
  • How many stops are on the tour?
    For most of our cities, we have 4 stops. These may include donut shops, bakeries, and/or coffee or tea shops. In a few of our cities, we may have 3 stops on the tour just to keep the amount of walking to under 2 miles. If you want to know the exact number of stops for each tour, you can email us at info@undergrounddonuttour.com.
  • What's the best location to park?
    In most of our cities, we recommend using public transit or a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to get to the tour. If you are driving to the tour, we recommend using an app like SpotHero (in the US & Canada), Your Parking Space (in the UK) or Parkopedia (in Ireland) if you are looking for guaranteed parking.
  • Are donuts included in the cost of the tour?
    Yes. By purchasing a ticket for the tour, we include all the donuts as part of the ticket price. Depending on the city and time of year, we typically will also include a choice of a bottle of water, coffee, tea, or juice. Ask your guide what is offered on the tour that day.
  • What if it rains, snows, etc.?
    Our tours run rain or shine. The only time our tours will not run is when it becomes dangerous for our guides and guests. This could include excessive heat, excessive cold, dangerous storms, flooding, etc. In the event of inclement weather, we will do our best to alert you of a tour cancellation 2 hours before the start of the tour. In the event we cancel a tour due to weather, we will always give you the option of a full refund or to reschedule your tour to another date or another city. If you have any questions, please contact us and we're happy to answer them.
  • Do you sell gift cards?
    Yes. You can always purchase gift cards for any of our tours here.
  • Can you accommodate dietary restrictions such as gluten free, vegan, dairy free, etc.?
    In some cities, yes. Please make sure to include your dietary restrictions in your reservation and we can do our best to accommodate it. We would like to say that we can always ensure every dietary restriction, but unfortunately, our partner menus change quite often and it can vary by time of day, day of week, and seasonality. If you have any concerns, you can always contact us to confirm.
  • What if we're celebrating a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.)?
    We love it! Just let us know when you book your reservation and we can make sure to do something special for you and your group on your tour!

Want some free travel tips?

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A handy collection of hand-picked recommendations for our favorite things to do in the city!

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